Spare Change with Kate Cox
When it comes to finding the perfect home sweet home, Melanie Rosettenstein discovers that change can be part of the process.
The thing about real estate is that it’s personal. And in the Noosa market where there are several micro markets all offering unique lifestyle opportunities, sometimes it takes a bit of time to find the perfect fit. This can sometimes lead to a property going up for sale again quite soon after being sold. Licensed real estate agent Kate Cox of Reed & Co. says very often people will see a property go back on the market quickly and assume something is wrong with it.
“In most cases it’s not about the house,” said Kate. “It’s just that the owner’s needs or priorities have changed.”
More space for the family
One example is a beautiful, fully renovated, three-bedroom apartment in Noosaville, right near the Noosa River originally purchased by a retired Melbourne couple as a lock-up-and-go holiday home. According to Kate, they had never spent time in Noosa before, but once they did, they loved it so much they decided to upgrade to spend more time here with their dog and to provide more space for visits from family and friends.
“They sold their riverside apartment and bought a larger townhouse with a swimming pool on Noosa Hill, within walking distance of the National Park and Hastings Street,” Kate said. “They chose to buy something bigger and better so they could enjoy more time here.”
Looking for a move-in-ready home
Kate recently had a young owner who purchased a fixer-upper on Noosa Hill with the intention of knocking it down and rebuilding it. However, he realised after going through council approvals and working with architects and designers that he wasn’t quite ready for such a big commitment.
“After 12 months he decided that he didn’t really want to spend two years managing the build so opted to sell the property instead,” said Kate. “He still loves the area and plans to stay local but is now looking for a move-in-ready-home.”
The best of both worlds
Kate also helped a Sydney couple who moved to Noosa and bought a beautifully renovated home with stunning views.
“They absolutely loved Noosa but found that they missed their family and city life,” Kate said. “They realised they wanted a balance between both lifestyles so sold and bought a smaller home in Noosa and an apartment in Sydney.”
Feeling grounded
One of the more common reasons for selling a property soon after buying is access to outdoor space. Kate says she has seen many people give apartment living a try to soon realise it’s simply not for them.
“I had a buyer who bought a fully renovated apartment, but she had never lived in one before and missed having outdoor space,” Kate shared. “So, she sold the apartment to buy a small house with a garden saying she just wanted to have her feet on the ground.
“Some people love the convenience of apartment life while others need that connection to earth.”
A flexible market
Kate says that the Noosa market allows for a quick turnover but selling so soon isn’t necessarily a profitable move.
“Because of stamp duty and real estate commissions these quick sellers are really just covering their costs,” she explained. “What’s interesting is how flexible the market is.
“Buyers can sell and find something that better suits them quite easily.”
Finding the perfect home is a journey, and in a dynamic market like Noosa, that journey can take unexpected turns.
Whether it’s the need for more space, a change in lifestyle, or simply a shift in priorities, selling soon after buying isn’t always a sign of regret – it’s often a step toward something even better. And with experienced agents like Kate Cox guiding the way, buyers and sellers alike can move forward with confidence, knowing the next chapter might just around the corner. Long live Noosa!
