One obvious disadvantage to daily life being back to normal having to listen to Gillard/Abbott cat fight again. How tedious can it get? I can’t remember a time when politics was so vindictive, petty and banal. They say politics is just show business for ugly people, but this is show business for petty little brats.
“For Sale” in Byron
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One of my current client’s brief is a stand alone house between $600,000 – $700,000 in, or close, to Byron Bay. Now you do not get much for under $700,000 inside Byron Bay but the number of listings at present on the fringe is quite remarkable. This price range takes me to Sunrise Beach, South Byron and Lilli Pilli, Byron Hills and Suffolk Park. There could be up to 800 listings in 2481 alone, which translates to every 12th property is for sale. That gives us a choice of around 200 properties.

Ruminating on a vender’s decision to sell is part of what I do. I believe less than 50% of the present sellers are just folk who are moving shifting, downsizing etc. It is just bad luck that their timing has delivered them to a perfect storm that is the current competitive market. The majority are ‘bank motivated” where financial pressure or changed circumstances are forcing a sale.

The banks are letting many defaulting owners sell in their own time. A “Mortgagee in Possession” sign is a signal for the sharks to start circling. The two hardest hit banks are probably Bank West and Westpac who holding a larger proportion of bad debts. I don’t have any figures but if the banks were playing hard ball we would be seeing a lot more knock down auctions. At the present rate of clearance it will take a year or two to clear the backlog of properties for sale. A footnote to this is that all the loans I have written or been involved in, not one has gone into default.
Monthly catch up.
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Interest Rates
Contrary to expectations the Reserve Bank has left interest rates on hold for February. The rate remains at 4.15%. Many expect the rate to drop a full 100 basis points within time which includes the two rate cuts in November and December of 2011.

The big question is whether the bastard banks are going to pass on the full rate cut on to their customers. I predict they will not. The government let them off the hook after the GST with the bank guarantee. Not that the RBA has any control over them but to say things like “it is better to have a strong bank than broke bank” is to give tacit approval to anything that will increase their profits.

But there’s more …..
However the very fact that Australia has so much flexibility with interest rate adjustment is a good thing. Europe and North America do not have the luxury of rate reductions as their pedal is already to the metal. One reason why most economists are predict a recession for Europe.

Are we at the bottom yet?
RP Data’s latest report is predicting blue skies ahead for Australia’s residential property. As the accompanying graph shows the house and unit market has at least stabilised. Where to from here is the big question but it seems there are definitely enough buyers sniffing around for deals to give venders some encouragement.

And what about America?
Is there anyone out there who understands how Republicans think? If so can you help me? On the one hand they are all for individual freedoms and no government interference but on the other hand the conservative right are continually ramped up about gays, abortion, drugs and a host of other social issues that they want seriously regulated. Isn’t this obviously hypocritical and why don’t any media commentators question this?

Lost Valley – Tyalgum
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Lately I have had cause to look around the Tyalgum area. You get there by heading west at Murwilumbah until you hit the western lid of the Mount Warning caldera. It is a box valley and you can’t pass through these towns on the way to anywhere else – they are at the end of the road. Chillingham and Limpinwood are other towns in this valley.

What used to make this area unattractive was it was just that – it was out of the way and isolated. In the future that will be what makes it sought after – the idea that it is out of the way. It is some of the most beautiful scenery you are going to get anywhere in the world. Go for a Sunday drive and check it out and then have stop off at the Flutterbies cottage cafe in Tyalgum. It is a great way to enjoy a Sunday drive.

Man overboard
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I feel sorry for Italy. They just got rid of their aging gigolo of a President and now they have an embarrassing boat go belly up on the rocks. Very emblematic of their whole state of affairs. Winston Churchill liked cruising the Mediterranean on Italian liners. When asked why he chose them he replied:
“There are three things I like being on an Italian cruise ship. First, their cuisine is unsurpassed. Second, their service is superb. But mainly, in times of emergency, there is none of this nonsense about women and children first.”
Reasons to love Byron Part 1
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Let’s remember – one thing that makes Byron interesting and different is some of our eccentric residents. Here is a roll call of some of our finest – mad hats off to them all!:
- Shanti is a hitch hiker who looks like a cross between a deranged Spanish matador and a New Orleans pimp dressed in pink suits and 10 gallon hats. He is sweet and harmless and gives you a non denominational lesson in enlightenment for free. Pick him up!
- “Beautiful” is back. Walking around Byron town twiddling flowers. smiling at everyone and telling them they are beautiful. Our own version of Francis of Assisi as he has no agenda or ulterior motive except to make people feel better about themselves.
- Sunset at the car park in front of the Byron pool is sometimes fun. The drums the drums, the drums! Don’t forget to look down the beach to catch the guy drawing circle mandalas in the sand, or the elaborate sand castle man. Or Dancing Man – getting off on his own to whatever he has pumping in his head phones.
All simple, non monetary things that make a difference and make you glad to live here.
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That’s all from me for this month. Thanks for all the positive feedback and comments. Its nice to know people are reading and enjoying.
The new look website, blogs and social media plan, as always takles longer than you think but hope to be ready for March.
Cheers
Michael Murray
0428 555501

A white tail spider causes necrosis to the flesh making it rot and in some cases falling out leaving holes in the bodies. Fortunately this was not me but there have been cases of hospitalisation, amputations and even death. There is apparently a plague of spiders now because of the weather. So just like our overseas visitors, I am saying “watch out!”
Keen on a housing drop
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Like a lone wolf in the forest, Professor Steve Keen has been howling for a 40% house price drop for what seems like 40 years. In the interest of fair play and so I don’t come across as one of those property spruikers, his latest offering is here. Mr Keen’s main argument is that the level of household debt is too high in relation to income. That is correct and we are in a process of deleveraging which will at least keep property prices at worst, stable for a few years.

The argument that he never bothers to respond to is how new house prices can drop 40% as well. The cost of an average new home is $250,000 (plus land). How these base costs can also be reduced by almost half is interesting. Unless all new house construction stops and a large section of the public suddenly take to camping out in a big way, I don’t see it happening. Interesting to read the public comments attached to his blog as 9 out of 10 of the public don’t buy it either.

For the number crunchers; according to RP data Australia experienced a 4.5% median house price drop for 2011. Canberra had a slight rise of 0.8% while Brisbane was the worst with a drop of 8.8%. Most urban areas fell slightly between 0 and 5%. Hardly a reason to jump ship and take to the life boats.
Kong Hei Fat Choy – Year of the Dragon.
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The story in China may be a different matter. This year Chinese New Year falls on January 23 and we enter the year of the dragon: confident, energetic and lucky. The Chinese government is going to need a lot of luck to avoid their looming housing bubble crash. This is the next impending international calamity after the Euro crisis, almost equal to the realisation that I now have to cut back on rich food and wine.

The Chinese government have a huge advantage in managing inflated property prices as they are an autocracy and can do what they want. Their efforts include increasing the minimum deposit and limiting the number of investment properties to three. They do not have to worry about irrelevant things like opinion polls or voters. It is a problem for the ruling elite only in that the massive construction industry is 10% of their GDP. Since they own all the land and the banks anyone building a house or apartment block has to pay them for the land and get a loan through their banks. A nice little earner that the neo-Maoists are finding hard to surrender.

The Chinese experience of a property boom makes ours look like a chook raffle, where properties have been known to triple in a year. In Australia there is a complaint about housing affordability because it takes 6 or 7 times the average wage to afford to buy an average property. It is interesting to compare this to China where your average Jo schmo-wo on a basic wage will need to wait for 1200 years, saving all their income, to buy an APARTMENT in Beijing or Shanghai. (Umm….communist country?)

As 160 million people plus are moving from poor rural areas to urban cities, China needs to duplicate the equivalent of the housing stock of Spain every year. Maybe the ancient Mayans, whose calendar comes to an end this December, were not predicting the end of the world, just the end of the dragon economy.
Its the end of the world and I don’t feel fine.
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In Byron, the prevailing sentiment about the world’s financial melt down is one of let it crash and be done with it. I have even voiced that at times. But this kind of flippant thinking needs to be fully analysed. A global financial collapse predicates a lot more than the greedy bankers having to sell their car and yacht collections. It means the thin veneer of civilisation that helps keep our crocodile brain in check is in tatters.

Economic and social collapse is when the worst side of humanity is let loose. Fascism and extremism is usually born out of scarcity and a battle for resources. It would be nice to think that our political leaders could steer a balanced course out of this mess but that is unlikely. As the established paradigm of constant growth runs out of steam there seems to be a shortage of options.

Deep in the jungle however, our cousins the Bonobo monkeys seem to be doing OK. As outlined in this ABC report. The Chimpanzees on one side of the Congo River had to compete with gorillas for scarce resources and developed a social order that involved a strict hierachy and competitive behavior. Darwinism intervened and humanity developed from this strand of ape. While across the river in their own neck of the jungle the Bonobos did not have to fight for survival and developed a sharing, caring matrilineal society and have become known as the “hippies of the jungle”. Did I mention lots of sex is involved as well? Is there still time to cross over to the other side of the river?
Monthly catch up.
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BTW – Ray White too.
Brett Connable from Ray White Byron Bay contacted me with a correction to last months chat with 1st National principal Chris Hanley. Chris stated that 1st National has the most listings. Brett contested that saying that at that time (last month) RW had 83 listings while 1st Nat had 80. In an effort at fair play I have been online and can report that at time of writing this the number of residential listings are: 1st National 79, Ray White 80.

2nd Correction
On that same issue, last month I said that a sales chart fluctuated because there were some high sales affecting the median price. I am sorry to those who did not pick it up and I look like a dork to those who did. The median price of a property is used precisely so high or low sales do not affect it. The median price is the price of the middle property, ie if 30 properties are sold in a period then the median is the 15th property. The average price is where all 30 properties are added together and that figure is divided by 30 to get the average. Its tough trying to pretend you are an authority in an area when you make glaring bloopers like that. Mea Culpa!

Real estate revolution
For those who think that something is wrong in the real estate market, and there are many, you may like to see the trailer to this film. It makes a strong case that the economics of home ownership needs to be looked at. I will let you know if a screening comes to Byron. It is short listed for the BB Film Festival so look out for it – “Real Estate 4 Ransom”.

Good buying – as usual
Just a quick snapshot of things I have come across:
Myocum acreages:
Two properties in Myocum going cheap. One for offers over $600K, one for $749,000 with a studio. OMG! Things like that would have walked out the door a couple of years ago.

Byron units
There is very good unit complex in Byron – walk to town, with pool, 3 bed 2 bath. Three are for sale in this complex, priced between $470,000 and $575,000.

Tallowood Estate, Mullumbimby
Stage 3 of this development is now for sale off the plan and prices are well reduced. Low is around $175,000 up to big block with views for over $300K. Good house and land deals are available. One in particular is with a builder I know and can recommend who has a good quality duplex for $445,000 and $455,000.

Ocean Shores, Sunrise and Byron Hills
In these urban areas there are houses that have been listed for some time and many will now need to sell at market.

Top end
There has been some reasonable sales of top end properties and indications are that the area of $2M plus is breathing again.
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Lots of changes will be happening next month. I am in the midst of redoing my website and social media. Sorry about those who tried to join twitter with my old hash tag as it is now #thebyronguy.
If anyone knows of a good internet/social media facilitator please ask them to contact me.
From next month I am also going to be the property commentator on the Echonetdaily. This is the online version of the Echo delivered by email. If you do not have it, its great and contact e.subs@echo.net.au for it.
All the best for 2012. May it be joyous and full of good things. Watch out for rampaging dragons and nasty spiders.
Michael Murray
0428 555501

Nationally, there are 70% more listings now than this time last year. I have heard there are twice as many listings here as usual but cannot back that up with stats. It is a matter of waiting now for the back log to clear before there will be any upward movement. Analysts are predicting the property market will be flat at least until late 2012 – 2014 and probably come off another 5 – 10%. There are some properties selling but they are owner occupiers moving round.

Just be happy you are not a vender in Noosa or the Gold Coast. The recent sale of the Noosa Sanctuary apartment complex from Mirvac to RACV is the worst example. 149 units were expecting a sale price of at least $1.5M but each went for an average of $400K. Noosa prices are down around 40%. In our region we did not have the over development that is now underscoring the decimation happening there. These two regions, Gold and Sunshine Coasts, had too much credit and too much supply at the same time.

The banks are in a funny situation. They, in part, have been responsible for the price growth over the last decade with the loosening of credit restrictions. Now they are faced with the predicament of maintaining the present tight policy. This will probably exacerbate the price falls and increase defaults, or loosening lending again which will increase sales levels and help consolidate prices. As I mentioned in previous blogs, we in this area are hit harder by tight credit policies. We have high house prices like the cities without the median income of city dwellers. This means less buyers who can access credit at present. It looks like the banks are choosing the latter with credit policy loosening slightly.
Its very taxing!
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There is now more awareness that one of the main reason for our excessive house prices are government charges, taxes and fees. In NSW nearly a quarter of a new house and land package is due to a bureaucrat at local, state or federal level having a hand in your pocket. It is dificult to build a new 3 bed home in NSW for under $550,000. This makes purchasing existing property good value as you cannot build new cheaper than buying an existing dwelling at present.

Then you add to that the excessive regulations and increase in compliance requirements. In the last few years, following on from a huge jump in cost of materials, there has been an equal increase in permits, policy and paperwork required to get anything done. It may have been true in the past that developers made pots of dosh for not much effort – but these days – they are earning it.

Ozzie Gorthic

Local gossip
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The Battle for Belongil
Council have dropped the Coastal Management Zone Policy without any real explanation. Many do not think that is the end of it though. It could be they are temporarily dodging the law suit by the residents. Cr Tucker estimates council has spent up to $4M fighting this. Residents have spent close to $3M in legal fees and consultants. It is a shame they could not get their heads together and come up with an engineering solution and not a legal one. Yes no one wants to see massive rock walls and no beach, but couldn’t we have a artificial sand bars which build up the sand for a lot less than $7M? They do this other places. Could be a nice surf break as well.

Holiday letting
On the other battle front. NSW courts have just had a precedent setting case in Kings Cross that the owner of a property is now responsible for unruly tenants not the agent or leaseholder. This will not solve our problem overnight but now the person responsible will be liable and will have to take care of neighbours concerns. Last month I did question whether this was such a prevalent problem and I did get a couple of affirmative responses. I do take it on board as a problem for residents but as with Belongil, there must be a better solution than outright banning.

Holiday Letting and Land Tax
There is another battle front to Holiday letting which many people are not aware of. If you are holiday letting through an agency and they are audited and your property address comes up on the Office of State Revenue radar – you could be liable for land tax even if it is your primary residence and you only let it out for ONE night. Something to be mindful of.

Byron – gotta love it!
Congrats to the Echo is who is celebrating its 25 year anniversary. I attended the screening of “The Echo Doco – Born to be Trouble” on the weekend and enjoyed it a lot. It is well made and gives a good background to our local rag which can be aggravating and annoying at times but definately one of the sticky smelly glues that helps bind our community together.

Then I went to the anti fracking demo on the beach on Sunday. It felt just like old times. Our ratbag community – opinionated, passionate and pushy – in all its glory. Reminded me of the good old days when we were different and diverse and not dulled and discordant.
Miscellaneous
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Oz dollar
Many people are intrigued by our high Australian dollar. One reason for it is something called the “Yen Carry Trade”. This is where investors borrow in a currency that has a low interest rate and invest in a country with high lending rate like Australia. If we have another rate rise later this year which is expected, the dollar will go even higher and stay high for a while.

Stamp Out Duty for Seniors
The  NSW Gov is exempting Stamp Duty to over 55s who are selling and buying a new owner occupier residence. I have no idea why they thought this was a good idea except they realise the excessive taxes and fees, as mentioned above, is making them feel guilty.

Exit Exit Fees
A senate inquiry has recommended that Treasury drops the planned abolishment of Exit Fees. This is the fee charged by mortgage company if a borrower leaves the loan early (usually under 5 years). It may seem like a good idea and vote getter but in reality it will decrease competition not increase it and play into the hands of he big four banks and looks like being introduced in July anyway. If anyone would like their present loan looked at to see if you can get a better deal please contact me.

And there’s more!
Had some response to my update on DINKs, KIPPERS and PUMCINS in last months blurb. Thanks to GB for two more:
LOMBARD – Lots Of Money But A Real Dickhead
DUMPLO – Downward Underpaid Married Person, Limited Options
Smell The Serenity
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In this time of austerity, multimillion dollar Byron Bay estates may no longer be your cup of tea. For the reasonable price of $195,000 you can have the most coveted weekender in Australia. The two bedroom fibro cottage in Bonnie Doon rural Victoria, made famous as the location in the Australian hit film “The Castle”, is for sale through realestate.com.au. “There has been interest from all over the world for this one” said the agent.

If the power cables running over the property is not a problem and you want the greyhound kennels then it is a good value. The ghost of Dale Kerrigan can still be felt on the front verandah contemplating prices still being asked by vendors in Byron: “Tell em they’re dreaming” you can hear him muttering.

The character Dale Kerrigan was played by the actor Michael Caton who is copping flack along with Cate Blanchett for having the hide of coming out and being a celebrity mouth piece. This is a beat up by the Murdoch media to take attention away from the message of climate change. The “Dirty Digger” has seriously changed politics and media in the USA for the worse and I encourage everyone to boycott “The Australian” newspaper and the Fox network in general.
I’m off!
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Me and my little family are going away for a while. I am going to a place where our dollar buys a lot, where the ruling elite exploit the masses, the media hoodwink the population with smoke and mirrors every day, where you can buy property for very little money and much of the population is unemployed. Am I going to a third world country? You bet! USA here I come.

I will still be on email. I will still be getting texts. For anyone who has a question or enquirey about finance, please contact my associate Jay Perron on 0425 228 882. Anyone making an enquiry about property search please email me and I will set up a phone conversation. I am back at the end of July. My July newsletter will be a letter from America.
Keep those cards and letters rolling in. Welcome to winter which offically begins June 1st.
Cheers,
Michael Murray
0428 555 501

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Disclaimer: This is a general topic newsletter only and is not to be considered as personal financial advice.

The type of tenant that can be approved for the NRAS discount are teachers, nurses, government workers etc so it is not social or council housing. The potential tenants are of good quality and come with a 10 year lease but the owner can sell or opt out of the scheme at anytime. Unfortunately the NSW gov was too poor and inefficient to invest in NRAS so the main options are interstate. Very few properties are available here in this area where we really need it.

For more details you can go to this government website. BPS will also be holding an information event about this. Representatives of NRAS property providers are available to answer questions.Register your interest by phone or email and I will be in touch with the details.
Property Club
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The present market offers many opportunities for those who believe we are at the bottom of the cycle. Especially in the area of units and apartments in larger urban areas. (Except for Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast where there is an oversupply). Many developers are being hit with the double whammy of a difficult credit environment and slow sales.

Historically, stand alone houses with good land value have always made a better capital gain than units. This is because the land is what appreciates while the building depreciates. But what we are seeing now is an increase in the rental yield of units due to the short supply which is bringing the attractiveness of units closer to houses.

Another advantage of units is that with good management they require a lot less care than houses. It is possible to do the “set and forget” strategy where after the initial purchase and set up, the property can sit in a portfolio gradually increasing in value and rental return.

I have come in contact with a company that does all the hard work for investors by doing the appropriate due diligence. They are in a position where they can source distressed sale properties and pass them on to clients at approx 10 – 30% below market value. These properties will suit clients who are looking for a “set and forget” strategy and wish to pick up a self managing property with potential for positive cash flow. Contact me if you are interested in leaning more.
Is Housing in a Bubble?
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I am still amazed by how much traction the housing bubble doom and gloom story is getting. It could become a self fulfilling prophecy. Yes Australia does have the most expensive property in relation to incomes in the world. But the idea that the bottom is going to drop out of Oz property will require more negative stats than that one to convince me.

The main purveyor of the housing doom and gloom prophesy is a Professor Stephen Keen. He has been predicting a 20 – 30% drop in house prices for as long as I can remember. His time line for this price correction has long since passed and last year he had to walk from Canberra to Mt Kosziosko as he lost a bet with other economists. He was clothed but the actual bet was that he do it naked. I dont agree with his theories. I think the graphs and charts he uses are misleading.  But if you are interested in taking a closer look at his ideas go to his site.

The only reason he gets any credence at all with me is that occasionally his blogs are included in the Business Spectator newsletter run by the ABC’s Alan Kohler whose opinion I respect. If you wish to subscribe to a well balanced and informative business blog then try it at www.businessspectator.com.au
Council Issues
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Granny Flats
Good news that Byron Council dropped the developer Section 96 fees for adding a granny flat (around $20,000 each). It was a bit hard for them to maintain promoting affordable housing while keeping this eronneous tax intact. I know a lot of people were lobbying for this. Now we still have to get them to expand it to include rural residential properties as well. At present it is only permissible to add a granny flat in urban residential areas on land blocks over 200 M2 and not at all in rural zones. As you know I have been gathering a lot of good info over the years on building granny flats and house conversions to add extra rental. Contact me if you would like to consult.

Holiday Letting
Looks like council is gearing up to take on holiday letting again. (For non locals this is where people let out houses to tourists without any legal or council approvals). I take a different approach and probably not a popular one. To me Byron Bay is a tourist town and trying to limit that instead of nurturing and managing it is a bad idea. My problem is I have never met anyone whose quality of life is being diminished by holiday letting in their neighborhood. I am sure it exists but is it as prevalent as what we think?

I do agree that Holiday Letting is unfair on the local hotel, motel and B&B industry. These businesses have to employ people and pay all the insurances, taxes and fees and holiday letters can undercut them so its not a level playing field. People who run businesses with multiple properties or are absent landlords need to be registered and pay a levy.

I just let my house for Easter as I am close the Blues Fest site. I let it to friends of friends and first night they stayed up late and disturbed my neighbours. My neighbor called me at 1.30 AM and I called the holiday makers and told them to go to bed and there was no more trouble. I think we are grossly over regulated in this country and some things should stay out of the clutches of administrators and bureaucrats.
Are you a PUMCIN?
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You have heard of DINKs – Duel Income No Kids.
Then there was KIPPERS – Kids IN Parents Place Eating Retirement Savings.
Now you have to ask yourself if you are PUMCINS – Professional Urban Middle Class In Nice Suburbs.

Give away signs that you are PUMCINS is if you have goats cheese in the fridge and have a life long affection for Paris. Even though the first and last time you were there was on a Kon Tiki tour in your 20′s. Byron Bay is full of PUMCINS so welcome to the new demographic that advertisers and corporations want to market to.
That’s a Wrap!
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Thanks to those who called about my new Venders Advocacy service. I am glad to see I will be filling a gap in the market. It can be a difficult and confusing time deciding whether, when or how to sell.

Some of you may also noticed my advertising in the Echo. I have now sourced a new finance funder that is offering great mortgage product at great rates. Just in case you missed it is:
- 60% Lo Doc  – 7.19%
- 80% Lo Doc – 7.49%
- 75% Lite Doc – 6.9%
- 75% Non Resident Loan – 7.04%
- 90% Full doc owner occupier – 6.85%
- 95% Investment Loan – 6.99%

I was going to wait until later today to see if interest rates were going up but most people predict we stay on hold. So a reprieve for a bit longer.

Look forward to catching up with you in May.
May the force be with you!
That’s all for this month and thanks for all your great feedback.
Cheers,
Michael Murray
0428 555 501

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Good Morning Byron and Beyond,   
Wet wet wet! this has been the second wettest summer on record. Records started in the mid 1800s. Lately I have been spending quite some time dealing with client’s storm water run off problems, retaining walls and general drainage issues. I once owned a property built into the side of a hill that had not dealt adequately with water run off and it was an ongoing problem.  

Part of this soggy situation is that we have forgotten how wet our summers can be. We have had many years of dry weather. I remember the late 80s and early 90′s where we would have solid weeks of non stop rain in February, March, and April. Wouldn’t it be strange if we have a completely dry Blues Fest this year – the opposite of the traditional wet Easter?
Vendor Advocacy
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I am starting a new service. It is something I have already been doing for free but am now going to charge for it. I am often asked by people to give advice about how to list their properties and what may be the best strategy. Buyer’s agents in the city do this and I believe I can bring my experience to the selling, as well as, the buying process.

The service will include:
- Giving an approximate listing estimate (agents and valuers occasionally do not provide the true market valuation).
- Advice on which listing agents to use
- How to present your property for best results (people often do things thinking it will help a sale and is either a waste of money or makes things worse).
- Assist in negotiating commissions and listing agreements.
- Assess marketing costs.
- Deciding the big one! To sell or not to sell?
- Be available throughout the whole sale process with independent and confidential advice.

Unlike other vendor advocates, I will be charging a reasonable hourly rate instead of a percentage commission. If you or anyone you know are interested in this service, please contact me.
Buying Sun Hats in Winter
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The big question on people’s minds is how long will this buyer’s market last.  No one has a crystal ball and there are many differing opinions. One minority opinion is that Oz property is grossly overvalued and still needs to drop another 20 -  30% to be in line with international prices. I am not an advocate of this future. This proposition is not feasible when you consider that housing demand is so acute and residential rental in most places is still very high. Rental return will always act as a support floor to any property price drop. Unless a zillion Australians suddenly decide they would rather be camping out I don’t see it happening.

There are as many properties listed now as when we were in the aftermath of the GFC – 2008. It may well be that this winter offers up some discounted properties for those who are prepared to jump. Terry Ryder, founder of www.hotspotting.com.au has said in the weekend Australian last Saturday – “investors willing to detach from the herd and act independently can profit from exploiting this buyers market”. He means that often by the time the average investor takes initiative the market has already changed and the bargain window has closed.

I know of a few good investment properties at the moment that are selling below replacement value. Any one interested can contact me and I will send them a few options of what is available.
Building Troubles
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Politics, politics! I have been coming up with woeful predictions lately and sorry to burden you with one more. The federal government is considering a plan being instigated by the unions to make independent contracting more difficult. Apparently they want to eradicate rogue rorting by sham contractors but really it is a ploy by the unions to get a lot of contractors back online as due paying employees. This may be realistic for large construction sites but this will cause mayhem for small independent contractors in the housing market. Already the cost of building a new home is a sickening proposition for most people. To make it more costly by doing away withe the efficiency and cost effectiveness of independent contractors working at around $45 an hour is crazy.
Snippets
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Brokers in the groove
New research by MFAA/Bankwest shows that people in regional areas have a 30% more satisfaction rating than those dealing directly with a bank. This satisfaction rating is now at 67% as opposed to 53% this time last year. The reason stated is because brokers give better service. We come across this disparity often in our dealings with clients who also have an interaction across a bank desk. There are some good people working at banks but there are some also young inexperienced wannabes who give outrageously inappropriate advice and are believed by the client just because they have big bank logo sitting on their desk.

It is a very competitive market at the moment between brokers and between brokers and the banks. There is also 20.5% less loans for owner occupiers being written now than this time last year.  If you are one of our existing clients being tempted or poached please call me before signing anything.  

Myocum tip
The hills of Myocum are to me one of the most sought after locations in Byron Shire. This is the area that includes Tyagerah Road and Macauleys Lane and incorporates Benloro Lane and Manse Road. I call this area the Golden Triangle. The other top spot is the hills just north of Bangalow incorporating Possum Creek and Friday Hut Road. I will be watching with interest the recent news reports saying that the Manse Road tip  is more than just a bad smell.I am sure there are many locals concerned about leaking property prices in line with with leaking toxicity from the dump. More on this later.

Affordable Housing
I will also be watching with interest the ongoing debate on affordable housing. As I have stated in previous newsletters, the only viable immediate solution is for us all to keep building illegal studios and granny flats. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the recent seminar and from what I can see the only novel concept to surface is the idea to utilise the unused railway land for demountable temporary housing. As I have mentioned previously I am available to discuss with anyone who is thinking of adding a rental on their property.

More Self Promotion
My partner Susanna Carmen is a very talented singer songwriter and will be performing around the east coast and in the shire over the next few months – look out for her on www.susannacarman.com.

AND – its all about ME!!! as well. This article appeared recently in the Domain and gives some good info about how I work and the type of things I do. Have a read:
Domain article

Interest Rates
Interest rates have been left on hold for the 5th straight month and with talk of maybe only one more rate rise this year. This has generally lowered interest in fixed rates but still happy to talk to anyone interested in the pros or cons of fixing.
Love of Limericks
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I am going to start a great tradition and every 362nd newsletter end it with a limerick. The Washington Post, a very weighty media org, recently had a competition for the best limerick that included the words ‘Lewinsky’ (the Intern) and ‘Kaczynski’ (the Unabomber). And the winner was:

Lewinsky and Clinton have shown
What Kaczynski must surely have known,
That an intern is better
Than a bomb in a letter
When deciding how best to be blown.

And a recent local favourite – for all those poets who can never find a word to rhyme with Australia:

There was once an old man from Australia
Who painted his bum like a dahlia.
The colour was fine
As was the design
But the aroma was a bit of a failure.

That’s all for this month and thanks for all your great feedback.
Cheers,
Michael Murray
0428 555 501

Street Talk

The mood on the street at the moment is a bit mixed to say the least.

On the one hand we have a legion of experts predicting we are about to have another massive property boom. There are many investors and overseas buyers entering the market. Melbourne has had an exceptional year with a 17% increase in 09 and Sydney is not far behind. And if recent history is anything to go by then watch out Byron region. Byron Bay boomed the year after Sydney and Melbourne took off in 2002 so if the pro punters are correct – this will be a big year for the Byron area.

On the other hand there is also a legion of opposing punters saying that we are in for whats called a double dip. That the down turn of 2008 was just one half of an ugly twin and we are about to cop another major disruption. Led once again by more property collapse in the USA.

If anything the yeasayers outnumber the naysayers but I am not in the prediction business and prefer to stick to what is!
WHAT TO DO?
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The basics still hold firm. Buy good property in a good location at the right price and if possible hold for the long term. History has proven over many decades that this is the most effective way to build wealth.

That is what I can help with and there are some good options at present. The current credit constriction has forced many people to put good properties on the market at price that represents excellent value. If the market does jump it will be good buying and if the doomsayers are right then holding for the long term means that a slight downturn in value will not be problematic. If it is a rental property it will not matter as I do not see rental rates remaining anything but strong.

GOOD PICKINGS
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In this present newsletter I am just going to list some good properties that I think are good buying. The descriptions are brief but I you would like more info, let me know and I can send more info:

Suffolk Park
For those not area of the spectacular run our little beach side suburb has had for most of this decade, then be told so. There are a few places for sale down there. Quite a lot along beach front Alcorn at over $2M.

A very keen seller with 3 bed 1.5 Bath unit for $439,000. Rents for $430 PW so not far away from covering a mortgage.

House on good size block only 2 blocks from the beach. Established holiday rental yielding $75K PA. For Sale for $1.1M

Ocean Shores
Most of the good stock of entry level housing in Ocean Shores has been cleared by First Home Buyer Boosters and investors. Many mid level properties available around $550 – $600K and higher. But vacant blocks are good value and there are some good ones with good views at around $300K. Good buying if you are able to keep building costs down. I have ideas in this area!!!!

Also available- 3 bed 2 bath house across the road from beach in secluded gated estate. This is a steal as owner will listen to offers and presently listed at $590,000.

Brunswick Heads
Last year Brunswick Heads got some press as the preferred place to settle over Byron Bay. Locals there seem to love it and prices reflect that.
I have one beautifully finished 4 bed 2 bath dwelling with separate guest quarters in the heart of town for $1.09M. Worth a look.

Mullumbimby
I am surprised the this large house on 3 titles has not already gone at $730K. Not long to wait for sewerage moratorium to lift and will have easy boundary adjustment and separate title.

Bruny Island Tasmania
I know this out of my usuall stomping ground but worth a look for an investor. 19 acres with an approved DA in place for 5 Eco villas on strata title. Beautiful Ocean and coastal views. 5 titles will sell for $200 – $250K each and keen seller will let the lot go for $450K.

FINANCE STUFF
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RBA increased bank rate by .25% last tuesday. Predicters are hinting that they may lay off for a month or two as property prices stayed stable or even fell back a bit in the March quarter. After a steller final 2 quarters of 09.

New Services
BPS is now offering property purchase loans through Self Managed Super Funds. Contact me for more information on that.

Also going well is BPS offering private finance deals, caveat lending and short term finance.

Offer:
Any previous clients who have been happy with our service and would care to refer to us a new client, any completed deals from this referral will be rewarded with a free IPod! Please send my newsletter on to your friends or relatives who are interested in finding out more about our services.

Thanks for your time and look forward to being of service for all of your property and finance requirements.
Take care,
Michael Murray

0428 555 501

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Disclaimer: This is a general topic newsletter only and is not to be considered as personal financial advice.

Byron Bay Writers Festival

The clock is ticking, the key boards are clacking, the delete keys are panting and the send and receive icons are hysterical with anticipation. In less than 4 weeks the opening night curtain will draw back and the show will commence. The Festival furore is furoreing all over Australia with guests preparing for one of the most diverse and esteemed literary festivals on the planet.

You may be surprised to know that we strive to cater for many diverse demographics without sacrificing quality. The Byron Bay Writers’ Festival offers a unique chai sipping, brain quenching, whale watching, tree hugging, motivating, good buzzing, cool surfing, high talking, fast reading, epiphany enhancing, awe inspiring, stimulating, tantalising, thought provoking, jaw dropping, eyes popping,  literary Feast.

Over 100 writers come to ride the progressive ideas wave that ripples throughout the Arts both nationally and internationally. With a 3 day pass you get to sit and weave your senses through the brilliance of Australia’s literati.

There’s fiction, journalism, fantasy, facts and prose,
Poets and writers from the sublime to the morose
There’s comedy, drama and misery in equal strife
There’s surfing, philosophy and how to satisfy your wife
There’s depth for the old prosaic and wise
There’s stuff for the young apples of our eyes
There are workshops and panels that take some beating
There’s quality and insights for the diehards and fleeting
As usual there’s the seasoned and there’s the freshmen
Literally mingling with the smartest and best of ‘em
It’s silly and dry and it’s witty and wry
It’s quite frankly more value than your money can buy !

It’s truly one of the best value for money festivals around. It’s THE Byron Bay Winter event. If you want entertainment, education or perhaps you are andaspiring writer yourself … visit www.byronbaywritersfestival.com . If you’re shy … put your tale between your legs and come anyway!!

Brunswick Beach Art

There’s nothing like a spontaneous communal free sculpture exhibition with audience participation to lift the spirits and dispel the laments and cries of, “the terrible, terrible night the beach at Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads was washed away and all its fury and debris slung at the shore in place of squeaky white sand.”

So what are Byron Shire folk famous for? Their heart, spirit and a sense of optimism and a strong appreciation of beauty. Byron Bay in its 200 year history has adapted and rolled with the punches of the ocean – from piers disappearing, houses being lost and beach and habitat turned upside down.  And at point 22B just 10 minutes walk towards Byron from Brunswick Heads’ Beach you can see the debris being miraculously assembled into raw and almost breathing works of art.

I don’t know who started it. I have seen children and random people adding to it and I have been compelled to go every day to add a little bit. I was lost in my childhood today – down there for a few hours. I was encouraging people who stopped to appreciate the works to add something – great or small. And they do. And it’s becoming beautiful. Some shy some bold … you can tell a lot about a personality as to how they sign their name with a branch, a twig, a plastic rings, bright colours or shy things.

So if you feel inclined to bring out your artistic soldier for beauty then come along. It’s the best meditation and relaxation I know. The best part about it is that you cannot get it wrong and someone will add to what you do – so there’s no room for ownership and copyright. Today someone had added the most delightful shell looking like angels wings over the words of LOVE that I had written with twigs only yesterday It’s a living, moving and priceless non-precious work of human-nature.
Soon as the moon ripens to a luminous fullness the tides will rise to salute the moon and in the certainty and majesty of that salute it will thank us for the art and take it away. A great reminder for the impermanence of it all … the oneness of the cycle of creation and destruction. And it’s all beautiful. I am looking forward to watching its demise … even then it will be changed and will always look fresh and new until not a trace of it is left.

Brunswick Beach Art 2

But what will remain is the memory of the beauty and hope it represented and no one will talk of the night the beach was stolen from our very eyes … only the miracle of art that was born from that night. And children might see storms like Christmas leaving gifts of debris to assemble in aesthetic order for no other reason than to pass the time and evoke smiles.

Who knows … we might even come to include storms as a magnificent part of nature … tidying up the backyard, discarding the old to make way for the new. As Mother Nature is so prone to do.

SEE ALSO: Environemental Byron Bay artist John Dahlsen and his recycled art created from found objects.

Of course the best way to have the direct experience is to get up close and personal with the whales between June and November. There are some wonderful Byron Bay tour operators that can safely ferry you into a wonderful winder wonderland out on the ocean. Teams of professionals who respect the whales and are often involved in collecting data for scientific research.

If your sea faring legs are not working you still have the opportunity day and night to see the whales pass as you walk Main Beach Byron Bay or my favourite place to watch this sacred passage is at Wategos and Little Wategos or Lighthouse. Take a warm drink and some sandwiches and some binoculars (optional) and wait. It’s the meditation of a lifetime … delightful dolphins will usually entertain you whilst you wait, surfing the waves and showing off. If the sun is shining the waters are warm enough to swim … you can almost feel the electricity of anticipation in the waters.

During a full moon night I was once fortunate to take some friends, some champagne and some snacks to Little Wategos. We were well rugged up and kind of in an altered state just watching the enormous moon rise and the sheer brilliance of the almost straight white line it shone on the flat ocean. It was mythical, mystical and the perfect setting to see some whales. They showed up in their magnificence with their calves. They played for us directly in the moon light … I know, sounds a a little Spielberg, but it’s true. They splashed their gigantic tales and caused mini tsunamis. They spurted gallons of water and playfulness into the air. It sounds a little kooky but it’s as if the show was for us, like they knew we were watching and appreciating them. They are grand masters and when they sang we were all so moved. There’s something so beautifully shaming about how we treat this Earth, the oceans and each other. Somehow the whales represent forgiveness and acceptance. After all we have done to them for almost 100 years, almost causing extinction they still come and give us joy. Many watchers know some of the whales by sight and watch them return each year and salute their loyal fans.

Happily, Australia has made peace with the whales and spends much time, research and money on preserving this magnificent species.
Some facts:

• Whales are marine mammals of order Cetacea. They include the blue whale, the largest living animal.
• Like all mammals, whales breathe air into lungs, are warm-blooded, feed their young milk from mammary glands, and have some hair, although very little.
• The migratory path of Australia’s East Coast Humpback whales brings them so close to Byron Bay that they are often sighted within a few hundred meters of Cape Byron.
• Some whales are classed as predators, but their food ranges from microscopic plankton to very large fish. Males are called bulls; females, cows. The young are called calves.
• Because of their environment (and unlike many animals), whales are conscious breathers: they decide when to breathe. All mammals sleep, including whales, but they cannot afford to fall into an unconscious state for too long, since they need to be conscious to breathe. It is thought that only one hemisphere of their brains sleeps at a time, so that whales are never completely asleep, but still get the rest they need. This is thought because whales often sleep with only one eye closed.
• Whales communicate with each other using lyrical sounds, called whale song. Being so large and powerful, these sounds are also extremely loud (depending on the species); sperm whales have only been heard making clicks, as all toothed whales (Odontoceti) use echolocation and can be heard for many miles. They have been known to generate about 20,000 acoustic watts of sound at 163 decibels.
• Females give birth to a single calf. Nursing time is long (more than one year in many species), which is associated with a strong bond between mother and young. In most whales reproductive maturity occurs late, typically at seven to ten years. This mode of reproduction spawns few offspring, but provides each with a high probability of survival in the wild.
• The male genitals are retracted into cavities of the body during swimming, so as to be streamlined and reduce drag and to prevent injury. Most whales do not maintain fixed partnerships during mating; in many species the females have several mates each season. At birth newborn are delivered tail-first, minimising the risk of drowning. Whale cows nurse by actively squirting milk the consistency of toothpaste into the mouths of their young preventing loss to the surrounding aquatic environment.

The Byron Bay whale watching season goes from June to November.

Things to do in Byron Bay

Tyagara Tea Tree Lakes

There used to be a little secret in Byron Bay – then it hit the internet and it’s not such a secret anymore. But it still has the whisper of a secret. It’s an oasis of tea-tree wonder. It’s a pristine lake – the colour of Golden Syrup or well brewed silky tea. It’s free of crocodiles, leeches and creatures and things that nip at your toes or your nipples or your dangling doodles. Yes – you guessed it; for the most part it’s a clothing-optional lake. It almost insists that you undress. It inspires you to get your kit off. It is so ‘natural’ that you just want to join in wearing the clothes that God gave you. And it feels wonderful on the skin.

Tyagarah Lake is so so beautiful in Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall. That’s right – Seasonally Stunning! Of course it’s a little colder in the winter but after the sun beating on it all day – it’s still a lot warmer than the ocean waves down at Tyagarah Beach. You are more sheltered from the ocean breeze which can be fierce at times and the sand can be vicious when it’s wrapped in the wind and heading for your sunburned skin at unrelenting speed. Tyagarah Lake is a haven. But it’s not a noisy beachy type of vibe. Be still, be quiet, relax.

This is how to enjoy the Lake. Bring reverence to nature, bring stillness and gratitude.

Do not take your music. Your speakers and radio. Do not take your friend who cannot stop talking. Do not take your friend with that really high pitched piercing laugh. Do not take your whole family for a crazy picnic with water games. Do not take a ball to splash and shout in the water. Do not come to disturb other people. To not come to meet and socialise. You get the idea … Shhhhhhh.

And please respect the boundaries of your fellow lake dwellers. Keep Tyagarah Lake a safe place for men, women and children. Do not speak to people uninvited (or worse stand over them when you are nude and they are nude and say something ridiculous like, “Isn’t it just beautiful?”  It’s unnerving and intimidating – especially for women who are coming for some tranquility and undisturbed nature. It’s a simple matter of taking care of each other.

And on a weird and smelly note – If you hang your clothes up on the very convenient tips of broken off branches you might want to shake them before you put them back on. The first time I didn’t do the obligatory shake down. I literally had ants in my pants. Just very small ants. Not the big biting oh the pain is so bad I think my leg is going to fall off ants. Just your regular tiny little ants. So what’s the big deal you say? Well – as you move, and sit in the car and crush the little buggers they omit a smell. Yes, this tiny miniscule insect omits a sweet but not so pleasant astringent, almost disinfectant like tea-tree kind of odour. And as you scratch though your clothes and your t-shirt and your pants, you get more and more smelly. It was a little freaky at first as I was convinced that it was me – well it was coming from me. But no – it’s the ant. They leave a smell trail wherever they go so they can find their way home when they go looking for food. They do this by leaving drops of a special liquid. When you crush them this is what you smell in concentrated form.

Now I bet you never knew that !

Flipper-Flipper ¸.•*¨*✿.•*¨`*~❤

There are very few places in Australia with the sub-tropical climate of Byron Bay that offer in equal measure superb beaches and pastoral hinterland and teaming  rain-forests. Byron is unique because Byron Bay is nestled in front of beautiful mountain ranges that tumble into the sea. Mount Chincogan and Mount Warning loom and follow you as the roads twist and turn. But follow all the roads downhill and you will end up at some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.

Beautiful and Safe! What the tourism brochures do not tell you about the beautiful Northern Territory and even Far North Queensland is that swimming in the ocean is dangerous – there are many stingers, blue bottles, jelly fish with all sorts of painful and bitter woes and of course crocodiles and sharks.  Byron occasionally has a few blue bottle stingers blow through but that is rare. And the no.1 fear in the water is Sharks. Thanks to Jaws the movie we are a people terrified of sharks.

The Beaches in Byron are clean, safe and range from calm swimming areas, to wild surf and body boarding waters to the placid kayaking with the dolphin waters. Although the water temperature can vary by a degree or two it’s still possible to swim all year round with the Summer months preferable because the air temperature is warmer when you get out.

I swim from the Pass to the Life Surf club 3 times a week and yes I have seen sharks swimming underneath me minding their own business. There are a group of swimmers in Byron called The Winter Whales who swim every day at 8am the same route. Why do people ask in fear and dread, “Are there sharks?”  Well you would not go to a stud farm and ask are there horses? The ocean is where sharks live. But the fear and exaggerated emotionality around sharks is a curious phenomenon. Even though you really do have more chance of being struck by lightening here in Australia than being attacked (not even killed) by a shark … no one appears to be as phobic of rain storms. It’s the opposite – we love to watch this awe-inspiring spectacle even at the risk of being struck by a bolt from the black.  According to statistics there are 120,000 deaths a year by accident in Australia and less than one a year is shark related.

We of course have to treat the water with respect and inexperienced swimmers must not go to far out as rips and deep water can be very dangerous. But this is where Byron Bay Main Beach is perfect – the Bay itself rarely has dangerous rips and there are lifeguards to inform and direct you about the daily conditions. Some of the other beaches are more suited to surfers and experienced swimmers. If you want a child safe beach that has no waves – Try Torakina Beach in Brunswick Heads only 12 mins drive north of Byron Bay.

The other major factor to consider is sun protection and hydration. Always take plenty of water and slip, slap, slop – slip on some clothing, slap on a hat and slop on some sun screen. I often swim in a rashee – a surfers long sleeve top that is UV safe!  Take a beach umbrella or a beach tent and always check the tide and the weather conditions – The Life Guards usually have this information.
So with your fears and your safety in mind in the next blogs we will look at the beach choices in Byron … seen from a local’s perspective.

I also have a romantic view of my death … I would rather be known as “Good old Paul … was taken by a shark whilst doing what he loves best – swimming the Bay.” I think it’s much better than “Did you hear? Paul was hit and killed by the Ballina to Byron Bay bus”. If I have to go; then I’d rather have a mythical ending and not a public transport ending (now that would be tragic).

Read also our Byron Bay Beach Review

Brian Cadd at the Byron Bay Writers Festival

Every year as the program for the Byron Bay Writers Festival gathers momentum, writers are invited from far corners of Australia and beyond. Said Director Jeni Caffin “It’s a joy to scour the literary horizons and extend invitations to the leading lights and freshest voices on the Australian stage, but what brings equal delight is the fact that there are increasing riches to be plundered within our very own region.”  The Festival for 2009 boasts seventeen writers and Chairs from the Northern Rivers region, many of them participating for the very first time.

Jeni explains “It is no secret that the Northern Rivers boasts an extraordinary number of creative artists and writers figure largely among them. The Festival has grown well beyond the confines of the printed page and embraces writers of blog, stage, screen and song. In fact, song- writers have proved an essential feature of recent Festivals and it is in this context that I am proud to announce Brian Cadd will grace the Festival marquees in 2009. Brian is now a local and eternally a legend and I am delighted that he has consented to fit the Byron Bay Writers Festival into his hectic schedule.”

In a career that has spanned four decades, Brian has cemented his place as a key figure in the history of Australian music. People au fait with our musical heritage will remember 60′s band The Groop and the subsequent Axiom, although short-lived, provided hit after hit. There will be few unfamiliar with A Little Ray of Sunshine and Arkansas Grass. It didn’t end there: Brian is a prolific songwriter, producer and performer, working extensively in LA and Europe. Northern Rivers locals have been treated recently to sell-out concerts that saw Brian in tandem with great friend Russell Morris. Writers Festival audiences will meet Brian in conversation as he discusses the art of writing about love and constructing a narrative in song. (The Director is hoping for a burst of spontaneous performance!)

Said Jeni Caffin “Every year I put the invitations out there, never knowing who might say yes. When Brian did, I was excited for the fun in store for my audiences. He’s a brilliant, funny, generous man: just between us, I’m hoping this is a teaser for a return appearance with a memoir.in the near future. ”

Early Bird 3 day passes are still available, until 4 June. Visit www.byronbaywritersfestival.com to purchase.

Byron Bay Main Beach

Here they come the beautiful ones …

I have been avoiding the subject; it feels a little exposing (and that’s the subject). I feel I might be misunderstood when I speak of what I cannot speak about. When I even hint at what I want to say I blush in beautiful Byron Bay. I guess I just have to say it …

Lately every time I go into Byron Bay, or especially to Wategos or Main Beach, I am afraid for my life. My heart speeds up and my eyes pop out and other things want to pop up and out and I need to move away from the beach … I need to put my hands in the air, I repeat, put your hands in the air and move away from the beach. I take myself into one of the local Cafés and sit bemused and that little voice inside my head laments over my misspent youth and the regret that I can never misspend it again and I stir deep into my chai late.

I know I’m not being very clear here … Byron Bay can have that effect. The total holiday relaxation haze. So I do need to come clean. Here goes.

I feel like a dirty old man. Now I’m not old. I’m 42. I’m young at heart and consider myself kind of with it. (Maybe that’s a symptom of dirty old man syndrome).  I’m fit and healthy and my body still looks reasonably held together in tight jeans, thongs and a rip curl T-shirt (maybe that’s another sign – dressing like a teenager). But some things have changed and some things have not changed.  I can see that clearly. But what has changed is either my appreciation for fashion (or the lack of) or my lament for my youth.

Here goes … the fashion. It’s about exposing as much of yourself, on and off the beach, day and night, every hour that God sends it’s driving me crazy. I want what I cannot have and I want what does not want me. I could never have imagined that showing the top of your pubic hair (the boys) and your ass crack would be fashionable on the streets. Who would have thought that showing your ass crack, and the peep of your Brazilian and the barely covering of your nipples (the girls) would be every day street-wear? Byron Bay has to have the most beautiful looking men and women on the planet. They are sent in droves to torture me.

Happily my moral conduct and boundary intelligence is wholesome and pure. The most I do is ogle discretely behind my Oakleys (are they still in fashion – more things to think about?). I am self-aware and self-respecting enough to never put my own ludicrous fantasies on to the pert nubiles. More for absolute selfish reasons. I could say unrequited love is too painful. But the truth is I hate rejection and that is of course what would happen. I am not going to set myself up now am I? But oh no, here they come the beautiful ones …

“Oh hi – Love your sunnies – Are they DKNY ? They’re great. Hi – I’m a local. Lived here for years. You on holiday? Yeah … Great – Enjoy ! Maybe I could, er, you know, show you around, all the hidden places that only few get to see (Then God forbid and shame upon shame I actually wink).  There’s some beautiful, crazy beautiful spots, (I know I need to shut up but I can’t). You’d love it !! ”

“Sorry mate … but we’re chockers all week – but thanks anyway.”

And there it is … in one fell swoop I am devastated, alone, rejected, blubbering, humiliated and my nose pressed up hard against the locked candy store window. So this is how it is from now on ….

And ah, there they go, the beautiful ones.

Byron Bay Camper Van

The Byron Shire Council seams to be moving ahead with banning illegal camping, or parking your campervan on a car park over night. There have been complaints about noise coming from campervans parked in residential areas.

The Byron Shire News quoted a Butler Street couple having counted 23 vans in their vicinity one night over Easter.

Planning director Ray Darney admits, “it’s not an easy task. As soon as we move them on from one spot, they turn up in another.”

He said rangers had carried out regular patrols of streets known for camping and had directed people to move on as well as issuing on-the-spot parking fines.

Rangers also directed more than 500 campers to roadside rest areas at Bangalow, Tyagarah, North Ocean Shores and Yelgun over Easter alone.

The best is you go on one of the official camping sites but if you can not make it because you arrived in the middle of the night you can stay over night on these car parks indicated in the map with a blue marker.

Click on the blue place markers for more information.
View Campervan Camping Sites Byron Bay in a larger map

The ultimate Byron Bay hug

There’s no place quite like Byron Bay for progressive thinking, being and feeling. Byron Bay is one of the world’s leading alternative therapy and cutting-edge psychology training grounds. Literally everyone has two or three professions. Your local plumber can fix your tap and crack your back. Your electrician can fix your light and guide you to the light. Your pest control agent will relieve you of rodents and exterminate your ego. Your local baker will rise your loaves and raise your vibration. Your massage therapist will soothe your joints and roll you joints. People here are just so bloody talented – multi tasking and the necessities that change in high and low tourist season make Byron Bay an extremely fascinating beach town.

But if you want to fit in and act like a local there is one thing that you must know about. You must be aware of boundaries and especially how not to puncture them. (I love psycobabble – don’t you?) Of course I am talking about the all important HUG.

Now, I am British and I have been programmed to offer my hand when I meet a stranger. It’s a habit I can’t shake – excuse the terrible pun. It’s automatic and it makes me feel safe. I shake and then gauge what the vibe, permissions and expectations are. Most of the time I get it right. My absolute pet hate is when people, friends or even family launch for a ‘hello’ kiss on the lips. My lips are reserved for my lover – sorry no sneaking that longed for pash! (snog, tongue-twister, French kiss.) In my experience it is safer to keep your lips tightly packed away for first meetings. The French air kiss is perfect – three little audible pecks in the ear whilst almost touching cheeks. It says, “I’m open, friendly, I care but not too much, we can get close but not too close and I’m cultivated in the European ways.” It’s Safe,  Sexy and can be a little bit cheeky. But not in Byron Bay – it’s seen as cold and disconnected. So if you want to be embraced as a local, you must embrace The Byron Bay HUG.
The Byron Bay Hugging Protocol demands you know the 3 principle Hugs.

THE A FRAME – For both sexes anywhere outside of Byron Bay. Your rear end must stick out. Nothing must touch below the shoulders. Make the shape of the letter A.  This is a fast in and fast out hug. If you feel a little uncomfortable opt for speed and a couple of slaps on the back. But do not slap a woman. Use the gentle pat instead. Heimlich Manoeuvres are a real turn off and although they leave a clear throat they also leave a very bad first impression – which of course you will never get a second shot at. The A Frame should be reserved for the office, ending a disaster date and most everyone at church and especially your wife’s sexy sister (or husband’s hot younger brother).

THE MAN on MAN HUG -  In so fast and quick slap on the back (only one slap unless someone has died then another slap shows great sympathy) then fast out. Shake hands with the right hands. Avoid eye contact at all times – this is not a joke. You must never look a man in the eyes whilst doing the man-on-man hug. Both look to your right as far away as you can. Straining is good so that the back of your heads are aligned but not touching. Move in with only shoulder contact. You can say inane things like; “what up, yo, hey and bro.” You must never say anything with the word nice or good in it e.g. “It’s good to see you. You look good. Nice to see you. Nice outfit.” You can have the optional tight manic grin with a hardcore emotionless wink. The Man on Man Hug reserved for men you are acquainted with. All men when you are in any public place. Fathers, Grand fathers and your wife’s gay brother (more for his sensibilities – you don’t want to give a mixed message here). Never hug another man on a first meeting – EVER !

The Byron Bay Hug – It’s basically the Man hug in reverse. Move in very very slowly – think slow motion and then slow it down again. You must never lose eye contact even if your right eye twitches uncontrollably. The secret is to look into just one eye. Trying to focus on two eyes that close can give you epilepsy. When you go in for the hug you must both move to the left so that your hearts are aligned. Press heart to heart (if your partner is a woman with large breasts you may have to press extra hard). Keep eye contact. Then move your pelvis forward. There must be no space or air between you and your partner. If you can feel pubic bone or any other bone this indicates that you are aligned correctly. Knees must also touch. Then push your bellies out. You must be able to feel your partners belly – this is vital for the next step.

Maintaining eye contact make some ‘knowing’ signal that it’s now the time to synchronise your breathing. One of you will magically stop breathing and fall into breathing step with your partner (proof of Divine intervention). Then hang in there for a few hours until one or both of you need to attend to other bodily functions. After a few hours or the onset of an epileptic fit you can break eye contact and rest your heads on each other’s shoulders and sigh gently in each other’s ears. WARNING – When it is time to let go and separate make sure that you have your therapists’ phone numbers handy (plumber, electrician, pest control agent, baker, massage therapist) as you may experience separation anxiety and abandonment issues. The Byron Bay Hug is reserved for absolutely anyone. It’s the most appropriate inappropriate hug known to man. Try it with perfect strangers, especially first meetings, old friends, new friends, sexy partners of your best friends, your friends’ parents, grand parents and even pets. Remember this is both a vertical and horizontal hug. The horizontal hug being much more conducive for the longevity and the ‘needy leg grip.’ For legal reasons we can only show this particular hug demonstrated on a tree.

When you perfect this you will be a true Byronite … an accepted and revered member of Beautiful Byron Bay and no longer seen as an A-framed disconnected Being.

P.S. Avoid Group Hugs at all costs. They deny true intimacy. Remember, trying to maintain eye contact with one person can be dangerous, but with more than one person it can be fatal. All group hugs are Ugly and should be reserved for Devil Worshippers or Byronites.

Geoffrey Robertson QC

It is with enormous delight that organisers of the Byron Bay Writers Festival 2009 announce that the Festival Opening Address will be delivered on Friday 7 August by internationally renowned human rights lawyer, Geoffrey Robertson QC. Perhaps most popularly known as presenter of the television series Hypotheticals, Mr Robertson is founder and head of Doughty Street Chambers, the UK’s leading human rights practice. In 2008, the UN Secretary General appointed him as one of three distinguished jurist members of the UN’s Internal Justice Council.

Said Festival Director Jeni Caffin “To say that this is a coup for the Writers Festival is an understatement. Geoffrey Robertson’s gracious acceptance is the culmination of two years of stalking. If you have not heard this powerful public intellectual in action, I urge you to join us into the marquees on the Belongil Fields site. The Festival thanks Southern Cross University, whose support has assisted in making this visit possible.”

Mr Robertson returns to Australia specifically to participate in the Festival program. Audience members may also listen to him in Conversation at the Festival site or meet him at the Friday literary lunch. The latest book from this respected writer and thinker is the 2009 release The Statute of Liberty: how Australians can take back their rights. This latter will be the subject of a separately ticketed public lecture at the Byron Community and Cultural Centre on Saturday 8 August.

Amongst the hundred literary luminaries illuminating the Festival program, readers will be rewarded with no fewer than fourteen local writers and thinkers. Northern Rivers writers with brand new books published by mainstream publishers include Tristan Bancks, Carl Cleves, Marele Day, Robert Drewe, Oren Siedler, George Whaley and Shirley Walker. Said Ms Caffin ” While we purr happily knowing that the Byron Bay Writers Festival has this year captured writers of the calibre of Delia Falconer, Tom Keneally, Linda Jaivin and Nicholas Jose, the Committee and I are equally stimulated at the wealth of local creative talent from which to draw. It is significant that several of the Northern Rivers authors participating will do so for the very first time. Our audiences will be sampling new blood, new words!”

The entire list of Festival writers, along with the complete program and full range of tickets, including feature events, literary lunches, launches and workshops, will be revealed 5 June. Information, updates and ticket purchases are available at www.byronbaywritersfestival.com

Most of the loans we are writing at present are with the major banks as they are giving the best deals. However I have serious misgivings about the future competitive nature of the finance industry. The CEOs of the 4 major Oz banks must be rubbing their hands with glee as they see a future with only themselves left standing and the government backing them up all the way. Now the latest PR stunt is giving an interest break of 12 months to anyone who has lost a job. It has been standard practice with any fund provider to discuss ways of minimizing stress to borrowers including a repayment moratorium. After the dust has settled I don’t see the major banks being so gracious when they have a monopoly.

Byron Bay House Prices?

Lots of crystal ball gazing is required at the moment on where house prices are heading. Local agents I talk to say its all good and lots of deals are being done. There is one guy out there getting lots of media attention saying more gloom and doom ahead but the wait of opinion is that we are out of “brickamortis”.

Brickamortis: (noun) Term used when the property market is frozen and no buying or selling because of fear and uncertainty. Originated in the UK where the property market resembles a body on a slab.

In the UK and USA prices have dropped by an average of 20%, while the national average here for ’08 has been 3.3%. According to RP data, dwelling prices rose by 1.2% in February. Both home and apartment prices are tracking higher.  Dwelling prices are now marginally higher than they were 3 months ago. Over the last 3 months, price increases were recorded in Darwin (+6.1%), Melbourne (+1.9%) and Sydney (+0.5), while prices fell in Perth (-1.0%), Adelaide (-1.3%), Canberra (-1.8%) and Brisbane (-2.2%).

If this is true I predict this winter will be the best time for buyers. Many agents say that after Easter we go into a property lull and doesn’t pick up again until next spring. From now till next spring may be a good opportunity for buying. Call me if you are interested in hearing more about what is out there!

Crisis? What Crisis?

Since the media is constantly using terms like “Credit Crisis” and “Financial Meltdown” many people assume you cannot get loans for residential property right now. This is not the case although there has been some voluntary tightening of application requirements. What are they, I hear you asking?

Full Doc: most fund providers have now lowered their LVRs (Loan to Value Ratio) to 90%.
Lo Doc: 80% Lo Doc is still available but a couple of the major banks request to see BAS statements if over 60%.
The main change to Lo Doc is the complete black and white restriction around tarnished credit rating. You will be shown the door without even a look in if you have had any defaults or credit problems – so keep all your statements in order. Watch out for disputes with mobile phone bills – that is away of people getting black mark.

This tightening of lending policies is a good thing but I also want to clear up the misapprehension that lending practices are lax. They are not and we have a sub prime mortgage rate of only 2% while in the states it is around 20%. We also have a highly regulated industry here and malpractice is minimum.

Short Snippets

Byron Bay falls off top spot
Good wake up call for the Bay in getting only 7th place in Tourism Council’s Top 100 holiday destinations. Yamba beat us at #1 and Esperance WA was #2. Yamba is a bit of a surprise but people who have been there how great Esperance is on the Southern coast of WA have often told me. Fur the full list of top 100 towns in Australia go to http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/5428626/best-towns-in-australia

Gen Y meets FHOG
First Home Owner Grant is not the only reason for keeping low-end (under $500K) firm. According to Bernard Salt, KPMG Demographer “the big story is that this Global Financial Crisis will force Generation Y into finally growing up, They will learn to take on commitment and the importance of assets. A new market in property will be selling to Gen Y, who will have their own distinct requirements for housing.”  He gave no indication in the report on what these “distinct requirements” would be but I assume small gardens, smart wired and broadband and close to the mall and a Starbucks. Gen Y is between 1980 and 1990 and may get on the treadmill faster as they apparently like fame and fortune and have never experienced economic uncertainty.

Special offer
Anyone thinking of refinancing you can take advantage of a special offer by one of the major banks. For a short while one of them is offering a $600 gift into your loan account and a waiver on the $355 establishment fee. That is combined cash and saving of nearly $1000. So jump in fast and get it done.

Hot Property
My new website is up and running and has a section called Hot Property where I will list places that I think are good options. There is a lot of on the market at the moment but I am finding that a large proportion is very shoddy and overvalued. I ran out of room to do it here as planned.
Till next time …..

Talk soon,  Michael

Michael Murray

Byron Bay Property Search
0428 555 501

Byron Bay in Sun and Rain

There are two primary elements that make Byron Bay so beautiful, the sunshine and the rain. Byron is a sub-tropical region and is prone to spells of both draught and flooding. But happily there is usually a balance and this produces lush green vegetation, rolling carpets of green hills in the hinterland and of course the rain forests sing sing sing. The local organic farmers are happy as the fresh rain, especially in the Summer months, promotes a great crop and a respite from the relentless sun.

Summer 2007/2008 saw a Summer wet season that was relentless and did effect the mood, vibe and spirit of Byron Bay. The tourists were frowning and the thriving industry that depends on the tourists to smile and spend were also frowning and busy with manifestation rituals, rain dances and getting to know the secrets of The Secret in order to fill their cash registers.
Summer 2008/2009 has been on the whole warm and sunny – with a few wet weeks. We are at the moment in a very wet week. It’s that kind of rain that reminds me of why I left England. But it is warm and I can still do some very exciting things:
1)  Byron has two movie theaters – The Dendy in the heart of Byron Bay and The Piggery Flicks at the Arts Factory. The Dendy is a great chain of cinemas bringing local, national and international cinema to Byron Shire with a commitment to Art House and Independent Cinema. There are also festivals that happen – check them out.

2)   When Byron Bay is being rained upon the waterfalls in the region are dancing and bubbling over with power and aliveness – this is of course the best time to see Minyon Falls in the Nightcap National Park. When it’s wet Minyon Falls are impressive – a real Australian Bush Adventure. It’s important to move inland and see the magnificent diverse land that Australia is.

3)   Talk to some of the locals behind Mullumbimby and they might point you in the right direction to off-the-beaten-track waterholes and rock waterfalls tucked away in the winding babble of Wilsons Creek. Visit 3 ways Café – you are sure to get a few ‘secret’ directions up there.

4)   Or stay at home, invite friends around, play cards – make some hot chai or aromatic local Byron Bay Coffee and just hang out. It’s the perfect time for connecting and slowing it all down.

See our 6 day Byron Bay Weather forecast and Things to do In Byron Bay

Brunswick Heads Kites and Bikes Festival

“I told you it was a fun day out for all the family. But you would not listen. So for God’s sake put your bra on, take your leather chaps off, get off the Harley Davidson and stop revving it. Dykes on Bikes only open at Mardi Gras – Not Brunswick Heads Kites and Bikes festival. ”

Alison looked so upset but I knew I was right. Still there’s nothing more painful to watch than a bare breasted lesbian riding up the Pacific Highway sobbing, feeling abandoned and rejected and just wanting to flap her big kite in the wind.

I live in Brunswick Heads so I thought I should at least show my face. I can get a little jaded with the local festivals. I can turn my English nose up and wish for something more sophisticated and cosmopolitan.  But I am so glad that I went.

There is something so wonderful and magical about kites. People from all over Byron Shire came to join in the furor; from Lennox to Tweed Heads they came on bicycles decorated and tandems and bikes that looked like stretch limousines. This little sleepy river oasis was jam-packed with children squealing with delight. The infamous Samba Blistas drum rolled the scene, their fiery red costumes against the placid blue sky was beautiful. Their rhythms just slip into the skin of the children and eventually seep into the grownups and then the ice-cream licking grannies and pops are all gyrating to an uninhibited beat.

Brunswick Heads Kites and Bikes Festival 09

It was typically Byron, tribal and family and just so colourful and magical. Byron Bay can capture the essence of traditional family and extended family values where everyone is included and welcomed. Just like the people there were so many different kinds of kites: a lone red heart fluttering in the breeze, a stranded cow looking for directions, a fine pair of legs skipping on the wind, 2 giant purple octopus reigning supreme and a lolloping dog chasing air born creatures of every colour, shape and size. From the humble to the downright garish – there was something for everyone to jaw drop. My camera was busy and my smile was broad. I then decided I needed a swim – it’s always a good idea to hold a festival on the beach – extra points from me !!

But I had rather a strange encounter as I dived in the waves … they were a little tumultuous and there were sweeps and rips. I found myself a little caught in one and noticed a woman, also in the water, watching me. I finally managed to swim out of the strife and came close by her. She said, “I’m a lifeguard and I was watching you … and I suddenly thought to myself I’ve never saved somebody topless before.” At which point I looked at her breasts and wished Alison had stayed. She would have so much enjoyed being rescued by a very friendly topless female lifeguard with the dramatic panoramic backdrops of kites in all colours of the rainbow.

Wategos Byron Bay

Would you like to be given a property in Australia’s most sought after beach side community? Beautiful, subtropical climate, sweeping ocean and mountain views, dolphins playing in your front yard, great investment opportunity, etc. Sounds like the perfect Real Estate pitch.

Today you can not imagine anybody refusing the offer but I just happened to bump into a Dutch immigrant that came to Byron Bay in the late 50′s, and he told us the story of his friend who had been given land in Wategos Beach by the Byron Shire Council for absolutely nothing.

Yes, back in those days nobody really wanted to live in Byron Bay, a little beach town, far away from everything with the scent of rotten whale corpses. Doesn’t really sound like a holiday destination, does it?

To populate the area the Byron Shire council decided in 1958 to give away land with the condition of everyone having to build a house on it within two years. So they set up a raffle and our ‘informer’s’ friend ended up with the biggest block in Wategos. What a happy man.

I can hear what you are thinking; “I wish it would have been me, big block – what’s it worth today?, he must be a millionaire today and be living the happily ever after.” We don’t know exactly, but what we do know is that this man did not manage to build his beachside shack within the two years and decided to hand the block back to the council. Oops!

When I was a young guy in the 70s, there were lots of cults, fads and scenes etc. One outfit were the “survivalists” who decided to go bush, get off the grid and live off the land. I admit I flirted with this idea and lifestyle for a while myself. We are having a revival of the survivalists now with the present global meltdown reminiscent of the imminent nuclear meltdown we all expected to happen at anytime in the 70s. I am not downplaying the present financial collapse and “Yes, this is serious Mum!”. But the tide goes in and the tide goes out. We had a huge equity bubble with rising asset prices and liquidity and now we are having an equally huge negative bubble to balance it out.

But unlike the 70s, today we have two extra turbo driven machines that make all things twice as extreme – a sensationalist media and the internet. The media is out of control and I notice myself when I allow it in to my subconscious too much it takes over my judgement and I become reactive. The internet is great and can help in bringing major positive changes like the election of Barak Obama. However the amount of information we need to process is demanding and it allows a format to many people and opinions and not all are completely productive – yes people like me you may scoff!
Is property on the rise?

While the stock market is still wobbly, there are signs that the property market is looking stronger. The bottom end of the market (under $500k) is still going gang busters due to the success of the First Home Owners Grant. Over a quarter of the  new homes built last year and almost 70% of the sales in the December quarter are getting some financial assistance through FHOG. There is some talk that the government may extend it as part of there stimulus package.

Here are just a few of the pundits spruiking up property:

* Watch the editor BRW predicting that property is on the rise:  http://media.domain.com.au/?rid=46432&s_rid=FHBG_Video

* Australian Property Monitors came out with the 50 Hot spots for units and houses – Ballina houses made the list.

* Michael Matusik, respected property analyst, was asked recently at an Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) function if the property market has bottomed. He said, ‘If you look at resale values, very much so. The slide in the property market had bottomed and a doubling in the growth [rate] of home prices is expected over the next 2 years.”

* Sydney property Guru John McGrath says: “To my mind, the move in interest rates is the defining factor for investors. Eighteen months ago, investment properties were financed at 9.25% and grossing yields of 4%, but now the mortgage rate is about 5.2% and some gross rents in Sydney are at 5.25% or more.”

The Investment Clock

Speaking of pundits and the ebb and flow of cycles – it may be a good time to revisit the investment clock. Commentators are suggesting we are currently somewhere between 7 and 8 o’clock – falling interest rates and rising share prices. Many are also asking the value of such a shorthand metaphor, it may bounce around the clock at random and we may be stuck between 7 and 8 for some time.

Other interesting Links

Fixed rates over variable:
A lot of people are curious about getting out of their fixed rate and getting back into a variable rate since rates have tumbled so much. Yes it does look attractive but in some cases it may not be viable as the fee to exit a fixed rate can be very prohibitive. If you want to look into it some more Click Here
If you would like to talk about it some more then don’t hesitate to call us.

Running the numbers:
Keep this calculator page bookmarked for any future time you want to know anything about what the costs are around home purchase. There is one section comparing two home loans against each other. Bring your choice to us and we will run the numbers for you. If your other option is better – well and good and we will be gratefull that you have shown us a better option.

How to pick up a bargain:
This link is interesting if you are in the market for a new home or investment property. It provides some good info on how to proceed. One is to be well prepared and have finance and strategy in place before launching into the market. Call us first and we can get you sorted before you start the search.

Auction or not to Auction:
The pros and cons of going to auction either as a seller or a buyer is a big subject and can vary to each individual case. An auction gives the seller the advantage of an outcome in a short time but in a market like this is not often the outcome you may want. I think there are definite advantages of going to an auction as a buyer at present as it is possible to pick up a bargain. However the new rules around bidding at auction can seem daunting, especially the need to be fully financed and no cooling off period. Again speak to us if you need help in this area. Here is a link that outlines some rules around auctions:

Next Week

I will be providing a list of some interesting properties that are on the market and selling under value. As well as some properties that have near or close to a 5% yeild so will cover themselves with the present interest rate of 5%.

So remember to subscribe and keep the BPS newsletters coming.

Till next time … Michael
Michael Murray

0428 555 501

Success Tools for Hospitality and Retail Small Businesses in the Byron Region

Free Morning Session

Hospitality and Retail Specialists come to you in Byron Bay to share their expertise with you and show you some practical tools on how to make your business more successful. This is a Free Event.
6 Presenters – Each one has 30 minutes to present the below topics

• Darren from Aloha Interiors and Ron from Ron Power Associates show you How to Create a Unique Venue Concept, Implement a Complete Fit out (for retail and hospitality) and Select the most appropriate Kitchen Equipment to Match your Menu and Council Approvals
• Arnold from Brain In A Box demonstrates How you can Reduce your Inefficiencies in parts of your Business and Maximise your Profits by Developing Simple and Effective Business Systems
• Stephen from Coastal Voice & Data shows you How to Reduce your Telecommunications and Internet Costs and How to Never Lose a Call from your Customers
• John from Intention gives you Simple Tips on How to Make More Sales and Convert more Customers
• Fiona from Micros Fidelio shows you How to Grow your Sales and Reduce your Costs whilst Improving your Operations and the Levels of Service that you offer to your Customers by Implementing very affordable and easy-to-use Point of Sale Solutions>
• Igor from Professional Restaurant Consulting demonstrates Why you may Need a Restaurant & Cafe Consultant to Help you in your Business
• All these businesses are based locally (Northern Rivers, Tweed or Gold Coasts) and they are now coming together for the first time in Byron

Take advantage of this opportunity!

SO Get Off RSVP and go Tandem Sky Diving in Byron Bay. Yes it’s finally here!

I was so excited. I mean really excited. I’d watched the training video. I had practiced my landing. I was wearing the weird jump suit (tie-dyed) and was really getting into it. I could feel my heart racing a little and I could even hear the heart beats of some of my fellow jumpers. The adrenalin was already pumping and my throat was tightening and the saliva was drooling or drying – one or the other. I spied the little plane. I had never been in such a small plane. More like a crop sprayer now put out to more organic pastures. We were scheduled for take-off at 2 o’clock and I was the most eager. The most YES YES YES get me over the skies of Byron Bay. I want to see the Light House look like a toothpick and the giant gum trees look like broccoli stalks. I was like a dog on heat – panting to get up there.

My fellow jumpers were a little white, some quiet and meditative, some deep breathing and preparing themselves for this life changing and momentous 3 minute ride. I was like the eager virgin (and that too was less then a 3 minute ride). So we took off and it was amazing. I sat near a window so I could see out. I have never been afraid of take off and landing – it’s the bit in the middle that bores me. I looked to the left and one of the virgin jumpers was green. Our tandem experts who would soon pull us close to their chests, their groins and fasten us safely to them were all laughing and offering reassuring smiles and thumbs up as the noise of the engines drowned out any pep talks.

We had circled and rose to the perfect height for the perfect jump. Conditions were perfect. . My tandem hero beckoned me over to him, I had to sit at the edge of the gaping hole – the place were gravity and I would say goodbye. I squatted near the door and he harnessed me to him and checked his parachute and all the safety equipment as I looked at broccoli and the toothpick. Something was wrong … I felt all the blood rush to my feet. All excitement and adrenalin abandoned me and I was shit scared. He nudged be further to the gaping wind filled hole and said, ‘ Are you ready?’ … I looked over my shoulder at him and said, “I can’t go … I can’t do it.”   He either didn’t here me or knew exactly what to do with someone like me … he said, “Chin up” then shuffled forward and threw himself out of the plane. As I was strapped in front of him you could say I was pushed out of the plane. Either way it was exhilarating … I started to laugh so hard … it was so much better than my first 3 minutes of boy to man wonder.

This was it … I knew instantly why this was addictive … hurtling and happily not hurling towards the ground at phenomenal speed. Feeling safe with nothing to do but trust the man in the tie-dyed jump suit on my back.  He did a great job and landed us safely.

Some people say if it’s so good … who needs sex. I am forever the optimist and greedy one. I say why not have both. And maybe someday I will have both at the same time. Now that would be a jump to remember!

A man is fighting for his life after a vicious assault outside a Byron Bay hotel on Saturday night.

The man who police allege bashed him is due to face court today charged with attempted murder.

Police say the 31-year-old victim, from Pottsville, was punched and kicked and has his head stomped on outside the hotel in Jonson Street about 11:00pm AEDT.

He was taken to Byron Bay Hospital before being transferred to Tweed Heads Hospital, then onto the Gold Coast Hospital where he is being treated for critical head and facial injuries.

Late yesterday, a 27-year-old man from Ocean Shores was charged with attempted murder, maliciously inflict grievous bodily harm with intent, and affray.

He was refused bail and is due to appear in Lismore Local Court today.

Source: ABC North Coast

In a Shire with hundreds of holiday lettings and a huge amount of wealthy drop-outs, there are literally thousands of spaces in need of cleaning every day. Over time we have noticed a chronic shortage of thorough and reliable cleaners that are willing to take this kind of work on. OK, cleaning may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there is still some good money to be made and any such business is easy to set up and run successfully as an individual or company.

We can see a great business opportunity for a professional cleaning service or an individuals loving to give spaces a good makeover.

If you are such cleaning fairy that whizzes through the house and leaves it beautiful and cared for don’t hesitate to place your ad in our business directory.

Good Luck.
The Admin

Property Price Drops????

Depending which report you have been reading property prices have dropped by an average 8%. It varies so much because people use different statistics from different areas, houses and units, median prices and averages. But of most interest to us in this region are these figures from Australian Property Monitors. As you can see, the figures in the Byron region are not indicative of the rest of the country. However it is my experience out there on the streets that price fallout is just starting to be felt here and I would be very surprised if we do not see more negative figures for ’09.

Area                 Median    ’08 change       1 yr forecast
Bangalow         600,000        -7.2%            -5%
Goonalabah      297,000        10.4%            +1%
Byron Bay        720,000        12.1%            +3%
Mullumbimby    452,500        2.8%              -1%
Ocean Shores    475,000        8%                -1%

At this rate ……
Another major interest rate drop was announced last week. The full 1% is being passed on the consumers from the banks. This brings the retail interest rate that we can do to a few points above or below 5%. This means that to service a $500K loan will cost $25,000 per annum which becomes interesting as in some $500K properties now rent for around $500 a week or $25,000 PA. We are nearly back in the realm of cash flow neutral or cash flow positive properties which we haven’t seen since the 90′s. Anyone who is close to re entering the market should talk to us and get everything in order.

Share market stuff
At the moment the share market is trading in what the day traders or chartists call a support/resistance channel where the support for the ASX is found at 3350 and the resistance at 3800. It is likely to bounce around in this channel for a while before breaking out – either up or down. Therefore it would suggest we are not out of he woods yet with financial volatility and that the “bottom” is not yet assured. Those still waiting on the sidelines for indications on where we are heading would be advised to keep waiting. Remember the high of late 2007 was 6600 – so we are still having a half price clearance sale. The interesting question is going to be whether it is property or shares that becomes the darling for the big fund managers and investors once the all clear signal is given.

First Home Owners
As mentioned in the last newsletter – the strongest sector by far at present is the low end of the market as many First Home Owners are entering. One agent I know foresaw this development and moved from a Byron Bay agency to an Ocean Shores – smart move. For those who need more info the basics are this: If you have never had your name on a property title before you can apply to the government for a First Home Owner Grant which is up to $14,000 for established homes and $24,000 for a new home. For more info   or call us at anytime and we can help you with the details or crunch some numbers for you and see if it is a viable move for you.

Units, Duplex and Apartments
It has been predicted that we are about to see a comparative rise in value for units, duplexes and apartments. For a long time these dwellings have been less favoured over houses because of the land to building ratio. The accepted wisdom being that land appreciates and buildings depreciate therefore you are better off being in house which has a higher proportion of land to building. ie house cost is $300K, land cost is $300K so the land building ratio is 50/50. A unit in a block of 4 can cost $400K, being $300K in building cost and $100K in land cost – land building ratio of 75/25. With the rise in the bottom end of the market, more demand because of the First Home Owner Grants and the better rental yield – we could expect to see an increase in value of units as compared to the value of houses.

…and
I have just been through the process of complying with the strict new water, fire and environmental requirements while designing a new house. It is called “Basix” and is easy to learn about on the Byron Shire website Byron Shire Website . These requirements add a bit to the cost and time to any new build and I was a bit annoyed about this until the recent catastrophes of floods in Queensland and fires in Victoria. We are obviously entering into a phase of man made global warming and am amazed by people who still refute this obvious fact. I now think that Basix have not gone far enough.
The new website will be up and running soon.

Take care

Article courtesy of:
Michael Murray
Byron Property Search
Mob 0428 555501
Ph 02 6684 1744

Anyway – back to the Brunswick River. It’s beautiful. And it goes all the way to Mullumbimby if you so desired. There are little Oyster farms to paddle past, little nooks and crannies and places to stop and have that well earned picnic. You can hire Canoes for 1, 2 or 3 people. My suggestion is get one for two or more. It’s less work on the arms. Or better still feign a bad back and get in the middle. We even went with a 2 year old and he loved it. There’s plenty of wildlife to see from Pelicans and a whole range of water birds. The Brunswick River is clean and I had a great swim to cool down. Lie jackets for the little ones are supplied but for the most part the river is shallow – there are Life Jackets for adults if required.

It’s a great way to learn more about the environment – really get up close and see how it works. The one part of the environment that I could have easily made extinct was the sand flies when we moored. They were not so bad but next time I will take some repellent. They itch like crazy – Maybe I should have put them on my tongue! Happy boating !

Fortunately every sub-tropical Byron rainstorm has a silver lining in the form of Activities and Entertainment. For such a small coastal town – we certainly boast one of the most exciting all year round entertainment schedules anywhere in the world.

It suddenly struck me (Yes I am often suddenly struck) that the tourists get a better deal. I live in one of the best Australian holiday destinations and I am spending far too much time worrying about my organic veggie patch, my truly feely deeply don’t cross over my boundaries heart space, my colonics and my philanthropic endeavours and generally having my head up my sanctimonious spiritual ass!

A dear friend emphatically tells me, “You need to get more involved, more in touch with your masculine – you need more UMPH in your base chakra.”

I can’t win! I have spent so much time (and money) discovering and nurturing my feminine so that I would be more loveable and now I’m told I’ve got no ‘UMPH’ in my Base Chakra.

“What you need is Drumming … Some Tribal rhythms rallying through your perineum – I know just the thing – It came to me in a meditation!”

I looked up ‘perineum’ in the dictionary and wondered if I sat on the washing machine on spin cycle I might be able to wash my smalls and fire up my Base Chakra all at the same time. Apparently not! The meditation was specific – Drumming was the way to go!

I jumped on The Byron Bay Directory and found The Samba-Blisstas drumming workshop with a choice of Bangalow or Mullumbimby as venue options. I knew this was an ensemble comprised of Tambourine, Cow Bells, Triangles and Big Bass Drums. I went along repeating my mantra, “Please don’t put me on the Triangle – I need the big bass drum vibration between my apparently deflated perineum.” I was hoping that if I repeated it internally enough I would not have to share with my fellow punctured perineum posse the awful truth of how I ended up there.

I hovered (almost panting) near the Big Bass drum and my mantra worked. I put on my drum harness (even that produced a little twinge in the old perineum). I clipped on my drum and felt the beast between my legs. The magic was working – I was potent, virile and inspired. I began to beat my drum! (No, that’s not a euphemism).

There were about 30 men and women. It was fun and interesting and we actually learned a whole powerful percussion (thingy). However, most of the time my rebellious naughty boy wants to just bang that drum and drown out any ideas of harmony, togetherness and responsibility. My little boy does not give a flying triangle what my perineum needs. I actually got told off in the class for being disruptive and not listening. I’m 41 years old – I defiantly banged the drum one more time and then towed the line.

So on 1st November 2008 I have my inaugural perineum re-inflation debut at Ballina Festival. Yes a real gig! If you’ve got nothing better to do come bang my drum. I’ll be the one at the back skulking, smoking tab ends, banging way out of tune and way out of line, with a great big cheesy grin and having more fun than anyone there!

Byron Bay offers the obvious clichés and stereotypes: hippies colliding with back-packers; the youth colliding with the oldest swingers in town; $5 Cheeky Monkeys with $100 Dish Diners; those channelling dolphins and those kayaking with the dolphins; the walking towards the light and those stumbling in the dark and throwing up in
the bins behind the Beach Hotel  – It’s all here and it’s all wondrous, earthy and ethereal all at the same time.

Yesterday, as I was ambling up Jonson Street after the weekly social assault that is the Byron Bay Farmers Market, I pondered on my afternoon’s destiny: tarot reading, tattoo, tofu burger or a trim tort and terrific work out at Original Fitness. I opted for the tattoo … because I am big and brave and burly you cry!  Well no actually, it’s
because as I passed by the window I saw a little old lady having a tattoo. I ventured in on the pretence of getting inked.

‘Does it hurt?’ I said with a big girly scrunched up face. I was met with a wrinkled faced reply. I was promptly told the story of the Old Lady and the Tattoo. Here she was getting tattooed for her 70th Birthday. She was tidy and manicured just as old ladies of these times should be.  She said, ‘My husband will leave me when he sees this but
I always wanted to rebel!’  ‘Is that why you’re doing it?’ ‘Maybe!’ she laughed.

She said that her son, nodding to the left (who was big and burly and tattooed) was getting it for her 70th birthday. It was a beautiful red rose on her ankle. We chatted about the pain and her Northern English accent and the higher pain threshold that women have to push out babies and how she’d been in Australia for 30 years and was now having a holiday in Byron Bay.

And it suddenly hit me that I live in holiday world all year round – in one of the most creative, crazy and cosmopolitan towns in the world. I was swept away with the euphoria and found myself steering towards the tattooist’s chair begging for a dolphin and a rainbow to be tattooed across my chest so I could bare it to the world in emphatic declaration of the love I have for this most easterly town.

Fortunately, an old biker came in for emergency surgery for his “oh my god my arms went flabby and my devil serpent and I love Julie tattoo now look like corned beef and scrambled eggs”. It was enough to bring me to my senses. I then had a quiet word with myself, quickly left the
tattoo parlour and went for a strong LSD (Laté Soy Dandelion) – I know
… Hardcore !

Check out our listings for Byron Bay Tattoo

I had almost given up on ever going to a market again until a friend convinced me that the Byron Shire Markets are different. She assured me it was not the same shit different location that I had so wearily become accustomed to. She said that I could buy great stuff, that there’s great entertainment and that I might even have fun whilst catching up with friends. ‘Are you sure I won’t be more comfortable at home with a pencil jabbed in my eye?’ She assured me not and off we went to Brunswick Heads Market.

Brunswick Heads is a short 20 mins dash on the freeway from Byron Bay or a 20 mins direct cycle on the beach (low tied of course – check here for tide details [insert link] ). It’s only 15 minutes from Mullumbimby (I love hearing my nana say that without her teeth in). It’s a little what Byron Bay used to feel like before the hippies went hippy deluxe. Except there are not many hippies. So it’s probably nothing like Byron Bay used to be but people do like to bemoan the march of progress.

This expanding riverside market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Bring your swimmers for a role in the river or a splash in the sea. There’s very tasty local food and a world-class selection of arts and crafts and stunning jewellery for all parts of your body that my nana will not say with or without her teeth in. There was a happy vibe in the air and I was reminded of how markets must have been – an emphasis on food, arts and crafts, socialising, trading and of course music.

My friend had spotted a lovely pencil for me to go home with and jab in my eye – but I was hooked when I saw the quaint little tent and a quaint little sign that said Perch Creek Family Jug Band. A motley crew tuned their instruments and smoothed down their 1940′s clothing and tinkered with their home made musical implements (how you tune a saw I’ll never know – but my nana says she can do it with her teeth.)

There were so many musical instruments, big and small, professional and obscure – even what looked like some children’s antique musical instruments. They were the Beverly Hill Billys and The Sullivans’ offspring. They were all at once intriguing.

There were 8 children from 4 to 20 years old  (I’m guessing).  One charismatic larrikin father (dressed in denim overalls) and a non-performing mother (too tired after raising 8 kids I imagine!). I took front row on the grass and my Byron intuition just told me it was going to be good.

I was not wrong – they were fantastic, funny and feverish. The eerie warbling of the saw brought a tear to my eye. Eileen was by far my tap dancing favourite – a blossoming teenager on the brink of losing her goofy adolescence before my very eyes … just for one moment (I’m sure it was in slow motion) her hair fell about her shoulders and I saw Daryl Hannah before me. According to their web-space, http://www.myspace.com/perchcreekfamilyjugband,

Eileen is described as: Singing, garbage tin bass, ukulele and tap dancing. (no jokes may be made at Eileen’s expense since she suffers from the debilitating illness T.P.B. syndrome. (teenage princess bitch). See ! I knew it was a real disease.

I was so overcome with a longing to belong to this creative imperfectly perfect for me family that I asked them to adopt me. Papa thought I was joking – but if you are reading. I wasn’t. I can’t play any musical instruments but I can chatter my nana’s teeth in tune! I implore you … Adopt me !

So budgies packed tight and goggles in hand we proudly stroll the beach and walk towards The Pass. We check out the motley morning crew: the dedicated yogis, the I’m still trashed and awake from the night before with some anonymous chemical sold to me from some anonymous guy in some anonymous person’s backpacker dorm; the old and the dutiful (there are very few bold and beautiful at this time); the Life Guards in training; the eager fishermen; the single bewildered menopausal woman; the single older stroller men that can only wear baggy shorts with very high waists (you know the fashion – up just below the chin and below the knee) and of course we four amigos in speedos.

We are the 7 O’clock crew and not the 8 O’clock crew. They are a different kettle of fish all together!

Speaking of fish – this morning as we marched forth to the pass where we would embrace the cool waters with fearless vigour and heads held high (actually it’s more like 4 old ladies with a few little squeaks with the tippy toe jump and a sharp squeal) we spied in the distance a shape – a little square. Of course we were intrigued and began to guess at the objects true identity. I was way off the mark with a Breville Teas Made but hey I just love to have a guess!  As we got closer it looked more and more like a fish. But a square fish we had not seen.

We got closer and yes indeed it was a fish – we could see the head, it was quite a large fish with lips, looks like it was about to make mad passionate love all the time. As we got closer we realised it looked square because it was only half a fish. Then much to our horror as we towered over the dead creature we could see the residue teeth marks of a shark. One clean snap and half that big kissing fish was gone.

The others looked freaked out. I did not register the significance. I just remembered a riddle that my grandfather used to tell me and that I never quite understood:

Q: What’s worse than finding a worm in your half bitten apple.
A: Finding half a worm in your half bitten apple.

The penny finally dropped – the budgie retracted even further.

But here’s where the testosterone comes in. “Are we not men?” I cried and we sallied forth into the breech once more. I kept telling myself that statistically I have more chance of being hit by a car or even being in a plane crash than being bitten by a shark. Because of my recent spate of bad luck I looked up at the sky to make sure there were no freight planes carrying the latest Rav 4 about to fall on my head.

Only blue clear skies. It was the most wonderful swim. Clear calm waters. We saw turtles and fish and the waves gently edged us on. There is something so magical about Byron Bay in the first days of Summer.

Well, I have one word for all you skeptics – Pink Nail Polish  (OK, 3 words).

I recently went to visit two dear friends who have two little boys (I can hear a Rolf Harris Song Coming on). Their sons are called Zade, almost 3 and Jaya, 6 months. Two little angels, really sweet and curious and so joyful. These little bundles of Oxycontin (love and bonding hormone) fill my heart and give me hope. Children in Byron are raised with a different vibration – a more conscious loving way of relating. It all sounds very hippy-trippy I know! But you want tangible down-to-earth proof right?

I am saying that all babies are equal but not all babies are raised equally. There’s nature and nurture and environment. But what dictates the environment are social mores, religious ideology, political and economical influences etc.  It’s her where Byron Bay is unique. There are echoes of the hippy days; the wild ideals without much infrastructure. But that echoe is fading as the champagne socialists (AKA the hippy deluxe) buy and sell their now million dollar homes.   The money has brought stability, security and a different feel. Byron is growing up. Now with a more realistic view Byron can embrace change and innovation for a sustainable future in a practical way that can be mapped out on spread sheets and flow charts and not just vision questing boards or vision dreaming scribbled in the sand with your big toe.

Back to toes … So when I was visiting my friends I noticed that the eldest boy nearly 3 was sporting pink nail polish. I felt a deep clearing of the throat cough from my father and his father; the prejudice and the old conditioning trickling in their throats. Some echo of how I was raised with the nature / torture method came forth and I could see just how much has changed and how lucky we are in the Bay. Zade is of course oblivious to the social stigma of pink nail polish (I tried to educate him that Black is of course much more fashionable but he was having none of it). It’s right here where prejudice and preference are taught. And it is taught. I love that Byron embraces a Steiner philosophy: Anthroposophy.

I actually heard that word today in the Farmer’s Market. Two women threw it in to the conversation whilst deciding on organic tomatoes or vine ripened organic tomatoes. I pretended that I knew what they were talking about. And rushed home to my Guru – Google. And here we are!

“Anthroposophy is a path of knowledge, to guide the spiritual in the human being to the spiritual in the universe…. Anthroposophists are those who experience, as an essential need of life, certain questions on the nature of the human being and the universe, just as one experiences hunger and thirst.”  Rudolf Steiner

I role over in my big comfortable bed in Byron Bay and I say, ‘Who cares?’

Now you might think I am a wealthy heartless bastard. But I assure you it is not the case. The reason that I do not particularly care is that my world is built upon lifestyle and emotional needs. In general these things are not affected when the sky falls down.

I made very conscious choices about what I want in my life. A healthy wholesome lifestyle that was not built on survival panic or material greed was the basis. Another was to surround myself with love – loving people who could encourage me to keep an open heart and open in mind and trust in life; to trust the process and flow of life.  And I generally do.

So what if the shit really hits the proverbial fan? Australian’s will have to forgo their exceptionally expensive overseas holidays. But True Blues need a holiday and they will come to beautiful, culturally diverse and relatively inexpensive Byron Bay and its beautiful hinterland and coastal choices; from Wilsons Creek to Broken Head, Bangalow to Tyagarah, Lennox to Myocum – Our little Byron Community is expanding, getting fuller and richer as the world gets panicked and smaller.

So what if we ourselves here in Byron Shire have to pull our purse strings a bit tighter. No Worries Mate!  We grow more veggies and herbs. We socialise more with our friends by having a $0.20 BBQ at Watagos Beach or The Pass. Have a walk from Clarkes Beach to Fish Heads (Fish and Chips are still cheap). We meet at the foot of our beloved landmark – The one God we all agree on – The Byron Bay Lighthouse and we pay homage as we shed kilos. Then we dive into our beautiful safe waters and wash away the weary world’s troubles and send our smiles as beacons of hope of a better world across the ocean from the most Easterly Point of mainland Australia.

If you are feeling the pinch in your heart – Perhaps it’s time to look at what you do have. Expand that pinch and tight fist into an open hand. Give gratitude in true hippy Byron Bay style and open to all that we do have here. Choose where you shop carefully. Support your Local Markets. Shop in the Shire. Gift shop in the Shire. Support your local businesses. Local businesses keep the Byron Bay community thriving. Their contribution is vital. Please shop local – you will always benefit from these choices. Again support your local businesses. People who live here run and own these businesses. Please make conscious choices that impact the bigger picture as well as your pocket!

Oh – Damn, you got me!  See, I do care !

And today I was having a little rant about how the heart has been usurped by the Feminine. I was getting really pissed off. I hoped that my anger pheromones would not excite a passing female shark (well you know how primal they can be!). But my rant went something like this:

Why is the heart so ‘feminised’ – sold as warm and fuzzy and sweet and kind and fey and light and fluffy and cloudlike and soft and whispers and purrs and glows and sighs and breathy and chocolaty and caramelised and vulnerable and tender and delicate and hall marked into ‘I love you’ that is so so cute.

Well my heart is most of the time does not feel like that. My heart beats the echoes of an ancient spiritual warrior, the diplomat, the king, the magician, the hero, the protector, the roar, the bold, the brave, the infinite, the father, the brother, the husband, the lover, the son, the uncle, the elder, the provider, the handy man, the romantic the fire, the sword, the farmer, the harvester, the engineer, the inventor, the sword – and all of this is held in an open heart. The heart must be expansive and open to hold all of these qualities.

I am not comparing male and female hearts here. The above is simply to make a point. That the more we label and give gender to objects, jobs, feelings, experience, the more we are in separation. Love and the heart have no gender.

Yes I can feel warm and fuzzy with the ladies. This is a natural merging, a place of healing and rest; a place of love and support and sweetness to ease the heart and feed the soul. But somehow I think we are all very confused. Men and women are equal in the eyes of the law, in equal pay, in worth and value etc. I am not talking about strength and independence. There are plenty of woman who are built better than me and have far superior survival skills. This is so obvious to me that it sounds ridiculous to write it. But men and woman are not the same biologically. We are governed by different hormones that effect physicality, mood and temperament and yes, they probably serve an outdated social function. But until we transition and our biology catches up – this is what we are stuck with.

Again – I am writing this here and wondering have I upset the women. This is it, some feeling of not being able to express my confusion for fear of retribution from the women. Here lies the rub! Here is the final castration. Not our balls but our voice and expression. And then we are asked to be authentic.

I decree (as King) let all hearts be equal and let men and women trade heart attributes freely. Let there be no sexing of the heart’s attributes. Any person found giving gender to their heart experience will be sentenced to wearing very high heels on cobbled stones for a period of 1 week. Repeated offenders will be forced to wear corsets so tight that they will faint at frequent intervals.

Two little stories about how life can be. The first is about a dear friend. Melinda, a wonderful photographer who works in and around Byron Bay. She’s smart with a heart. One day as she was driving for a very important meeting along the main road from Ewingsdale to Byron Bay she saw a mummy duck crossing the road with her ducklings. There were no warning signs that ducks should not cross the road so mummy duck waddled forward.  Melinda had one of the most difficult decisions of her life. Squash a few ducks and ducklings or get rear ended (not such a difficult choice for me – but I digress).

Her maternal instincts overtook all reason and rational thinking and she slammed on her breaks. Needless to say the car behind slammed too late and went right up the Volvo’s jacksy (not sure how one spells jacksie?). The ducks were safe and Melinda was in shock. She called me immediately and I came to help her through this noble crisis. The woman behind was also in shock but was totally understanding, sympathetic and everything was dealt with swiftly and gracefully. I had almost forgotten this story when I was told another story just the other day.

On the way out of Mullumbimby, near the golf course a similar story occurred. One morning when the local folk were heading off to their places of work and no doubt in a little hurry because they couldn’t get the jar off the Vegemite, a duck and her ducklings decided to cross the road. Now this was not a town duck like the Byron duck. This was a country duck. A provincial Mullumbimby duck. A little more laid back; a little more ambling with the slowest of waddles. The ducklings also were a little wild and free and allowed to express themselves with zig-zag waddles and not forced to walk the straight and narrow (probably Steiner ducks). The eyewitness reported a stream of cars all backed up – those coming in to Mullumbimby and those leaving for the sprawling metropolises of Byron, Lismore and Ballina.

The ducks and ducklings were in a mischievous mood and began to dance the one step forward, turn around, two steps back zig-zag kind of thing. The traffic jam grew bigger. And the eyewitness was also waiting patiently for the ducks to move on. It was a magical moment were nature meets the rushing humans with their plans and appointments, schedules and deadlines. There was no horn beeping, no road rage and no unholy hand gestures. Just a patient calm as the waddling went on.

After the ducks and ducklings had all crossed safely the cars trundled forward. The eyewitness decided to look at all the faces of the people in the on coming cars who had also had to wait. She was expecting a few impatient frowns, a few stern snarls and curled upper lips. But what she was greeted with were smiling faces that wanted to connect with her; to somehow share the feeling of gratitude. How lucky we are not to be in a city like flow of impatience, rudeness and a lack of concern for nature and the slow waddle of our fellow community members, the ducks and their families.

Next time you are stuck in traffic, especially if you are at the back and don’t know why, imagine you are entangled in the divine benevolent flow of saving a very important community member, sit back and relax and name at least 10 things that you are grateful for about living in Byronshire.

Why should I not be allowed to declare my love? Shout it from the highest mountains and let it ring through the deepest silicone valleys. If my iphone should be ripped from me, or God forbid died. I would be as distraught as Auden in his classic and heart rendering poem, Funeral Blues.

Stop all the world clocks, cut off the analogue phone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the creature speakers and with muffled drum
Bring out the iphone, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead
Scribbling on the sky the message iphone is Dead.
Put crepe bows around every Apple Mac,
Let me wail – iphone come back!

It was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My contacts, my ical, my ichat, my ipod song;
I thought that I would lick it forever: I was wrong.

The 3G satellites are not wanted now; put out them all,
Pack up the networks and dismantle the comms call,
Pour away the mp3′s and isweep itunes;
For nothing now can ever mend my wounds.

I am unashamedly starting a support group for people like me. If you are having a similar relationship with your ipod and want to have a safe and supportive environment to disclose your deep love for your iphone, please contact me at your earliest convenience.  Byron Bay is famous for its sharing and support groups. The support group I am running is a binary 12-step program called iphone therefore I am. I feel so blessed to be held in this and look forward to meeting you and your iphones.

Please note that this is a very different group than iphone anonymous or iphone co-dependents.

Who wants to be on TV?
“Location Location Location”, the successful UK cable TV show is coming to Oz. The show, currently on Austar’s Lifestyle channel, is looking for volunteers who are moving here from the UK. They will film the process of searching for property here and then making the move from UK. If anyone is dubious about the advantages of using a buyers agent then you should watch this show. If you know of anyone who is moving to Byron Shire from the UK and they are not the shy retiring types please contact me and I will put them in touch with the production company.

Are Property prices coming down #3.
Yes it seems they are – going down that is. Buyers with short arms and long pockets are out there being very picky and demanding. Like any market – if a buyer thinks they can get something cheaper if they wait a while, they will wait.. February is usually the best month for sales so those properties not sold by the end of summer may have a long cold winter. I suggest if you do not have to list definitely stay out of the market for now. If you are a buyer (besides needing a good buyers agent) you need to know how to negotiate some of the distressed sales coming up.

But it is not the same across the board. It is very diverse depending on price range and location. I still believe Byron Shire will remain stronger because of the demand and lack of supply. Many people want to move here and live regardless, or even more so, in an economic downturn. The bottom end of the market ($550k and under) is OK because first home owners are entering the market because of the grants and low interest rates. Top end has almost no pulse at all. There is a property in Belongil Beach that listed last year at $5.5M and is now listing again at $3.5. That is a mark down of 35%. I have never seen so many properties listed between $1M and $1.5M – there is an abundance of property in that bracket.

Tips for sellers
It is interesting viewing properties that people have built, renovated or landscaped themselves. They have an emotional attachment to the place and that is understandable but that does not translate or register with potential buyers. If you need to liquidate then get good advice and list at a price that fits the present market value. There are many seller’s out there who have their head in the sand and have an inflated value on their property. That rock wall and water feature that you laboured over last summer may have immense value in your heart but, unfortunately, translates very low in the buyers list of priorities.

Hot Properties
As promised here are a few (just a few) of the many good buys out there:
Myocum
I know of two excellent properties in Myocum (10 minutes to Byron) – usually very hard to get.
1. Distressed sale, 12 acres, has power and sewerage to site and an approved studio already built. Will go to Mortgagee Sale soon so make an offer somewhere in the mid $500s.
2. Myocum 15 acres with great rural views. 2 small single bedroom dwellings for low $700s
Ocean Shores
3. Waterfront house on a canal for $550K
4. A number of good 3 bed houses in Oceans shores under $400K
Reduced rural properties:
5. Auction coming up soon in Bangalow of 5 acres with a few messy structures – will go very cheap.
6. A house on small acreage near Federal with fantastic views – empty for over a year and has dropped its price twice.

How do you know if you have a good finance broker?
This is an interesting question – easy to answer but hard to know in advance. You have to know if your broker is working for you and not for themselves and the fattest commission? Of course there are other factors like service, diligence, confidentiality, communication skills, etc. At present commissions vary quite a bit and many banks are cutting the amount they are paying to independent brokers. Ouch! This means that a broker has the option of providing for the client the best loan or providing for themselves the best commission. Unfortunately I cannot tell you that bank XYZ is the best as it keeps changing. You need a good broker to find out for you.

And another thing ….
Many people are of the wrong impression that if you want a loan from a bank you go direct and brokers only provide loans from the non banks – Aussie, Mortgage Choice, etc. Well independent brokers access loans from all major banks as well at either the same rate and sometimes better. You also get a lot better service from a broker. As opposed to a couple of quick meetings across a desk. The four major banks are at present giving better rates as they can access their own deposit funds instead of buying money on the open market but this will not last forever.
Tanks and thats all for now and see you next time.
Michael

Michael M Murray
Mob: 0428 555501
Ph/fax: 02 6684 1744
Skype: michaelmmurray
www.byronpropertysearch.com.au

Senator Stephen Conroy

Imagine a government proposing an internet censorship system that went further than any other democracy – one that is expected to slow down the internet by up to 87% and will make it more expensive, accidentally block 8% of legitimate sites, and miss the vast majority of inappropriate content.

This is not China, Saudi Arabia or Iran – this is the vision of Senator Stephen Conroy (Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) for Australia. Testing has already begun. The community must now move to stop this plan.

The system that Senator Conroy wants is a mandatory filter of all internet traffic, with the government of the day able to add any unwanted site to a secret blacklist. Already, the wrangling has begun for the inclusion of material relating to anorexia, euthanasia and gambling. It isn’t difficult to see the scheme is open to abuse.

Even when it comes to preventing child p-rnography, the filter will not prevent peer-to-peer sharing and is very simple to sidestep. The protection of our children is vitally important – that’s why we can’t afford to waste funds on this deeply flawed system. We should be concentrating on solutions that are more effective and won’t undermine our digital economy or our democratic freedoms.

This must rank as one of the most ill-thought decisions of the Rudd Government’s first year in power. We need to act now to tell big brother the mandatory internet filter is incompatible with the principles of a modern democracy and modern economy:

Click here to save the net: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/SaveTheNet

Our government should be doing all in its power to take Australia into the 21st century economy, and to protect our children and our way of life. This proposed internet censorship does neither. Take action to save the net today.

Click here to save the net: http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/SaveTheNet
or see his website: http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/

We suggest you take a moment to decide for yourself and ‘get up’ and ‘sign up’, it only takes a minute.

BBD Admin