Wilma Pope

The 5 Best Communities on the Sunshine Coast to Invest In

Are you considering buying an investment property? It’s one of the best ways to make passive income. One of the best regions in Queensland to buy one is the Sunshine Coast. It’s a part urban, part rural area that’s rapidly growing, with population steadily rising.

So, what specific suburbs are the best to buy an investment property in? Vacancy rates are low across most of the region, but there are golden nuggets to be found. Below, we’ve listed the 5 best communities on the Sunshine Coast to invest in.

Enjoy!

 

1. Caloundra 

Caloundra is a coastal town that’s close to white sandy beaches, fantastic shopping centres, and great community facilities. It’s one of the main spots on the Sunshine Coast expected to blow up over the next few decades.

The town has great public transportation, high-quality primary schools and high schools, making it ideal for families. A hub for tourism, Caloundra has several tourist attractions that make it a holiday destination.

If you’re looking for an investment property that’ll return on investment, Caloundra is a great community to look at. However, the relaxed coastal town is rapidly growing, so you need to act fast before it’s too late.

 

2. Buderim

Buderim is a bustling urban centre that’s right in the middle of the Sunshine Coast, elevated on the top of a 180-metre mountain. From it, you can see the coastal beaches of Mooloolaba, and Maroochydore further north. 

Local schools make it an ideal spot for families, and there’s lots of vegetation, making it environmentally friendly. Not to mention because of its elevated position nature trails for hiking, running, and biking exist. It’s currently growing rapidly, so you need to get in fast.

This is a community you need to keep an eye on for a potential investment property. Land for sale Buderim Sunshine Coast is a little bit rural, a little bit urban; its rainforest aesthetic makes it a scenic spot.

 

3. Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is a beachside town that is a hotspot for investors because it’s a popular tourist and holiday destination. The beach, which is patrolled by lifesavers from Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club, provides some of the best waves to surf.

There are plenty of parks in Coolum Beach, a boardwalk, and many shops. New retail developments are always being built, as well as apartments. The town is projected to have a rapidly growing population, so you must get in before it’s too late.

There’s also a quality primary school and high school, so it’s a suitable spot for families. In the distance, you can see Mount Coolum. Mooloolaba and Maroochydore are only a short drive to the south, while Noosa is to the north.

 

4. Mountain Creek

Mountain Creek is a specific suburb within Buderim that’s an ideal location for a Sunshine Coast investment property. Named for the creek that runs through it, Mountain Creek features scenic parks and adventurous bike paths. There’s also plenty of local shops.

Families will be looking to move into the neighbourhood, as there are several schools in the location. Not only are there primary schools and high schools, but also a TAFE, as well as a university within close driving distance.

Like the other communities in this article, Mountain Creek is expected to grow. If you’re thinking about purchasing an investment property on the Sunshine Coast, this would be an ideal location. Don’t take too long though, the opportunities won’t be there forever.

Buying Land to Build On: What Are the Things to Consider?

You’ve been looking at different houses on the market, and nothing seems to tick off all your must-haves for your first home. Your next best option is to look for land for sale Newcastle that you can build your house on according to your exact specifications. But since this is a big investment, you need to be smart about your decisions. Here are some of the things that you should consider before sealing the deal on a piece of land:

 

Location

You can never emphasise this too much in real estate, whether you’re purchasing a house or a piece of land. For starters, you need to choose land that has resale value, so you have the flexibility of using it for different purposes. If you decide to resell it in the future, it would be easier for you to put it on the market. Consider the neighbourhood where you’re going to build a house. Think about the developments in the area and don’t choose land that’s completely isolated so you can have easy access to your needs.

 

Zoning requirements

Pieces of land are designated for different purposes. So, if you’re buying land for building a house, you need to know if that land is permitted for residential structures. It’s also important to know building and construction requirements, such as building additional structures like a fence or a swimming pool, so you won’t have a hard time with permits if you choose to renovate or extend your home in the future.

 

Costs

Unless you have an unlimited budget, determine the costs involved in buying the land you’re eyeing on. Remember that you’re not only paying for the upfront cost of that land, but you also need to take care of additional expenses like title insurance, licenses, and other requirements. It’s also ideal to conduct a land survey if that piece of land hasn’t been surveyed recently, so you know the exact boundaries of your property and you won’t have to deal with problems later on.

 

Utilities

Of course, you’ll need basic utility access if you choose to build a home on the piece of land that you’d like to invest in. Ensure to see if that area has sources for electricity, gas, and phone and internet lines. This will save you the additional expenses later on and make it easier for you to move into the home once it’s done.

 

Easements

Finally, it’s crucial that you know if there are any easements in place on the title of the property before you choose to buy it. An easement is a type of legal agreement where the title remains with the landowner, but another person will have the right to use it for a specific purpose. This will save you a lot of inconveniences later on because you won’t have to worry about other people gaining access to your property to cross another parcel of land or build on it.

Why Sustainability Should be a Non-Negotiable for Businesses

A few years ago, sustainability was just an afterthought for a lot of businesses. But fast forward to today, when we are already facing the harsh effects of global warming, businesses already see sustainability as a must-have, with 62% of executives thinking it as necessary and the other 22% looking forward to embracing it in the future. But why exactly is sustainability a non-negotiable for businesses?

 

It is a social responsibility.

In the United States, the great Pacific garbage patch is proof that if businesses don’t do something about the use of plastic and other wastes, most of the species in the ocean wouldn’t survive for the next few years. This vortex of garbage is approximately 1.6 million square kilometres, and it continues to grow by the day. Sustainability should be a social responsibility that will allow businesses to contribute to the community by being more conscious of the materials they use. 

For instance, if you’re in logistics or manufacturing, you can look for eco-friendly plastic pallet suppliers to provide you with greener options for your needs.

 

It is part of the competition.

These days, standing out in business isn’t just about having the best advertisements, the most elaborate offices, and the most well thought out products. Business partners, suppliers, and consumers are now looking for companies that have sustainability incorporated into their business strategy. If you have that, it is a lot easier to win over people and stay ahead of the competition. 

 

It is a good sales strategy.

Being sustainable isn’t only going to win you points with business partners, but it’s also going to help you win the hearts of your customers. Businesses that support sustainability get rewarded with more clients who are also becoming more interested in how eco-friendly products can be manufactured. More consumers are now looking for sustainable products and services that will allow them to somehow contribute to the efforts in helping to stop global warming.

 

It is cost-effective.

Contrary to popular belief, being sustainable isn’t expensive. It will help you as a business to reduce your costs in the long run. Although you will need to make a sizable investment in embracing sustainable strategies, they prove to be more cost-effective than your traditional strategies because you get to reduce unnecessary losses due to waste of materials. 

At the end of the day, sustainability should be embraced by every business because it is necessary to do so. We are living in a time when the world is in dire need of help to stop the devastating effects of global warming, and sustainability is one of the biggest ways to help support that cause.

 

As the world changes rapidly, we must also find ways to preserve what’s left of it. Our planet has suffered so much because of industrialization, so it’s high time that we give back the care and protection that it deserves. This is when sustainability comes in as one of the biggest steps that any business could take to help save this world.

Furnishing Your Office? Think About These Factors First

Whether you’re starting a business or moving to a new address, furnishing your office should be one of the top priorities because most people will judge you by how your headquarters will look. The right office environment will also play an important role in your team’s productivity, so it’s only fitting that you do things right. Here are some things that you need to keep in mind when furnishing your office space:

 

  • Start with the essentials. At the very heart of furnishing your office are two essentials—your desks and chairs. Your employees will spend most of their time using these pieces of furniture, so it’s only fitting that you choose them wisely. An ergonomic office chair is your best choice for seating because it will help your team stay comfortable and safe while finishing their tasks. You should also choose desks that allow for productivity while helping you to save space. If you’re furnishing a small office, it’s best to go for desks that also have storage.

 

  • Think about flexibility. When furnishing your office, don’t just think about your current needs but also how your space could adapt to expansion. If you’re a startup, you should anticipate that things could move very quickly in your business, so you need to think about a layout that you can easily change to keep up with your needs.

 

  • Consider your colour choices. Colour plays a big factor in how your office space would look and feel. Whether you’re painting your walls or choosing office décor, you need to be wise with your colour choices so they fit well with your brand, your space and your needs. Don’t be afraid to add pops of colour as long as they don’t look too overwhelming to the eyes.

 

  • Go for quality over price. You probably hear this a lot, but investing in quality benefits you in the long run. Even if you have a small budget, you can make things work by choosing pieces that will last longer than inexpensive items that you’ll see falling apart in just a few months. Know your non-negotiables and build your pieces as you go along. Remember that you don’t need to buy everything at once. You just need to prioritise the essentials first and slowly invest in other furnishings once you have the extra resources.

 

Finally, don’t be afraid to add your personal touch to your office because it is what will make your space uniquely yours. You can add plants, some artwork, and even your logo to your space to make it feel like home to you and your employees. Also, don’t forget to ask your team’s feedback when you’re furnishing your office because they’ll be working in this space more than your customers. 

 

Think about ways to make your office reflect your brand through personal touches. You don’t need to spend a lot to fulfil this. You just need to be creative with your ideas so you can enjoy your office space.

How Exactly Can You Prepare for Retirement? Here’s Your Guide

For most of us, retirement is still a long way away. When you are young and enjoying life, you try not to imagine the years when you’re older and already retired. But if there is a perfect time to prepare for retirement, it is now. Here are some tips to help you get started on the right track towards ensuring that you enjoy a stable and comfortable retirement:

 

  • Build your savings now. The advantage of saving up when you’re still young is that you have a lot of time to build your savings even if you start small. You also have the benefit of compounding interest, which allows your money to grow more, so you already have enough when you retire. Prioritize saving for retirement, come up with a realistic plan and stick to them, so you can achieve your goals. 

 

  • Define your retirement needs. It’s already a known fact that retirement is expensive. Studies suggest that you’ll need at least 70% of your pre-retirement income if you want to live a comfortable life when you stop working. This is why it’s crucial to take charge of your financial future now by making sure that you define your retirement needs and allocate the right funds for them in the future.

 

  • Create a balance between investment goals and risk tolerance. Investing is one of the best ways to build your wealth for your retirement years, but it can also get a bit tricky if you don’t know how to manage your investments well. This is where you can benefit from working with a personal financial planner who can help you choose the right investments, manage your portfolio properly, and guide you in making the right decisions when it comes to your finances. A professional can also help you mitigate risks and protect your investment.

 

  • Learn about investments. Even if you choose to work with a professional financial planner, it’s still vital to learn all about the basic principles of investing, including inflation, risks, and the different types of investments that will allow you to save enough to enjoy when you retire. You should also learn about how your savings and pension plan are invested so you can manage them properly. 

 

  • Never touch your retirement savings. When you have money in the bank, it’s so easy to get tempted to spend it even if you don’t need to. But you have to remember that every time you withdraw from your retirement savings, you’re also losing principal and interest. Some banks may even charge you withdrawal penalties and make you lose some tax benefits. This is where you could use your emergency fund so that you don’t need to touch your retirement savings.

 

Gearing up for retirement may not be on your mind right now, but there is no earlier time to save up for your financial future than now. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the habits you can implement, and begin planning your retirement now.

5 Simple Remedies for the Common Cold

The simple cold is the most common cause of illness in both children and adults, and it is usually caused by a virus. You or a family member may have experienced a cold at some point in your life, especially during the cold, winter months where viruses are more prevalent because of the weather change. It is also in these cooler months that people tend to stay indoors and are, therefore, in closer contact with each other.

But you don’t need to wait for the winter to learn all about these five simple remedies for the common cold:

  1. Drink lots of water. Whether you already have a cold or not, it’s very important to keep yourself hydrated during the cold, winter months. Getting plenty of fluids into your body doesn’t only make your throat moist and help with your congestion, but it also does many other wonders to keep your body healthy during the cold season. You can also mix it up by drinking herbal teas, ginger ale or even some chicken soup to make you feel better.
  2. Blow your nose gently. Nasal congestion can be such a hassle that you need to blow your nose to relieve your congestion and avoid sniffling mucus that could cause more infections. To blow your nose properly, you need to simply press your finger over one nostril and blow the other nostril gently to clear the mucus inside. Never blow your nose hard, as it can cause earaches.
  3. Load up on your vitamin C. It doesn’t matter if it’s the cold season or not. You need to load up on vitamin C to protect your body against different illnesses. Aside from taking vitamin supplements, you should also incorporate vitamin C-rich fruits into your diets such as oranges, lemons and leafy greens. And if you have a cold, you can add some fresh lemon juice to your hot tea or drink fresh lemonade to relieve your congestion and reduce phlegm.
  4. Gargle with saltwater. Saltwater is one of the best remedies for sore throat and nasal congestions because it helps to reduce and loosen mucus that contains allergens and bacteria. Simply dissolve 1 teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water and use it as a gargle.
  5. Use steam. Before there were any decongestants, people used steam to treat stuffy noses due to colds. Just boil some water in a pot and hold your head over it so you can breathe the steam into your nose and loosen up mucus. If you don’t want to go traditional, you can also buy a humidifier or take a hot shower while keeping the door closed so you can inhale some of that steam.

Of course, you can’t forget to stock up on cold and flu tablets that will surely help you deal with your stubborn cold. Having these medications at home will make it easier for you to treat members of the family who are going through a cold to prevent the virus from spreading further in your household.

Are You Ready to Build a Home? Here Are the Signs

Building a house always seems like a huge step for you. But after many years of renting and moving from one house to the other, you now want to settle down into that one place you can call home for a long time. But are you ready to take the next step and build your own home? Here’s how to tell:

 

  • You’re tired of renting. While you enjoyed renting for many years, you now feel the need to stay permanently in one place. You’re already looking forward to moving into a new neighbourhood and settling down in your dream home. If this is what you’re feeling, it could be a sign that it’s time to buy a Deanside house and land.

 

  • You don’t like surprises. An old house has its charms, for sure. But if you don’t like being surprised by broken plumbing or hidden termite infestations, then you might want to consider building a new home. This way, you won’t have to deal with all the surprises that come with buying an old house since everything is new and you have complete control of what you want for your house.

 

  • You can’t seem to find the perfect house. You’ve been looking for months. You’ve been to almost every open house and talked to many realtors, but you still can’t find the right house for you. If this is the case, you might want to consider buying land and building your own home instead. This will allow you to create the exact space you have in your mind and not just settle on a house that doesn’t meet your standards.

 

  • You’re building or growing a family. Renting is ideal if you’re living alone or just starting as a couple. But as you start to build your family, your lifestyle changes and your house needs to adapt to that. By building your own home, you can allocate proper spaces according to your needs and design your house according to what’s ideal for your family and not anyone else’s.

 

  • You’re financially stable enough to invest. Building a house is a huge financial commitment since you’re going to build from scratch. But if you already ran the numbers and you have enough wiggle room to make a huge investment, then putting your money in a house would be a smart move. 

 

  • You’re ready to commit to a house. When you decide to build a house, you’re not only investing money, but you’re also investing time and effort into this huge project. So, if you feel that you’re at the point in your life where you can commit to this important undertaking, then it’s time to look at your options when it comes to buying a lot where you can build your future home.

 

Are you ready to build your own home? If you say yes to these signs, then you can take the first steps towards making this important life investment. There are many ways to build a home, and it’s important to find the right way that works for you.

Is Fletcher a Good Place to Live?

In 2018, Fletcher was named the best suburb for families in Newcastle. So it comes as no surprise that so many people are attracted to it, and are looking to relocate there. However, many wonder if the suburb is as good as it’s advertised, or it’s a bit too overhyped?

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on Fletcher, its community and amenities — look no further. In this article all you need to know about living here, and whether it will be the right fit for you and your family.

 

It’s Family-Orientated Community

One of the most important factors you should evaluate when moving is whether the community you move into fits into your lifestyle overall. Fletcher is filled with smiley faces and close-knit communities, and it’s a place where people tend to know their neighbours.

It’s also very peaceful, laid-back and offers a lot of activities for both children and adults. Not to mention, Fletcher’s streets are pretty clean, and there’s a low crime rate. So, it’s perfect for all types of families, great or small, and adults and children of all ages.

 

Fletcher is Close to Great Schools

Probably the biggest reason why so many families are drawn to Fletcher is that it’s so close to many childcare centres, as well as primary and high schools. Many parents are also attracted to the area because of Bishop Tyrell Anglican College, a renowned k-12 school. Additionally, it’s in close proximity to some great universities, so kids of all age ranges can attend school and thrive here.

Affordable Housing

Fletcher has so much going for it, stunning views, friendly people and a great connection to the city. So, it comes as somewhat of a surprise that housing remains affordable to this day. This is, in part, due to the ongoing development in the suburb, allowing for more housing options, and affordable prices.

Whether you’re interested in renting or buying a property, you’ll be able to do so easily, without breaking the bank. However, with the market being what it is, we recommend purchasing a home, rather than renting, especially if you’re sure you want to call this place home. If you’re on the market, we recommend searching for house and land packages Fletcher to find the best options.

 

A Bright Future

As we mentioned, Fletcher is still developing and growing and finding new ways to accommodate more families. That means that the price of real estate will likely appreciate in the future, making it a worthwhile investment.

Also, the house and land packages Fletcher are still pretty affordable and available to most. By purchasing real estate this way, you can design the ideal home for you and your family from the ground up. So, Fletcher, and its residents have a bright future ahead.

 

Final Thoughts

Fletcher has so much to offer, especially to younger families with or without kids. It’s safe, full of nature and fun activities, as well as friendly people and communities. So, if those are high on your list of priorities — we recommend moving to Fletcher.

What Metrics Should a Digital Marketing Agency Keep Track of to Help You Improve Sales?

It’s important that the digital marketing agency you choose promises and works on the relevant metrics. Things such as numbers of likes and shares tend to have more to do with vanity and can’t do much to help you improve your bottom line. The following are the most important KPIs your digital marketing agency should keep track of.

 

The Metrics

#1. Unique Visitors 

The base metric (KPI) your agency should measure and try to improve on is the number of unique visitors on your website. This initially seems simple enough, a good campaign will yield more visitors, while a bad one won’t — however, it’s a bit more complex than that.

Namely, the people coming to your site should be within your target audience. Otherwise, there won’t be a boost in your conversions, and you’ll miss out on the people who actually need to see your site. So, in addition to measuring (and improving) the number of unique visitors, you also need to keep track of their interactions.

#2. The Bounce Rate

The bounce rate shows how many visitors exit your website, without truly viewing it and consuming any content. A high bounce is the biggest indicator that the viewers are not seeing anything worth sticking around for, or are turned off by its design. 

A digital marketing agency can help you reduce the bounce rate, by better researching who entered your page and why they left. Additionally, they can create better visuals for you, that will help reduce the bounce rate.

#3. Time Spent on Site

This KPI is somewhat similar to the previous one, as it also keeps track of the time users stay on your website. However, its goal is to showcase how interesting and relevant your content is. If you offer high-quality content, a user will spend more time on your website. Thus, they’re going to gain trust in you, and their visit will likely result in a sale. 

For example, if a user searches for a Digital Marketing Agency in Sydney, they won’t spend any time on a website if the content doesn’t seem appealing. Thus, the visit won’t result in a sale and will be a huge waste of resources for both parties.

However, if the company (and its website) give off the impression of being professional and trustworthy, a user will spend more time there, which will ultimately result in a sale.

Cost Per Click

CPC is a popular advertising model that allows you to only pay for the ads when they are clicked. If you have a high CPC, it means that your ads aren’t optimized as well as they could be, and aren’t reaching your target audience. A digital marketing agency can help you reduce these costs, by creating targeted ads that always reach the right audience. 

Final Thoughts

Don’t be swayed by an agency’s promises of hundreds and thousands of likes, rather, ask them how they can help you increase your bottom line. Ask the agency what their plan is on increasing sales, and whether they’re using metrics that will show you some ROI. After all, you don’t want to pay a premium price for an agency that can only guarantee more likes and not a tangible increase in sales. 

5 Ways to Warm Up in Winter

Depending where you are in the world, winter can be tough. In fact, according to studies, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is currently an area of growing research. Whether you’re feeling blue or just straight-up cold from the snow, here are some ways you can warm up during the winter months. With these tips, you’ll be soon seeing the delight in hot cocoa and warm blankets.

Update the Wardrobe

By updating your wardrobe with some toasty yet fashionable staples, you can go into the winter months in style and warmth. Whether it’s a cashmere scarf in Australia or a fleece jacket in Canada’s ski fields, a good wardrobe will last you for years to come. If you look after pieces like these, it’s unlikely they’ll need replacing as much.

Stock Up on Tea

With the cold weather comes an opportunity – drink as much tea as possible. While you’re in actual fact limited to three cups a day due to an ingredient called tannins, you can still enjoy a selection of breakfast teas, fruity teas and calming herbal teas. Winter gives you a chance to wrap your hands around a warm mug and enjoy the steaming beverage.

Put Your Running Shoes On

If it’s cold, get your body moving! Whether it’s going for a run, a walk or a swim at your local swimming pool, there are ways you can warm up the body and quite literally outrun the cold. Bonus points here, as this method gives you a solid hit of serotonin in the process, fighting off those winter worries all the more.

Install Heating

Sometimes your home is just a cold place. If you’ve bought a home and never updated the insulation or flooring, you could be facing a layout issue where the house becomes draughty. Heat transfer is also an issue in many older homes. There are certain ways around this depending on your home, so it is best to approach individual contractors asking for a quote. Some ways of solving the issue include installing a heating system, updating the flooring, installing glass insulation or renovating the layout entirely.

Live in a Warmer Climate

If all else fails, move to Australia! Not only do you get to enjoy Christmas at the beach – you also deal with milder winters and just a little rain. It might seem silly upending your life for the weather, and that’s why we’d recommend trying other methods before taking drastic actions – we’re just saying, people have certainly done crazier things! You should always do as much research on the suburb ahead of time, so you understand the location you plan to start your new life in.

Ultimately it is your responsibility to take control and focus on the little pockets of joy in a day. Staying warm in winter is easy with a few lifestyle adjustments, and a little pampering of the self. From investing in a cosy bathrobe to moving across the world, there is always something you can do to stay warm.

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