Building Feature

High Expectations

Glorious north and eastern views are available from this 3 bedroom timber home on an elevated 1,929m2 lot overlooking Nimbin village and the mountains beyond.

The property was once home to the Nimbin produce store and has substantial sheds in good condition.

The house is in excellent condition and would rent for at least $150 pw. Business and development potential of the half-acre land component have been considered in respect of the asking price of $215,000.

Inspections can be made by contacting Nimbin Lifestyle Real Estate at 66 Cullen Street Nimbin, ph 6689 1305 or a/hrs phone Archie on 6689 0332.

Loans for self-employed made easy

If you are self-employed and do not have full financial records, obtaining a loan for a new house on your property, or an extension to your home or business can be extremely frustrating. After being repeatedly turned down people often ask themselves - "What can I do?'.

Local Mortgage Choice consultant, John Jenner, says that he has the answer - a loan that is specifically tailored for you.

Lo Doc-loans now available through Mortgage Choice, are offered by many traditional and non-conforming lenders, requiring fewer supporting documents than a standard loan.

They are targetted at the well-established, self-employed market, who are not always able to provide lenders their full financial position. Although the documentation required is significantly less than for a standard loan, applicants generally have to provide evidence of their current asset position and be able to finance on an average a minimum of 20% of the purchase price.

Lo Doc loan interest rates are usually around 1 (one) percent higher than the standard variable rates to offset the extra risk. However, there are some lenders who offer Lo Doc products that are equal to or lower than their standard rates.

If you take out a Lo Doc loan at a higher rate, lenders will generally drop the interest rates to a standard variable rate once you prove you have a consistent and serviceable income.

"Just because you may not fit the mould of a standard loan product doesn't mean you are not eligible for a home loan," local Mortgage Choice consultant, John Jenner said. "Lo Doc loans are tailored to the self employed and provide all the same features as a standard loans."

The Mortgage Choice consultant will come to you at the time and place that suits your schedule.

There are over 20 lenders on the Mortgage Choice panel so you get a genuine choice of hundreds of home loans.

Mortgage Choice is located at 69-71 Ballina Street, Lennox Head. For more information, or to arrange an appointment, call John on 6687 5333 or 0418 813 903.

Decorative style, elegance and protection

Peter Townsend Fabric's and Curtains can create a personalised atmosphere for your home interior. It is amazing what a decorative face-lift can do for your living environment. Not only will you love coming home to your refurbished and refreshed home, you will also be proud to welcome into your domain visitors from all walks of life.

By selecting from Peter's range of Sun Shield Fabrics, by Filigree, you are also making an investment that will keep your house cooler during summer and offer protection from harmful glare and reflection. It will also save you money by protecting your valuable internal features, such as lounge suites, rugs and art works, from the deterioration of sun bleaching.

And of course, they increase the level of comfort for humans.

Filigree's Sun Shade laces and sheer fabrics have been treated with a special ultra violet inhibitor meaning most of the Filigree drapes and curtains can provide up to 96% blockage of UV radiation.

Whether hung on their own or teamed with solid fabric curtains, the Sun Shield range of sheers allow you to let daylight stream into your home whilst reducing the effects of harmful UV rays. Sun Shield Sheers provide privacy without the need for heavily opaque curtains.

Peter, with 30 years experience behind him, can help you create the style that you feel best reflects you're personality and taste. In developing your custom design Peter will personally measure all the dimensions to ensure that everything is made to fit and suit your home.

Peter Townsend's Fabrics and Curtains specialises in roller blinds, Venetians, timber Venetians, Roman blinds, vertical drapes, budget curtaining, ready-made curtains, valances and rod-pocketed curtains.

Call in to see Peter at 99 Walker Street, Casino to arrange a free measure and quote or phone 6662 5711 or 0427 625 711. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, and on Saturdays 9am-midday.

Unique Home

Jon Lawrence Real Estate has listed for sale this unique Western Red Cedar home on the Eastern Fringe of Goonellabah.

The home has 4 large bedrooms, master with ensuite plus a sliding door giving access to wide verandahs boasting magnificent views over Tregeagle.

Some of the unique features of the home are lovely polished floors, raked ceilings, French doors and a big designer kitchen. There is a rumpus room and the living area is very spacious and has air-conditioning for your comfort.

Good storage under, 976m2 fenced allotment with side access.

Realistically priced at $317,000 Jon Lawrence Real Estate invites you inspect the property this Saturday from 10.15-11am at 7 Napier Street, Goonellabah or for any other enquiries contact our office on 6624 7700 or Rebecca 0413 524 709.

Stay in hot water with Elgas

John Armstrong, customer service manager from Elgas Lismore, says there's no better time than now to get into hot water with a Rinnai or Bosch continuous flow hot water service.

"We've got some terrific bargains from now until December 31 on these great systems. Continuous flow means that as long as you've got water and gas, you've got hot water."

Elgas currently have most Bosch and Rinnai units in stock. There are a range of models available to suit most homes or businesses whether you've got one bathroom or three.

"Bosch and Rinnai are great products with great back up and after sale service. And just as importantly Elgas is local," John said.

"We service the entire Northern Rivers region and we are the only LPG supplier based here. When you call Elgas you know you're speaking with local people, not someone based somewhere else in the country."

Drop in and see John at the Elgas showroom at 165 Molesworth Street Lismore or contact Elgas on 6621 2743.

Timber - practical, creative and beautiful

Supplying timer to the Northern Rivers for over 85 years, Timber and Plywood in north Lismore are the folks to see for all of your timber needs.

Timber and Plywood offer professional advice on the best timber to use for any job.

Manager, Peter Constable, said they have been running the timber yard as a partnership for the past 15 years.

"We supply treated pine for making outdoor furniture and solid timber for decking, as well as quality timber for kitchen bench tops," he said.

"For renovating kitchens timber is a great option, because it lasts a long time and you can make your own original design.

"We home deliver and give our customers a number of different options for timber they can use.

"We pride ourselves on service, each employee concentrates on giving the customer what they need."

Mr Constable has also designed his own home kitchen using hoop pine and maple ply.

Lismore Timber and Plywood, is in Arthur Street, North Lismore and is open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings,. Call them on 6621 2565 to discuss how their great range of quality timbers can best suit your needs.

Making gas a breeze

Everyone knows that using gas appliances is better for the environment, and now there's a local business that can look after all your gas needs with a minimum of fuss.

Established local business Lismore City Plumbing, which is owned by John Farquhar and Francine Wagner, now incorporates Kleenheat Gas House.

"We sell gas appliances, hot water systems, portable heating appliances, cooking appliances, BBQs, camping gear and carry spare parts for all gas appliances," John said. "We sell the appliances, install them; supply and organise the delivery of the gas; and service and repair the appliances - it's a complete service that we offer with no fuss for the customer. People can order something and it's there on the day. You can be up and going with just one phone call."

Kleenheat Gas House can also supply commercial gas equipment and they are able to refill gas cylinders too.

"We have appliances and equipment for catering businesses, macadamia farms and coffee plantations, just to name a few," said John, who has been in the industry now for more than 21 years.

Kleenheat Gas House have a range of appliances at their retail showroom, and people are welcome to drop in anytime for a look at this large range.

Kleenheat is an Australian owned company and is part of Westfarmers energy. They are one of Australia's leading distributors of LPG gas and gas appliances, supplying in excess of 20,000 industrial and commercial businesses and more than 200,000 domestic customers Australia wide.

The Lismore franchise is situated at 49 Terania St, North Lismore. It is open 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to12pm on Saturdays.

For more information drop in or phone 6622 4141.

Stop Looking

This modern, spacious three bedroom home is approximately 10-12 years old and has a cosy woodfire stove ideal for those cold winter nights and an inground swimming pool and a fabulous outdoor deck perfect for summer entertaining.

This lovely home backs onto a nature reserve that doesn't go anywhere. Vendor is keen to sell. Realistically priced at $230,000.

For more details or to arrange an inspection, phone Frank at Robert McLennan Real Estate on 6624 1300 or 0422 223 184.

Getting the right home loan

Summerland Credit Union's loans manager, Kim Morris.

Whether building a new home or buying an existing property, taking out a home loan is probably one of the biggest decisions that most people will make in their lifetime.

Most importantly, it represents the opportunity for people to own their own property, and provides a secure investment for the future.

So what should people look for when deciding to take out a Home Loan?

Kim Morris, Loans Manager of the Summerland Credit Union in Lismore believes there are a number of factors that people should address before committing themselves to a home loan.

Firstly, it is important that you save at least some deposit toward the purchase price of the property as the bigger your deposit, the less you'll have to borrow.

As a general rule, it is possible to obtain a loan of up to 95% of the value of the property that you are purchasing, subject to the acceptance of Mortgage Insurers.

You will need to fund the remaining 5% with your own deposit, plus the acquisition and administration costs of your loan such as rate adjustments, home insurance and moving expenses, legal costs, government stamp duty and loan establishment fees.

Remember to always ask about all of the fees and charges payable up-front, not just the interest rate on the loan. Recent legislation makes it compulsory for lenders to disclose a "Comparison Rate" allowing borrowers to make a more accurate comparison between credit providers.

It is usually a good idea to discuss with your financial institution what type of loan is best for your needs, and just as importantly, for your budget.

If you would like to discuss any of your own questions regarding home loans, or any other type of loan, you can call one of Summerland's friendly lending professionals on 1300 361 561.

Buying a home made easy

Established in 1997, Neilen's Conveyancing is the only licensed conveyancer in Lismore and one of only a handful in the region. But if the number of conveyancers in the area has remained small, the number of John's customers certainly hasn't.

Neilen's Conveyancing has recently relocated to new premises at 15 Molesworth to help accommodate the growing number of staff.

"We now have a staff of ten including three licensed conveyancers, " said John. " I think our success can be put down to our friendly staff and the care we take in removing some of the mystery from buying a home. We're more user friendly than solicitors. Most of our clients are either existing customers who have bought another property or referrals from satisfied customers."

Conveyancers are experts in the field of property law because they handle many varied property matters and have wide experience in the usual agents sales, but also in auction, off-the-plan, and private sales.

But Neilen's Conveyancing won't just help you buy or sell a home. They'll also help you refinance your current loan, create new subdivisions, do strata work, or help prepare commercial leases.

"Conveyancers work because we simplify things, and because we're usually not as expensive as solicitors," said John.

So if you're contemplating buying an investment property or moving to that dream home, contact John at Neilen's Conveyancing for some specialised help. You can contact John on 6621 7755.

Metalcorp - for everything in steel

Lismore has never seen a specialist steel retailer like the new look Metalcorp.

Metalcorp, Lismore, is part of the network of 28 Metalcorp branches along the east coast of Australia. This allows Metalcorp the buying power to source steel orders on the wholesale market at prices that allow them to pass on outstanding saving to you, the northern rivers customer.

Metalcorp also provides a number of other advantages for steel users in Lismore. They now boast an increased range of accessory items that span the whole range of steel uses for the professional builder right through to the enthusiastic handyman.

The Metalcorp staff takes pride in their belief that they are the best steel retailers in Australia - and they are eager to prove it to you.

When you are considering your next steel purchase, whether it be large support beams or mesh fences for around the yard, you should make yourself aware of the comprehensive range of quality steel products available through Metalcorp.

Take the time to visit the professionals at Metalcorp Lismore on Kraus Avenue, in the South Lismore industrial estate, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the carpeted showroom floor, great displays and friendly and knowledgeable Metalcorp advisers available to answer their questions. phone MetalCorp on 6621 5522.