Top Five Questions Asked by Families with Home Scouts
Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer chats to expert local buyer’s agent (and parent) Bronwen Stacey from Home Scouts to discover the most-asked questions by interstate families looking to make the move to marvellous Noosa.
Noosa has always been a popular destination for families, and with good reason. With its enviable weather, stunning environment and welcoming community, it offers an idyllic, relaxed pace of life that’s not often found in big cities. Experienced buyer’s agent and long-term resident Bronwen Stacey knows Noosa like the back of her hand, and with two kids at primary school and a high-school-teacher husband, has deep roots in the local community.
Bronwen understands the things that are important to families, and is perfectly placed to offer advice on areas, pricing, housing stock, schools, lifestyle and more. She shares her responses to the top five questions she is most often asked by interstate buyers looking to make the move…
What are the best family friendly neighbourhoods in the Noosa region?
“This is my most-asked question, and it really depends on what you value as a family! If you want to be walking distance or a bike-ride to the beach then my top picks would be Sunshine Beach, Sunrise Beach and Noosa Heads. Whereas if you’re after larger properties with more space and a hinterland feel, places like Doonan, Eumundi and Verrierdale are good to consider. Like is attracted to like when it comes to communities. Family buyers want to be surrounded by other people with young families because it helps build friendships for both the parents and their kids. Homes in family appealing suburbs also traditionally have superior capital growth potential.”
Can you tell me the best schools, daycare facilities and school catchments?
“Family buyers know that being in a great school catchment is key to the kids having excellent education options and is a boost to property price growth. School catchment suburbs are also dominated by family buyers of similar demographic, so it’s a good indication of what the neighbours will be like. Once buyers have decided on a few areas to focus on, I can take them through the specifics of the school catchments, individual school ratings, and the best daycare facilities in the area.”
What activities are nearby for kids?
“You can take your pick from kids’ activities in and around Noosa – whether it’s Surf Lifesaving, dancing, swimming, surfing, kayaking, gymnastics, art, skateboarding or something else, you’re likely to find options in close proximity to your home. These clubs and programs for kids (and adults) make up the fabric of the region, indicating an area where the residents build meaningful bonds and have strong community spirit.”
What are the distances from different suburbs to schools/the beach?
“Often interstate or city families spend a lot of time commuting, and reducing commute times is one of a number of factors in considering a move. Commuting times are generally minimal within Noosa, which is a huge part of the appeal! Many families like to aim for close proximity to a school for easy access, while others value the serenity of the hinterland areas and don’t mind the short drive.”
What is it like to live in a particular suburb?
“It’s so hard to understand the different nuances of the suburbs until you get here, which is part of what makes engaging a local buyer’s agent so vital! From beautiful, outdoorsy Sunshine Beach and sophisticated, iconic Noosa Heads to verdant, tranquil Verrierdale and quirky, creative Eumundi; each area has its own vibe and personality. I work closely with my buyers to provide valuable local insights, experience and connections – giving unbiased and knowledgeable advice about different suburbs that helps them find the perfect spot for their unique personalities and circumstances.”
So, if you’re on the fence about making the move to new surrounds, engaging a buyer’s agent can help you navigate the nuances to find the perfect place to call ‘home’.