As Liz McCormack states it is all about image and it may be up to the ratepayers to choose whether dairying, cheese and bucolic scenes of cows grazing best fits the Bega Valley Shire or is it an image of the coast, tourism and sapphire blue seas that would have more cachet?

What is the emotional value attached to a name change? Cr McBain feels this can’t be measured, she says “We are trying to attract businesses; we are trying to attract industry and we are trying to attract professionals and trying to attract bigger airlines.  From my point of view, Sapphire Coast is far more emotive than Bega Valley”.

For those property owners in major tourism areas such as Merimbula and with a flow on effect to Tura Beach, a rebranding of the Shire name to Sapphire Coast could have positive consequences. This may be more appealing to potential property buyers interstate , with the vision of sapphire blue waters, a coastal lifestyle and all it promises sea changers, emoted by the brand, rather than the image of the  Bega Valley Shire.

Market research is the best way to gauge which brand will work best for the Shire, according to Bruce Leaver, chair of Sapphire Coast Tourism. He said “The basic branding tenet is that a brand promises an outstanding experience to a desired market.  It is what makes the region standout from its competitors and motivates the potential visitor to come.“  He thought that regular exposure to the Shire’s name may be limited, with two thirds of the area’s domestic marketing coming from interstate and that any research should test the recognition factor in the name Bega.

Apparently a change of name is not a new idea, originally the previous Imlay Shire suggested it prior to amalgamation 30 years ago, and it has since been recommended to the council in 2003 by the Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (as it was then known).

Cr McBain would like to gauge if local residents want to change the name via council’s social media, Facebook, the council’s website and through the print media. If you are a resident in Tura Beach and have an opinion, now is the time to let it be known.

Follow a basic rule of decorating and find your ‘One Visual  Star’ in each room.  You may identify the wallpaper, a piece of furniture or a painting as the star,then all other items within the space should be complementary to that star.  Colours you introduce should be the same colour, but a softer tone to avoid clashing. Once your star is identified, you design the other elements of the room around it.

Being on trend with colour will create a fresh, modern look. A new paint of coat is easy and lifts a space immediately.  Consider the trends for 2013 and use them in your colour scheme. Beige is out, grey is in when it comes to neutrals, a soft grey, even moving towards a mauve tint. A popular colour theme currently is the black and white look and the latest trend is toward bold colours, particularly in cushions, wallpaper, furnishings and rugs.

Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise!  The current trend is lots of accessories.  Have fun and create a great designer look with minimal effort with the addition of pieces like a new rug, lamp, mirrors, vases, bowls and cushions.  Coordinate them to give a luxe look which is right on trend.

For an immediate facelift and modernisation of your property upgrade the bathroom. The most effective upgrade is achieved with quality materials and fittings. Consider tiles, marble and stone, with the large selection available of these wonderful options you can get the exact look you desire and create impact. Fittings, like basins, are best in sturdy materials like ceramic and stone. Take into consideration good ventilation and lighting and add them into your design brief for a good finish.

Your workspace can become a statement piece that lifts the space and creates interest.  Take a classic piece of furniture, a beautifully designed yet practical desk, either made of wood, which will improve in looks as it ages or of glass and metal, which will stay on trend and carefully place it in the study, bedroom or living space for maximum effect.  Likewise create a showpiece on an empty wall with the addition of a floor to ceiling bookcase adding photos, objects d’art and ornaments to your book collection to create interest and personality.  These pieces can move with you and become a talking point in your new abode.

Get your finance in order

If you want to buy a property in 2013, make sure you’re ready financially, and you have a rational plan that doesn’t over extend your capacity. It’s no use living in a palace and scrounging to eat!
Draw up a budget and stick to it; identify where you can be saving even more for a deposit.
Make sure you have a solid savings plan, and enough saved for a back up plan if things go wrong. Check your insurance status. If something happened to you, could you still afford the mortgage repayments you’re looking to take on?
Get financial advice from a professional and understand exactly how much money you can borrow and repay comfortably before you start falling in love with properties.

Shop around

We look for reviews, ask questions and compare notes on almost everything we buy, especially if it’s expensive. Yet we still usually sink more time into comparing the best deal on a new television than a home loan product.
Mortgage brokers are great for helping you compare notes, but remember they work on commissions. That doesn’t mean they’ll give you bad advice, but it does mean you need to ask hard questions about disclosing any commercial agreements that might influence their recommendations.
Long before you find your perfect property, shop the market up and down to learn which deals and home loan products are best for your financial situation and property goals.

Assemble a team

Do your homework and select a great real estate agent, conveyance or lawyer. Invest the time in finding these people. Ask for personal recommendations.

Christmas is upon us and your attention may be on last minute shopping, preparing a feast and wrapping presents but at the back of your mind you may have a big Christmas wish! Yes, you would love Santa to spread a little magic your way and sell your home this festive season.  Well, you may be surprised at how some careful choices and preparation on your part can help make your wish come true.

Try these 5 steps to successfully sell your property:

1. Choosing the right Real Estate Agent is the MOST important step. Choose an Agent who is experienced, belongs to an industry body, works to a system and knows the area well.
2. List your property at the right price. That is a realistic price. If you choose the right Agent they will advise you correctly on the current market value of your property.
3. First impressions are vital , so present your property well for inspection.  A freshly painted property with a  neat garden, lack of clutter and a few little touches like fresh flowers or feature ornament will have impact as soon as a prospective buyer enters your property.
4. Market your property to reach a wide audience of prospective buyers.  The most effective way to do this is through online marketing.
5. Consider offers, even if they are below your selling price. If you enter into negotiations you may get close to your optimum price.

When it comes to choosing your Agent Fisk & Nagle ticks all the boxes, their Sales Consultants are all experienced and know their local area, they will advise you on the current market price your property is likely to attract and guide you through the sales process.  You will be assured your property will receive a high level of exposure because they are the leading online marketing Agents in this region. For a free appraisal call the Fisk & Nagle Sales Team on 1800 ForSale.

If you are seeking financial gain from your investment you can choose to either go for a steady but lower yield through permanent tenants or for a higher yield through holiday rentals but take into account that there will be more down time when the property is not tenanted. Obviously, if you have permanent tenants you will not be able to stay in the property yourself whilst it is tenanted.
If you are planning to use the property yourself you can still let it out as a holiday rental, but be aware you will sacrifice using the property yourself during the peak times of Christmas and Easter.
When considering the purchase of an investment property you need to assess the probable income and expenditure. On the expenses side take into account the cost of anybody corporate fees, council rates and repairs and maintenance but keep in mind that expenses are tax deductible. The location of the property, its presentation and facilities will influence the amount of rent you can expect and good promotion will affect occupation rates. Holiday accommodation is also affected by seasonality. For a thorough analysis of the expected income and expenditure on the property see a qualified Accountant.
Tura Beach is growing in popularity as a location for young families, just a short 5 minute drive from Merimbula and sporting a new Woolworths supermarket complex an investment property at Tura is well worth considering. There is currently a good stock of investment properties in Tura Beach. Contact the Fisk & Nagle Sales Team on 026495 0888 to find out about suitable investment properties in the area.

Please refer to office of NSW state revenue website for more information http://www.osr.nsw.gov.au/benefits/first_home/

NSW GOVERNMENT STAMP DUTY CONCESSIONS PROVIDES EVERYONE (except those claiming first home grants) WITH A $5,000 GRANT TOWARDS STAMP DUTY WHEN THEY BUY A NEW PROPERTY BELOW $650,000.

Please contact Fisk & Nagle on 02 6495 4545 if you would like more information.

These whales and their newborn calves are able to be seen from numerous headlands around Tura Beach and Merimbula   or by booking a tour on board a whale watching boat that operates from Merimbula daily.

As numbers grow, this year is sure to be a bumper season. If time permits take our advice and book a tour. It is an amazing experience.