The Australian dream of owning a home with an outdoor dunny may be dead, but buying an off the plan apartment is certainly a rite of passage for countless budding home owners in major capital cities these days.The hardest part is usually the simplest: How do I even start when I can’t see the finished product?

“It’s deep but these are the things you have to factor in when looking at off the plan properties.”

Buying your first apartment off the plan doesn’t need to be a swindling rocket science ending in disappointment.That’s why we hit up one of Eastern Sydney’s most successful real estate agents with over a decade’s worth experience in the prestige market to reveal everything you need to know about hunting down your perfect humble abode.

Construction Companies Make A Big Difference

Always look for a reputable builder when seeking out any off the plan apartment. That’s one of the fundamental requisites, according to Edward Brown of Belle Property, who specialises in Sydney’s beachside, parkside and thriving inner city markets which are brimming with off the plan apartments.“Always look for someone trusted, someone who’s done it multiple times rather than a construction firm running their first rodeo,” explains Brown.“Also look at the pictures to make sure what’s in the display suite actually matches up with the end product.”Whilst there might be little difference between the leading residential construction firms, it’s the lesser known ones that buyers need to be weary of.Being well-informed about the construction company that built the apartment block will ensure your investment will appreciate with the development.

Research Can Make You Rich

It’s called due diligence for a reason and it’s designed to prevent new buyers from wandering into dodgy or dangerous real estate whilst maximising their investment potential.The hard part is that it’s done entirely on your own accord. Here’s what you should be looking for before signing the dotted line.

Investigate The Surroundings

Whilst a location based on a fancy suburb name alone maybe the deal clincher for many, there’s still a list of finer details that buyers need to look at when purchasing new apartments.“It’s deep but these are the things you have to factor in when looking at off the plan properties,” says Brown.Here’s a run down of his essential checklist for location.

• See what else in the area is like your apartment and has sold for a similar value
• See what those other developments have traded for at a per-square-metre rate
• See what advantages those blocks may have over the block you’re looking into buying
• Scope out the area in terms of infrastructure – any buses, trains, schools, shopping centres and hospitals?
• How central is the property to your lifestyle needs and is it easy to get around to friends or family?
• Pay careful attention to the demographics of the location as this changes with the area’s development and can directly impact the property’s value

Look At What’s On Offer Structurally

Display suites are intentionally flashy to capture the attention of potential buyers looking at off the plan. Whilst that’s fine as a marketing tool, the real homework you need to do is making sure what the models, displays and brochures depict is what you’re actually paying for.Here’s what you should be looking at with regards to the bricks and mortar end.

• Ensure there’s not much change that can go on beyond the display suite
• Make sure the apartment isn’t going to lose any square metres once it’s built
• Look at the commercial facilities that will be attached to the block – cafes, restaurants, medical centres and supermarkets can all affect property value
• If you’re buying a car space, a garage or a store room, be sure that it’s all marked and tight in the contract to prevent the developer from changing these specs at the last minute

Where To Get More Answers

Checking off points is one thing but there needs to be external information factored in to make sure your purchase isn’t compromised after you’ve handed over the cash.“If you’re buying off the plan it’s important to realise any other properties being built around you,” says Brown.“If one ends up in front of your balcony, then you’ve lost any real aspect you may have been buying into – sweeping harbour views? Gone. And there goes your property value, natural light and living enjoyment all in one go.”The answer here is to seek more answers where available. Do your research through council websites where some information is made publicly available. This can help buyers determine what is being built around their apartment.

Strike A Deal To Add Value To Your Apartment

You can negotiate on a new car so why not on a new apartment? The rule of thumb here isn’t to negotiate so much on price, which is often rigid for off the plan apartments, but on unique additions to your home.“Negotiate on terms and what extras you can get off the plan,” says Brown.“Buying this way gives you the possibility to buy something with extra storage and extra joinery at the end.”So instead of settling for the basic basin and tapware which every other apartment gets, try to negotiate for something a little more aesthetically pleasing or expensive.

“It’s a raw product – ask to see what more you can get out of the property.”

“Buying a one bedroom apartment usually won’t come with a bathtub, but say your partner loves a bath…ask if they can get a bath put in there,” says Brown.“More importantly, ask them if you have to pay a bit more or can you get that included in the contract price?”The way to look at this negotiating process is through customising your own place so that it stands out from the rest.“If people buying new cars can tick all the options, the same be done for those buying an off the plan property. It’s a raw product – ask to see what more you can get out of the property.”

Forecasting For Future Value

It’s important for buyers to realise that when they’re purchasing an off the plan apartment, they’re paying for a forecasted price on that development – always determine whether this forecasted figure is worth it once completed.“Like any purchase, you’re buying an investment and buying a property which is all about a long term strategy,” says Brown.“You should be looking to see if that area will grow well over a five year period and double your money in the same period.”

How To Tell If It’s A Lemon

Unfortunately there’s no sure-fire way to tell if an off the plan apartment is a lemon.“Every building is always going to have a defect or two and that’s normal,” says Brown.Don’t freak out back to the dog house though. In Australia there’s something called a Builder’s Warranty which is designed to protect buyers when going through a defects list with a developer. Due diligence however is still the number one priority.“Have open lines of communication with your agent, the developer or builders,” adds Brown.“Do your research and if you’ve seen the area offering growth then it should not be a lemon. Buy on a good floor with natural light, space and aspect. These are all great investments.”Final critical things to note when looking at your first off the plan apartment:

• If you’re buying because you’re being sold on rental returns, it’s a clear case buyer beware
• If a developer slashes prices to sell, you have to question why as there could be an issue
• Forget rental returns; focus on what you think the property is worth rather than what you’ve been told

RELATED: What You Need To Know Before Buying Property In Australia

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With face scrubs, face washes and moisturisers dominating much of the focus of the male grooming market it’s easy to forget other mens grooming essentials that help us look our best. Shaving brushes, nail clippers, loofahs and tweezers may not get as much attention as their fellow grooming products but are vital to the whole process nonetheless.

Each and everyday these items help in their small way to address our grooming concerns. It is with this article that we shine a light on these unsung heroes of the bathroom cabinet and celebrate their role in our grooming routine.

RELATED: An Essential Pre-Date Grooming Checklist

Nail Clippers

When shaking someone’s hand you tend to notice two things; the grasp of their hand and the state of their nails. Long and poorly maintained nails are never a good look and as long nails attract and trap dirt it is both physically unappealing and an issue for your health. Invest in a good pair of stainless steel nail clippers to keep long nails in check.Clippers will ensure a smooth, even cut of the nail and avoid a jagged and messy look.

Ship Nail Clippers

Tweezers

Tweezing hair from your nose, face or eyebrows may not seem appealing to most men but it is the most precise and effective method of hair removal. Tweezers are the most effective tool for precision hair removal as the hair is removed from the root, allowing more time before the hair reappears. Shaving excess hair on your eyebrows, for example, is both redundant and risky. Not only will the hair appear more frequently with shaving but will also grow back thicker. So do away with that unsightly monobrow and if you’re feeling brave enough remove that hair protruding from your nostrils.

Shop Tweezers

Portable Nose & Ear Hair Trimmers

If you’re not feeling brave enough to attack stray hairs with a pair of tweezers you can turn to a nose hair trimmer. Nose & ear hair trimmers allow you to avoid the unpleasant feeling that comes from plucking hair and instead removes hair in a quick and convenient way. Small blades also ensure you won’t forsake precision for comfort. The removal of excess hair is just another part of the grooming process, with a nose & ear hair trimmer this part of your routine will be sure to be quick, painless and convenient.

Shop Trimmers

Dental Floss

You may or may not know this but bad breathe is often the cause of not flossing. Then speak to your local dentist and they’ll tell you that flossing helps reduce cavaties which will ultimately save you a lot of money down the track. Believe me, I know after spending $5,000 at the dentist recently. Get yourself a stash of dental floss and ensure you add this 30 second practice to your daily routine. 

Shop Dental Floss

Loofah Sponge

A loofah is an important tool for male grooming and one that is often under utilised due to its perception of being only for females.  A loofah sponge offers incredible exfoliating qualities for the entire body. Exfoliating your face regularly is an important part of your grooming routine so why not extend that to the rest of your body? Remove built up dead skin and dirt from your arms, feet, chest and help to prevent the appearance of dreaded backne.

Shop Loofahs

Although these items may not receive the same level of fanfare as other grooming products they are essential to our daily grooming routine. Invest in some of these unsung heroes and allow them to come to the rescue of your grooming ailments.

The post The Unsung Heroes Of A Gentleman’s Bathroom Cabinet appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We all wished for superpowers when we were kids—but no-one begged Santa for a French grammar textbook.

However, in today’s globalised world, languages are more important than ever. Of course it’s possible to get through your whole career without learning even a, “hola”, but your options are far more limited, and the skills section of your CV far less enticing without a second language.

In fact, in 2015, Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates said that his biggest regret in life is that he speaks only English. And before you switch off and think: if Bill Gates couldn’t manage it how am I supposed to, consider this—language learning is more about persistence than anything else. And the aim of learning a second language as an adult (in a business context) is largely social rather than functional.

In other words, unless you’re bilingual, you aren’t going to be conducting meetings and writing reports in your second language. The usefulness of having learnt it comes from your ability to connect with colleagues in overseas offices, being able to fend for yourself on business trips (and being the first choice to be sent on those trips), and prove that you still posses some kind of mental dexterity.

Also if you want to win the hearts and minds of your target market, and that market happens to include people who speak a different language than you do, making an effort to learn a bit of it can go a long way.

In most Australian high-schools, language learning has typically focussed on European languages—French, Spanish, German etc. However, according to Geoff Quattromani, life-style editor at EFTM,  the most useful language for an English-speaking entrepreneur to learn is:

“Mandarin—especially if you plan on outsourcing any manufacturing or selling into China.”

Ofer Shoshan, a writer for Entrepreneur magazine backed this up, explaining that Mandarin is, “The most prevalent language in the world with 1.1 billion native speakers.”

Rype, a language learning application, pointed out that trillions of dollars worth of products are made and imported from China every year. And with global businesses like Alibaba making their way to western nations, doing business with Chinese clients, partners, or suppliers is unavoidable.

“If you want an edge in international business, Mandarin is likely one of the most important languages to learn for business.”

So there you have it: if you haven’t decided on a target market: Mandarin could be a good place to start. Otherwise have a stab at Spanish (relatively easy to learn in comparison to many other business languages—allowing you to tap into South American and Central American markets), German—the official language of five countries and a significant secondary language in four others, or French—one of the most popular languages in the word, and an incredibly useful langue to learn for an entrepreneur trying to crack the global market.

RELATED: 15 Rookie Travel Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

The post The Most Useful Language For An Entrepreneur To Learn Is Not What You Would Expect appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Let’s face it. Most men are pretty damn lazy when it comes to keeping up appearances. That’s why it’s important to have a few tried and tested style tricks in your back pocket to look good on the go.

Case in point, Ryan Reynolds. The successful father, husband and professional smart-ass this week kicked off his Deadpool 2 global media circuit in Rome and he did it by looking smart with as little effort as possible.

All it took was three simple wardrobe pieces to get the job done – no layering, no flashy patterns and no outlandish colours or branding. Ryan Reynolds’s secret? A button-up shirt buttoned all the way up. Mind. Blown.

RELATED: Shirts That Can To You From Office To Off-Duty With Zero Effort

It might seem obvious, but a lot of men out there tend to underestimate how the humble button-up shirt can completely transform a casual look that is more primed for the low-key red carpet. Tuck it into your jeans or chinos, button it up to the top, throw over your favourite bomber jacket and you have a truly effortless smart-casual look which can get you through the day’s formalities in style.

This same button-up-all-the-way look can also work for coats, cardigans and most other outer layers. Of course don’t be afraid to add in a few details like a watch or a pair of glasses to elevate the look a bit more like Reynolds has – you’re still lazy remember. Just smarter in the wardrobe department.

Who said being lazy never paid off?

There’s a Caesar’s Palace in Rome too. No Céline Dion though. #Deadpool2

A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) on May 6, 2018 at 7:13am PDT

The post Ryan Reynolds Shows You How To Look Smarter With A Single Move appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Big names and newcomers to the scene dominate this week’s best dressed men.

First up is Jamie Foxx who took casual wear to cool new heights thanks to a street-inspired dad look. Black Panther’s Winston Duke was also spotted about the Jimmy Kimmel backlot rocking a sweet bomber shade paired with white denim.

Elsewhere the men’s wardrobe dominated the likes of Paul Smith, Lionel Richie, Lewis Hamilton, Idris Elba, Dwyane Wade, Ryan Seacrest and Ryan Reynolds.

Jared Leto gets extra this points this week thanks to his latest outlandish look.

That’s a wrap for this week’s best dressed celebrity men. Hit the gallery for some free weekend wardrobe inspiration.

The post Best Dressed Men From The Week That Was Feat. Jamie Foxx, Ryan Reynolds & Idris Elba appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Ricky Gervais is weeping into his first-class pillow as the world’s deadliest snack has been removed from the menu of all Singapore Airlines’ cabin classes.

Although their spokesperson declined to comment (when asked by The Straits Times) whether this is in response to an incident last year—where a three year old toddler went into anaphylactic shock, triggered by the passengers around him eating nuts—it seems the most likely conclusion.

After the July 12 incident, Singapore Airlines said that it would review “the serving of nuts on board our flights,” and that although they would accommodate requests for nut-free meals, they would be  “unable to provide a nut-free cabin or guarantee an allergy-free environment on board.”

The latest decision seems to be an attempt to change this. According to The Star Online;

“While an all-out peanut ban on flights is not the norm for airlines worldwide, several major carriers such as Qantas and Air New Zealand have stopped serving them.”

Now that Singapore Airlines has followed suit we have two questions: who will be next—and when will Ricky Gervais follow through on his threat to bathe in peanut oil before his next flight?

RELATED: I Unexpectedly Flew QANTAS’ 787 Dreamliner: Just Hype Or A Dream Come True?

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It’s a dirty word but we’ll say it. Male poncho. Whilst providing an entirely functional purpose is one thing, carrying the poncho into the realm of today’s menswear space is a little bit sketchier.

Pull it off incorrectly and you could be mistaken for the Royal Ibis King of the local park, stealing your sister’s winter look from 2005 or even someone who just spends too much time playing indians and cowboys.

Jared Leto is none of the above. At his latest Thirty Seconds to Mars concert in Berlin Leto stepped out in a striking poncho which could well be mistaken for Nonna’s table cloth – and he made it look cool.

As the ambassador for hate crime against boring fashion, Leto has rarely shied away from a quirky wardrobe. The poncho look he was wearing was no different in red with geometric squares littered throughout. He even topped it off with bright red denim and glorified toilet cleaning gloves adorned in gold.

Do we suggest you wear this out to your local pub? Probably not. Where it does score points though is in its originality and potential to spark a new trend for the perennially fashion-forward.

Squint hard enough and you can almost see a Supreme logo poncho in there. And given that Supreme will put their name on anything absurd, a poncho certainly isn’t out of the question. And if that happens you can rest assure that Justin Bieber will rock it.

Witness the Jared Leto poncho effect in the gallery.

RELATED: LeBron James & The Cleveland Cavaliers Turned The NBA Playoffs Into A Runway

The post Jared Leto's Latest Fashion Triumph Is Not What You Would Expect appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Aston Martin has announced that it will officially begin producing its absurd luxury submarine after it passed the design phase this week.

The project which was announced a year ago as a concept collaboration between Triton Submarines drew a significant degree of attention thanks to its striking design and luxury appointments – basically things you’d never find floating around in a submarine.

Project Neptune will feature seating for three including the pilot and can reach speeds of up to 5 knots and a depth of 500 metres. Interior-wise it’s all about the tanned leather and slick carbon finish whilst a front canopy allows passengers 360 degree visibility under the sea.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin EVP and Chief Creative Officer, said that “Project Neptune’s interior was a great challenge.”

“Unlike a sports car where the interiors are installed into an open-sided cabin before the doors are fitted, everything you see inside will be lowered through the upper-hatch and assembled within the completed sphere of the pressure hull. We have been able to present a congruous aesthetic that defies its multi-part complex installation.”

The question on every one’s lips though is whether or not this is James Bond‘s next submersible vehicle for Bond 25.

This has got to be in the next 007

— Sean (@SRB9311) May 2, 2018

When I read that ….. I so wanted to see a theme on this #showingmyage pic.twitter.com/j7WPkfQOZ2

— Alick Radcliffe (@alickrad) May 2, 2018

Whilst the British carmaker made no reference to Bond or Daniel Craig, the timeline for the submarine’s completion does make for a fitting speculation. With the design phase complete, Aston Martin is looking to have the first production model ready for unveiling later this year.

When that happens, Project Neptune will also come in an option of exterior colours and interior trim options. Did someone say British racing green? Here’s the 007 scene again in case you forgot how awesome spy submersibles were.

The post Aston Martin Could Be Building The Next James Bond Submarine appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Aesthetics is a term often thrown around in bodybuilding circles. It’s a defining trait that underscores every aspect of looking muscular, masculine and physically strong. The keyword here is ‘look’.When it comes to the underrated sport of rock climbing, some of the strongest men and women are often found strolling around barefooted at your local bouldering gym in a singlet. There’s rarely a protein shake in sight and zero questions like “What are you training today, bro?”.

“Core strength connects your upper and lower body to deliver explosive power that is always controlled.”

Don’t let the exuberant smiles and small congregations under climbing walls fool you though. Guys like Thomas Farrell, one of Australia’s best rock climbers, possess one of the most complete physiques when it comes to usable strength.And what the hell is usable strength? We’ll explain by showing you how to get it instead. This is a full body workout sport, but not how you know it.

Why Core Strength Is Important

A post shared by Thomas Farrell (@tfarrell2570) on Nov 14, 2016 at 12:11am PST

“Core strength the base of everything in the human body,” explains Farrell, who has 17 years worth of rock climbing experience behind him.“If you don’t have a strong core you can’t connect anything. It connects your upper body to your lower body to deliver explosive power that is always controlled.”Core strength differs to the strength derived from isolation exercises such as weight lifting or squats in a gym. Think of core training and usable strength as athletic or flexible strength. It’s the kind of strength that is applicable to any given situation rather than a set movement.

“It works the stabiliser muscles which people rarely use and helps with balance, stamina, endurance and muscle reflex.”

This spontaneous movement is the very foundation that rock climbing problems are built on and it carries clear benefits for activating muscles that the body isn’t usually accustomed to.It’s been debated on the web for a while now but the most complete explanation of usable strength is the combination of physical power, speed, and flexibility to uniformly perform a specific given task.“Climbing on the wall gets you strong everywhere,” adds Farrell.“It works the stabiliser muscles which people rarely use and helps with balance, stamina, endurance and muscle reflex.”

Strength Training & Staying Motivated

A post shared by Thomas Farrell (@tfarrell2570) on Mar 27, 2018 at 8:55pm PDT

Whilst climbing is an addictive sport Farrell says that his training now incorporates conventional gym sessions in order to build a complete package that is more resistant to injury.Here’s what the training schedule of one of Australia’s best climbers looks like:

Monday: Strength work in a conventional gym – 2 hours

• Bench press
• Shoulder press
• Dumbbell front squats
• Dumbbell shoulder press
• Pushups

Tuesday: Climbing based training – 2 hours

• Hang board training (four finger hold, three finger hold, two finger hold, one finger hold)
• Weighted chin-ups
• Sit-ups
• Planking

Wednesday:  Conventional gym session – 2 hours

• Cable fly exercises
• Bodyweight squats
• Weighted lunges

Thursday: Climbing session – 2 hours

• Stretching
• Bouldering problems

Friday: Rest day

Saturday: Outdoor climbing session 4 – 8 hours

• Watch an example here

Sunday: Outdoor climbing session 4 – 8 hours

• Watch an example here

A post shared by Thomas Farrell (@tfarrell2570) on Jan 10, 2018 at 7:13pm PST

When Farrell isn’t training for a bouldering competition, he mountain bikes three times a week to breaks things up with cardio and a bit of fun. Most importantly, he’s active almost every day.His secret to staying motivated and balancing a day job is simple.“If you say you’re tired from work, you’re not going to train hard anyway. So instead of not going at all, go in and do a less intense job. Your physique and flexibility will thank you for it later,” says Farrell.“Find enjoyment out of training and you’ll do it. And always think of your end goal and you’ll be accountable for your actions.”

Diet Of An Elite Climber

Diets of serious rock climbers are usually pretty low-key and straight-forward. Avoid or limit junk food and carbs and go for the standard protein and vegetable staple.Farrell personally avoids processed foods and tries to eat as closely to natural as possible.“I’d have five meals a day – I do a lot of exercise so I can get away with it,” he says.“Portion-wise I just space it out. I’m not so strict on eating more during the day or night. Just an equal number throughout the day. If I’m coming up to a comp I won’t drink. Other than that it’s all good.”

Avoiding Injuries & Staying Fit You Age

A post shared by Thomas Farrell (@tfarrell2570) on May 1, 2017 at 12:51am PDT

Talk to any seasoned rock climber and they could point out a list of sustained injuries from joint pains to full blown torn ACLs and muscle tears.“As I’ve gotten a bit older I’ve had to be bit careful,” admits Farrell.“You can get tendonitis issues in your elbow for a few years from climbing too much.”His recommendations for staying injury-free for as long as possible are simple.

• Conventional gym training – “With climbing you’re always pulling and rarely pushing. You can get imbalanced doing that so I find hitting the regular gym super important. Since I’ve been doing weights it’s helped keep me injury free.”
• Stretching – “I was lucky when I was young and being flexible, but as you age you need to stretch more to prevent injury. There’s no way around it.”
• Try other sports you enjoy – “Supplementing a sport in between can give you a break from climbing whilst still keeping you active. It’s necessary to help your body recover and strengthen.”

RELATED: Lacking Muscles? You Need To Eat Like This If You Want To Look Like Tim Robards

The post Weak As A Twig? Give Your Body Explosive Strength Like Elite Rock Climber, Tom Farrell appeared first on DMARGE Australia.