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Selling Houses Australia - Season 18 Episode 12 - Oatlands
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00:12This season, as we celebrate our 200th episode, the house has literally soiled itself.
00:21You're really very rude.
00:22It takes years of practice, Lim.
00:23Even the agent has given up.
00:26Look.
00:26These homeowners really need our help.
00:29We're a bit lost.
00:32Can we just stop, please?
00:34This is pretty exciting.
00:36We will tackle our toughest challenges yet.
00:39It is crazy.
00:41I need more.
00:42You always want more.
00:43And with them...
00:44This is amazing.
00:46...will come our greatest rewards.
00:48Oh, my.
00:51Stunning.
00:52Just incredible.
00:54This is insane.
00:56To see all this kindness and generosity.
00:58We're just really grateful.
01:06On any given weekend all around Australia, it is every golfer's dream to land that elusive hole-in-one.
01:15You've studied the fairway.
01:17You've practiced your swing.
01:19You've calculated every angle.
01:21All you've got to do now is stay focused.
01:26But here's the thing.
01:27No matter how much you prepare, there's no guarantees.
01:34Just like selling a house.
01:38You prep, polish, and pour your heart and soul into it.
01:41And despite doing everything you possibly can...
01:49If it turns out your aim was off...
01:55You could end up in the drink.
01:59Meet Steve and Jenny.
02:01Which hole are we going to start on?
02:03They are so passionate about golf, they put a putting green in their own backyard.
02:09Oh, that's too far right.
02:10Oh, it's coming back.
02:11Believe it or not, we met on a golf course.
02:13Yeah.
02:14It was love at first sight.
02:16We love our golf and we do it together.
02:20It's a shared passion that's helped keep the love alive for over 30 years
02:25in the home they bought as newlyweds.
02:28And which over Steve, a builder by trade, rebuilt from the ground floor up.
02:33We scraped enough money just to get it.
02:35And then we just started fixing things up slightly.
02:38I've always done old houses, renovated, you know, heritage houses.
02:42Always had stuff left over.
02:44So I just bring it home and incorporate it into this house.
02:50Over the years, Steve added federation features
02:53with the same vigour and drive you'd expect from a passionate golfer.
03:00But that meant long hours at home around an already back-breaking work schedule.
03:06It has taken a toll on him.
03:08I think he's ready to cut down on his hours.
03:12We're both ready to move up the coast, play a bit more golf.
03:19But after a year on the market and one failed auction...
03:24Not one bid.
03:25No bid.
03:25...got passed in very quickly.
03:26Yeah.
03:27Steve's still on the tools and neither of them can understand
03:31why his labour of love wasn't more of a hit.
03:36I think it's beautiful, but it hurts more for Steve.
03:41He did this house, so this was his baby.
03:50Oakland is a small boutique suburb, 23 kilometres north-west of Sydney.
03:56Very established.
03:57Lots of older homes from the 70s, 80s and 90s.
04:01Big blocks.
04:02So it's a good traditional area, although there are changes afoot.
04:10Because clearly a few people are buying these old houses and knocking them down.
04:14Making way for big houses with big price tags.
04:18The median being somewhere in the mid-two millions.
04:23Here is the one I'm going to.
04:25Oh!
04:29Oh dear.
04:30What a vision of horrid colours.
04:35I don't really know what to say here.
04:38It's almost like a theme park recreation of a colonial town or village.
04:44It does.
04:46Very strange.
04:57Ah, Jenny and Steve, how lovely to meet you.
04:59Lovely to meet you too.
05:00Want to come in?
05:01Actually, no.
05:02I'd rather we had a little chat outside.
05:03Have you got any umbrellas or something?
05:05Because the weather's awful.
05:06Have you?
05:06Yes, they do.
05:10Now, this is a highly decorated house.
05:13House and garage.
05:15Yes, it's a garage.
05:17So you chose the colours when?
05:1920 years ago, maybe.
05:22All right, maybe 30 years ago.
05:24Yeah, maybe.
05:24Okay, all right.
05:25I was going to say, keep going up.
05:27This is pristine.
05:31You've not just chosen 30 years ago, you've kept them.
05:34Yes, we have.
05:35How recently has this been painted?
05:37A year ago.
05:38For the sale, we thought we'd repaint the whole house.
05:40Of course.
05:40And why wouldn't you?
05:41Yeah.
05:41But it's 30 years on.
05:44You know where I'm going with this?
05:45I'm getting you now.
05:46Yeah.
05:48All right, well, let's go and have a look inside.
05:50I'm worried already.
05:51Oh, so you should be, Jenny.
05:53I'm very scary.
05:58Come on in.
06:00Out of the rain.
06:01I know.
06:02Yes.
06:03This is our entry area.
06:05Okay, wow.
06:06Look at this.
06:09I feel like I'm on a school excursion to government house.
06:14Very old school.
06:17This actually used to be.
06:18Hang on, hang on.
06:20Is that a mirror on the ceiling?
06:21That is.
06:22I thought they were just mitts or reserved for very special places.
06:26Okay, let's carry on through the first of the living areas.
06:30Oh, my goodness.
06:31Now we're at the National Library.
06:34So my first reaction in here, again, the same very traditional look, is it's a waste of space.
06:40Yes.
06:41It's an awkward shape.
06:43It has no...
06:44It has no purpose.
06:45No.
06:45And we've never found a purpose.
06:47And is that the kitchen?
06:48This is the kitchen.
06:49The kitchen tree, yeah.
06:51Okay, clearly this is a little bit, a little bit more modern.
06:56Let's go through to our main living room.
07:07I mean, it's a very, you know, particular style.
07:09Do you love it?
07:10Yes.
07:11Always loved it?
07:12Yes.
07:13And what's through there?
07:15I'd say our laundry.
07:17Oh.
07:18That's the most up-to-date bit of the house.
07:22You just need buyers to hang out in the laundry.
07:27Okay, come on down the hall to our main bedroom.
07:31Right.
07:33But there's no robes in here and there's no en-suite.
07:36No, they're around the corner.
07:37So this would have been the original family bathroom there.
07:41Yes, it was.
07:41We all shared this once upon a time.
07:44But you're using it as an en-suite.
07:47It's very traditional.
07:48Yes.
07:49That's good.
07:51Good for 30 years ago?
07:52Yes, Steve.
07:53For the market now, possibly not.
07:56So this is what?
07:58This was our, one of our boys' bedrooms.
08:00No longer a bedroom.
08:02Now your walk-in robe.
08:04Yeah.
08:05So in other words, you've taken this whole wing
08:07and you've called it the main suite.
08:09Yes.
08:11The floor plan in Steve and Jenny's home
08:14is not without its problems.
08:16Downstairs, there's an awkward lounge,
08:20small central kitchen and two beds and a bathroom,
08:24masquerading as a main suite.
08:27Upstairs offers two bedrooms,
08:30a second bathroom and a rumpus.
08:35It's all so grand, isn't it?
08:38This floor was added 16 years after Steve started work on the house.
08:43But I think I'm sensing a theme here.
08:46Steve, this looks exactly like the last bathroom.
08:49Yes, I could still get all the same tiles.
08:51Oh, you must have been over the moon.
08:53Yes.
08:55But there's another problem.
08:57I've only counted three bedrooms.
08:59Yes.
09:00Yes.
09:00We've got three living areas.
09:02But you tend to want three living areas
09:04with a four to five bedroom house.
09:06Yes.
09:06It suits our family.
09:08Well, yeah, but...
09:09I know.
09:10Who cares?
09:11Who cares?
09:14So, it's back downstairs
09:16under the glare of another design choice
09:18suited only to this family.
09:21Mirrors on the ceiling.
09:22Or an 80s swingers party.
09:25I think I need some fresh air.
09:28Oh!
09:30Goodness me.
09:32This is our backyard.
09:34What a complete contrast to the inside of your home.
09:38A lot newer, hey?
09:39Well, to me, it says Cairns Backpackers.
09:49That's not what I was expecting to see at all.
09:54What I really like is the excessive amount of concrete
09:58that we've got going on.
09:59No grass.
10:00I don't have any grass.
10:01There is no grass.
10:02No grass in the backyard.
10:03There is no grass in green there,
10:04which is the only bit.
10:05And that's plastic grass.
10:06Yes, yes.
10:07And the rest is concrete.
10:08Yes.
10:11And just when I thought I'd forgotten
10:13the Federation style and colours,
10:14now I'm looking back at the house
10:16and there they are in their full glory.
10:20So, what are you hoping to achieve for this house?
10:232.7 million.
10:25That was initially.
10:27Go on, and then what happened?
10:28And then the interest rates went up.
10:31We couldn't even get an offer of 2.5.
10:33In a market that normally things are sort of selling
10:35between 30 and maybe 60 days.
10:37Wow.
10:38Yeah.
10:38OK.
10:39Well, on that note, shall we see if we can pot a ball?
10:41See it, Nick.
10:42See if I can have a go.
10:44Here we go.
10:47Yes!
10:48See?
10:49You need some more of that.
10:50I know.
10:59From faux federation to Cairns backpackers,
11:04Jenny and Steve have loved this house.
11:07They've maintained it.
11:08They've improved it.
11:08It is absolutely pristine.
11:11The trouble is, the only buyer appeal for this house right now
11:15is languishing back in the 1980s.
11:18By the way, did you see my hole in one?
11:20Good day.
11:262.7 and certainly 2.5 million
11:29really shouldn't be a hard sell in this area.
11:35With its top-rated schools, proximity to the city
11:38and leafy green spaces,
11:40surely some buyers can see past this awful heritage styling.
11:45Or is there something else going on here?
11:49It's time for a chat with couples agent Jonathan.
11:53No prizes for guessing where.
11:58A suburb with a golf course.
12:00Yeah, it's a very aspirational suburb.
12:01All the surrounding suburbs usually want to move into Ireland.
12:04Knockdown land, this is what people really fight over.
12:07And what sort of price span do those knockdowns?
12:09They're usually between 1.8 and 2.3 to 2.4.
12:13Gosh, that's a lot for land.
12:14Okay.
12:16So, Jenny and Steve,
12:18are they dreaming with their sort of 2.5 to 2.7 range
12:21that they're quoting me?
12:22A lot of the feedback's been around 2.
12:25So, hang on.
12:26That means that those buyers are perceiving it as land value.
12:29They are.
12:29It presents well, but just the way it's configured
12:32and the Federation colours, that does worry people.
12:34They're hideous, aren't they?
12:35Yes.
12:36Let's be honest.
12:38So, buyers are so unimpressed with the heritage styling,
12:43they just want to flatten it.
12:46Meanwhile, Jenny and Steve are oblivious to the fat zero
12:49their pride and joy is currently worth.
12:53I'm going to have to tread very carefully here,
12:57starting with a gentle lesson in the art of home decor.
13:01We're in North Rocks,
13:03which is obviously a neighbouring suburb to Oatlands.
13:05Now, the reason we're looking at this
13:07is the block size is very similar,
13:08the age of the property is very similar,
13:11but also it's evolved a lot,
13:13whereas yours has not evolved quite as much.
13:17So, you're going to go and have an explore?
13:18This is all about comparing.
13:19Go and have a little look around.
13:21Okay.
13:24There's no mistaking the quirky styling of this home.
13:27Oh, my goodness, look at these doors.
13:29But it's not overpowering and, more importantly,
13:32it has a modern slant.
13:36This is interesting.
13:38And what do you know, Steve, it's got an on-suite.
13:41Not to mention all the amenities a buyer would expect.
13:47Well, proportioned rooms and contemporary finishes.
13:53Look at this.
13:54I love the way the kitchen comes out onto this back deck.
14:01This is just gorgeous.
14:06Ah, there you are.
14:07Here we are.
14:08Come and join me out here.
14:09Okay.
14:10Yes.
14:11What did you think?
14:13It's modern.
14:14Yeah, yeah.
14:15It's well-finished.
14:16No green and red.
14:17No.
14:18No green and red.
14:19Did you do a bedroom-bathroom cane?
14:21We went through that many.
14:23I lost count.
14:24Five?
14:25It's six bedrooms, six bathrooms,
14:28plus multiple living areas.
14:30Yeah.
14:31Any other thoughts?
14:32Price?
14:33The guide here is 27.
14:34Which was your original target figure for your home?
14:37Now you've seen this.
14:39How does that make you feel?
14:44We're a bit short.
14:46A bit short?
14:47Yeah.
14:47We are.
14:48Yes.
14:49But if ours is a bit more modernised,
14:52it may work.
14:53Yes, but this is a house that has evolved with age
14:58and also is huge.
15:00Hopefully with some improvements,
15:02we might get there.
15:04Okay.
15:05Lots of improvements.
15:20Steve and Jenny's Oakland's home in north-west Sydney
15:26is just like their beloved golf course.
15:28Neat, manicured and meticulously well-maintained.
15:34But with its wall-to-wall faux federation styling,
15:38it's where history meets handicap and they are exhausted by its upkeep.
15:46So it's over to Dennis and Wendy to see what they can do to make this home appeal to buyers.
15:52There's a lot of construction happening.
15:54Yeah.
15:54Who around here prefer modern knockdown rebuilds over historical recreations?
16:00It really is a mixture.
16:02Old, new, new, old.
16:04Yeah, it's kind of giving those vibes of up-and-coming families.
16:10Here we are.
16:11Oh, my God.
16:12Oh, my goodness.
16:18I feel like we've just gone through a time for them.
16:26I think it's stopped raining for a couple of minutes.
16:29For a second.
16:29What do you think?
16:32It's giving off Vestian vibes.
16:35I mean, yes, you're right.
16:36It has got that sort of feeling to it.
16:38But it's meticulous.
16:40Yes, well spotted, Wendy Moore.
16:41Absolutely meticulous.
16:42The hedges are immaculate, the grass, you know.
16:45Might obviously need to call in some favours with the odd painter.
16:48Oh, yes.
16:48I'm going to have to make some serious phone calls there.
16:52But when we're going in together, I don't want to miss this opportunity.
16:56Oh, so not because it's good, but because you want to see the look on my face.
16:59I want to see the look on your face.
17:06Come on in, Wendy.
17:11You know, there's a lot of colour in here.
17:14So it's trying to look like a house from another era that it actually isn't.
17:19And that's actually what bothers me.
17:20It's not style itself.
17:22It's that it's not authentic.
17:24It does feel like it's been stuck on.
17:26Oh, my goodness.
17:29It's obviously something you're probably quite used to.
17:31But for me, it was quite a strange thing to see a mirror on a ceiling.
17:38Oh, this is a good size room.
17:39Yes, that's the main bedroom.
17:41What's the matter with the bed?
17:43Oh, my goodness.
17:44Hang on a minute.
17:45I think that was air.
17:46It's a water bed.
17:47It's a water bed.
17:48Wow.
17:49This is like a museum.
17:51So these other two bits form the rest of this wing.
17:56Oh, wow.
17:57OK.
18:00Yes.
18:01Federation star, really.
18:02Digs in here, doesn't it?
18:03And also the shower over the bath is not.
18:05It's a bathroom rather than an en suite.
18:08Then, of course, this means we've then got this.
18:12Rope.
18:13So these three spaces are, in theory, the main suite.
18:16But it doesn't feel like it.
18:17No, but it doesn't.
18:18It all feels a bit disjointed.
18:20It's not difficult to fix, but it's changed that they have.
18:24I just wish I knew somebody that could do it.
18:27Look at the living in a minute.
18:29It's easy.
18:30Up the grand staircase.
18:31So there's a sort of living area there on your right-hand side.
18:35Big.
18:36Big, immaculate.
18:37Lots of maroon and red and green.
18:42Here's another bedroom.
18:43A bit more stained glass, of course.
18:45I mean, it's a good-sized bedroom, but there's only two bedrooms up here.
18:48Yes.
18:48It is a very big three-bedroom house.
18:51Yeah.
18:51OK.
18:53And then you've got this.
18:57Same style.
18:58Yeah.
19:02It's even richer down here.
19:06Yes.
19:06And the good news is the decor theme continues all the way through the whole home.
19:12So I'm talking about fake features.
19:13I'm going to go and find Dennis.
19:15Kitchen's through there, by the way.
19:17Thanks.
19:25Oh, I knew you'd be there.
19:27What do you think of this?
19:29Backpackers.
19:29The Padding Green does feel like a backpackers.
19:32It really does.
19:34There's a hard service here.
19:35There's a hard service here.
19:37That's the backpackers bit, isn't it?
19:38Yeah, correct.
19:39It's all this.
19:39There's a Padding Green.
19:40There's a pool.
19:41There's a gazebo.
19:42There's a pool table.
19:43There's a television area.
19:43You've got the pool fence that's up here.
19:46It doesn't scream family out here.
19:47It actually screams clutter.
19:48And also the way it's painted.
19:50Just the world's worst colours.
19:52Oh, amen to that.
19:57Wow.
19:58What is that?
20:00They're a golfing couple.
20:02Mad keen golfers, didn't I tell you?
20:05Of course they are.
20:07You survived the tour then.
20:08Yeah.
20:09Was it that bad?
20:10It's pretty overwhelming, I have to say.
20:13So highly personalised.
20:17But I've actually got a couple of fairly big functional issues.
20:21There isn't really a master suite.
20:24And then there's only three bedrooms.
20:26Three?
20:27And for this size...
20:28It's so much bigger.
20:28It does.
20:29For this size house and for this area,
20:30it just doesn't feel enough.
20:33For me, it's paint, paint, paint, paint, and paint.
20:36And then once I've finished painting,
20:38I'll probably have to start being a painter again
20:40and then paint, paint, paint, paint, paint.
20:42And then can we have a garden out here?
20:43Yeah.
20:43And I think the big key out here
20:45is we need to create a nice family zone out here.
20:50There's another slight discrepancy.
20:52Oh, what is it?
20:53It's price expectation.
20:55Bit of a gap between what the Steve and Jenny think
20:59the home is worth and their agent.
21:02So when you say big...
21:04Oh, the odd half a million.
21:07Oh, wow.
21:08You deserve that.
21:09Yeah, one job.
21:11One job.
21:12Why do you think I'm hiding out here with you?
21:15I'm sure we have a little game anyway in the meantime.
21:17Yeah, Jenny, so pass me a cue.
21:18I'll break that before Wendy breaks my heart about budget.
21:21Yeah, I do.
21:22Gosh.
21:23At least you're prepared.
21:26Oh, got one.
21:27So, with Dennis potting balls just as seamlessly as he pots plants...
21:32Nice work.
21:34...it's my cue to face up to Jenny and Steve...
21:39..who are still in denial about what their life's work is worth.
21:44Buyers are saying land value, so precisely nothing.
21:51And the only way that can change is with a decent budget.
21:56Let's see how they take it.
21:58Dennis, when do you meet Jonathan, who's a real estate agent...
22:02Hello, how are you going?
22:02...for Steve and Jenny.
22:03The ones that like those colours that you love so much?
22:06Yes.
22:07Lots of colours.
22:08We're ready.
22:10Well, why don't we actually start by having a look at the buyer feedback?
22:14OK, feedback, here we go.
22:17Good morning, how's it going?
22:19Nice to meet you.
22:22Not something that I've really seen in this area before.
22:25The colours are so depressing.
22:28Sorry, Granny would be so comfortable here.
22:31It feels a little bit trying hard to be Federation
22:35and it's actually not really a Federation home.
22:38It is a little bit of a worry
22:39not having a fence around the pool, possibly.
22:43Yeah, look, I think the padding green's probably had his time.
22:48You'd need to spend a lot to make it look less like the rec room at a motel.
22:54It's probably worth 2.1, 2.2.
22:57I'm thinking 1.8.
22:59This house is probably worth somewhere around 2.
23:02There's better options that require a lot less work.
23:06Wow.
23:08Oh, that was tough.
23:09They were pretty full-on comments.
23:11I was very disheartened.
23:13Probably because all the essence Steve's put into the house.
23:16Yeah.
23:16It's immaculate.
23:19If I want to hire a carpenter to help me build my house,
23:22I would be coming straight to you.
23:23Yeah, watch out.
23:24He could be giving you a job.
23:26But what I want to take from that is perception of value.
23:31Because those figures range between 1.8 and 2.2.
23:36Now, you were telling me how much?
23:39Ah, 2.5 minimum.
23:41Minimum.
23:41You mentioned 2.7.
23:42Jonathan, be brutally honest.
23:45What do you think you can absolutely get for it right now?
23:47As it is, I'd say around $2 million.
23:53Yes, we've somehow got to change the perception of the moment
23:58that it's land value to something that people will want to buy
24:03because it's already built.
24:04Maybe, maybe towards your target figure.
24:07That's our goal.
24:10Wendy and Dennis, are you ready for that?
24:12OK.
24:13It's not the easiest in renovations.
24:16All of the decor needs to be brought into more modern day.
24:20And then there's a real problem that you only have three bedrooms.
24:24But also, if there isn't really a main suite,
24:28it's a pretty big structural change.
24:31Yeah.
24:32I've got to fully paint this place,
24:34which involves scaphs, a roof, walls, ceilings, posts, trims.
24:41The paint, the exterior paint, Kalasatza,
24:44that's really a has to be done.
24:47So how much...
24:48So we've got to find a...
24:49Yeah.
24:49Do you actually have to give us?
24:52$80,000.
24:53For which room?
24:54Oh, sorry.
24:56$80,000 means that I'm not going to be able to do the bathrooms,
25:00and I think that's a problem.
25:01OK, so what are you thinking of?
25:04Like another $50,000?
25:06Yeah, ideally.
25:07Is that another $50,000?
25:08Like, take it up to $130,000?
25:10If it's all right with you.
25:11I think we can go to $110,000, maybe.
25:13Yeah, $110,000.
25:14It's better.
25:16What you do have on your side is how meticulously you've both cared for your house,
25:21which means that some things like flooring, that we can just leave as it is,
25:25which saves us a lot of money.
25:29So, Jonathan, we're sort of chasing in the mid-twos.
25:32So if they're the right changes, we've got a better chance of getting towards the mid-twos?
25:37Yeah, if the stock levels remain the same and we improve the things that we've spoken about,
25:41yes.
25:42OK, so are you ready for that?
25:43I just want to sell my house.
25:45I know you do, Jenny.
25:46And you know, I love that passion.
25:48Yes.
25:48Well, on that note, should we order some food?
25:50Yes, I think so.
25:51I think you need it, Jenny, don't you?
25:52Yeah.
25:53Maybe a glass of wine.
25:55Yes, please.
25:56Well, that was a difficult conversation, but Jenny and Steve are great sports.
26:04With our help and a lot of hard work, we will soon get their home back up to par.
26:10No ifs, ands or putts.
26:26After years of hard work and meticulous upkeep on their faux federation home, Steve and Jenny
26:32are ready to slow life down.
26:40But before Steve can trade his tool belt for golf clubs, we have a massive task.
26:45To somehow add value to a home styled so inauthentically, buyers just want to knock it down.
26:54One thing's for sure, these bygone colours have got to go.
27:00This is one of the biggest paint jobs I have ever had to tackle.
27:05Seriously, I have the garage, I have the house.
27:07I also have to paint all of these roofs, which is a massive undertaking.
27:14Santa must love it up here.
27:21But by the time we're done swapping out all these festive reds and greens, it's going to
27:26look like a Christmas miracle.
27:32Then there's the issue with the yard, starting with the back deck.
27:38It really feels quite enclosed.
27:43As does everything else.
27:45So, sledge Emma at the ready.
27:47I'm going to open this whole space up.
27:54Then, we need to make it appeal to families, not backpackers.
27:59I'll do that by removing the games, softening all the hard surfaces and creating a lush, open garden.
28:09The interior also needs help if it's to attract the family market.
28:15When it comes to buyer expectations in this area, lots of big houses and three bedrooms just aren't going to
28:24cut.
28:25So, I'm going to turn this rumpus into a large fourth bedroom, freeing up the smaller bedroom downstairs to officially
28:33become a walk-in robe.
28:36Then, it's the turn of the bathrooms.
28:43Both are in desperate need of restyling, but downstairs is my priority, to ensure it delivers a luxurious en suite
28:51that looks like it belongs in a parents' retreat.
28:59Then, my biggest task, the styling.
29:03Jenny and Steve really committed to this red and green colour scheme.
29:08And I mean committed.
29:09So, my job is actually to strip everything back.
29:15I'm switching the heritage for a Cape Cod-inspired aesthetic.
29:22Think Hamptons-like classic elegance with New England settler's rustic charm.
29:29All the stained glass windows will be replaced and the inauthentic fretwork removed piece by piece.
29:36Then, using limited ornamentations, light tones of whites and creams, natural timbers, linen and cotton furnishings.
29:48We've got a palette that's actually perfect for this high-ceilinged grand home.
29:54Because underneath all these dark colours is a timeless beauty.
30:00I'm a bit overwhelmed with the painting a little bit.
30:02Are you?
30:03It's a massive job.
30:06So, try to keep it as even as you can and just really long strokes.
30:12But, with a little help from Jenny, Steve and their friends and family,
30:17we'll soon have this interior looking contemporary and, more importantly, authentic.
30:31Cape Cod.
30:32Cape Cod.
30:33Yes, you know, American, New England kind of style.
30:36I'm not sure Jenny and Steve are quite on board yet, but that's okay.
30:39They're on board.
30:39Give us time.
30:50With demolition starting, I actually think I'm going to need more than a hammer because Steve has built this place
30:55so well.
30:55But, what we do have to remove is the 80s fun park vibe and we have to make it feel
31:01more like a garden.
31:02How am I going to do that?
31:05I'm going to rip out the prison-like steel pool fence from the deck, installing a new one poolside in
31:11a modern glass.
31:14Then, I'll remove all the games and the putting green, pair back the gazebo and add a large area of
31:22real grass.
31:23And, by the time I'm done, this place is going to feel so much more open.
31:32While Dennis is opening space up, I'm closing it in.
31:38Because with the simple addition of a wall upstairs and a door downstairs, we'll solve all of our bedroom issues
31:47without spending big.
31:51That leaves the necessary budget for a complete overhaul of the downstairs federation bathroom.
32:00For the wall tiles, I've gone a large matte white, 3x600 format, which means I can apply a little visual
32:08trickery in how they're laid.
32:11If you're trying to expand a space width-wise, run them horizontally.
32:17If you want to really accentuate the height of the room, particularly if you've got a low ceiling, putting them
32:23vertically just helps draw the eye up.
32:25And since we have lots of height here, I'm going landscape to make this bathroom feel deep, wide and opulent.
32:41Quick progress update.
32:42It may not look like I've made much progress, but there's a lot of concrete out here.
32:52Once that's gone, I can get rid of this section of the roof, which will open this entire space up.
32:59And while we're getting the concrete up and the gazebo down,
33:07the last of the windows are coming out.
33:13A money-saving tip here is to replace just the glass, not the whole frame.
33:20And the same goes for the front door.
33:25Where lead light like this is often worth selling.
33:29And, who knows, might even end up in a real period property.
33:43While the downstairs bathroom is getting a full renovation...
33:49Upstairs, budget is tight.
33:51So, I'm keeping the wall tiles exactly as they are, taking off just a row of capping and feature tiles.
33:58And what an impact!
34:01Removing that has just made the whole bathroom just feel more simple and more elegant.
34:06I'm just going to replace it with a simple timber moulding, painted out the same colour as we've got on
34:11the walls.
34:12To save money, I'm going to reuse the shower screen and tile over the floor rather than pull it up.
34:25But before I can do all that, I need to find a floor tile that's going to look elegant, modern
34:31and match the existing wall tiles.
34:35Yeah, it's quite creamy.
34:36It is quite creamy.
34:37Yeah.
34:38So, after a little in-store design inspo, I've settled on this Calicutta Gold,
34:43which has a caramel cream vein running through it.
34:47And not only are these great because they're matte, they'll be good underfoot,
34:51they're really large format, which means fewer grout lines and much easier to clean.
35:02Back at the house, the painting is well and truly underway and the transformation is incredible.
35:16Not to mention the backyard where there are some serious changes taking place.
35:24Now that's my limit.
35:27I'm not sorry to see all this fake grass go.
35:33And with it, a large section of concrete and about half the old gazebo.
35:38But it's made way for an expansive family garden, complete with new lawn.
35:50A good tip in spaces like this is to keep a strip of concrete along the boundary to act as
35:56a retainer for the soil on the other side of the fence.
35:59And make sure that that is not going to wobble all over the place.
36:05Now we can lay the turf.
36:11And install the glass pool fence, which will add the illusion of uninterrupted space.
36:17Honestly, I can't believe how much difference it's made.
36:21Oh my God, this space now feels huge!
36:33Our newly configured floor plan is coming together fast.
36:38In the master suite, a fresh coat of paint in abstract quarter with crisp white trim will help tie all
36:45three spaces together.
36:49And with its standalone bath and separate shower, the ensuite will no longer feel like a family bathroom.
36:59Finally, adding carpet to the living area next door further delineates between the family space and parents' retreat.
37:09Upstairs, the fourth bedroom equally packs a punch.
37:17Putting that simple wall in has solved so many problems.
37:21Firstly, it actually created a really lovely landing out there,
37:25which is great for the top of the stairwell.
37:27But more importantly, it's a really generous fourth bedroom.
37:30It's got so much natural light flooding in, a beautiful outlook out onto that leafy street.
37:36This is a really versatile space.
37:39And it's a good decision.
37:44With so much work going on and not a shred of Jenny and Steve's beloved Federation styling left,
37:51there's one thing I am dying to know.
37:54Are you starting to like it yet?
37:57The house is lovely.
37:58Are you really liking it?
37:59It's getting there, yeah.
38:00I love it.
38:01Is this making you feel like you're closer to the next step?
38:04I think so, yes.
38:05Yeah?
38:06I don't think so, I know.
38:08You know?
38:08It is closer, yeah.
38:09Does that feel good?
38:10It does feel good.
38:12I think you should start looking for houses.
38:15Oh, well, we've got two that we already got our eye on.
38:18Oh, really?
38:19Yes.
38:20So does that mean you'll be completely off the tools, Steve?
38:22Not yet, but closer.
38:24Closer.
38:24Well, you'll probably start getting itchy and do something to your new house anyway, won't you?
38:28We'll paint it red and green again.
38:30No.
38:31It's just sex.
38:38The paint job on the roof is looking spectacular, but the house is huge.
38:44White house is my body of the colour and crisp white is all my trims.
38:48Over 200 litres of paint later, suddenly this magnolia in the front yard is now an absolute star
38:58because the flowers on it pop off the white colour of that house so good
39:05that you would actually even think that I was considering that when I made the plan.
39:10All that's left now are the finishing touches.
39:21New lighting.
39:23Feature letterbox.
39:26And a few choice plants in curved parts to soften the corners.
39:33Inside, it's time to dress the home, Cape Cod style.
39:41This is an old world look, inspired by 17th century homes that were built for expansion and light.
39:49And these lantern, almost industrial style lamps are perfect.
39:54They make a statement and are large enough to fill this grand entrance.
39:59Just like Steve's mirror, which now really works here.
40:03It's a testament to his design and vision, which was always considered and elegant,
40:09but just needed a simpler colour palette.
40:25A bit of chilly.
40:27Yeah.
40:27This is right about where I would say, how are you going inside?
40:31But once again, it has rained on me and I am so wet and cold.
40:36I guiltily have to say, inside, the air conditioning is on to dry the painting.
40:42So I'm like super toasty walking.
40:46We've done some pretty big painting jobs.
40:48This is, I reckon, got to be the biggest.
40:51Oh, it's...
40:52This has completely changed this house into this beautiful, modern home
40:57that looks like it's always been here.
40:59Yeah.
41:00All right, well, I'm just going to go in and make sure that paint's dry
41:03and it's getting a bit chilly out here.
41:05Yeah.
41:05Can I come to you?
41:07Yeah, no.
41:08I didn't.
41:08No?
41:08Take your shoes off, baby.
41:09Stay here?
41:10Yeah.
41:10Yeah.
41:23It took the kind of drive and precision
41:27only a key golfer understands
41:29to craft Jenny and Steve's unusual home here in Oatlands.
41:35This has been a really interesting property for Wendy and Dennis
41:38because Steve and Jenny's house is literally pristine.
41:42It's been so well-maintained over the last three decades.
41:46But buyers couldn't see past the home's meticulously tailored look
41:52and problem layout.
41:54Instead, they just wanted to bulldoze it.
41:57So now is the time to find out if this house is really ready to hit the market.
42:02It wasn't before.
42:07Oh, OK, there's the answer.
42:15It's like an apparition.
42:17It's almost unbelievable.
42:19This used to look like a bad film set.
42:22Colonial colors clashing with classic architecture.
42:25But now, the crisp white palette is perfectly in keeping with the style of the home.
42:38Hello, you two.
42:40Hello.
42:41What can I say?
42:42Here we are.
42:43Steve?
42:44Yes, well, it's certainly changed, hasn't it?
42:46Yes.
42:49It's really, really lovely.
42:51That veranda is gorgeous now.
42:53And the garden looks absolutely stunning.
42:58Do you like it?
42:59I love it.
42:59Does he not like it?
43:00I think he was a bit unsure.
43:02Oh, were you?
43:02Yeah.
43:03It was hard for me because it was all my work.
43:06It's totally different.
43:08It's OK.
43:09It is totally different.
43:10It's magnificent, really.
43:12Yes.
43:12Very happy.
43:13I can't wait to have a look inside.
43:19Well, you had a grand foyer before we started.
43:23The mirror's still there, but I like the new light.
43:27Yes, nice, isn't it?
43:28Yes, yes.
43:30Wendy's Cape Cod aesthetic has completely elevated this once detail-heavy entrance hall
43:37into a space that feels welcoming and light.
43:41Wait, wait, wait.
43:43Stop.
43:44What's behind you, Steve?
43:45It's the door to the main bedroom.
43:48Sweet?
43:49Sweet.
43:49Yes.
43:53Oh, look at this.
43:56Oh, this is really nice.
43:58Wow.
44:03You now have a main suite.
44:07We do.
44:08A simple door is all it's taken to define the once confusing main bedroom zone.
44:15You've got a whole new bathroom.
44:20Before, the explosion of heritage tiling was overwhelming.
44:25But now, it feels like the kind of place any parent would love to retreat to.
44:32And I'm really pleased that Wendy's kept the bath and shower, because although this is
44:36an en suite, a family house like this still needs a bath somewhere in the home.
44:40So, that's certainly one bedroom issue solved beautifully.
44:46This is seamless.
44:48Have we got another?
44:50Another bedroom.
44:52Oh, we've got an amazing fourth bedroom.
44:55Jeez.
44:56It's huge.
44:57It's huge.
45:01A once gloomy and almost forgotten third living zone is now an oasis of tranquility.
45:14The centerpiece of a lush, light-filled second floor, where all three bedrooms and the bathroom
45:21are radiant with Cape Cod charm.
45:30There's so much to see.
45:32It's great to finally get into the living area.
45:38Isn't it beautiful?
45:40Yes.
45:40It's such a change.
45:45Wendy's achieved something special here.
45:47Finding a purpose for what was once an awkward and underutilized space.
45:58I will sit here for a little bit.
46:01Yeah.
46:01I'll join you.
46:02It's even wine.
46:03Although there's only one glass.
46:04God, Wendy's mean, isn't she?
46:05It just leaves one glass.
46:09Do you like this room now?
46:11I love it.
46:11Oh, yeah.
46:11It's very good.
46:12I think very good's good from Steve, isn't it?
46:15It's very good from me, yes.
46:18With Steve's glowing praise ringing in our ears, I can't wait to hear what he thinks
46:25of the outside.
46:26Andrew, this is our new big backyard.
46:30Yes.
46:36This is absolutely lovely.
46:41I love what Dennis has done here because he's opened up this deck, which makes it feel a
46:45little bit bigger in here.
46:47It does, doesn't it?
46:47Flows out there.
46:50That was a putting green.
46:51Now we have lawn.
46:52It's a proper lawn.
46:54Your cabana or covered area, Dennis has ripped half of it away.
47:00I can literally see he's chopped it there.
47:03Yeah.
47:03But it still looks good.
47:09It's no longer a backpacker's hotel.
47:12Of course not.
47:13No.
47:14Well, you know what now?
47:15It's outpriced for the backpackers.
47:18Yes.
47:18That's good.
47:21What are you thinking now, Steve, looking at it?
47:23Well, I think it's improved it, believe it or not.
47:26Really?
47:26You do like it?
47:27OK, I wasn't quite sure.
47:31So with Steve finally admitting he really likes something, it's time to hear from Agent
47:37Jonathan.
47:39And see whether we've done enough to get this couple their ticket to a deservedly more
47:45restful life up north.
47:49Jenny and Steve are desperate to know, Jonathan, what you think.
47:54I love it.
47:55I think the colour scheme works really well.
47:58Everything just feels so much bigger, so much more usable, and so much more contemporary.
48:03It'll suit the current buyer that's looking for something like this now.
48:06Yeah, because it was a bit scary before, because you were almost at land value, which is ridiculous.
48:11So we have to get you off that mark.
48:16So where do you think they are now, Jonathan?
48:19I'd imagine feedback and interest would come in between 2.4 and 2.5.
48:24Yeah.
48:25I'd recommend an auction campaign.
48:27Stock levels are low.
48:28Just had an interest rate reduction.
48:31You only need two people to really fall in love with it, because it's still a bit different.
48:38Two young families fall in love with it, and then Jonathan will have a field day.
48:49For over 30 years, Jenny and Steve have poured blood, sweat and tears into their much-loved family home.
48:56But the market just didn't care.
48:58Now, it's totally unrecognisable, thanks to Wendy and Dennis' incredible transformation.
49:04It's still very much Jenny and Steve's house, but I don't think it will be for much longer.
49:10Yeah.
49:14So, with Steve and Jenny out on the golf course for the day...
49:17Hey, guys, welcome back.
49:19Hi, Stephanie.
49:19Hi, Jonathan.
49:20..it's Jonathan's turn to swing into action and get the auction campaign underway.
49:27Oh, wow.
49:28What a difference already.
49:29This feels really modern with the wall colour they've chosen.
49:34What a nice way to enter the home now.
49:37Just look serene.
49:40This house has lost the visit-to-granny effect.
49:44It feels like young people will live here.
49:48Oh, wow.
49:49That's different straight away, isn't it?
49:51This is now a parent's area.
49:53Oh, wow.
49:55So now we've added another bedroom.
49:58This property definitely has a wow factor now.
50:01It was something of an outlier for the area, the way it was.
50:05And this is all you need out here.
50:07This is fantastic.
50:09I think it's come up to the price tag.
50:11I think this is worth, like, 2.6, 2.7.
50:15Between 2.6 and 2.7, because I'd be walking in and absolutely doing nothing to it.
50:24And the good feedback didn't end there.
50:27Almost immediately after the first open, two buyers put in offers and fought it out in a bidding war ahead
50:35of the auction.
50:39And with Steve and Jenny finally accepting a whopping 2.735 million, that is our greatest profit-by-percentage ever,
50:50and what you might call a hole-in-one.
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