News

<p data-block-key="ugdxw">Individually, they&#x27;re exceptional. But together, they&#x27;re unstoppable.</p><p data-block-key="fe2ft">We caught up with four powerhouse couples from the Canberra property scene for the skinny on what initially attracted them to each other, what it&#x27;s like to sell property as a duo, and - of course - the most obvious question of all: don&#x27;t you get sick of each other?!</p><h3 data-block-key="3rc4m">Jenny and Michael McReynolds, home.by holly</h3><img alt="Screen Shot 2024-02-12 at 10.26.23 am" class="richtext-image full-width" height="655" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2024-02-12_at_10.26.23_am.width-800.png" width="766"><h4 data-block-key="djkj6">How did you meet?</h4><p data-block-key="6thj">On a blind date organised by Michael’s brother and a friend of Jenny&#x27;s. It was October 1985 and we had dinner at Canberra Labor Club.</p><h4 data-block-key="4b7pg">What was Jenny&#x27;s first impression of Michael?</h4><p data-block-key="3t2lt">Just a nice person, I liked the fact that he was from the country (Yass) and he was easy to talk to. It was very natural for both of us, right from the start.</p><h4 data-block-key="blr64">What was Michael&#x27;s first impression of Jenny?</h4><p data-block-key="6ufc">Easygoing, with a good sense of humour. And there was also a country connection with Jenny having come from Cootamundra.</p><img alt="Jenny and Michael now" class="richtext-image full-width" height="796" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Jenny_and_Michael_now.width-800.png" width="800"><h4 data-block-key="fl50u">How do you manage being together 24/7?</h4><p data-block-key="enq07">We&#x27;ve worked together for a huge part of our lives - we were married in 1987 and just a couple of years later we purchased a farm near Harden, which we ran together. We found it very easy to work together as we think alike and always had the same vision, which was to have the farm and then invest in real estate. We bought our first investment property in 1990.</p><p data-block-key="5lng3">After selling the farm in 1999, we moved back to Canberra and started a career in real estate. And we&#x27;ve never looked back!</p><h4 data-block-key="aa0eb">What values do you both share?</h4><p data-block-key="4e86p">Honesty, integrity and treating people how we would like to be treated.</p><h4 data-block-key="d0ldl">Favourite thing to do when not working?</h4><p data-block-key="111hp">Spending time with the grandkids and family, exercising, walks, gardening and also spending time on our farm near Yass.</p><p data-block-key="cnk12"><a href="https://zango.com.au/search-property/real-estate-agents/jenny-michael-and-mark-mcreynolds/?listing_type=sale&amp;status=current" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Jenny and Michael (and Mark&#x27;s) current listings.</a></p><h3 data-block-key="6kp5i">Sally McCallum and Andrew Curren, LJ Hooker Tuggeranong</h3><img alt="Screenshot 2024-02-13 at 11.16.16 am" class="richtext-image full-width" height="798" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screenshot_2024-02-13_at_11.16.16_am.width-800.png" width="800"><h4 data-block-key="dcdj5">How did you meet?</h4><p data-block-key="35cng"><i>Sally:</i> We met at a private inspection In Isabella Plains in August 2018. I was looking to buy a house and previously Andrew had given me wonderful advice about a different property. He was five minutes late and I was worried about school pick-up. He was very charming when he was showing me the house and then he continued to call me for the next five months weekly. He had excellent customer service skills!</p><p data-block-key="cib7q"><i>Andrew:</i> I remember taking a call from Sally asking for some advice on a property and she was incredibly engaging from the start of the conversation. Some time passed and then Sally called to book a private inspection at a property I was selling in Moonbi Crescent, Isabella Plains. In typical agent fashion, I was late, but I soon became intrigued and from that point on I made it my mission to help her find the right property. This was obviously just to get to know her better. (Note: My catch phrase is now: “I love you to the Moonbi and back.”)</p><h4 data-block-key="2kaqg">What was Sally&#x27;s first impression of Andrew?</h4><p data-block-key="e4ckg">I thought Andrew was the ultimate professional and excellent at his job. He was kind and went out of his way to help me even before meeting me. After our first meeting we spoke weekly about real estate and then I invited him onboard a Qatar Airways plane as I was the Sales Executive for the airline. From there we started to catch up as friends.</p><h4 data-block-key="c5in">What was Andrew&#x27;s first impression of Sally?</h4><p data-block-key="7umc2">I thought Sally was a wonderful conversationalist and extremely genuine. She looks at you with her deep blue eyes and you absolutely know she is listening intently. Sally also looked fantastic in her gym gear!</p><img alt="Screen Shot 2024-02-13 at 2.30.17 pm" class="richtext-image full-width" height="551" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2024-02-13_at_2.30.17_pm.width-800.png" width="800"><h4 data-block-key="64ib3">How do you manage basically being together 24/7?</h4><p data-block-key="4egb0"><i>Sally:</i> We trust each other and therefore work really well together. We don’t need to oversee what the other person is doing. Andrew has been a great mentor for me but has also trusted my decisions and actions. We have both been in sales for over 20 years which helps us navigate our working relationship. We niggle at each other every now and then but it never lasts long. Our biggest problem is switching off at night and not talking about work.</p><p data-block-key="fi6bg"><i>Andrew:</i> It&#x27;s important to consciously discuss different topics and have other interests in life as real estate can become all-consuming. We do spend some time apart because of kid responsibilities, as well as our own sports and hobbies, which means we are not in each other’s pockets all day, every day.</p><h4 data-block-key="7pl9c">What values do you both share?</h4><p data-block-key="9k9ml"><i>Sally:</i> Honesty, kindness and being ethical. We are also great team players and have great discipline.</p><p data-block-key="fnl01"><i>Andrew:</i> Honesty is the key in real estate and we both value that highly, even though sometimes people don’t like to hear reality. We do share a similar very strong work ethic as well.</p><h4 data-block-key="25on8">Favourite thing to do when not working?</h4><p data-block-key="6men1"><i>Sally:</i> We&#x27;re both huge AFL followers so during the winter we pretty much watch every game and go to Melbourne to see our teams when we can. We also both love training and do it year round.</p><p data-block-key="3qn94"><i>Andrew:</i> The AFL is definitely a passion for both of us so whether it’s seeing a live game or lounging in front of the TV, we will always make time for that. We also get “our steps up” together when we can.</p><p data-block-key="cc6kb"><a href="https://zango.com.au/search-property/real-estate-agents/andrew-curren/?listing_type=sale&amp;status=current" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Sally and Andrew&#x27;s current listings.</a></p><h3 data-block-key="22egj">Natalie Kokic Schmidt and Jason Anasson, MARQ Property</h3><img alt="IMG_1592" class="richtext-image full-width" height="689" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_1592.width-800.jpg" width="800"><h4 data-block-key="d02kq">When and where did you meet?</h4><p data-block-key="db2hn">We met in Year 7 at St Francis Xavier High School in Florey (but we didn&#x27;t start dating until Year 11!)</p><h4 data-block-key="56u4k">What was Nat’s first impression of Jason?</h4><p data-block-key="dh7o4">I liked him straight away but we were so young so we were both very shy.</p><h4 data-block-key="26hvj">What was Jason’s first impression of Nat?</h4><p data-block-key="bvbfr">I thought Nat was the most beautiful girl in the school ... and from that point forward I fell in love!</p><h4 data-block-key="3fvmg">Is there an advantage to being a husband and wife team?</h4><p data-block-key="di517">A lot of feedback we receive is that vendors like having a male/female duo. We always know what everything is up to as we live together too, so our communication is on point. We have a son and we&#x27;re able to juggle family life as one partner can always watch him while the other one is at an appointment.</p><img alt="IMG_1802" class="richtext-image full-width" height="693" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/IMG_1802.width-800.jpg" width="800"><h4 data-block-key="6eud4">Don&#x27;t you get sick of each other?</h4><p data-block-key="14fqi">No! We&#x27;re not always together, we have different appointments throughout the day and hobbies in our personal time. We both have a passion for real estate so this works well.</p><h4 data-block-key="bgol7">Favourite thing to do when not working?</h4><p data-block-key="5jt1d">Walking our dogs Manny and Cleo, and spending time with our almost two-year-old Leo.</p><p data-block-key="evum2"><a href="https://zango.com.au/search-property/real-estate-agents/jason-anasson/?listing_type=sale&amp;status=current" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Natalie and Jason&#x27;s current listings.</a></p><h3 data-block-key="4pe5b">Rick and Tina Meir, home.by holly</h3><img alt="Wedding pic Rick and Tina" class="richtext-image full-width" height="528" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Wedding_pic_Rick_and_Tina.width-800.jpg" width="800"><h4 data-block-key="fuvs9">When did you meet?</h4><p data-block-key="ccpe0">We first met in 2000, while working together at a real estate agency in Manuka. It&#x27;s our 20th wedding anniversary this year!</p><h4 data-block-key="2g87g">What was Tina&#x27;s first impression of Rick?</h4><p data-block-key="b493m">Extremely charismatic and hilarious.</p><h4 data-block-key="gsit">What was Rick&#x27;s first impression of Tina?</h4><p data-block-key="f5hj0">Quiet and a little conservative. Boy was I wrong!</p><img alt="2913_HBH_009h" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/2913_HBH_009h.width-800.jpg" width="800"><h4 data-block-key="emf9u">How do you make marriage and business both work?</h4><p data-block-key="2d2ps">Love, respect and laughter. We work well together because we respect each other professionally and personally. We value each other’s opinions and contribution. We have shared goals, in-depth understanding, and constant support. It’s probably easier being in real estate with your partner than not, given it can be all-consuming at times. Our personalities and skillsets complement each other in both business and marriage.</p><h4 data-block-key="8uv9s">What&#x27;s the secret to a successful marriage?</h4><p data-block-key="9am88">Marry your best friend!</p><h4 data-block-key="3f55i">Favourite thing to do when not working?</h4><p data-block-key="3ran4">Travelling to new places. We’ve had some amazing holidays with our children. Also, Tina likes to sing with her trio, The Stilettos, or do some acting when the opportunity arises, while Rick enjoys driving and tinkering with his 1990 Mazda MX5.</p><p data-block-key="31drv"><a href="https://zango.com.au/search-property/real-estate-agents/rick-and-tina-meir/?listing_type=sale&amp;status=current" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">View Rick and Tina&#x27;s current listings.</a></p>

The powerhouse couples of Canberra real estate

Property

<p data-block-key="rgziu">Still on a high after the awesome drone show that took to the air over Lake Burley Griffin in late January? Us too! And we’re pumped for Skyfire 2024: the iconic fireworks display that’s returning to the capital after a very long five year wait.</p><img alt="0P6A9734-960x640" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/0P6A9734-960x640.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="eg365">If you’re in the market for a new apartment, we suggest choosing one of the below for the best views of the biggest cracker night in town.</p><h3 data-block-key="6jd32"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/29-11-trevillian-quay-kingston-act-2604-93334/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">29/11 Trevillian Quay, Kingston</a></h3><img alt="29-11-trevillian-quay-kingston-act-2604-93334-image-0-20240110010149870043-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/29-11-trevillian-quay-kingston-act-2604-93334-.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="4qk6a">If the weather’s warm enough on 16 March, you could literally watch Skyfire <i>from your pool</i>.</p><p data-block-key="9ehvn">Located on Kingston Island (yes, Kingston has <i>an island</i>), this furnished one-bedroom apartment is literally ready to “just move in”. Invite your entire squad over for a swim or a picnic on the lake’s edge for the show, then head back to your apartment for a game of super competitive Uno.</p><h3 data-block-key="8fusb"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/812-25-edinburgh-avenue-acton-act-2601-80098/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">812/25 Edinburgh Avenue, Acton</a></h3><img alt="812-25-edinburgh-avenue-acton-act-2601-80098-image-0-20230925060229849150-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="534" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/812-25-edinburgh-avenue-acton-act-2601-80098-i.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="qh3g">Celebrating the return of one of Canberra’s favourite events is all too easy from this apartment in the Nishi building. Duck down the elevator to Monster for dinner and a drink, then head to your own balcony to watch the night sky explode in colour.</p><p data-block-key="9kfg5">The eighth floor apartment is thoughtfully designed, comprising a queen-sized bedroom, a large bathroom and a built-in study nook.</p><h3 data-block-key="7ci3k"><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/114-81-constitution-avenue-campbell-act-2612-94041/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">114/81 Constitution Avenue, Campbell</a></h3><img alt="114-81-constitution-avenue-campbell-act-2612-94041-image-0-20240122021_L7Wfx5Y-thumbnail-1920x1920-70" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/114-81-constitution-avenue-campbell-act-2612-9.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="pf4t">For some Canberrans, the “secret spot” to view the fireworks is the carpark in front of the big eagle in Russell. (Leaving your car doors open and blasting 104 on the radio is a must.) But with the influx of stunning new apartment buildings along Constitution Avenue, you can own a beautiful home in almost the same location with an even better view.</p><p data-block-key="74ae6">This apartment in the Iskia development is on the sixth floor and has breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and beyond.</p><h3 data-block-key="ccvih">You could win tickets to the Skyfire VIP function – on us!</h3><p data-block-key="cr37u">We’re stoked to be a major partner of Skyfire in 2024 and we’ve secured four double passes to the official Skyfire VIP function for four Canberrans (and their BFFs). The VIP function takes place at Regatta Point, kicking off in the early afternoon and offering the ultimate view of live performances and the fireworks over the lake.</p><img alt="0P6A9719-960x640" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/0P6A9719-960x640.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="eiqki">Each week between now and the event on Saturday 16 March 2024, we’ll feature a ‘cracker property’ at <a href="https://zango.com.au/skyfire" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">zango.com.au/skyfire</a></p><p data-block-key="6jr7i">To win a double pass to the VIP function, you need to:</p><p data-block-key="7h4b3">&gt; Follow Zango on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/zangocbr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@zangocbr</a>)</p><p data-block-key="9gs8">&gt; Watch the video at <a href="https://zango.com.au/skyfire" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">zango.com.au/skyfire</a></p><p data-block-key="er4nd">&gt; Tell us when the ‘cracker property’ will be auctioned</p><p data-block-key="cajtk">&gt; Fill in the form with your contact details</p><p data-block-key="6k5mp">&gt; Hit ‘Submit’</p><p data-block-key="4ag7f">That’s it! Good luck!</p>

Listings with the best views of Skyfire 2024

<p data-block-key="nhrzt">There are people who love the suburb they live in and then there are <i>people from Wanniassa</i>. The more Canberrans I’ve met from 2903 over the years, the more intriguing it’s become. They rave about living there but they never really quite say why. On the surface, it looks remarkably like any other working class suburb in the Tuggeranong Valley (sorry people who live in Wanniassa Hills) but Wanniassans are way more vocal about how good it is.</p><img alt="wanniassa sign" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/wanniassa_sign.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="4v81r">So what’s the secret sauce? The extensive range of schools on offer (which draw in students from right across the ACT)? Great amenities? I did some digging last week and discovered this: life in Wanniassa sounds distinctly like life in a small town I know only too well.</p><p data-block-key="blmkl">“It’s honestly like a little town within a big town,” says Fiona Lester of Wanniassa, her home of 30 years.</p><p data-block-key="8uje7">“The sense of community here is just incredible. I felt it when I moved here in 1994, and I still feel it today.”</p><img alt="Screen Shot 2024-02-06 at 9.00.50 am" class="richtext-image full-width" height="435" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Screen_Shot_2024-02-06_at_9.00.50_am.width-800.png" width="776"><p data-block-key="cdiv0">Fiona owns and runs The Markets Wanniassa, a collective of handmade and innovative Australian products showcased under one roof at the Wanniassa shops. She and husband James raised nine kids in the suburb, but it was actually during COVID that she felt the absolute spirit of her suburb shine through.</p><p data-block-key="4nelj">“During the lockdowns, the shop really struggled,” Fiona says.</p><p data-block-key="3prj4">“And I had people calling me every day to say, we want you to survive. We want to make sure the shop stays open during this. How can we help?</p><p data-block-key="c4mqh">“So I’d send them to our online store and they’d buy from there.</p><p data-block-key="7465o">“It was just unbelievable, I don’t know if shop owners in other suburbs have the same connection with the people of their suburb but I’d love to think so.”</p><img alt="wanniassa playground" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/wanniassa_playground.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="9offj">The more Fiona talks about 2903, the more it feels like she’s describing a small NSW town. Many of Fiona’s kids scored their first jobs in Wanniassa – at Coles or Red Rooster – and there’s a cast of local characters that everyone knows. Like “Chicken Man”, who’ll grab a BBQ chook the moment he enters Coles and eat it while he walks around shopping.</p><p data-block-key="f057a">Fiona’s friend Margaret Larkin bought a house on Rylah Crescent in 1984 and has never left. She remembers paying $57,000 for the small three-bedroom brick home, and making instant friends with the other parents of kids attending Wanniassa Primary School. She’s friends with many of them today.</p><img alt="wanniassa-school-810x540" class="richtext-image full-width" height="533" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/wanniassa-school-810x540.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="dgrdm">It’s Wanniassa’s location – smack bang between Woden and Tuggeranong – that Margaret says is the suburb’s best kept secret.</p><p data-block-key="budm3">“It&#x27;s just so convenient,” she says.</p><p data-block-key="b06i1">“When we moved in here, we had the shops very close to us. Woden was very accessible. Of course, Tuggeranong didn&#x27;t exist. But now we’ve got the best of both town centres.</p><p data-block-key="ev7if">“School options for families living here are really good.</p><p data-block-key="c1l8h">“It&#x27;s also the bushwalks that are close, including Mount Taylor, and the sports ovals are close. We just feel so spoiled with lovely open areas and bush close by.”</p><img alt="halloween house" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/halloween_house.width-800.jpg" width="800"><p data-block-key="bdvbv">The creative force behind Canberra Halloween House Wanniassa, Connie Warburton, describes life in 2903 in a single sentence:</p><p data-block-key="8i00b">“We&#x27;ve been doing the house for around eight years now and people come in their thousands ... we&#x27;ve watched the kids grow up each year when they come to visit - it’s awesome.&quot;</p><p data-block-key="6lkr2"><b><i>Does Wanniassa sound like your dream suburb?</i></b> <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/search/?listing_type=buy&amp;address_suburb=Wanniassa,%202903,%20ACT&amp;surrounding=true&amp;order_by=-created&amp;property_status_groups=current,underOffer,includePrivate&amp;page=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>View homes for sale in 2903 now.</i></b></a></p>

3 news articles with tag canberra-life

The powerhouse couples of Canberra real estate

Listings with the best views of Skyfire 2024

Why on earth do people who live in Wanniassa love it so much?