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Real estate agency slammed for "greedy" rental increase

Real estate agency Nelson Alexander has come under fire after increasing the weekly rent to one of their vacant properties on the day of the viewing. The property, located in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, had a scheduled viewing on Thursday and many hopeful tenants were keen to check it out. Unfortunately, their interest came at a cost, as the agency sent out a text just hours beforehand saying that they were increasing the weekly rent from $600 to $650 due to "overwhelming" demand. Journalist Jacqueline Felgate shared the text on social media, and many branded the agency's move as "greedy" and "disgraceful" and even accused them of perpetuating the rental crisis. The exact location of the property and the number of bedrooms it has is unknown, and after receiving all the backlash, the ad has since been pulled. The real estate agency also apologised and said that they "do not solicit or encourage any form of rental bidding". "Whilst the current issue at hand is not a breach of legislation, it fell short of our commitment to fair and transparent practices," the statement read. "We are deeply aware of the moral and social responsibility we have to our community during these challenging times." They also added that they are currently reviewing their processes to "ensure this doesn't ever happen again". It is unclear whether the property has been put back on the market and for what price. <em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: Instagram

Money & Banking

"Eviction season": Real estate slammed for callous Christmas email

A real estate agency has been forced to apologise after tenants were sent a callous email about paying their rent on time over the Christmas period. The email, which is believed to be sent by Professionals Taylor Lakes in Melbourne, referred to the festive period as "eviction season", and encouraged renters to make timely payments to ensure "your living arrangements are not jeopardised over this festive period". "Christmas is a fantastic time of year and also a very busy time," the email begins. "Christmas time is also known in property circles as 'eviction season' as so many people choose to use their rental payments for Christmas spending instead of ensuring that their family accommodation remains top priority over this period. "We see so many tenants fall behind in their rent and then get into the position where they are not able to catch up, as this is their biggest financial obligation." The agency said it didn't want to be tasked with the "unfortunate job" of having to remove and evict them from their homes over Christmas. "We find this action very unpleasant for everyone concerned and we all enjoy our Christmas much less because of it," it said. "We urge you to pay careful attention and ensure that throughout December and January, you pay your rent on time, every time!" The email was met with a wave of backlash online, with many calling the message "thoughtless" and "not professional". "This is just appalling," Anti-Poverty Network SA wrote on Facebook. Professionals chief executive Katherine Gonzalez-Cork said the email was brought to her attention on Wednesday morning, and offered an apology to the recipients. "The email was distributed to tenants directly from the Taylors Lakes office and the content was not endorsed by me or the Board of Professionals and does not represent our company's expectations of communication with our property renters," she said. Image credits: Getty Images

Money & Banking

Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

Legendary rocker Billy Joel is <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/billy-joel-in-tears-over-career-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saying goodbye to The Big Apple</a> as he prepares to sell his jaw-dropping estate. The New York native’s property on the affluent Oyster Bay Harbour has a price guide of a staggering US$49 million (AU$73.4 million). According to the Wall Street Journal, the 26-acre estate comprises the original 14-acre property Joel bought for $22.5 million in 2002 and the adjoining area he’s purchased over the years. The property covers more than 600m of frontage on Centre Island, with the focal point of the estate being the 1,858 sqm main house with breathtaking water views. The home includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, two half-baths, a playroom, a spa and hair salon, a bowling alley, and a wine centre. There is also an indoor pool, which the Piano Man singer has covered up to use as a music room as it offers fantastic acoustics, according to listing agent Bonnie Williamson, of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. Parts of the main house are under renovation and are expected to be finished over the next several months. The magnificent estate also has a three-bedroom beach house, a three-bedroom guest apartment, and a four-bedroom gatehouse. Other amenities include a floating dock and boat ramp, two outdoor pools, and a helicopter pad. Image credit: Getty / Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Aussie version of The Great Gatsby mansion set to break real estate records

This property is nothing short of spectacular and it’s set to break a record in Brisbane real estate. Australia’s interpretation of The Great Gatsby mansion at 685 Musgrave Road, Robertson, has a price guide of $25 million and the eye-watering cost has not deterred potential buyers. The historic estate boasts cinematic quality and several parties have offered the agent more than $20 million, with interest currently sitting at more than $22 million. A contract for $25 million was proposed but never finalised, leaving the property open to entice the multimillionaires who would take up the offer never before seen in the Brisbane housing market. The current price record for Brisbane is believed to be $20.5 million paid for a New Farm address. The overall Queensland record is $42 million, which was snatched up at auction in 2023 in Tallebudgera. The Gold Coast estate was the second most expensive home to be auctioned off. At the luxurious Robertson address, water fountains in the boundless grounds are controlled by Bluetooth. A flick of a switch will allow for a blissful ambience. It features bespoke chandeliers, a “championship” size tennis court, a pool house that has a kitchen for parties, and “his and her bathrooms”. Buyers are spoilt for choice if they fancy a dip as there is a 25-metre pool with three lanes, a spa and a cold plunge pool. Paths and driveways surround the flourishing grounds, reminiscent of Jay Gatsby’s remarkable estate in Baz Luhrmann's 2013 movie with Leonardo DiCaprio as Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as his love interest Daisy. The exterior shots for the film featured St Patrick’s Seminary in Manly, Sydney. The Robertson estate is on the books of Place Estate Angents’ Patrick McKinnon and welcoming negotiations. Speaking to Nine, he said the refined grounds are one of the reasons house hunters have been drawn to the property. He added that he has received multiple offers of more than $20 million and a $22 million offer is on the table, atop the previous $25 million claim that was staked was not finalised. McKinnon previously told Nine the level of seclusion and privacy that comes with the property - which he called “Brisbane’s best-kept secret - is what held “huge” appeal for prospective buyers in this level of the market. Image credit: Domain

Real Estate

Real estate agent fired over "disgusting" comments about renters

A young real estate agent in Sydney's south has been fired after making "vicious" comments online about renters, and bragging about "inflating the market". Abhnit Kumar from Ray White Macarthur Group in Campbelltown shared an advertisement of a property for sale to his professional Facebook page, with the seemingly innocent post gaining attention for its caption. The post read, "The market doesn't dictate your home's price, the agent does. If you're thinking about selling don't leave money on the table, give me a call & let's discuss strategy." The comment was quickly deciphered by his online followers, with one person asking if the market doesn't contribute to a property's price, then "why are you artificially inflating house prices during a period of high inflation?". The 23-year-old real estate agent responded by asking "wouldn't you like to maximise on the profits you can make" when "selling your biggest asset". "Unless you wouldn't then feel free to contact me as I have a buyer for your place," Mr Kumar wrote. The follower quickly hit back, saying "that's not what your post said". "You said you inflate prices, so that the market is overpriced. Your words, not mine ...". The disgruntled commenter added that they would keep "well away" form Mr Kumar and his agency for his future housing needs. The agent fired back, writing, "Hey buddy you clearly must be a renter. Please stay away from my agency as we would not like to deal with people like you." Mr Kumar's last comment, which was quickly deleted, was met with a wave of scrutiny online, prompting one of his followers to screenshot the exchange and send it to Mr Kumar's employer. The individual who contacted Mr Kumar's place of work branded his behaviour "disgusting" and asked the company to confirm whether his comments reflected its morals, forcing the company to speak out. "We pride ourselves on customer service. We respect and value each and every one of our tenants," Ray White Macarthur Group wrote in a statement on Monday, addressing the outrage. "The views of Abhnit Kumar do not align with the values of our group," it continued. "As a result, we've made the business decision to suspend his employment immediately while we conduct an internal investigation." The backlash spilt over into the post's comment section, with one person slamming the "predatory behaviour" of real estate agents as "vicious", while another shared how "shocked" they were by the agent's comments in the face of Australia's ongoing housing crisis. Image credits: TikTok / Ray White

Real Estate

3 sales tactics rife in the real estate industry, and why they work

Buying a home is likely to be the biggest financial transaction you will ever make, and you’re at a distinct disadvantage. You’re an amateur up against professionals – real estate agents – versed in psychological tricks to get you excited about owning a property and paying more than you planned. These tricks start with comparatively simple things such as making rooms look bigger in adverts by using a wide-angle photography. They extend all the way to the point of sale. None of these tactics necessarily involve outright lying – there are laws against false and misleading conduct. But they are manipulative, exploiting the fact that humans are emotional beings with many “cognitive biases” – a perception of reality that is more emotional ratther than rational. The three most common tactics come down to manipulating your confidence in your own decisions. Close to <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0217590816500156">80 studies</a> suggest overconfidence is one of the most significant cognitive biases influencing behaviour in the real estate market. <h2>1. Underquote, entice the bargain hunters</h2> You see a property in your price range that’s everything you want. You call the agent, inspect the property, then prepare for the auction. It sells for $200,000 more. Underquoting involves deliberately advertising a property significantly lower than its likely sales price. While the prevalence of the practice is disputed, with industry representatives saying most agents do the right thing, <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/property/news/new-3-8-million-crackdown-on-underquoting-by-victorian-real-estate-agents-20220914-p5bhzq.html">anecdotal evidence</a>points to underquoting being very common. Underquoting is effective because it attracts more interested buyers and increases the number and intensity of bidding. It exploits two of the most ubiquitous cognitive biases – herd behaviour and irrational exuberance. More interest doesn’t just increase competition. A real estate agent will communicate that interest to us, confirming our desire in the property is justified. This tendency to “follow the herd” and imitate others, as US economist Robert Shiller noted in an influential <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/2117915">1995 paper</a>, is built on the assumption others have information that justiﬁes their actions. This helps explain pretty much every stockmarket bubble since <a href="https://theconversation.com/tulip-mania-the-classic-story-of-a-dutch-financial-bubble-is-mostly-wrong-91413">tulipmania in the 17th century</a>, including the <a href="https://lsecentralbanking.medium.com/how-did-herd-behaviour-contribute-to-the-global-financial-crisis-3b0024a4755e">Global Financial Crisis of 2007-8</a> and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1544612318303647">speculation on cryptocurrency</a>. We are emotionally swayed by the decisions of others, assuming their decisions are rational, even when they are not. This is fertile ground for our own decisions to be manipulated. <h2>2. Hide reality, inflate expectations</h2> Real estate agents will generally favour auctions to extract the <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/news/selling-at-auction-in-melbourne-earns-vendors-tens-of-thousands-in-extra-cash-1072565/">maximum sales price</a>, for the reasons outlined above and the prospect of <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/220505543_Understanding_auction_fever_A_framework_for_emotional_bidding">auction fever</a> – when carefully decided limits are forgotten in the thrill of the moment. But that’s not always the case. In a soft market with few buyers, agents may instead opt for a private sale, sometimes called a “<a href="https://attwoodmarshall.com.au/the-silent-auction/">silent auction</a>”. The goal here is to cause you to overestimate the degree of competition and thus make a bigger offer. An agent might assist this perception by instead supplying you with information from previous public auctions of similar properties more favourable to their preferred narrative. The value of hiding information also explains why you may come across so many sold listings with <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/property/news/should-you-be-able-to-know-how-much-your-neighbours-sold-their-house-for-20220223-p59z2t.html">labels</a> such as “price not disclosed” or “price withheld.” The reason for this may well be that the property sold for less than hoped. Hiding information the agent doesn’t want you to think about depends principally on exploiting our cognitive bias towards <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/overconfidence">overconfidence</a> – assuming we are smarter, more knowledgeable or better skilled than we actually are. In lieu of that negative information, you are more likely to focus on the available information – particularly if it suits what you want to believe. <h2>3. Talk up nominal gains</h2> You may have heard the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/property/news/do-house-prices-really-double-every-10-years-20211203-p59eif.html">old saying</a> that property values double every 10 years. Stressing what a property is likely to be worth in a decade <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/suburbs-you-shouldve-bought-a-home-in-10-years-ago-and-how-much-your-area-has-grown/">based on what it was worth a decade ago</a> can be a powerful motivator to bid more. As Robert Shiller noted in his 2013 book <a href="https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691156323/the-subprime-solution">The Subprime Solution</a> (about the property-buying mania that led to the Global Financial Crisis), homes are such significant investments that we tend to recall their prices from the distant past (unlike, say, like a loaf of bread or bottle of milk). This tendency results in an unconscious focus on nominal values rather than <a href="https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2012/04/12/the-illusion-of-housing-as-a-great-investment.aspx">real (inflation-adjusted) values</a>. This cognitive bias is known as the <a href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/14635789810212931/full/html">money illusion</a>, a mental miscalculation that may increase your willingness to pay more for the property. <h2>In conclusion…</h2> There’s a case for laws to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/push-to-end-home-sale-price-confusion-in-victorian-property-industry-review/">increase transparency</a> and the accuracy of information available in the real estate market. But in the meantime, if you’re buying a home, it’s wise to acknowledge your limitations. Do your homework, seek out independent advice and even consider hiring a professional advocate with the knowledge and experience to balance emotional and rational thoughts. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/3-sales-tactics-rife-in-the-real-estate-industry-and-why-they-work-202960" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Real Estate

Chilling new theory into death of Aussie real estate agent in Bali

The family of Charlie Bradley have shared an emotional plea for answers, asking anyone with information on Charlie's final hours to come forward. The 28-year-old real estate agent <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/aussie-real-estate-agent-found-dead-in-bali-street" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragically died</a> in Bali, after being found unresponsive outside a hospital in north Kuta, several hours after leaving a club on April 16th. Charlie's family are asking for anyone with information on his whereabouts between the hours of leaving the club and being found at the hospital to come forward, as they try to piece together what caused his untimely death. Charlie's sister Beth Bradley has told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11994795/Charlie-Bradley-Bali-death-sinister-new-theory-emerges-hunt-continues-man-filmed-him.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> that she suspects her brother may have been a victim of methanol poisoning, after being assured by his friends that no drugs were taken. "Charlie doesn't drink beer - he sticks to spirits," she said. "There's a lot of methanol poisoning in Bali. It seems that a lot of the bars pump their alcohol with ethanol themselves to save them money in terms of producing it." "The body can't hack that much which can end up with you having hallucinations, not being able to walk, shaking and multiple other symptoms." Ms Bradley said she had "wracked her brain a million times over" in a search for answers for what happened to her brother and believes this was the most plausible. "Every time I've Googled people dying in Bali it seems to be a very similar situation and it seems to be happening more as of late," she said. While Beth stressed that this was just a theory, she believed methanol poisoning could explain an unusual phone call she received from a doctor who treated her brother at Siloam Hospital in Kuta. "The doctor told me that a man had brought Charlie into the hospital and that he showed him a video of Charlie standing, looking confused and shouting," she said. "He then fell to the ground and was rolling around. He stood up, fell again and banged his head on the floor - five times. By the time he received Charlie at the hospital, Charlie had passed away." The family now face an agonising wait to repatriate Charlie's body for a post mortem examination in Australia to determine his cause of death. Image credits: Facebook

News

Aussie real estate agent found dead in Bali street

An Australian real estate agent who was found dead in the middle of a Bali street is being remembered as a “mate to so many”. Charlie James Bradley, 28, was found dead outside a hospital in north Kuta after leaving a club on April 16. The 28-year-old had flown from Sydney to attend a music festival at the holiday hotspot with a friend. His heartbroken sister confirmed the news of his death on social media. “This shocking news has rocked our family entirely, Charlie was loved by so many,” she wrote. “Let this be a reminder to you all that life is too short, and hug those closest to you tightly.” Mr Bradley worked for real estate firms such as Belle and McGrath and specialised in selling homes in Newcastle. Originally a UK citizen, Mr Bradley migrated from Coventry to Sydney in 2013. He posted a photo of himself in front of the Harbour Bridge alongside the caption, “Beats Coventry I reckon." Mr Bradley’s family, who live in Adelaide, are working with UK authorities to bring his body back to Australia. Indonesian police said they have launched an investigation into the death and have spoken to two witnesses. Friends and family took to social media with tributes for Mr Bradley. Beverley Page shared that he was cherished by loved ones. “He had the biggest heart and personality,” she wrote. “Everyone who had the fortune of meeting him loved him. “His contagious smile, good looks and charm were only a few of his many qualities and he will be terribly missed by so many.” Image credit: Facebook

News

Daughter discovers life-changing hack inside deceased mum’s closet

Cynthia, from the US, was cleaning out her mum’s closet a year after she passed away and discovered the secret system that will make you go: hang on a minute, that’s pretty smart. If you’re tired of seeing piles of “technically clean” clothes lying around waiting to be washed, this system is perfect for you. All you need is a hanger, some clothes pegs, and a pen. “[My mum] numbered clothespins and would put them on the hanger of an item she wore. Once she wore it 3 times … in the wash it went. This kept her from piling up clothes in a chair,” she shared in a post to a Facebook group. Many were impressed with this simple tidiness trick and shared their own hacks. “What a great idea! I put the hanger backwards after the first wear and into the laundry after the second. Your mum's method may be even better,” wrote one person. “'I use different colour hangers. Whites are fresh, red has been worn once, and for a short period of time,” commented another. One woman shared that she uses dividers to separate parts of her closet for clothes she wears often, and clothes she doesn’t. “I use the 'left' system - I check the left side of my closet every six months because I hang everything I wash to the right of a separator. You can also use them for clothes that need to go in the laundry,” she wrote. Others have commented about their tried-and-true, which mostly include the sniff and stain test, with the general rule: “If it doesn't smell and has no stains, I guess I'm wearing it”. However, others were horrified that people don’t wash their clothes after every wear. “I personally can't wear anything (nightgown sometimes is an exception) without washing it. If I wore it for an hour, I have to wash it before wearing it again,” wrote one woman. “Don't you wash most clothes after every wear? Maybe it's because I live in a hot country, but I would never wear a shirt twice. Jeans maybe, everything else is in the wash after every wear,” commented another. Image: Kmart Hacks and Decor Facebook

Home & Garden

Real estate agent divides internet with “sweet gesture” to hopeful homeowner

A real estate agent has divided the internet after sending a hopeful homeowner a scratchie ticket along with a rejection letter. The anonymous wannabe buyer shared a photo of the letter they received from their agent with the scratchie card alongside it on Reddit, explaining how they had missed out on their dream home. The letter begins in capital letters, reading “Really sorry you missed out”. “I wanted to personally thank you for your interest in my recent listing and say how sorry we are that you missed out.” “I know how keen you were to make it yours, and as much as we love our work, there are parts that are difficult.” “Telling someone the bad news that they have missed out on a property they are very keen on, is certainly the worst part of our role.” “I wish we had more properties like this one for those who have missed out on this home.” “I enclose a scratchie to try and soften the disappointment.” “The agent said they hoped the wannabe homeowner would win some cash so ‘next time you can extend your offer just that little bit more’.” The $1 scratch card gave the unsuccessful applicant the chance to win $100,000 in a game of Tic Tac Toad. The gesture prompted a mixed response from commenters, with most readers calling out the agent for being “condescending”. One comment read, “Might just be poorly worded, but this comes across very condescending and patronising. ‘Lol sorry you’re too poor. Maybe if you win some money we’ll be able to take it from you.’” Another pointed out the agent’s potential grovelling to the buyer, saying “Absolutely no real estate agent is sending anything like this to mere tenants.” Another frustrated renter wrote, “Great! Now if I could get a scratchie with every unsuccessful rental application, I wouldn’t need to rent.” A few commenters praised the real estate agent’s actions, believing they had good intentions by including the scratchie. One person wrote, “They didn’t have to give anything but still did. The wording could’ve been better but still, something for nothing.” One other person was shocked by the support for the agent in the comments of the post, putting it blatantly, “They said ‘so next time you can extend your offer just that little bit more’.” “Their intention is clear. They’re saying to offer more money. I genuinely am surprised by the comments on this post thinking this is a nice gesture and not blatant manipulation.” Image credits: Reddit

Real Estate

Real estate’s ‘Biggest Loser’ Michelle Bridges fails to sell home

Fitness entrepreneur Michelle Bridges has failed to sell her $6.5m Kangaloon home, amid plans to go back to Sydney. The former Biggest Loser trainer initially bought the five-bedroom home in 2017 for $2.7m for her family when she outbid chef Luke Mangan. The 4.1 hectare estate was listed last month with initial reports suggesting that the home should be sold for $7m. However, the private price guidance had offered it to buyers for $6.5m Now, The Agency real estate company has revised the price guide back down to $5m, after they failed to secure a buyer for the original price. The property, which is built on a hill offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, with floor to ceiling windows in the main living room. The main bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, but the interior is not the only thing that’s worth boasting about. The luxurious estate has an in-ground pool, a tennis court and landscaped gardens which feature established trees and vegetable gardens designed by Michael Bligh. Other features include an outdoor dining area, an entertainment pavilion with a small fire pit, and a separate guest house complete with a loft bedroom and modern bathroom. Image: Realestate.com.au, Getty

Real Estate

Indigenous artist seeking white Australian to donate their “future deceased body” to an art installation

An Indigenous artist has put a call out for Australians of “British descent” to donate their “future deceased body” to an art installation. Nathan Maynard, a well known Palawa artist and playwright, put an advertisement for the unusual request in the weekend edition of The Age newspaper. Maynard signed the bizarre request as a “palawa” artist: one of the terms First Nations people from Tasmania use when referring to themselves. “Palawa artist wanting to find an Australian of British descent who is willing to donate their future deceased body to an art installation,” the notice read. “The work will speak to sacrifice for past sins perpetrated against the palawa. Potential applicants should see this opportunity as an honour.” “The body and memory of the successful applicant will be treated with the utmost respect at all stages of the project.” The call-out was quick to spark backlash when it was reposted on social media, with one writing, “You can’t just obtain bodies for display in newspapers now. This is very bizarre on multiple levels.” Others questioned the legality of the request, with one person writing, “I dunno that this would be legal, tampering with a corpse is a crime! You can donate your body to medical science, but I don’t think this.” Another wrote, “Borderline psychotic, definitely completely illegal.” Despite the criticism, Mr Maynard told Daily Mail Australia that since the notice went to print, he has received half a dozen applications for their body to be used in the installation in November. The artist said if white Australians are upset by the request, they should ask themselves why they didn't have the same reaction to the mass murder of Aboriginal people. “If you’re not an Aboriginal person and you’re upset by this, I think you should ask yourself why you’re not upset that there is still First Nations remains that have been stolen from their people, stolen from their country in institutions all around the world that are still not repatriated to their own communities,” he said. Nathan said the motivation behind his installation revolves around the fact that thousands of First Nations people were killed by colonists, with their remains being sent overseas to be displayed in institutions and museums without a proper ceremony. “So many Aboriginal people's remains are still overseas. People are trying to bring their ancestors home and they are being denied that right,” Mr Maynard said. “Human bodies are very sacred and they should be treated with respect.” “Whitefellas obviously don't know how to handle remains with respect, so I'm going to show them how,” he said. The artwork has already received support from the state-funded Tasmanian Museum and Gallery and the Hobart City Council, which has donated $15,000 to the unusual installation. The artwork has been commissioned to appear as part of an exhibition for the popular Hobart Current biennial exhibition in November 2023. Image credits: Facebook / The Age

Art

Karl Stefanovic scores huge real estate win

Karl Stefanovic and his wife Jasmine have earned themselves a tidy profit in record time after their home on Sydney’s north shore was leased just five days after going up for rent. Their home in Castlecrag was snapped up at a hefty $1850 a week, nearly a third more than the median rent of $1400 for the area. The rental price isn’t the only above-average feat the home has achieved, having been leased five days after listing, with Castlecrag properties sitting on the market for an average of 32 days, per <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/news/boofhead-karl-stefanovics-big-real-estate-win/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">realestate.com.au</a>. After <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/sneak-peek-inside-karl-stefanovic-s-new-suburban-oasis">purchasing the three-bedroom home</a> in March last year, the Stefanovics were quick to put it on the rental market <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/how-you-can-rent-karl-stefanovic-s-glam-sydney-home">in September</a> for a similar price of $1800 a week. It comes as the Today show presenter has been in the spotlight recently, with the news his co-host Ally Langdon would be moving on <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/it-s-daunting-a-current-affair-and-today-show-hosts-finally-confirmed">to host A Current Affair</a> and former ACA host Tracey Grimshaw describing him as having a “big boofhead”. Following rumours that <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/i-just-got-brushed-ally-langdon-responds-to-greatest-snub-in-australian-television">Grimshaw brushed off Langdon</a> during a farewell on her final ACA episode, the 62-year-old sent a hilarious text to her replacement the following day to address the rumours - and take a jab at Stefanovic. "I'm sorry I missed you," Tracy texted, per <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/tracy-grimshaw-ally-langdon-a-current-affair-farewell/e0074648-5b75-4533-a398-afe4463f1610" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today</a>. "I was so overwhelmed and obviously didn't see your petite head once Karl's big boofhead loomed into vision. Argh, big sorry." With Langdon departing Today at the end of this year, Stefanovic will continue to host the breakfast show next year with 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo. Images: realestate.com.au

Real Estate

"I seriously doubt it was consensual": Creepy find inside luxury estate

A photographer has come across something quite sinister during a photoshoot of a multi-million dollar luxury estate. Taking to Facebook, the photographer shared photos of a two-way mirror in the master bathroom of the home along with some cables and coax. He thought it would have led him to a television as some people like to watch shows while enjoying a bath but it just left him with so many questions. "Technically found in a closet, but a two-way mirror into a bathroom," the photographer wrote. "I work in real estate photography and found this in the master bath of an older multi-million-dollar luxury estate for sale. “There is a power strip along with cables and coax. "It was easy to find, leading me to believe it was for a television (that was a thing) or if it were for video, it was consensual between all parties. Still really weird to find!" Social media users were shocked at the finding and doubted that the cables were there for a TV but instead for something possibly worse. "I SERIOUSLY DOUBT it was consensual if someone was filming there. If it was for a TV in a mirror I think I'd have left the TV THERE to prove what it was for!" someone wrote. "That was for no TV with a mirror in front of it. And why not just a window if consensual? I don't think this was consensual at all and I find it terrifying!" another commented. "That's a murder house," someone else wrote. Later in the post, the photographer explained that these findings were quite common in expensive homes. "Luxury homes had two-way mirror TVs. It was a thing back when box TVs were a thing," he explained. Others agreed, giving examples of when they were in the same situation. "Someone told me they had a TV in the mirror of her hotel bathroom," one wrote. "I stayed in a fancy hotel in Chicago with a TV behind the mirror. It was pretty cool,” another shared. "More than 5 years ago, it was 'in' for homes to have a TV hidden inside a mirror. I actually know a handful of friends that had 'hidden' TVs in their master bath," someone else added. Images: Facebook

Real Estate

Woman wins lottery with her deceased mother’s numbers

A woman has won the lottery by using her dead mother’s lucky numbers that she found when she was clearing out her late mum’s home. Kelly Firth, a mother-of-two from Halifax, UK, would buy her mother Carol's Lotto Hotpicks tickets every week before the 65-year-old died last year. Kelly didn't play the lottery herself, but months later she found her mother's numbers, 7, 17 and 37, written on a card while later clearing out her flat and decided to play them in a tribute to her mum. She bought numbers for Wednesday and Saturday draws but when her numbers didn't come up on the first draw, she ripped up the ticket and threw it away. However, she was stunned when three numbers came up on the weekend draw. Kelly believes it was a sign from her mother and was celebrating and shouting to Carol's ashes on her TV stand when her mother's favourite song - You're Simply the Best by Tina Turner - came on the radio. Kelly then had to sift through the garbage bin to find the discarded ticket, and was thrilled when her local shop accepted the taped-up winning ticket to claim her £1,600 prize, which she used to take her family on a holiday. Kelly said, “I still can't believe I won with mum's numbers.” “My daughter and I would nip to the shop for mum every week for her lottery.” “She had the same numbers on her little card that she gave me and always told me to put both sides on the numbers.” “We did the same numbers for mum for years and never - never did she win.” “I decided to carry them on in remembrance of mum.” “I couldn't believe I won when mum never did, and I just knew she was still around looking after me when the numbers came up.” “I'm still in shock and always will be. It was a sign from mum and I still can't believe it.” Image credits: Getty Images

Retirement Income

Jennifer Aniston snaps up Oprah's estate in star-studded neighbourhood

Jennifer Aniston has joined the likes of fellow A-listers Ariana Grande, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Ellen DeGeneres and Rob Lowe, forking out AUD$22 million on Oprah Winfrey’s former home. The four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom Tuscan-style farmhouse sits on 1.03 acres and was just one part of Winfrey’s vast property that she sold to the actor, while selling her other half of the estate to long-time personal trainer and property manager Bon Greene for an impressive $2.3 million. Spanning just over 400 sqm, the 53-year-old Friends star, who also owns a $20.97m Bel Air mansion, purchased the main residence of the estate under a trust around the same time as well. Winfrey quietly purchased the estate in early 2021 for $10.5m, which means she is walking away with a $6.5m profit. Because of the nature of the deal, interior photos of Aniston’s new place are scarce. The Mediterranean-style abode features a driveway surrounded by lush landscaping for optimal privacy and panoramic ocean views. Images: Getty/Google Earth/The Ellen Show

Real Estate

Record listing of Kenny G's former waterfront estate

The sprawling Washington estate formerly belonging to saxophonist Kenny G has <a href="https://www.mansionglobal.com/listings/5774061-42122-re-undisclosed-98004?mod=chiclet&pos=5&page=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hit the market</a> for an eye-watering $US 85 million ($AU 121 or $NZ 134 million) - claiming the title of most expensive listing in the greater Seattle area. Sitting on four acres, the 1100-square metre mansion was designed by celebrity architect Richard Landry and features a “very European feel to the exterior” of sandstone and glass, according to listing agent Anna Riley. “It’s the premier address we have in Washington,” Ms Riley said. “Most properties in Hunts Point are 1 acre. This one is 4.3 acres on Lake Washington, a beautiful fresh-water lake. It’s a really rare, world-class property.” The property also boasts plenty of celebrity-worthy amenities, including a pool, a tennis court, a four-bedroom staff house, a pool cabana with changing rooms and showers, and a dock big enough to house a 150-foot yacht, a seaplane and jet skis. “It has an unrivalled dock. It’s almost like having your own marina,” Ms Riley said. Inside the home, you’ll find high ceilings with custom mouldings, a wood-panelled office, and a two-storey formal dining room that features 24-carat gold leaf ceiling details painted by hand and a hand-carved fireplace mantle. The home also features a saltwater fish tank and wet bar in the recreation room, and a marble fireplace and private balcony in the upstairs primary suite. As for views and water access, the home has nearly 100 metres of waterfront and access to a sandy beach, with views extending beyond the gardens and water features to the mountains and lake. “One of the coolest things about the property is that it has an outdoor stage and two really grand lawns,” Ms. Riley said. “You could do epic entertaining here.” “It’s an amazing property for doing charitable events and large-scale entertaining,” she added. The Careless Whisper crooner reportedly sold the home to Bruce and Jolene McCraw in 1999, four years after it was built. Images: @kennyg (Instagram) / Mansion Global

Real Estate

Jaw-dropping estate with 1km-long driveway up for grabs

A luxe country estate just two hours from Sydney has been <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-robertson-139186571?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed for sale</a> with an eye-watering price guide between $25-$27.5 million. The seven-bedroom, six-bathroom estate in the Southern Highlands, inspired by an iconic 19th century mansion in Point Piper, boasts two floors, an underground wine cellar that can store 4,200 bottles, and a kilometre-long driveway that provides the home with a high degree of privacy. Outside the 2000-square-metre home, the property also boasts rolling pastures, manicured gardens, a pool and a summer house. Having only been completed in 2007, Christie’s agent Darren Curtis said the home’s current owners have spent the last 14 to 15 years extensively changing its interiors. “The owners of the estate bought it in 2008 and over the past 14-15 years they’ve made a number of internal changes and major renovations made to the property,” Mr Curtis said. “Usually when people move into large luxury estates, they have to do up a few rooms here and there and clean up the gardens. This is one of those rare occasions where a person can move into a home and not have to tinker with it too much. “The buyers that are expressing their interest in this property include those looking for a seachange and a treechange, those returning from overseas - predominantly Chinese buyers - and (those with) a renewed interest in acreage homes.” Mr Curtis also told The Daily Telegraph that the wine cellar is well-insulated and stays the same temperature all year round. Located in the village of Robertson, which is a popular wine-tasting area, the estate’s guesthouse has been used as an Airbnb while the main home underwent renovations. “There’s certainly nothing in this area that has the same stature and weight as this estate, certainly nothing recently that compares to the $25m+ price tag,” Mr Curtis said. “It’s got a real gravitas to it, the walls are a third of a metre thick and teh current owners also spent quite a bit of time with 65 prime Welsh Black cattle on the 80 hectare estate.” Images: Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Israel Folau’s spacious estate hits the market

Rugby star Israel Folau and his wife Maria are offloading their Kenthurst estate in New South Wales with a price tag nearly double what they paid for it. The couple bought the home for $2.1 million in 2015 - while Folau was still playing for the NSW Waratahs - and have listed the two-hectare property with a price guide between $3.5 and $3.85 million through Bella Vista agent Lucy Jensen, per <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/expatriate-rugby-star-israel-folau-and-wife-maria-list-kenthurst-estate/news-story/75f647b2b73698d4d7c9d5c81ec541bf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home is on “one of the best blocks in Kenthurst”, according to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-other-nsw-kenthurst-700198079?rsf=syn:news:nca:news:spa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the listing</a>, and features a ballroom-like combined dining and lounge area, a home theatre with a combustion fireplace, and one double bedroom that could be split in two for extra space. The property also boasts a free-standing studio, in-ground pool, and a huge shed, along with plenty of space both out the front and out the back of the home. The decision to sell comes after the sportsman decided to play rugby union in Japan last year, and follows the couple’s recent acquisitions in Queensland. Earlier this year, Folau spent $1.28 million on a Hamptoms-inspired home to the south of Brisbane, which followed the $1.5 million purchase of acreage at Brookfield, west of Brisbane. Images: @issyfolau (Instagram), Realestate.com.au

Real Estate

Richard Gere makes bank on “magical” estate

After spending a decade building it and 36 years owning it, Richard Gere has farewelled his lavish New York country estate and walked away with a tidy $USD 28 million ($39.4 million or $NZD 44.1 million). The Pretty Woman star bought the property in 1986, four years before starring in the cult classic with Julia Roberts, He went on to build the mansion over 12,000 square metres using custom joinery, with the home boasting including a handsome library, several living areas, and a breakfast nook with an open fireplace. The estate, located about an hour’s drive away from Manhattan, also features a private lake with a beach and an island, a pool with a guest house, and a soccer field and is surrounded by 1740 hectares of hills and dense foliage. Having <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/bought-for-1-5m-selling-for-40m-richard-gere-lists-new-york-mega-mansion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spent $USD 1.51 million</a> on the vacant property in the ‘80s, the 72-year-old earned a monumental profit when he finally sold the home five months after <a href="https://www.ginnel.com/exclusive/1193/81-Lyndel-Road-Pound-Ridge-NY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listing it</a> with agent Muffin Dowdle from Ginnel Real Estate. With the home now under contract, it comes after he and his wife, Alejandra Silva, dropped $USD 9.8 million ($13.9 million or $NZD 15.4 million) for <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/richard-gere-lists-stunning-estate-for-eye-watering-price" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an upstate New York home</a> sitting on 14 acres in North Salem. Their new home sees the couple live among a slew of A-listers, with their new neighbours including media mogul Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates’ daughter Jenna Gates. Residents reported that Gere and Silva have already moved in after spotting Buddhist prayer flags at the property, with Gere being one of Hollywood’s most high-profile Buddhists, according to <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/property/news/richard-gere-sells-40-million-dollar-new-york-country-estate/e0adf945-fd45-4269-bff0-dc70f92592c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Domain</a>. Images: Getty Images, Ginnel Real Estate

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"I seriously doubt it was consensual": Creepy find inside luxury estate

Woman wins lottery with her deceased mother’s numbers

Jennifer Aniston snaps up Oprah's estate in star-studded neighbourhood

Record listing of Kenny G's former waterfront estate

Jaw-dropping estate with 1km-long driveway up for grabs

Israel Folau’s spacious estate hits the market

Richard Gere makes bank on “magical” estate

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Real estate agency slammed for "greedy" rental increase

"Eviction season": Real estate slammed for callous Christmas email

Billy Joel lists New York estate for $73 million

Aussie version of The Great Gatsby mansion set to break real estate records

Real estate agent fired over "disgusting" comments about renters

3 sales tactics rife in the real estate industry, and why they work

Chilling new theory into death of Aussie real estate agent in Bali

Aussie real estate agent found dead in Bali street

Daughter discovers life-changing hack inside deceased mum’s closet

Real estate agent divides internet with “sweet gesture” to hopeful homeowner

Real estate’s ‘Biggest Loser’ Michelle Bridges fails to sell home

Indigenous artist seeking white Australian to donate their “future deceased body” to an art installation

Karl Stefanovic scores huge real estate win

"I seriously doubt it was consensual": Creepy find inside luxury estate

Woman wins lottery with her deceased mother’s numbers

Jennifer Aniston snaps up Oprah's estate in star-studded neighbourhood

Record listing of Kenny G's former waterfront estate

Jaw-dropping estate with 1km-long driveway up for grabs

Israel Folau’s spacious estate hits the market

Richard Gere makes bank on “magical” estate

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