If you’re considering putting your home on the market in the New Year – a great time to sell, by the way – you should be thinking about how you might increase its market value. Given your home is probably your most significant financial asset, maximising its value will give you more options for your…
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One of the hottest segments in the property market right now is the entry-level apartment. That’s thanks to the Federal Government’s re-cast Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS), which is proving to be a game-changer for first-time buyers. Agents are reporting a greater level of inquiry and attendance at auctions for apartments as young first homebuyers jump…
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A common request of real estate agents is to explain the pros and cons of selling your home at auction rather than negotiating with buyers in a private treaty situation. It’s a completely justifiable demand. While auctions are super-popular in the bellwether markets of Sydney and Melbourne, this approach gets a more lukewarm reception in…
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With the number of homes for sale 20% below the five-year average, buyers face a tough negotiating environment.. The latest data suggests home prices are now rising by more than 1% every month – in October the mid-tier actually rose 1.4% – so buyers who’ve set their heart on their next property need to be…
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The season of “Peace, Love and Goodwill” will soon be upon us, and for many owners locking their homes and escaping for a much-deserved summer holiday, this is also a time for “Peace of Mind”. Sadly, the period between Christmas and the end of January is a peak time for home break-ins. Insurance companies, such…
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If you want to sell your home quickly and efficiently, there’s no better time than winter. Even though days are starting to turn chilly, there are a number of factors in your favor. There will be fewer new properties coming onto the market to compete with you. Indeed, Zillow has just released data saying month-over-month…
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As the leaves continue to descend and fall enters its last month, it’s been interesting to see how the leaf blower has taken over from the humble rake to clear away nature’s debris in many of our neighborhoods. Is this a good use of technology? Is trading a little physical exercise for battery-powered convenience the…
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More than 1.1 million homes are now for sale across the United States, giving buyers lots of choice and a strong negotiation position. Inventory of homes for sale has now risen for the 23rd consecutive month, according to the latest data from aggregator Realtor.com. There are now 17% more homes for sale than this time…
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You’d be forgiven for thinking bipartisan politics is a thing of the past in the US, but that’s not true when it comes to housing. The Senate has recently passed an important piece of legislation that is designed to boost construction volume and make homes more affordable. The so-called ROAD to Housing Act (Renewing Opportunity…
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One of the most important skills when selling your home is the art of staging to give an enhanced impression of space, purpose and natural light. Buyers love the idea of having lots of space, but you also need to arrange your furniture so each room has an obvious purpose. It’s disappointing to walk through…
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