February 2015
”It costs no more to have my experience working for you.”—Joe Voordouw
Crazy in Love with…? A gourmet meal, relaxing at a day spa, diamonds…someone is being spoiled. Must be a lucky lady right? The truth is on Valentine’s Day some people around the world spent more on their pets than on their partners. It may seem a bit odd for an animal that didn’t even know the date was Saturday, 14 February but this relatively new and luxurious world of pet pampering is on the rise and economists view it as an indicator of a healthy economy. Here’s a sneak peek into this industry that some consider first world craziness.
A VIP hotel room in Paris (standing for Very Important Pet) offers a signature service for pooches. Massages, personal training and the finest kibble and jelly meat are all available for furry friends at $400 a night. Sounds like the perfect Valentine’s gift for a VIP. A doggy day spa (that’s dog-gy, not dod-gy) in the United States provides executive poolside rooms, complete with nightly tuck-in tummy rubs. But for owners who think that’s too much lazing around, there is also a more active option available in the form of fulfilling sessions
of doga—that’s yoga for dogs of course. A google of gifts for feline friends returns results such as a “kitty wig” in flattering shades of electric blue, pink passion or silver fox with a further suggestion, once your pet is decked out and looking purrfect, to send them along for a glamor shot. After all, Valentine’s is a special day you want them to remember. But for those on a budget, who couldn’t quite afford the diamond collar for Mitzi or the spa services for Spot, a bit of creativity did the trick. An empty box for your feline
friend, some old socks and an extra bone for your pooch will always be appreciated because in the end your pet will love you no matter what day it is or how much you spend.
4 Peachgrove Rd, Te Atatu Pen. 4 Waikura Dr, Te Atatu Pen. Marketed & sold by Joe Marketed & sold by Joe
14 Siena Place, Te Atatu Pen. Marketed & sold by Joe
Is It Time to Review Your Mortgage? To fix or not to fix is the question everyone is asking. With TSB bank recently announcing a new 10 year fixed interest rate, debate has once again been fueled on whether mortgages should be fixed or floating.
Selling? Call Joe Voordouw today.
In answer to TSB’s offer, previously unheard of in New Zealand, all banks are fiercely competing for new customers using all manner of enticements from cash to televisions and Apple i-Pads. If you had low equity when you purchased your home a few years ago and you haven’t reviewed your mortgage since, now is a great time to do so. Your equity will have substantially increased thanks to increased market values. This means you will almost certainly now be in a position to negotiate a better deal from your bank. Take a word of advice from me: use a mortgage broker! Their services are paid by the bank so are free to you. They will do the hard work of Continued on page 2
M 021 949 448 DDI 09 834 2855
[email protected] | www.realestatewestauckland.com | 1-3 Rhone Ave, Te Atatu Peninsula
Continued from page 1
surveying all the banks and lending institutions on your behalf to find the mortgage product that best suits your needs. And a reduction on your interest rate is far more valuable than a free TV!!! A broker will also be able to give you the most up to date advice on whether to fix or float. Some commentators predict our floating mortgage interest rate will drop to around 4% over the next couple of years. Others disagree. Pick the rate and the term that best suits you and accept that sometimes you win and sometimes you wish you were winning. If buying, there is still a shortage of property so while your choice is limited you will need to act quickly to secure your next home.
Real Estate Market Trends Jan-14
Nov-14
Dec-14
Jan-15
West Auckland Median $
515,000
No. sales
242
602,000 599,500 589,000 432
379
266
Median days
31
29
26
26
Interest
5.74%
6.74%
6.4%
6.74%
West Auckland Avg $ Rent Per Week 1 bdrm
265
290
280
255
2 bdrm
345
360
370
375
3 bdrm
430
440
450
440
4 bdrm
505
530
540
550
Source: REINZ
Quote: ”Your most valuable asset can be your willingness to persist longer than anyone else.—Brian Tracy
We try to have a little fun each day now that we're retired. It's important at our age.
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Sudoku Challenge
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This went on for about 20 minutes.
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So Mary called him a bone head. He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he started writing a third ticket.
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I called him a dumb ass. He glared at me and started writing another ticket for having worn-out tires.
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He ignored us and continued writing the ticket.
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We went up to him and I said, “Come on, man, how about giving a senior citizen a break?”
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Sudoku Solution
Well, for example, the other day, Mary my wife and I went into town and visited a shop. We were only in there for about 5 minutes. When we came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.
The more we abused him, the more tickets he wrote. Just then our bus arrived, and we got on it and went home.
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Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting.
What people are saying about Joe… My wife and I recently purchased a property in the Hobsonville area which was marketed by Joe Voordouw. During the whole process of viewing, making an offer, final inspection and settling we found Joe to be an exceptional sales person.
If selling, the sun is shining, prices are high, there is no better time to sell than now.
Just for a Laugh
128B Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu South Marketed & sold by Joe
We have over the years been involved in a number of property transactions and it would be fair to say my view of real estate sales people was not high, however Joe has definitely proven to me that there are some truly professional and trustworthy individuals in the industry. We will definitely be in touch with Joe when we next look at another property transaction and have no hesitation in recommending Joe to our family and friends… Rod Nicolson
Enter the Draw to WIN Events Movie Money (value $60.00)
Some people spend crazy money on their _____. (see page 1). Phone, txt or email your answer to 021 949 448 or
[email protected]. Include your name, address and best contact number. Closes 9 March2015 Congratulations to last month’s winner: Linda Marshall
Selling? Call Joe Voordouw today.
M 021 949 448 DDI 09 834 2855 Articles © 2015 Downright Brilliant
Buy West Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed (REAA 2008)