Author: Kylie Davis

Eight tips for choosing a rental when saving for a deposit

Many young Americans saving for their first home don’t have the luxury or desire to continue living with their parents. Instead, they must build up their savings for a deposit while paying rent. It can take two or more years to gather enough cash to start to seriously think about buying your first home.  And…
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Eight ways to win a bidding war

The search for buyers has never been more important as the market mood continues its cautious optimism supported by strong employment trends and continued economic growth. The stock market gyrations in recent months on the back of tariff threats and promises of constructive trade negotiations mean the search for buyers is becoming increasingly competitive. Upsizers…
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Furniture to throw out before letting buyers inside

When preparing your home for sale, one element that can undermine your efforts and ambitions of a successful sale is dated furniture. Buyers are definitely focused on the core elements of your home – such as available space, the number of bedrooms and location – but they can be distracted. Clutter, bold color schemes, worn…
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Do security lights really protect against burglars?

One question that vexes many homeowners when they go away for the weekend or even on an extended vacation is whether to leave on the lights to give the impression someone is present. And is there any point in keeping the exterior lights on?  Is any burglar really going to be fooled? Motion sensor lights…
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Nine ways to negotiate a great rent deal

Every cent counts when you’re saving for a deposit on your first home – and the ability to negotiate a competitive rent during this period can make a significant contribution to your financial progress. You should not underestimate your negotiating power when either renewing an existing lease or seeking a new rental.  Zillow says that…
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8 ways to keep your home smelling fresh this summer

The warmer days of summer lighten the heart but also promise one of two challenges for your home maintenance, especially if you’re preparing to sell in the current, re-emerging market. Summer storms are always a risk, and you should certainly consider clearing out your gutters and downspouts to make sure any big rains don’t overflow…
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Why you should budget for closing costs

Paying for closing costs is just a reality of life that comes with buying real estate. There’s no escaping it, but you can shop around to reduce the expense of this obligation. For first-time buyers, it’s worth stepping through this part of a property purchase. Closing costs include legal and title search fees, required insurances,…
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If gardening is a chore, embrace chaos theory

Conventional thinking suggests we all love a neat and tidy garden – flowerbeds are organised and weed-free, hedges clipped, roses in bloom and trees shaped to perfection. When selling your home, this is the perfect philosophy to attract the greatest number of potential buyers. Of course, it’s not the only approach to gardening.  An increasing…
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Seven summer watering tips to keep your plants healthy

Now summer has finally arrived, it’s a wonderful time to start enjoying your garden.  For those of you who are selling your homes this summer, you’ll find buyers will pay more attention to the front and back yards than at any other time of the year. So, it’s critical to look after your plants so…
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Booming heartland offers investors opportunity

Government data shows Americans are leaving expensive coastal cities and heading back inland for cheaper property and increasing job opportunities. According to US Census Bureau data, an estimated 39% of our population are now living in heartland America, an increase of 2.65% from four years ago. This trend could be important if you’re a property…
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