Sarah McMurtrie - Real Estate Agent

07/11/2024

Gold Coast Highway, looking south, at Burleigh Heads 1977 (Qld State Archives)

05/11/2024

JUST IN: Interest rates held at 4.35% as RBA treads cautiously towards Christmas!

Mortgage holders are no better off than they were in September, with the RBA confirming interest rates will be held steady at 4.35%.

01/11/2024

The Path of Moses 🌊 is an extraordinary natural phenomenon that manifests itself during low tide, transforming the beach of Barra Grande in Maragogi, Alagoas, into a true paradise. This natural sandbank stretches for hundreds of meters into the sea, allowing visitors to walk on the water like in a biblical story.
As you go along, you can remain fascinated by the vibrant marine life in the crystal-clear waters, where multicolored fish and corals create a breathtaking spectacle. The panoramic view is extraordinary: the blue horizon merges with the sky, giving a feeling of endless peace and tranquility.

01/11/2024

When you dive past 200 meters (656 feet), you enter the deep seabed—an expansive world leading down to abyssal plains, at depths of 3,000 to 6,000 meters (up to 19,685 feet). But it doesn’t stop there; the Mariana Trench drops to a staggering 11,000 meters (36,089 feet). These areas, isolated in darkness and high pressure, hold unique life and key insights into Earth’s geological and biological evolution.

26/10/2024

Iceberg A23A, one of the largest icebergs in the world, has recently become unstuck from the seafloor near Antarctica and is now drifting in the Southern Ocean.

This iceberg calved from the Filchner Ice Shelf in 1986 and remained grounded on the seafloor of the Weddell Sea for nearly four decades. Its liberation began in the early 2020s, likely due to melting from beneath the waterline.

A23A spans approximately 40 miles across and is about 1,312 feet thick. It began drifting freely in the Weddell Sea, slowly making its way northward. By November 2023, it had moved past the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, performing a full pirouette before catching a northerly current. It is currently located midway between the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island, heading towards warmer waters where it is expected to eventually melt.

The iceberg’s journey is closely monitored by satellites, including NASA’s Terra satellite and NOAA-21, which provide high-resolution images and track its movements. The drift of A23A from the cold Weddell Sea to the relatively warmer Southern Atlantic highlights the dynamic nature of these massive ice formations and their potential impact on marine environments as they melt and break apart.

Credit to the respective owner ✍️

25/10/2024

The segmented seawalls in Hua Hin (Thailand) help reduce waves, retain sand, increase beach area, and provide greater safety for beachgoers.

Also read👉 https://bamboospanda.com/faroe-islands-unveil-worlds-first-undersea-roundabout-in-record-breaking-12km-tunnel/

24/10/2024

Are you Making One of These 7 Common Budget Mistakes?

Learn how to avoid these pitfalls and take control of your finances on our blog. Read more below!

1. Not Tracking Expenses
One of the biggest mistakes is not keeping track of where your money goes. Without tracking your expenses, it’s impossible to know if you’re staying within your budget. Use apps or maintain a spending journal to monitor your expenditures.

2. Setting Unrealistic Goals
Setting overly ambitious savings or spending goals can lead to frustration and failure. Make sure your budget is realistic and attainable, reflecting your actual income and expenses.

3. Forgetting Irregular Expenses
Irregular expenses, such as annual insurance premiums or holiday gifts, can throw off your budget if you forget to account for them. Include these periodic costs in your budget by setting aside a little each month.

4. Ignoring the Small Stuff
Small, everyday expenses can add up over time. Coffee, snacks, and impulse buys might seem insignificant individually, but they can make a big dent in your budget. Track and control these minor expenditures.

5. Not Adjusting Your Budget
A budget isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it plan. Life changes, such as a new job, moving, or a change in family size, require adjustments to your budget. Review and update your budget regularly to reflect your current situation.

6. Using Credit Cards Unwisely
Relying too much on credit cards can lead to debt and overspending. If you use credit cards, ensure you can pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges and financial strain.

7. Neglecting to Save
Failing to prioritise savings is a common pitfall. Make saving a part of your budget by setting aside a percentage of your income each month. Building an emergency fund and saving for future goals is essential for financial stability.

👉Contact Sarah on 0451 127 030 at Professionals Freedom Realty Upper Coomera for all of your real estate needs today!

22/10/2024

Planning your first home purchase in Australia? These steps will help you avoid common mistakes so you can save time and money.

Buying your first home is an exciting and significant milestone, but it takes a lot of time, planning and preparation. With prices at record highs and intense competition from buyers, you need to be well-prepared and be mindful of the potential pitfalls so you can choose a place that will work for you now and in the future.

Being aware of the following mistakes can help you make more informed decisions, avoid costly errors and get into your new home sooner.

7 biggest first home buyer errors to avoid
1. Not setting a realistic budget or having pre-approval
One of the first steps in the home-buying process is getting pre-approval so you know how much you can afford.

When you work with a lender or mortgage broker to figure out your budget, take into account the amount you can borrow and the other costs associated with buying, such as stamp duty, legal fees, building inspections and the cost of moving.

Not knowing exactly how much you can spend will waste your time because you’ll be looking at places outside of your price range. If you don’t have pre-approval, you may also find yourself missing out on places you like because you’re not ready to make an offer.

2. Overlooking government grants and incentives
Most state governments offer grants, incentives and schemes to assist first-time home buyers. Some buyers overlook these opportunities and miss out on financial assistance that could significantly reduce the overall cost of buying a home.

Take the time to research and understand the grants and incentives you are eligible for, as they can make a substantial difference in your home-buying journey. Your mortgage broker can be a good source of information in this regard.

3. Not conducting thorough property inspections
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a home that appears perfect on the surface, but hidden issues can lead to costly repairs in the future. A common mistake first-time buyers make is failing to conduct a thorough property inspection before purchasing.

A professional building inspection will outline potential structural problems, pest infestations, or other issues that may not be immediately apparent. Getting a report from a qualified property inspector can save you thousands of dollars, not to mention a lot of headaches after you’ve moved in.

4. Not considering future resale value
While your primary focus may be finding a home that suits your current needs and budget, it’s also essential to consider the property’s future resale value, especially if you plan to use this purchase to leap-frog to a bigger or different place in the future.

First-time buyers sometimes make the mistake of purchasing homes that may be difficult to sell in the future due to location, size or other factors. Even if you don’t plan to sell in less than five years, thinking about resale value is a smart financial strategy as it can increase your equity. Look for properties in desirable locations with good growth potential to ensure your investment increases in value over time.

5. Letting emotions drive your decision
Buying a home is often an emotional process, especially for first-time buyers. However, letting emotions drive your decision can lead to choices you regret.

Approach the home-buying process with a level head and focus on practical considerations, such as the home’s condition, location and price. Try to separate your emotions from your decision-making process and choose with your head rather than your heart.

6. Not considering long-term needs
Many first-time buyers make the mistake of focusing solely on their current needs, without considering how their circumstances may change in the future. It’s important to think long-term when purchasing your first home.

Will the property accommodate your future lifestyle? Are there good schools nearby if you plan to have children? Is there room to expand or renovate? Considering your long-term needs will help you choose a home that suits you both now and in the years to come.

7. Failing to seek professional advice
Navigating the property market for the first time can be daunting, and failing to seek professional advice is a common mistake. A real estate agent, mortgage broker and conveyancer/solicitor will apply their knowledge to guide you to a successful outcome.

In many cases, your real estate agent will identify the right place for someone before they do. This is because they have many years of experience as a property ‘matchmaker’.

Real estate agents based in the area where you want to buy will be one of your best sources of information. Remember, they are here to help, so take the time to have some conversations and let them know exactly what you’re looking for.

Ready to start your home-buying journey? Contact me on 0451 127 030 today!

17/10/2024

"Shout out to Sarah McMurtrie, an amazing agent and absolutely going above and beyond in all aspects of the buying and selling process!" Google Review By Kaitlin Radloff

15/10/2024

Ultimate Spring Cleaning Hacks You Can’t Miss

Ready to transform your home? Dive into the ultimate spring cleaning hacks you won’t want to miss!

1. Declutter First
Before you dive into cleaning, declutter your space. Go through each room and get rid of items you no longer need. Donate, recycle, or throw away anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. A clutter-free space makes cleaning much easier and more effective.

2. Tackle One Room at a Time
Avoid feeling overwhelmed by focusing on one room at a time. Create a checklist for each room to ensure you cover all areas. Completing one room before moving to the next gives a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated.

3. Clean Top to Bottom
Start cleaning from the top of the room and work your way down. Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and shelves first. This way, any dust or debris that falls will be cleaned when you move to lower surfaces.

4. Refresh Carpets and Upholstery
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming. This helps to neutralize odors and freshen up your carpets. For upholstery, use a fabric cleaner or a mixture of water and mild detergent to remove stains and dirt.

5. Organise Closets and Drawers
Spring is a great time to reorganise closets and drawers. Use storage bins and labels to keep things tidy and easily accessible. Rotate seasonal clothing and donate items you haven’t worn in the past year.

6. Clean Windows and Mirrors
Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean windows and mirrors. This leaves them streak-free and sparkling. For hard-to-reach windows, a squeegee can be a handy tool.

7. Deep Clean Appliances
Don’t forget to deep clean your appliances. Run a cycle with vinegar and baking soda in your dishwasher and washing machine to remove buildup and odours. Clean your oven, microwave, and refrigerator with appropriate cleaners to keep them functioning efficiently.

12/10/2024

Pamukkale, located in southwestern Turkey, is one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Its name means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, a fitting description for its surreal white terraces formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from hot spring waters. These terraces, filled with mineral-rich waters, cascade down the hillside, creating a visual spectacle of snow-white pools glistening in the sun.

Pamukkale has been revered for its therapeutic qualities since antiquity. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built adjacent to the site by the Greeks in the 2nd century BC, serving as both a healing center and a major cultural hub. People would travel from across the ancient world to bathe in the warm waters, believing them to have miraculous healing powers.

Today, Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site, combining natural beauty with historical significance. Visitors can still explore the ruins of Hierapolis and dip their feet into the same pools that were cherished thousands of years ago.

11/10/2024

Are you looking for something fun & unique to do this weekend?

Upside Down House Photo Experience has landed in Broadbeach Waters!

Get ready to turn your world upside down at the House Down Under - a unique opportunity to capture gravity-defying photos in our specially designed upside-down house. Bring your family, your kids and grandkids, creativity and sense of fun as you explore our quirky rooms and snap unforgettable photos. Whether you're hanging from the ceiling or sticking your head in the toilet, this experience guarantees a fun filled activity for all ages with laughter and mind-bending illusion. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind photo adventure! Perfect for some school holiday fun or rainy day activities.

COST: $0 – $21
WHERE: The Patio, Level 1, 32/2 Ho**er Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218
TIME: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
DATES: Friday 11th October 2024
Saturday 12th October 2024
Sunday 13th October 2024
Wednesday 16th October 2024
Thursday 17th October 2024
Friday 18th October 2024
Saturday 19th October 2024
Sunday 20th October 2024
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Thursday 24th October 2024
Friday 25th October 2024

Step into a world of fun at the Upside Down House Photo Experience - where everything is topsy-turvy and perfect for crazy photo experience!