Author: Kylie Davis

Home shortage bonus for sellers

Market conditions can sometimes create unique opportunities for homeowners looking to upgrade their living situation. When there’s a scarcity of available properties relative to buyer demand, it can be particularly advantageous for those considering selling their homes. In times of low housing inventory, several market indicators may reflect this shortage: Decreased sales volumes compared to…
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Six ways to top off the perfect kitchen

The selection of a countertop is one of the hardest decisions when remodeling a kitchen. You’re confronted with such a variety of surfaces and colors it can make your head spin. The style of kitchen cabinetry will be an influencing factor, but you’ll still be left with a tough choice about the countertop you want…
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Popular home features buyers are willing to pay for

Many owners will spend thousands of dollars preparing their homes for sale, but they need to remember to consider what buyers desire. Before you put your home on the market, it’s a smart play to talk to some real estate agents about the features that would attract buyers before committing to an upgrade. The fundamentals…
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Six insect-busting ideas for your garden

Our long summer evenings are a wonderful time to be outdoors; so long as you’re not driven back inside by the pesky, biting insects that descend on us the moment the sun goes down. Being able to ward off insects is essential for an enjoyable evening on the patio. No one likes beating a retreat…
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Shortage may signal optimal time to sell

Popular regions around New Zealand are starting to experience a shortage of properties for sale; and that may be a positive sign for owners debating whether they should sell in the current market. Dramatic shortages are being reported in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, where the number of homes for sale is down 62%  for houses…
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Focus key to buying before recovery in full swing

Upgrading your property, or plunging into the market for the first time, requires some strategic thinking at the moment. Shelving your property ambitions right now, and putting them to the back of your mind, will not help you capitalise on the current opportunities. While New Zealand is technically in a recession (we’ve had consecutive quarters…
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Ingredients to cook up a five star kitchen

A deluxe kitchen is a dream for many homeowners who love their food and the idea of entertaining. What is a reasonable sum of money to invest in a kitchen? It depends on your property’s value and the likely demographic of your target buyers. It’s easy to spend more than $100,000 on a state-of-the-art kitchen,…
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Eight ways to make your home picture-perfect

A picture tells a thousand words – and that well-known phrase neatly captures the need for every owner to invest in quality photography when the time comes to sell their home. If you’re thinking of selling your home, never underestimate the power of photography. When folks are scrolling through real estate portals, only the best…
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Six ways to be a dust-buster this summer

Keeping your home free of dust is a summer challenge. The warmer weather tempts us to keep doors and windows open so our homes are more exposed to dust and dirt. Poor airflow traps dust and can quickly build up. Even if you vacuum regularly, dust accumulates in your home on any horizontal surface.  Here’s…
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The energy vampires sucking up your electricity

The pressure to reduce household costs has never been more intense than right now. Higher inflation, mortgages and utility bills can make it hard to meet household expenses.  So, let’s figure out how we can save cash on power bills. Many utility companies will give a breakdown of how you use electricity. Here’s a report…
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