Author: Kylie Davis

Life’s a beach with a coastal garden

It’s a wonderful feeling to sit in a coastal garden and enjoy the distant metronome of waves crashing on the beach. Beach houses with a cleverly designed coastal garden leave an indelible impression, especially on prospective buyers seeking a new home in a beachside neighborhood. A coastal garden is a stunning asset for such a…
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18 questions to ask a mortgage broker

Competition between traditional banks home lenders for your business continues to be fierce even in these economic times. The challenge is to understand all the products available and which ones would best suit your circumstances. Home buyers are increasingly looking to mortgage brokers to help them navigate this complex environment, although banks continue to offer…
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How to assess an investment property

If you’re considering investing in property, there are some key fundamentals you should consider to ensure you make a good decision: Where is the property located? The best rental properties are usually located near amenities like shopping precincts, schools, hospitals, universities, employment centers and transport. You want to have access to tenants who are likely…
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Nine tips to feng shui your condo

Feng shui is a powerful strategy when trying to sell your condo and can add thousands of dollars to its value if you get it right. The surrounding area is actually more important from a feng shui perspective than how it is used inside the condo.  Much credence is placed on which direction your building…
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Why it pays to think like an investor when buying your first home

When you’re buying your first home, you’re taking your first step on the property ladder which can set up your wealth for life. It makes sense, therefore, to think strategically to maximize the value of your investment. As a first home buyer, you should begin with the end in mind – that is, consider your…
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6 ways to keep your remodeling project on track

DIY television shows can lead you to believe that a remodeling project can be completed over a weekend, but the reality usually takes a lot longer and involves some stress before you’ll reap the rewards.  Here’s my guide to minimizing the drama. Do your research One of the greatest risks with a remodel is over-capitalizing.…
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10 tips for when the property you love is passed in at auction

After missing out at several auctions, you’ve finally found the home of your dreams, and despite being the highest bidder, it has passed in. What happens next? Here’s how to win the day.   Knowledge is power. It’s essential that you have researched the market and know of properties similar to this one that have sold…
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Retirement home versus apartment living

If we’re lucky enough, we will all experience ‘golden years’ and with their arrival comes decisions about how and where we want to live in our old age. You don’t have to be approaching your senior years to be confronted by this reality. The children of elderly parents are often involved in these conversations and…
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Should you renovate or move up?

The decision to renovate or buy a new home requires research, an assessment of your own personal financial circumstances and, ultimately, a few hard choices. There is no right or wrong to either option. Both come with significant benefits as well as a few downsides. The key influencing factors should be your lifestyle aspirations, personal…
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9 tips for checking an off-the-plan contract

Buying off-the-plan offers you a great opportunity to make a profit from real estate but is always a calculated risk. With a development planned, or in the midst of construction, you’ll can sometimes gain an advantageous price compared with completed buildings, and a 10% deposit gets you in the market quickly. If property values are…
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