A significant change has been made to the home appraisal process, which will affect both first homebuyers and upgraders. Lenders will now be required to implement a borrower-driven process for requesting a Reconsideration of Value (ROV). Essentially, owners of homes can now contact their lender and ask for their home to be revalued so that…
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As our population ages, the demand for homes that cater to the unique needs of seniors is growing rapidly. Creating a living space that allows individuals to age in place—remaining comfortably and safely in their own homes as they grow older—is a priority for many families. Thoughtful design choices can make a world of difference…
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When it comes to home maintenance, owners tend to overrate their DIY skills, producing work that either doesn’t add value to their property or damages it. Be aware that poorly executed and finished work will diminish the property’s value. If buyers recognise poor work they will often seek a discount to pay for remediation or…
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It’s not uncommon for investors to focus on desirable rental areas and then scour the market for high-value, low-priced properties. When they find their target, it often needs substantial work to bring it up to a standard that’s suitable for the rental market. Renovating is often necessary for bathrooms and kitchens, which are the most…
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Does your home make you happy? It’s a simple yet incisive question aimed at revealing whether you truly enjoy your sanctuary. If you quietly confess that, actually, you don’t love your house or apartment, then ask why not. What’s the problem? How can you change your mood towards your home? Ambivalence or disappointment are emotions…
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The dark, cold months of winter are yet to arrive, giving homeowners sufficient time to put their homes on the market and capitalise on the autumn selling season. There’s a belief among many homeowners that spring and summer are the best times to sell your home, but that’s a myth. There’s no bad time to…
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The goal to own property is deeply rooted in our national psyche, yet your first home-ownership journey can feel like walking into a labyrinth of jargon, daunting decisions and financial challenges. For first-time buyers, this is a perfectly natural response. Yet navigating this path will help secure your financial future and turn a dream into…
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Size isn’t everything but when it comes to bedrooms buyers are influenced heavily by space and storage. Built-in wardrobes are a huge plus for today’s buyers. Except in older houses and apartments, most buyers expect to see built-ins and are disappointed when they haven’t been installed. While owners preparing for a sale rightly focus on…
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Are the bare walls of your home starting to feel blah? Have you been reading some of the popular home interior magazines and discovered the new super-cool wallpapers that are all the rage? And are you just itching to start hanging wallpaper? If you are, we can’t blame you! Wallpaper selection and quality have improved…
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Three cuts in our interest rates now have the Canadian property scene on the brink of a rebound as buyers weigh the benefits of cheaper loans against the backdrop of the nation’s economic performance. With the prospect of further rate cuts this year and into 2025, it’s little wonder the real estate market is seeing…
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