SEEN across the nation as the country’s last wild frontier, Darwin can rightly claim to be a magical spot. But what makes it so special, so unique? Peter Kafkas has only spent 31 years in Darwin so he’s come up with some reasons he reckons every Darwinian should feel incredibly proud to call the city home and why you should be moving to Darwin.
Sunrise from SOHO 18th Floor Looking East 8th February 2011
Darwin and its suburbs spread in an approximately triangular shape, with the older south-western suburbs—and the city itself—forming one corner, the newer northern suburbs in another, and the eastern suburbs, progressing towards Palmerston, forming the third.
The older part of Darwin is separated from the newer northern suburbs by Darwin International Airport and Royal Australian Air Force Base. Palmerston is a satellite city 20 km (12 mi) south of Darwin that was established in the 1980s and is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia. The rural areas of Darwin including Howard Springs, Humpty Doo and Berry Springs are generally experiencing strong growth.
Mitchell Street in Darwin CBD
Darwin’s central business district is bounded by Daly Street in the north-west, McMinn Street in the north-east, Mitchell Street on the south-west and Bennett Street on the south-east. The CBD has been the focus of a number of major projects, including the billion dollar redevelopment of the Stokes Hill wharf waterfront area including a convention centre with seating for 1500 people and approximately 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft) of exhibition space. The development will also include hotels, residential apartments and public space. The city’s main industrial areas are along the Stuart Highway going towards Palmerston, centred on Winnellie. The largest shopping precinct in the area is Casuarina Square.
The most expensive residential areas stand along the coast in suburbs such as Larrakeyah and Brinkin, despite the slight risk these low-lying regions face during cyclones and higher tides. The inner northern suburbs of Millner and Coconut Grove and the eastern suburb of Karama are home to lower-income households, although low-income Territory Housing units are scattered throughout the metropolitan area. The suburb of Lyon was an addition to the Northern Suburbs. Development and constructor took place in 2009 and 2010 and became home for a number of affluent Darwin residents and local/recently posted military families above the rank of Sergeant or Flying Officer.
Still Not Sure About Moving?
The Northern Territory’s vibrant economic growth and a raft of multi-million and multi-billion dollar developments position the region as one of Australia’s fastest-growing, with a prosperous future. Thousands of jobs are expected to come on line for professionals and skilled tradespeople along with new opportunities for business entrepreneurs.
Facts about Darwin, Northern Territory:
Population (Darwin): 132,000 (approx)
Population (Northern Territory): 244,000 (approx)
Unemployment rate in Darwin: 3.34%
Median Home Price (Overall Darwin): $516,250 (Q4 2016)
Median Household Income: $80,000
Average Commute Time: 16 minutes
Darwin Real Estate
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People ask me all the time, “What marketing company do you use?” I find that funny because I went to a number of top “Graphic Design” agencies to get their expertise, but they didn’t get it, they all reverted back to “safe” mainstream marketing. I wasn’t interested in that at all.
“You must stand out if you want to be a successful Real Estate agent, as Daniel Hayes says “it’s an absolute myth that it takes years to build the momentum to earn a 6 figure salary. It’s simply not true. With the right marketing of YOU, you can get noticed quicker and stand out from the “same old, same old”.
Then it’s up to you whether you can win the business or not – but the right marketing of the “BRAND YOU” can get you in more doors.
The fact is Real Estate is simply about the numbers, the more numbers you do, the more chance you have at winning, in more doors means more business, it’s that simple.”
Everybody wants to portray a professional image as a Real Estate agent, suit and tie, squeaky clean, cheesy smile in front of a sign board??
But the reality is that YOU need to connect with your demographic and the truth is that most Real Estate marketing does not connect with their demographic, it’s just Cookie Cutter marketing. Creative marketing that Stands out is just another 1 percenter that helps you get on the “shopping list”.
Why Choose iProperty NT
At iProperty NT we aspire to be innovative. We take pride in our professionalism and integrity, and being an independent boutique agency.
Recognised by industry leaders as one of Australia’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, our dynamic approach toward real estate is breaking the traditional mould to cater for the buyers of today.
“We are social media heavy”
A proud independent agency – we have developed a solid understanding of the ways in which local real estate is conducted.
We like to challenge the status quo of traditional Real Estate, we embrace change and we do things differently to give you the edge by making your property stand out
Watch me on Youtubeor follow me on snapchat for videos, tips and inspiration or check out our awesome Facebook page!
The next generation of agents “The Peter Kafkas Team” are seen as the upper echelon, real estate royalty, the young guns of NT real estate, the team that everyone is watching to see what their next move will be, the team that demands innovation and they enthusiastically deliver day in day out!
The Peter Kafkas Team stands to be one of the most successful real estate teams ever produced in the territory!
There was time when agents and offices who were selling real estate and operating exactly how they used to some 20-30 years ago who would still do well – Underquoting prices (to entice and trick buyers), appraising homes for more than the actual market value just to secure listings (to mislead and trick potential vendors). Fortunately the future is here.
The game has totally changed in Real Estate now and the bar has been raised considerably. If you are not prepared to go where the bar is, you will be chewed up in the market place; the new generation of agents who are coming to sell real estate and run offices are young, energetic,avid learners and professional like never seen in Real Estate before. Clients expect increasingly higher standards – standard where agents work their back to get the best result for them with honesty, transparency and integrity.
Before you hand over the key to the most expensive asset you own to somebody, I strongly suggest you interview at least 2 committed agents and the questions I would be asking them are as follows;
1: What’s your strategy in preparation, presentation and marketing of my property?
2: How are you going to market/expose my property differently to everyone else whilst showing value?
3: How are you going to manage my buyers who either call or visit my property? How are you going to run my open homes & private inspection and what are your systems and strategies that allow you to follow up with every single buyer and keep in touch with them until my property is SOLD?
4: Most importantly, demonstrate how you can negotiate efficiently on my behalf?
These questions become more relevant given the level of bearing a skilled negotiator has on your most valuable and emotionally attached asset. A skilled negotiator can save thousands and can avoid disappointments specially in a slightly tougher market like now where buyers don’t trip over each other anymore at the open homes and auctions to purchase properties.
Since starting out at 26, Peter has seen rapid growth in his business, winning award after award, whilst being watched closely by his competition and colleagues. He has become a go to person in the community for all real estate needs.
After starting out with nothing, Peter has built a marketing team ranked amongst the best in the NT and as a local for 27 years and investor personally, he has helped many reach their goals of financial freedom through property investment.
With his connections and huge buyer following Peter is able to connect buyers and sellers. As the trusted identity his team provides an unmatched service and with a specialist marketing division is able to diversify your properties exposure.
Being titled No.1 Agent by the public Peter is now teaching other young energetic agents how the game has changed.
Recently meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Altman brothers from the hit show Million Dollar Listing Peter’s career continues to go from strength to strength.
As the natural choice for a real estate expert, clients consistently choose to consult Peter to ensure they achieve the best possible result with their property.
Peter will share with you the key elements that took him to being REINT #1 agent, selling more than $15 million dollars using video and what his team deliver to reach these levels of success.
REINT 2016 Real Estate Agent Of The Year!
REINT 2015 Real Estate Agent Of The Year!
NT’s number 1 agent: Peter Kafkas: Only agent in NT to sell OVER $15 Million Dollars using video marketing techniques
REINT 2015 Public Nominated Salesperson Of The Year
38% of Homes SOLD have achieved OVER THE ASKING PRICE
REINT 2014 & 2013 Innovation Award Winner
82% of his clients see a SOLD SIGN
REINT 2014 Salesperson Of They Year nominee
Over 350 Properties Sold in NT
Over $500 Million Dollars worth of Real Estate SOLD
Social Media & Video Markting Elite Agent
72% of Clients are Referred to Peter – showcasing his experience and results he achieves for all his clients. Something you wouldn’t know – Peter innovated the Darwin real estate industry with his outrageous video marketing ideas, Peter is known as “NT’s Most Innovative Agent”
Gareth Chin
Dedicated to raising the bar in all facets of the real estate industry Gareth is the new generation of agents coming to sell real estate! He is young, energetic, avid learner and professional like never seen in Real Estate before. Gareth continually improves his professional skills through self motivation, goal settings and team spirit. His positive attitude, honesty and persistence ensures that every client is able to rely on him day or night in order to achieve their goals.
Ashleigh Collins
Ashleigh burst on the scene with Call2View Real Estate in early 2013 and it didn’t take long for her innovation to become a game changer. Coming from a background of hospitality she worked her way up from receptionist to starring in the Peter Kafkas team most viewed real estate video and quickly proved herself as a valuable team member with her social media skills. Her ability to work under pressure and forge strong professional relationships with both tenants and landlords keeps her motivated and inspired to continue exceeding her client’s expectations.
Adam Kilian
Adam is the next generation of self motivated elite professionals, eager to help as real estate runs deep in the family tree. Adam works in property management administration and wanting a challenge that was more people than paper. He provides essential support throughout the rental process including handling all enquiries, conducting open home inspections he is the one to watch in the coming years!…
Watch me on Youtubeor follow me on snapchat for videos, tips and inspiration or check out our awesome Facebook page!
Darwin home sales have dropped in the past financial year, with Sydney once again the dominant performing capital city.
Dwelling values in both Perth and Darwin were down -0.9% and -2.9% respectively compared with the previous financial years. It’s not all bad though say Peter Kafkas
Darwin, with the northern capital recording the highest rental yields for houses at 5.8%
“The three tiers of housing market performance can be best explained by economic and demographic factors where it’s no coincidence that New South Wales and Victoria are recording the strongest economic conditions coupled with the strongest rates of migration which is fuelling housing demand,” Lawless says.
“These states are more sheltered from the mining sector downturn and have benefited from the strong multiplier effect of housing construction as well as a vibrant financial services sector.
“The Perth and Darwin markets are weakening in line with the downturn in the resources sector and an associated weakening in infrastructure investment and a marked slowdown in migration.
But it wasn’t all bad news for Darwin, with the northern capital recording the highest rental yields for houses at 5.8%. Brisbane units outperformed the rest of the country with grows rental yields of 5.4% for the financial year.
At iProperty NT we aspire to be innovative. We take pride in our professionalism and integrity, and being an independent boutique agency.
Recognised by industry leaders as one of Australia’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, our dynamic approach toward real estate is breaking the traditional mould to cater for the buyers of today.
“We are social media heavy”
A proud independent agency – we have developed a solid understanding of the ways in which local real estate is conducted.
We like to challenge the status quo of traditional Real Estate, we embrace change and we do things differently to give you the edge by making your property stand out
Watch me on Youtubeor follow me on snapchat for videos, tips and inspiration or check out our awesome Facebook page!
PROBLEM :
Real estate content marketing fails to accurately portray physical space.
There is a new way to see and share your home through the use of SCANNED3D 360 video available at iProperty NT
3D technology is an innovative way to take your listings to the next level.
Providing a detailed experience that allows prospective buyers to “walk through” a Darwin property.
Delivering in-depth information to help property searchers understand the property’s layout, size, design and condition
Viewable across multiple digital platforms.
Created in a simple and efficient manner via your 3D expert.
Eye-catching positioning. Located at the forefront of your listings on both search result pages and property details pages.
Deliver higher engagement on your listings.
3D technology improves the efficiency of your sales cycle by validating prospects before inspections, and allowing them to revisit the property multiple times says Peter Kafkas.
It expands the reach of your entire marketing campaign by creating virtual perpetual open houses in the luxury of the consumers lounge. 3D technology helps you reach remote, interstate and international buyers that you otherwise may have missed out on.
Help win more listings through innovative technology.
Peter Kafkas says “Vendors are looking for agents that are at the forefront of technology. Already 12% of residential home listings on realestate.com.au have a video URL¹, generating over 190,000 views per week² 3D technology takes your listings to the next step by improving your market awareness and increasing your potential for engagement on every listing.”
Why Choose iProperty NT
At iProperty NT we aspire to be innovative. We take pride in our professionalism and integrity, and being an independent boutique agency.
Recognised by industry leaders as one of Australia’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, our dynamic approach toward real estate is breaking the traditional mould to cater for the buyers of today.
“We are social media heavy”
A proud independent agency – we have developed a solid understanding of the ways in which local real estate is conducted.
We like to challenge the status quo of traditional Real Estate, we embrace change and we do things differently to give you the edge by making your property stand out
NT Quadrella It’s a 4 Peat for iProperty NT’s Peter Kafkas when he took home the 2015 REINT Public Nominated Salesperson Of The Year on Saturday night.
Winner of the REINT 2013 & 2014 Innovation Award, and 2014 REINT Salesperson Of The Year Nominee says “My team & I thought we had no chance because we were up against 15 talented nominees but we did, we brought home the NT Quadrella
Peter Kafkas Takes Out Real Estate NT Quadrella
“This year has certainly being a challenge to say the least” Peter hired superstar real estate coach Glenn Twiddle over 2 years ago, and continued with Jody Hayes coaching team, couple this with a culture similar to google and a work ethic almost unmatched you have a recipe for success.
“I do my own letterbox drops every week and I love challenging even my own clients to call me at 5am if the need me whether it be for a listing appointment, a marketing strategy or a crucial conversation”
2 years ago Peter innovated the Darwin real estate scene with his high impact marketing campaigns with themed and corporate video marketing.
A massive congratulations to Di Brereton on being awarded the achievement award and Peter Kafkas who was awarded the People’s Choice award for residential sales person.
REINT 2015 Real Estate Agent Of The Year (People’s Choice)
Over 350 Properties Sold in NT
Over $500 Million Dollars worth of Real Estate SOLD
38% of Homes SOLD have acheived OVER THE ASKING PRICE
Only agent in NT to sell OVER $10 Million Dollars using video
82% of his clients see a SOLD SIGN
REINT 2014 & 2013 Innovation Award Winner
REINT 2014 Salesperson Of They Year nominee
Social Media & Video Markting Elite Agent
Winner of REA’s Best Agent Profile In NT
72% of Clients are Referred to Peter – showcasing his experience and results he achieves for all his clients. Something you wouldn’t know – Peter innovated the Darwin real estate industry with his outrageous video marketing ideas, Peter is known as “NT’s Most Innovative Agent”
“I am truly honoured to receive this award making it an NT Quadrella”
Why Choose iProperty NT
At iProperty NT we aspire to be innovative. We take pride in our professionalism and integrity, and being an independent boutique agency.
Recognised by industry leaders as one of Australia’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, our dynamic approach toward real estate is breaking the traditional mould to cater for the buyers of today.
“We are social media heavy”
A proud independent agency – we have developed a solid understanding of the ways in which local real estate is conducted.
We like to challenge the status quo of traditional Real Estate, we embrace change and we do things differently to give you the edge by making your property stand out
Periscope has only been live for a couple of weeks, but it is already being hailed as the greatest social media platform since Twitter. I tested out the broadcasting app… Be it for work, personal or even buying a house, you will love it!…
I can give our clients REAL TIME broadcasting updates on their property!….
Periscope lets you broadcast live video to the world. Going live will instantly notify your followers who can join, comment and send you hearts in real time. The more hearts you get, the higher they flutter on the screen.
Peter lowering his hand to sign a contract of sale, what do we really get up to in a sales meeting, Jody hosting a training session, a sales agent dancing after putting a deal together – these are all live, right now, on my phone.
And they manage to be simultaneously compelling viewing and a bit boring but certainly worth your time…
I can also give our clients REAL TIME broadcasting market updates in their area!…
Periscope allows anyone to broadcast live from anywhere – and I mean anywhere – using their phone. No need for a WiFi connection and a webcam, let alone a satellite broadcast truck. Instead, you tap your phone and you are immediately transmitting to anyone who chooses to follow you.
Have a great day Australia and you can now call me “Periscope Kafkas”
Why Choose iProperty NT
At iProperty NT we aspire to be innovative. We take pride in our professionalism and integrity, and being an independent boutique agency.
Recognised by industry leaders as one of Australia’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, our dynamic approach toward real estate is breaking the traditional mould to cater for the buyers of today.
“We are social media heavy”
A proud independent agency – we have developed a solid understanding of the ways in which local real estate is conducted.
We like to challenge the status quo of traditional Real Estate, we embrace change and we do things differently to give you the edge by making your property stand out
20 years ago the idea of making a darwin real estate video would have been something that only the top end of the market would consider. Because of developments in technology, creating a real estate video is available to all our clients and is a tactic that should seriously be considered by every seller.
Internet users watch an average of three hours online video a month. Tie this in with the ever increasing numbers of buyers carrying out their property research online, and it makes more and more sense for you to be using video as part of your sales marketing process. Effective use of real estate video will mean that you stand apart from the competition.
These days sellers can use video to market their property, and give people a real time view and feel on a 3 dimensional level. But why is this more effective, at least than pictures on a website.
Now that Darwin real estate videos are within the reach of every advertising budget, they are a must have for your sales arsenal says Peter Kafkas
Having a video may give potential buyers:
A better online tour of your property
A professional and lasting impression
Another way to interact with your listing
By creating a creative display for an online platform allows for more engagement, connectivity, and accessibility for people wishing to interact with you and your property.
Buying or selling a home involves a lot of emotional and difficult decisions. Before these transactions even take place, real estate professionals need to work with these decisions and get creative to even get in front of these buyers and sellers in the first place. Without doubt it is proven fact that more than any other type of marketing, people will be more drawn to a video.
If an image is worth a thousand words, video, as an extension of this, must be worth a million.
Video is fast becoming one of the most effective forms of Darwin real estate marketing. Indeed this rapid growth is leaving real estate agents needing to learn how to create these videos, or learn what guidelines to abide by. Here at iProperty NT we have mastered the video concept!
Buying or selling a home involves a lot of emotional and subjective decisions. Before these transactions even take place, real estate professionals need to work with these decisions and get creative to even get in front of these buyers and sellers in the first place.
Without a doubt, Darwin real estate video marketing is one of the best ways to appeal to the emotional, subjective factors that come with just about every transaction. Just like any other form of marketing though, it has to standout. Boring photo slideshow marketing methods can turn off a buyer or seller just as quickly as it reels them in.
Why Choose iProperty NT
At iProperty NT we aspire to be innovative. We take pride in our professionalism and integrity, and being an independent boutique agency.
Recognised by industry leaders as one of Australia’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, our dynamic approach toward real estate is breaking the traditional mould to cater for the buyers of today.
“We are social media heavy”
A proud independent agency – we have developed a solid understanding of the ways in which local real estate is conducted.
We like to challenge the status quo of traditional Real Estate, we embrace change and we do things differently to give you the edge by making your property stand out
I recently read somewhere the Darwin City Council’s future plan has been produced with the assistance of the Northern Territory and federal governments, and with input from the private sector.
Apparently It’s a 20-year vision, consisting of 72 different proposals to bring new life to the Territory capital. The Ideas range from alternative road corridors into the city, to boardwalks, boulevards and a new swimming lagoon.
Darwin City Sunrise from SOHO 18th Floor Looking East
I couldn’t believe the amount of attention a recent post on Facebook got about Johnston as one of the ugliest suburbs in Darwin, “No one looks at the an example of “chaotic ugliness”. and feels deeply moved by the grace and sweetness of the scene,” it just shows the power of the news to instil a narrative which then becomes lodged in people’s minds.”
Growing up in Darwin and putting my own opinions up on a public forum can reflect badly on others I have grown up with however anyone that knows me, knows Im not about that! That’s why after all that attention I thought it would be best to remove the Facebook post.
The real problem is that people have accepted that everyone will have different views of what is beautiful or ugly, or even affordable.
“We have talked ourselves into the belief that taste is always relative,”
“So even though almost everyone on the planet thinks that either Dubai or Paris is delightful people in Darwin I talk to everyday think that Darwin is a bit of a mess, but we don’t dare to speak.”
“Sorry to disappoint people, but I have no clue who is behind any of the “ugly developments” and absolutely do not care, however the planning authority must be either blind or money really does control everything even common sense!
Is Darwin now becoming one of Australia’s ugly cities? An example of “chaotic ugliness”.
Affordable development in Johnston
Instead, it comes back to the builder or developer’s preference. “One would hope that people don’t build ugly buildings, but a lot of buildings considered ugly are just cost effective,” Mr Killian said.
“Certain parts of Darwin has been taken over by property developers who have been allowed to run riot for the sake of money,”
Is the Casuarina university accommodation complex the ugliest building in Darwin?
When China International Marine Containers, or CIMC, saw that the mining investment boom had peaked and was settling into the steady extraction phase, it looked around for how it could use its skills at supplying mining accommodation to something a bit longer lasting.It didn’t take long to alight on multi-storey prefabricatated housing. In particular, but not always, hotels. Today the company has about 12 projects on the go.
NT Property Council executive director Mark Johnson thought the Kurringal Flats in Fannie Bay were rather untasteful. “They’re derelict and the poor buggers have to live in it. It’s a disgrace,” Mr Johnson said.
The Australian Institute of Architecture’s NT Chapter president Simon Scally has nominated the Woolworths building on Smith St and Whitfield St because of it’s disrespect to the street.
“It just presents a blank facade along Smith St Mall. And along Whitfield St it is just loading bays. It’s probably the most horrible industrial facade in Darwin,” Mr Scally said.
IF you see an unidentified flying object in Darwin or Palmerston, don’t panic.
It’s likely to be a drone and it’s not coming for you.
Right now if its all about standing out from the crowd or wanting to highlight all the aspects of a house in a way never been done before in Darwin. If you know anything about me its, I love to innovate, but are we going too far?…. We have been hard at work researching these flying contraptions which are being used increasingly around the world.
Drones are being used over helicopters or cherry pickers to capture a birds eye view like this one.
Drones in Darwin Real Estate?
“We would use it to really showcase a property’s position and size,” having a video that can show the depth and position is a better selling point and attracts buyers to the property.
“We have had a lot of feedback from down south and international buyers that they can get a better sense of a property without having to fly in to see it.”
Drones fitted with cameras could be spotted flying around Darwin soon..
Drones were often used as a replacement for cherry pickers and helicopters for aerial shots and there were strict guidelines for their use.
“Should we adopt this technology our agency is mindful of nearby residents and the drones’ use was limited to the property we were selling.”
Drones are now becoming increasingly user-friendly.
PRIVACY REPORT
Drones have the potential to pose a serious threat to privacy, according to a report by a federal parliamentary committee.
The report, Eyes In The Sky, pointed out that Australia’s privacy laws were often outdated by emerging technology.
“Existing laws may not be sufficient to cope with the specific privacy issues widespread RPA (remotely piloted aircraft) use might raise,” it said.
The report pointed out that drones can intrude on someone’s private activities either on purpose or when carrying out other activities such as aerial photography.
It also stated that the capacity of drones to enter private property and record both images and sounds can create “significant opportunities for privacy breaches”.
The committee inquiry also covered issues such as air safety, economic benefits and potential uses by emergency services.
Drones are used by Australian businesses for photography. Picture: Karen Dodd Source: News Corp Australia