Real Estate FROM COAST TO COUNTRY
AG E NT O F TH E WE E K
OUR AGENT of the Week is Oscar Van Megchelen, an award-winning director and sales expert at Elite Local Agents with nearly 20 years’ experience serving the Tweed Coast. A Pottsville local, he combines market knowledge, expert marketing, and clear communication to achieve outstanding sales results. Passionate about his community, Oscar supports local charities, coaches junior sport, and brings extensive qualifications, professionalism, and trusted expertise to every property transaction. We caught up with Oscar to find out more. HAVE YOU ALWAYS WORKED IN REAL ESTATE AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO THE INDUSTRY?
I started my working life at Woolworths in the seafood department before moving into real estate. I’ve now been in the industry for 19 years. I was drawn to real estate because I enjoy working with people, negotiating outcomes and helping families through what is often one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll ever make. Every day is different, and I enjoy the mix of problem-solving, marketing and building relationships with people in our community.
Open Homes Saturday, August 8 Raine & Horne Jet
• 63 Tyalgum Road, Byangum, 9-9.30am • 837 Nobbys Creek Road, Nobbys Creek, 9.30
-10.30am • 149 River Street, South Murwillumbah, 1010.30am • 24 Taylor Drive, Pottsville, 10-11am • 7/1 Castle Field Dve, Murwillumbah, 11-11.30am • 46 Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, 11-11.30am • 88 Rous River Way, Murwillumbah,12-12.30pm • 3 Panorama View, Kunghur, 12-2.30pm • 20 Panorama View, Kunghur, 12-2.30pm • 2981 Kyogle Road, Kunghur, 12-2.30pm • 34 Chevell Place, 1-1.30pm
Tate Brownlee
• 5/8 Marian Street, Tweed Heads, 9-9:30am
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WORKING IN REAL ESTATE AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES?
The best part is helping people achieve a great result and seeing how much of a difference it can make to their lives. Whether it’s a young family buying their first home, someone downsizing, or a long-term owner selling a property full of memories, it’s rewarding to be part of that journey. The biggest challenge is that every property and every client is different. Markets change; buyer sentiment changes and unexpected issues can arise during a sale. My role is to stay calm, communicate clearly and guide clients through those challenges to achieve the best outcome. WHAT TYPE OF PROPERTY DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF MOST EXPERT IN OR PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I specialise in residential property across the Tweed Coast, from beachside homes and family residences through to lifestyle acreage properties. Having lived and worked in the area for many years, I have a strong understanding of the local market and what buyers are looking for in each suburb. I particularly enjoy marketing unique homes because every campaign requires a tailored strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. • 6/146 Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads West,
9-9:30am • 19 Banora Boulevard, Banora Point, 10-10:30am • 90 McAllisters Road, Bilambil Heights, 1010:30am • 6 Boyle Avenue, Banora Point, 10-10:30am • 4 Liriope Street, Casuarina, 10-10:30am • 2/6 Eastlakes, Tweed Heads South, 10:30-11am • 2/14 Triton Street, Tweed Heads South, 1111:30am • 158/2 Falcon Way, Tweed Heads South, 1111:30am • 33 Liriope Street, Casuarina, 11-11:30am • 38 Curtawilla Street, Banora Point, 11-11:30am • 2 Azalea Court, Banora Point, 11:30am-12pm • 22 Australia Drive, Terranora, 12-12:30pm • 37 The Hermitage, Tweed Heads South, 1212:30pm • 16 Bosun Boulevard, Banora Point, 12-12:30pm • 14 Valleyview Place, Terranora, 12-12:30pm • 4 Hibiscus Parade, Banora Point, 1-1:30pm
To us it’s More than property, it’s home! Shop 2 /41-45 Murwillumbah Street, Murwillumbah Phone: (02) 6672 2499
WHO ARE YOU SEEING BUYING PROPERTIES AT THE MOMENT AND WHERE ARE THEY MOSTLY COMING FROM?
We’re continuing to see strong interest from buyers relocating from Sydney, Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. Lifestyle remains a major driver, with many people looking for a better worklife balance, a coastal lifestyle and a greater sense of community. At the same time, there are plenty of local buyers upgrading, downsizing or investing as their circumstances change. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU HAVE SEEN ACROSS THE MARKET IN RECENT TIMES/YEARS?
The market has become much more informed. Buyers have access to more data than ever before, and they do a lot of research before making decisions. We’ve also seen interest rates influence buyer behaviour, creating a more balanced market compared to the extraordinary conditions during the COVID boom. Well-presented homes that are priced correctly continue to perform strongly, while buyers are generally taking a little more time to make decisions.
marketing and choose an agent who understands your local market and has a clear strategy for attracting buyers. Pricing is also critical. The goal isn’t simply to attract attention—it’s to create competition among genuine buyers, which ultimately delivers the best result. WHAT ABOUT BUYERS? ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE TRYING TO GET INTO THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT?
Do your homework, understand your budget and be ready to act when the right property comes along. Good properties still attract strong interest, so having your finance organised puts you in a much stronger position. I’d also encourage buyers to think long term. Waiting for the “perfect” market can often mean missing opportunities. Buying the right property that suits your needs and holding it over time has historically proven to be a sound approach. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
Preparation makes a huge difference. Present your home well, invest in quality
Most of my spare time is spent with my family. We love getting outdoors, enjoying the beaches and waterways around the Tweed Coast and making the most of everything this area has to offer. Living locally is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping others find their place here—it’s a fantastic community to be part of.
• 26 Champagne Drive, Tweed Heads South,
• 169 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah,
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR SELLERS?
1-1:30pm • 17 Townsend Crescent, Terranora, 1-1:30pm • 1/23 Lochlomond Drive, Banora Point, 1:30-2pm • 4 Minerva Court, Banora Point, 2-2:30pm • 1055/20-22 Stuart Street, Tweed Heads, 2-2:30pm
Elite Local Agents
• 1/14 Hampton Court, Pottsville, 10-10.30am
DJ Stringer
• 6/2 Ducat St, Tweed Heads, 9-9.30am • 4/29 Teemangum St, Tugun, 9-9.30am • 36 Peninsula Dr, Bilambil Heights, 9-9.30am • 25/22 Binya Ave, Tweed Heads, 10-10.30am • 6/241 Golden Four Dr, Bilinga, 10-10.30am • 65/955 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, 1111.30am • 1 & 2/8 Triton St, Tweed Heads, 11-11.30am • 2/38 Garrick St, Coolangatta, 11-11.30am • 4/16 Dutton St, Coolangatta, 11.45-12.15pm • 6/2 Surf St, Bilinga, 12-12.30pm
12.15-12.45pm
• 3 Compass Way, Tweed Heads, 12.45-1.15pm
Schmith Estate Agents
• 21 Firestone Drive Banora Point, 10-10.30am • 58 Currumbin Chase Currumbin, 11.30-12pm • 5/38 Pacific Parade Bilinga, 1-1.30pm • 19 Stanley Street Tweed Heads, 2.30-3pm • 205/120 Marine Parade Coolangatta, 3.30-4pm
First National Murwillumbah
• 25-27 Irving St, Tumbulgum, 9-9.30am • 30 Riverbend Way, Murwillumbah, 9-9.30am • 25 Thomas St, Bray Park, 9-9.30am • 22 Thomas St, Bray Park, 9.45-10.15am • 498 Tweed Valley Way, South Murwillumbah, 9.45-10.15am
• 2 Maria Court, Condong, 10.30-11am • 1501 Kyogle Rd, Uki, 10.45-11.15am • 86 Kings Gully Road, Dunbible, 10.45-11.15am • 1243 Kyogle Road, Uki, 12-12.30pm • 30 Colonial Drive, Condong 9:45-10:15am
96443 Raine & Horne JET 10x6col
By Jo Kennett