Interview: Tom Offermann, Tom Offermann Real Estate

Tom Offermann has spent the past 35 years developing peerless market knowledge of Noosa and Sunshine Coast environs.

He’s also a man who lives and breathes the lifestyle he proudly sells – often found in his kayak on the Noosa River.

We caught up to discuss the future in light of COVID, ‘southern’ sea-changers and a market that’s ultimately surging.

Kanebridge News: Noosa was recently marked as Queensland’s most expensive property market, thoughts on securing such a title?

Tom Offermann: It’s been named the most expensive shire in the state, but I think it’s more accurately described as the most valuable in the state.

KN: What makes it the most valuable?

TO: Noosa shire has an annual return on investment over 15% — which is incredible. However, some of the shire’s most sought-after locations, such as Noosa Sound, have been averaging capital growth of more than 15% per annum for the past 46 years.

KN: How did Noosa fare coming out of the pandemic?

TO: [In 2021] we were wondering if it might slow down a bit after the summer holidays, but the market for the first quarter has outperformed every quarter of 2020. Auctions are achieving approximately 90% clearance rates, property listings remain tight and an abundance of buyers are waiting for the right property.

KN: Is this driven by those ‘southerners’ looking for a sea / tree-change?

TO: The sea and tree-change effect was the strongest ever and Noosa was one of the greatest beneficiaries, recording high sales volumes plus the highest price gains in Queensland, with houses recording 15.4% annual growth and a median price surpassing $900,000.

KN: So is it now too late for those wanting to get into the market?

TO: No, it’s never too late. My advice is to buy in the best location your budget allows. In the current market it’s important to be ready to act fast and have pre-approval if you require finance, because a property can sell very quickly, sometimes never hitting the market at all.

KN: How does Noosa compete against other coastal ‘lifestyle’ regions?

TO: Noosa has long been known as the jewel in Queensland’s crown, which is a result of superior local governance, the shire’s natural resources and climate — which combine to underpin a property market that has more potential than any others in the country. It’s highly desirable and very tightly held.

KN: What do you say to the naysayer’s who claim the Sunshine Coast’s growth isn’t sustainable – will the market continue to ascend?

TO: Of course it will. Property value is never a straight line graph, however, you can always count on it pointing upwards long-term. At this rate, investors will double their money every five years, something I have experienced throughout my career.

offermann.com.au

A Mid-Century Modern home in Carmel, California, hit the market on Friday for just the third time in 70 years with a listing price of $4.25 million.

Located in the community of Carmel Highlands, the house is just steps from the coastline and comes with private beach access, according to the listing with Tim Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California. Allen was not immediately available for comment.

The property last changed hands in 2010 when Hollywood screenwriter Richard Outten bought it for $990,000, public records show. Outten penned the screenplays for the 1992 movie “Pet Sematary Two” and the 1987 film “Lionheart,” and created the story for the 2012 “Journey to the Center of the Earth” sequel, “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.” He was not immediately available for comment.

Built in 1953, the home’s mid-century charm has been preserved over the years while still being updated for modern living. Interior details include wood paneling, exposed-brick walls and beamed ceilings.

The single-level house has 1,785 square feet, which includes three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Though not directly on the water, large windows flanking the adobe-brick, wood-burning fireplace look out at the ocean.

Sliding glass doors create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. Outside, there’s a large patio surrounded by lush landscaping, and there are also meandering paths through sustainable succulent gardens, according to the listing.

In addition to its close proximity to the beach, the home is a 10-minute walk from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

As of July, the median list price in Carmel is $3.1 million, up 8% from last year, even as active listings have increased 50% year over year, according to data from Realtor.com.

Interview: Tom Offermann, Tom Offermann Real Estate

“At this rate, investors will double their money every five years.”

Owned by Richard Outten, who’s penned screenplays for films including “Pet Sematary Two” and “Lionheart,” this is only the third time the home has been on the market