Author: Kylie Davis

Five tips for choosing a mortgage

Keeping track of the mortgage market can be a full-time job when you’re preparing to upgrade. New offers come onto the market all the time even though our interest rate is staying stubbornly high amid speculation the drift down will begin in the next few months. As an experienced local real estate agent, I work…
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Property high on the list of voter concerns

With the presidential campaign in full swing and both candidates confirmed, new research says the affordability of real estate will influence the votes of both homeowners and renters. Property affordability and the availability of rental properties will impact on how some 53% of owners and renters will vote. The findings in the Redfin survey, which…
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Pull the room together with a rug

The Dude was right! Rugs can strikingly add to the ambience of any room in moments while adding both a focal point and surface protection. These additions can also be easily moved or removed altogether, depending on the season, and don’t have to break the budget. Size and position When it comes to rugs, size…
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Choosing the perfect pillow

Cushiony comfort will bring sleep relief faster than you can say snooze and fresh, plump pillows make a bed feel inviting.  But finding the perfect pillow can be a nightmare, especially when there are so many possibilities to choose from. The Sleep Foundation recommends buying a new pillow every 18 months as they can quickly…
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Prioritizing price is an emerging trend for buyers

Buyers are beginning to take a different approach to the property market by prioritizing price over location, according to a new survey. The rising cost of mortgages over the past two years has caused this switch in buyer focus. As an experienced real estate agent, I understand why 56% of buyers told a Coldwell Banker…
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Market offers buyers a rare window of opportunity

A greater choice of properties is opening up for buyers across New Zealand as the real estate market continues to deal with the stubbornly high official cash rate (OCR) of 5.25%. Astute buyers are showing confidence in the future value of the market, making their move before rates begin to fall. As a respected agency…
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Home prices continue to recover

Owners waiting for prices to return to their peak of more than two years ago before selling will need to be patient, but the market is improving, and now may be a good time to act. Value projections for the New Zealand market suggest we’ll have to wait until the third quarter of 2025 before…
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The opportunities of fixer-uppers in a hot market

6 tips to know before you buy a fixer-upper

Many Americans dream of buying the classic “fixer-upper” – turning the little frog into a handsome prince!  It’s a romantic idea, but there are some risks that if you know about in advance, you can successfully steer around.  There’s no doubt fixer-upper homes are in big demand, and that often means they’re not always as…
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How to childproof your home

For family homeowners moving into a new property this spring, child-proofing this property is a must. Moving to a new house is stressful at the best, and especially so for first-time parents. But the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles’ Safety and Injury Prevention Program notes most fall-related injuries happen to children of four-years-old and under,…
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Winter tasks for your garden

Regardless of location, every green thumb’s basic autumn and winter preparations should include mulching, fertilising, pruning and planting.  Soil preparation is crucial for any garden, especially before planting and the cooler months make it more pleasant to work up a sweat digging in the garden. Yet mulching can also require some major effort – and…
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