Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is strengthening its footprint in California through the addition of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Platinum Realty Group, a boutique brokerage based in Tehachapi, California, the firm announced Monday.

Michelle Ressler was fired earlier this year and replaced with Ravi Jani. She now says company leadership suggested she couldn’t be both an effective executive and a mother.

Family of squatters move into home after it sold, change locks. Picture: Realtor

A US homeowner had the surprise of his life when he discovered a family allegedly squatting in his home.

Mike Haskell had spent tens of thousands renovating his four-bedroom house in Windsor Mill, Maryland.

He was 24-hours away from finalising the sale of his property when he received a phone call.

By the next morning, he’d learned that an unknown family of four had been living on the property for at least a week — without his permission, Realtor reports.

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A home in a Baltimore suburb was occupied by squatters, who allegedly found the property via a social media post. Picture: Realtor

Inside the home while it was staged. Picture: Realtor

“There should be nobody there”

Speaking with Spotlight on Maryland, Mr Haskell explained that his buyer actually alerted him to the squatters.

They had spotted a moving truck parked outside the property and called Mr Haskell to see what was up.

“They thought it was maybe being unstaged for advertising, and I said, ‘No, that was done way earlier. There should be nobody there,’” Mr Haskell said.

According to Mr Haskell, he was forced to call the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) after he and his colleagues noticed that the locks on the property had been changed, and the sale sign had been removed from the front yard.

The police treated the initial call as a “civil matter,” according to documents obtained by Spotlight on Maryland.

No official charges or arrests were made, and the squatters were not removed.

The owner of the house was 24 hours away from finalising a sale when he learned an unknown family of four had been living on the property for at least a week. Picture: WBFF FOX45 Baltimore

Owner Mike Haskell said his buyer actually alerted him to the squatters, after spotting a moving truck parked outside the property. Picture: WBFF FOX45 Baltimore

When the local outlet came to check in on the situation themselves with Mr Haskell, they approached the family, who confessed to Spotlight that they were “unlawfully occupying Mr Haskell’s property and recognised that their presence allegedly interfered with an active sale to prospective buyers”.

Speaking with the outlet, a man and a woman explained how they found the home through a social media advertisement offering a one-time fee of $US7500 ($A11,500) to move into the Windsor Mill property.

They met the poster at Mr Haskell’s home, handed over a cash payment, and signed a lease document before moving in, which they shared with the reporter. The couple refused to share the original advertisement they allegedly saw online.

In the end, Mr Haskell was able to persuade the family, who had two young children, to leave the property and hand over the keys for $US3,000 ($A4,600).

A man and a woman explained how they found Mr Haskell’s home through a social media advertisement offering a one-time fee of $US7500 to move into the property. Picture: WBFF FOX45 Baltimore

Removing squatters isn’t easy

According to Realtor, once a squatter has made their way into a home, it’s very difficult to have them removed.

Experts agree that the best way to ensure squatters can’t get access to your home is to make sure the property is monitored regularly, even when it’s not occupied.

“The key to protecting yourself from squatters is preventing them from entering in the first place,” real estate professional and lawyer Bruce Ailion, of Re/Max Town & Country in Atlanta, told Realtor.

In Mr Haskell’s case, the family not only entered the home, but the locks were changed as well, giving them a level of access synonymous with ownership.

Mr Ailion advises forgoing cheap locks and deadbolts, which he suggests can be opened “in about 10 seconds.”

Instead, he recommends buying directly from a locksmith, who has “higher-grade locks that are hard to compromise.”

“As soon as you list a home for sale or lease, invest in cameras and security systems,” adds David Metzger, a lawyer at Williams Teusink, a real estate firm in Atlanta.

Mr Haskell was able to persuade the family to leave the property and hand over the keys for $US3000. Picture: WBFF FOX45 Baltimore

In Australia, homeowners should immediately issue a formal notice of trespass upon discovering squatters.

According to James & Jaramillo Lawyers, “the occupants have no legal right to be on the property and must vacate immediately”.

“If squatters refuse to leave, seek legal advice promptly. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to apply for an interim possession order,” the website states.

“This court order allows for quick removal of trespassers and restoration of the property to the rightful owner.

“Keep detailed records of all interactions with unauthorised occupants and any damage to the property.

“These documents can be crucial if legal proceedings become necessary.”

Parts of this story first appeared in Realtor and the New York Post and were republished with permission.

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Blending sun, style and social energy, Palm House has arrived at Harbour Shores offering young homebuyers and families a lifestyle that combines the comforts of home with the luxury of a five-star resort.

Palm House represents a significant milestone in the $1.5 billion Harbour Shores masterplan.

It is the latest project by Australia’s oldest privately held property developer, Lewis Land, which has been delivering innovative, high-quality communities along Australia’s eastern coastline for 65 years and across the Gold Coast region for over four decades.

Brett Draffen, CEO of Lewis Land, explains that Palm House is envisioned as the vibrant heart of the South Shore precinct.

“What sets it apart from other residential collections is the exceptional range of lifestyle and wellness amenities right at its doorstep,’” Draffen says.

“The 25-metre lagoon-style pool, tennis court, yoga studio and social clubhouse have been tailored for a younger generation of homebuyers and families who prioritise wellness and the relaxed waterfront living this precinct embodies.”

Smart design for modern living

The Palm House apartments offer a range of thoughtfully designed two- and three-bedroom floorplans, each combining quality finishes and modern design for effortless waterside living.

“With an emphasis on subtropical resort-style living, the floorplans are brought to life with natural tones of engineered timber floors, custom joinery and stone benchtops,” Draffen says.

“A selection of floorplans also include a multipurpose room ideal for a home office, media room or kids’ playroom.”

Large balconies extend the living space outdoors, ideal for entertaining friends or unwinding after a beachside weekend.

Inside, sleek kitchens, quality fittings and open-plan designs create a sense of relaxed sophistication.

Relax, recharge and connect in style

The Palm House offers a range of amenities tailored to both relaxation and an active lifestyle.

Residents will find a wellness area for exercising indoors while the community park invites them to relax and enjoy various outdoor activities.

For socialising and recreation, the residents-only clubhouse includes both indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, perfect for gatherings with friends.

Draffen highlights, “We designed the clubhouse to be a vibrant social hub.

“The clubhouse has been designed as a social hub with entertaining, kitchen and dining spaces, alongside function rooms, a co-working space for those who work from home, a games room and meeting room,” Draffen says.

Sustainability meets convenience

Harbour Shores will deliver the Gold Coast’s first 6 Star Green Star community.

“It’s a commitment to community as much as it is a commitment to sustainability and positive environmental outcomes,” Draffen says.

“It also makes good financial sense–Palm House residents will benefit from reduced costs through world-class sustainability measures including energy-efficient appliances, water conservation systems, high-performance glazing and solar panels.”

Ideally located opposite the Harbour Town Premium Outlets, Palm House offers easy access to a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

The vibrant heart of the Gold Coast is just a 20-minute drive away, putting iconic destinations like Surfers Paradise within easy reach.

It allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds – quiet waterfront living and the excitement of the Gold Coast lifestyle just moments away.

In a strong sign of growth for the area, unit prices in Biggera Waters have risen by 11.9% over the past 12 months according to realestate.com.au data.

Options for easier homeownership

With only 60 apartments available, 25% being sold already, and construction progressing on schedule, Palm House offers a rare opportunity to secure a vibrant residence in the heart of the Gold Coast.

Every two-bedroom apartment also comes with two car spaces—an added benefit that exceeds typical parking ratios, providing convenience and extra value for homeowners.

In a move designed to make the dream of owning a home a reality for younger buyers, flexible purchasing options are available through the Coposit partnership.

“Aligning with prop tech platform Coposit is a logical fit with our future-focused approach at Harbour Shores,” Draffen says.

“Using the Coposit platform, qualified homebuyers can purchase new property off-the-plan with an initial deposit of $10,000 and pay off the balance of the deposit while their new home or apartment is being built.

“Settlement is finalised through traditional financing channels upon completion.”

For more information, visit the website and get in touch with the Palm House team.

The post Inside the Gold Coast’s new opportunity for young buyers appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Even in the most desirable and expensive seaside suburbs and country towns where buyers pay top dollar for a slice of paradise, you can still get a lot more for your money compared to the city.

The median price for a house in regional Australia is just under $700,000, which is about $300,000 cheaper than a typical capital city house, now worth $1 million.

But in the priciest country and coastal towns around Australia, typical homes are worth much more.

PropTrack data shows there are 43 towns and suburbs outside the capitals and major regional cities where houses typically cost more than $1 million.

The vast majority are found in NSW, with a few in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

Even though buyers in these towns typically need to spend at least $1 million to buy in — or more than $2 million in the priciest towns — that kind of money may afford an acreage or an ocean view, which is practically impossible for the same budget in a major city.

Priciest towns and suburbs outside the major cities – $1.5 million-plus

The north and south coasts of NSW and the southern highlands were the regions with the most $1 million-plus towns.

REA Group executive manager of economics Angus Moore said the preponderance of pricey towns in NSW was likely due to the premium placed on easy access to Sydney.

“For some of these areas, relative proximity to Sydney — itself a very expensive market — is probably part of the story,” he said 

“For others, particularly those on the north coast, it’s perhaps just down to these being very attractive areas.”

Byron Bay dethroned as priciest Aussie town

While Byron Bay has long held the crown as the most expensive Australian town, the latest data shows it’s just been dethroned. 

Instead, Burradoo in the NSW Southern Highlands now reigns as the priciest Australian suburb outside a major city, with a median house price of $2.55 million – $15,000 higher than Byron’s.

The leafy suburb about an hour and a half southwest of Sydney is known for its spacious, well-appointed houses on big blocks with lush gardens, most of which are an acre or more in size.

But according to real estate agent Sarah Wotton of Di Jones Southern Highlands, an ample supply of homes on the market has made it easier to buy in lately, despite the high price tags.

“There is very good buying in Burradoo compared to a couple of years ago,” she said.

“We have a surplus of housing and it’s still very much a buyer’s market.”

While Burradoo is the most exclusive suburb in the region, with the most lavish homes and the highest house prices, Ms Wotton said buyers with more modest budgets had plenty of options in the area.

“You get much more bang for your buck in the Highlands across the board than you do in parts of Sydney,” Ms Wotton said.

“There is choice across all the villages,” she said. “You can move to the Southern Highlands and find a house for under $1 million that you’d be happy to bring your family up in.”

Other suburbs in the region with median house prices above $1 million include Bowral ($1.58m), Robertson ($1.225m), Bundanoon ($1.09m) and Mittagong ($1.05m).

Priciest towns and suburbs outside the major cities – $1.2 million to $1.5 million

The data includes only suburbs with more than 30 sales in the past year, located outside the urban areas of the capitals and large regional cities such as Newcastle, Geelong and the Gold Coast.

Buyers searching for the next Byron Bay

The data suggests sea change favourite Byron Bay has become a little more affordable recently, with its median house price declining by 9.5% in the past year to $2.535 million.

However, prices have grown or remained stable in nearby coastal towns, some of which have joined the $2 million club.

Casuarina ($2.065m), Kingscliff ($2.015m) and Suffolk Park ($1.88m) were the next priciest towns in Australia, followed by Bangalow ($1.625m), a town about 15 minutes inland from Byron Bay.

Tweed Coast real estate agent Tate Brownlee singled out Kingscliff as having the potential to rival Byron Bay for prices in the future, in no small part due to an influx of doctors and nurses working in the town’s recently-opened Tweed Coast Hospital, and proximity to Gold Coast airport which increased its appeal to wealthy international buyers.

Kingscliff’s median house price is up about 10% in the past year, PropTrack data shows.

“You’ve got the beautiful sleepy coastal lifestyle as well as incredible restaurants and cafes,” Mr Brownlee said. “And our beaches shred on Byron.”

Gerringong and Kiama were the priciest seaside towns on the NSW south coast, with both sharing a median house price of $1.5 million.

Berry, a nearby inland town off the Princes Highway, had a median house price of about $1.61 million.

Priciest towns and suburbs outside the major cities – $1 million to $1.2 million

In Victoria, almost all towns with a median house price above $1 million were on the coast, including Barwon Heads ($1.46m), Anglesea ($1.4m), Jan Juc ($1.27m), Point Lonsdale ($1.2m) and Torquay ($1.175m).

Dunsborough was the priciest coastal town in Western Australia, with a median house price of $1.2 million. Cowaramup, about 25 minutes to the south, had a median of just over $1.05 million.

In Queensland, Dundowran in the Wide Bay region and Palm Cove north of Cairns were the only regional towns outside the major cities with a median price above $1 million.

Country and coastal towns where prices are booming

Most of Australia’s $1 million-plus country and coastal towns recorded price rises in the past year, although prices were flat in several while others recorded falls.

Dunsborough topped the charts for price growth, with prices jumping 25% in the past year amid booming conditions in Western Australia. A year ago, the suburb’s median house price was less than $1 million.

Terranora, a NSW town just outside Tweed Heads, followed closely with a 24.8% jump to a median of $1.45 million.

The tightly-held hinterland hotspot was firmly on the radar of family buyers due to the planned expansion of a popular private school, Mr Brownlee said, with increased demand leading to a big price jump.

“It’s an incredibly unique pocket,” he said. “It has a country lifestyle that’s 10 to 15 minutes from some of the top rated beaches in the nation.”

The post ‘More bang for your buck’: The priciest country and coastal towns in Australia appeared first on realestate.com.au.