The Block - Final Update All homes now sold

It Seams that All of the homes on The Block have now sold!.

Rod and Tania's house has been sold for $922,000. Their reserve price was $850,000, a $72,000 profit

Josh and Jenna have sold for a whopping $1 million. Their reserve price was $950,000, a $50,000 profit.

Also If you have not clicked through it seams Josh and Jenna have started a company bicker design co (A play on words with their constant fighting), the "About us" on the website notes:

"Immediately after the Block wrapped up, Jenna jumped on a plane to do an intense week long interior decoration course. She really found her passion for interior styling/decorating and throughout the block was highly praised by the judges on the couples design talent. Winning 4 out of the 8 rooms and more than any other couple in the blocks history.

The obvious next step was to start their own business 'Bicker Design Co.' The name came from the couples obvious trademark bickering whilst on the block, showing they have a sense of humour about it. They are planning to renovate their home, plan a wedding and continue to style and design amazing spaces. The story is only beginning..."

Although the website does not accurately describe what services they offer I wish them the best of luck, they are certainly go getter's!

The Block 2011- What a Let Down

Well that was disappointing wasn't it?

Just one house sold at the auction, Congratulations to Polly and Waz! They did a great job!

The results

Josh and Jenna: Passed in at $901,000
37 Cameron Street
Reserve: $950,000

Polly & Waz: Sold for $855,000
39 Cameron Street
Reserve: $840,000

Katrina & Amie: Passed in at $822,000
41 Cameron Street
Reserve: $860,000

Rod and Tania: Passed in at $832,000
43 Cameron Street
Reserve: $850,000

Not long after Saturday night’s auction a private sale was liaised for Katrina & Amie of $860,000 -their reserve price. That means the sisters will leave with no cash from the Auction episode, but they were paid a base salary for their time on the show.

All that work and heartache put into renovating and they come away with minimal to show. Amie and Katrina could barely hide their disappointment, with Amie stating “A waste of time, really, isn’t it….?” When you’ve been separated from partners and kids, it must be doubly crushing.

Tv tonight notes that last year couples profited between $47,000 and $105,000 (rising to $205,000 with the extra prize money).

Polly & Waz- Winners

Amie and Katrina - House sold with no Profit 

I wonder how many people would be sending in their applications to be on The Block 2012 now? They should have all received some type of a "retainer" prize money other than a "wage"?  

PS: What happened to the Elderly couple and the Couple in the hot pink Attire at Josh & Jenna's Auction? Up to 1.1Million Hey?

The Block- And the Winner is....

Neisha & John

Reserve: $900,000
Sold: $1,105,000
Won: $205,000

Well done Neisha & John! Great effort!

I Suppose I should have read More thoroughly when I reported the SMH article yesterday:

We will not find out who has won the $100,000 prize until tonight, when the reserve prices for the units are revealed. All four contestant couples are entitled to pocket any difference between their sale price and the reserve. Neisha and John were in the box seat to take the prize.

 

Erin & Jake

Reserve: $910,000
Sold: $997,500
Won: $87,500
 

Mark & Duncan 

Reserve: $860,000
Sold: $907,000
Won: $47,000
 

Brenton & Chez 

Reserve: $880,000
Result: passed in 

I almost shed a tear I was so devastated that Brenton and Chez were unable to sell their apartment, I really hope that they sell the apartment soon & make a little bit of money for their efforts. 

It is interesting, real estate development is difficult and often unpredictable, at least Brenton and Chez can walk away knowing that they have not lost their own money.

The Block- Auction Day

 

The Block was Auctioned Last night with only one of the Vaucluse units sold above their $1 million cost. The most expensive apartment fetched $1.1 million. The cheapest was passed in at $865,000. 

We will not find out who has won the $100,000 prize until tonight, when the reserve prices for the units are revealed. All four contestant couples are entitled to pocket any difference between their sale price and the reserve. Neisha and John were in the box seat to take the prize.

I am a bit of a numbers Girl, so when a Friend (Alison) sent me this article from the SMH today The block proves a bankbuster for nine I couldn’t help but grab my calculator and start doing the figures  

Costs:

$3,400,000 million the property was purchased in 2010.

$160,000 cost of stamp duty.

$40,000 for a quick update (Estimate cost only)

$95,000 renovation cost for John and Neisha in apartment one.

$90,000 renovation cost for Mark and Duncan in apartment two.

$94,853 renovation cost for Erin and Jake in apartment three (highest strata fee).

$89,974 renovation cost for Cheryl and Brenton in apartment four.

$100,000 was spent on improving common areas.

$4,069,827 Total cost

Sales:

So I am going to look into my crystal ball and give you my predictions for tonight’s auction results:

Apartment 1: $995,000

Apartment 2: $865,000 Passed in??

Apartment 3: $1,100,000

Apartment 4: $985,000

$3,945,000 Total income (predicted only, not including agents and selling fees…)

Profit/ Loss: -$124,827 (loss)

My sales rationale in summary

I am thinking Apartment 3 will sell as it is a first floor unit and is impeccably styled by Erin & Jake, I believe it could be a toss up as Unit 1 Neisha & John will also do very well as it is a ground floor unit with a massive courtyard.

The rationale behind me thinking that apartment 2 Mark & Duncan would be passed in is that it is a ground floor apartment with a back deck, the outlook is over the rear car park.

I am sure channel 9 got plenty of advertising incentives to make this a worthwhile Development...Television Show.

Who do you think will take out the prize? What Unit do you think got passed in?

The Block- Week 7

Kitchen/ Dining rooms were revealed this week. A agree with the judges voting Erin & Jake as the winners this week, I suspect that they are going to be the overall winners of the show:

My Number 1- Erin & Jake:
This room speaks for itself, Amazing grey colour, Chandelier, glossy black framed mirror, striped chairs, mirrored cabinetry. Check, Check Check, what is not to love about this room (Besides cleaning the mirrored cabinetry above the range hood every time you cook something).

My Number 2- Brenton & Chez:
Love the use of lighting it gives the space an industrial feel with the dining table that they have used. However the chairs look very cheap ($99 from Freedom).

My Number 3: Mark & Duncan
I Love that they have gone with a different layout to the room with the kitchen on the far wall . The dark furniture looks wrong in the space, the chairs are overpowering the space, they are one of the more expensive chairs and retail for  $249 from Freedom

My Number 4- John & Neisha:
I love, love, love John & Neisha as contestants, but as designers I am not inspired by their attention to detail. Tab top curtains again and the cabinetry, why not run the cabinetry to the ceiling or create a bulkhead, also I think if they had created a nook in the cabinetry would have broken up the wall.

I am by no means qualified to comment from an Interior design perspective, this is just my view. 

What Do you think? Did you watch?

The Block- Week 6

I am beginning to feel very Bored and Un-Inspired with The Block, Last nights episode was 80% drama and reality and 20% Renovation and Interior design. The rooms that the contestants revealed were lacking good design or originality. 

My Number 1- Erin & Jake
Although eliminated form this weeks judging (as a couple they seam like big douches & Liars) every room that they present appeals. This room is the right colour Grey and the furniture orientation & size is perfect. A picture or piece of art for the wall would have looked nice.  

My Number 2- Mark & Duncan

If they had re-orientated the room and replaced the side and coffee table with the chrome and glass one that Erin & Jake and Brenton & Cheryl used this room would have been a winner, a chandelier or pendant in the middle of the room would have looked nice too.  

My Number 3- Neisha & John
I love the orientation of this room but it looks dark and cheap to me. The Calico drapes are way too short and look like the tab top curtains you purchase at Spotlight. With such a nice high ceiling they could of hung floor to ceiling sheer curtains, it would have given the room a little more glamour, also one less plant and a lamp instead perhaps?

My number 4- Brenton and Chez
Love the colour theme in this room & That Rug is fabulous. This room does look small & The glass side table to the left would have been a better spot to put the TV. I think Whomever purchases this apartment will end up re-orientating the room to watch TV.

The Block

This week The Block was postponed due to The Cricket (20/20?).

So I thought I might do some research and find out the actual location of the block in the Sydney suburb of Vaucluse. After a quick Google it came to my attention that three of the contestants have started advertising their apartments (No photos of completed lounge rooms just yet) But you can see completed external areas, If you are looking in the area the appartments are also open for inspection. One team (Unit 2) Mark & Duncan have not yet listed their apartment.

Location: Vaucluse is one of Sydney's most desirable (And expensive) suburbs, with what seams like the highest rates in NSW & Maybe Australia?. The location is close to the Sydney City (circled in the middle of picture below).

Completed front Fascade

Channel 9.....I get it. 

Can you spot the shameless self promotion in the image above?

Would it help if i gave you this image:

Real Estate Listings:


Unit 1- Neisha & John:  Unit 1 on Domain
 An inspired renovation has transformed this light filled garden apartment into a superb living space showcasing innovative design and stylish finishes. It makes an exceptional home for entertaining, focusing on space, privacy and easy indoor/outdoor living.

• Exclusive address within a level stroll to village shops and cafes
• Flowing interiors feature generous in/outdoor living spaces
• Bright and breezy open plan lounge and dining spaces
• North facing courtgarden and outdoor entertaining area
• Designer CaesarStone kitchen with quality gas fittings (Kitchen not yet featured on The Block) 
• Fully furnished throughout with brand new designer pieces
• Lock-up garage, air conditioning, wireless Internet equipped
• Bedrooms include a master with built-ins and ensuite
• Set within a boutique block of four with video entrance
• Easy access to harbourside parklands, transport and beaches

(Above picture: Neisha & John front courtyard)

Unit 2: Mark & Duncan. Not advertising yet.


Unit 3- Jake & Erin: Unit 3 on Domain
Northerly facing, this stunningly reinvented apartment offers a perfect fusion of contemporary chic and classical luxury. One of the trophy pads in Channel 9's highly successful The Block, it's proudly viewside

Taking a true renovators delight, the talented pair - Jake and Erin, have turned this apartment into a techno savvy haven of freshness, glamour & sophistication - literally before your eyes.

Featuring a flexible floor plan & semi like ambiance, the spacious & stylish interiors spill out to a full width private entertaining deck with northerly views including the harbour. Set alongside
picturesque Vaucluse shopping village, not only will buyers love the apartment's spectacular transformation but also the convenience of having cafes/delis/shops & transport at the door.

+ Totally rebuilt apartment sold with all the quality designer finishes and custom built furniture, including Control 4 electronic home automation system - so that lighting/air con/sound/TV etc can be remote controlled even from your mobile phone
+ Also includes artwork, mirrors, sofas, tables, chairs, manchester, cutlery, crockery, BBQ & much much more
+ Sunny and private first floor position
+ Central entry hall
+ 3 double bedrooms, master with bay window seat
+ 2 superb fully tiled bathrooms, master with ensuite, main with freestanding bath & separate shower, both bathrooms with superior fittings and rainwater shower heads
+ Generous open plan living/dining areas
+ Streamlined kitchen, Corian benchtop, breakfast bar, stainless steel Blanco gas appliances (Kitchen not yet featured on The Block)
+ Idyllic northerly outdoor entertaining balcony, retractable awnings, bi fold doors, elec blinds
+ Air conditioning, high new ceilings, new cornices, new joinery, polished timber floorboards
+ Huge flat screen 3D TV, surround sound system, several chandeliers
+ Each room cabled for internet connection
+ Clever storage solutions, superbly integrated colours & materials
+ New power supply, new wiring, new plumbing
+ Comprehensive intercom & security
+ Security lockup garage via electronic gated driveway
+ Stunningly reinterpreted for quality living, this spacious apartment is a unique designer pad

OUTGOINGS (approx):
Council Rates: $1,115.07 pa
Strata Rates: $641.90 pq
Water Rates: $149.32 pq positioned in a fastidiously reinterpreted Art Deco security block of just 4.

Say What???? Council Rates of $1,115.07 pa....Woollarah Council

So, as you might remember in my review from last week's main bathroom renovation it seams my dislike from the master bathroom (the cheap looking floor tile) also seamed to be a dislike of the photo editor and has been addressed with a little photoshopping for the Real Estate listing??

Unit 4-Brenton & Cheryl: Unit 4 on Domain
Brenton & Chez from Channel Nine's THE BLOCK 2010 program have created a stunning home that fuses creative design, luxury finishes and elevated ocean views. Set to the very rear of a completely transformed complex of four luxury apartments, this top floor residence offers a lifestyle of exceptional privacy and style. It combines quality appointments, state-of-the-art inclusions and over 100sqm in/outdoor living space to deliver a home of space and convenience in a prized blue ribbon address.
- Generous interiors feature rich polished floors throughout
- Open plan living spaces that flow to the outdoors
- Large cedar bi-fold doors open to a wide entertainers terrace
- Deluxe island kitchen fully equipped with quality fittings
- Three double bedrooms, two designer bathrooms
- Lock-up garage with storage units, video entrance and air conditioning
- Fully furnished and equipped with innovative inclusions
- Quietly placed a level stroll to village shops and cafes
- Easy access to nearby beaches and harbourfront parks

You might remember that Brenton & Chez had an issue with the floor tiles in their Ensuite bathroom.Check out the Real Estate listing photo (On the right below) it looks like they have changed the floor tiles & the colour.

 So if you are looking for a new home/ appartment in Vaucluse and thinking to spend upwards of $900,000(AU) I would suggest checking it out.I am thinking they will all fetch over $1,000,000 (AU)

The Block- Week 5 Review

Week 5 of "The Block" was full of Drama, with a little crying a Funeral and 4 bathrooms. Here are my pics for the week:

My Number 1- Mark & Erin

Like: I like the feature tile, They used it in the Master Bedroom Ensuite also (See Below).

Dislike: I think that the floor tiles that they used for the main bathroom are cheap looking.

Change: Remove the sticker from the toilet.

(Mark & Erin's Ensuite)

My Number 2- Brenton & Chez

Like: The Glass feature wall, Reminds me of Carrara Tile with Beautiful Blue Grey tones. 

Dislike: The Basin, as the judges noted it was not practical (& will probably date).

Change: Edit the room. Take a few of the decorative Pieces away, too many flowers & pots. Why not hang up a nice Black and white photograph from Vaucluse (The area where the Block is filmed). 

Grey Bathroom Carrara Tile Via Here



My Number 3- Neisha & John

Like: The bathroom Vanity, Huge sink, lots of bench space and storage

Dislike: The colour palette is very non imaginative & Safe, do something different, a pattern, colour?.

Change: Replace the 1/2 used roll of toilet paper on the hanger...you are presenting a room!



My Number 4- Mark & Duncan

Like: The shower head in the bath tub & the glass storage shelf in the bathtub.

Dislike: Random placement of additional shelving, it is not permanent shelving and I think potential buyers would look at the room and think that there was inadequate storage in the bathroom (That white boxy looking storage thing to the right of the photo).

Change: Take away the Nana looking bath mat for the Judging & style photo's.

Taubmans Website

So I have been thinking of my weekend plans and painting possibility's of finding time to paint the Laundry & or master bedroom...

Whilst looking for paint I happened upon the Taubmans website. They actually have a "Room designer" where you can select rooms from "The Block Australia 2010", after you have selected a room you can change any of the paint colours (you can also find out all of the paint selections that each couple has used).

This is what I have come Up with: 

Check it out here

The Block- Week 4 Review

The contestants were asked to complete the Master bedrooms for their apartments. Brenton & Chez took out the first place prize this week. I am not sure if  I totally agree, see my personal thoughts below.

If you are interested in checking out the full images of the rooms please head over to the channel Nine Block Galleries

MY Number 1. Erin & Jake

Like: the built in wardrobes & the bench seat

Dislike: Trying to match the stripe pattern within the bed base & striped wall, the bed would have been better as a smoke Grey or white colour.

Change: The black and white striped wall is gorgeous, I agree with what one of the judges said that there could have been a mirror placed on the wall to break up the space.



My Number 2: Neisha & John

Like: The colour palette, the headboard is Divine!

Dislike: The wardrobes. A bulkhead above the wardrobes would have tied them into the room better. 

Change: I can tell that that is a blue blanket, but to me it looks like my Nana's left her dressing gown on the bed.



My Number 3: Brenton & Chez

Like: The Pendant Light

Dislike: The TV Shelf, as a tall person I know that corner of the shelf would become a problem.

Change: The height of the headboard, it seams too low, as there is no art on the walls a nice high headboard would take away the bare feeling and draw the eye up. 



My Number 4: Mark & Duncan

Like: The Art on the wall & the ceiling detail.

Dislike: The White dresser next to the white wardrobe, it Looks like a mish mash/ jumble of furniture. I would have expected more from the joinery as these two are Carpenters.

Change: The colour of the feature wall.



I think they all did a great job & not forget that they only had1 week to complete this room, all round an awesome effort. What do you think? Who should have won?