You’ll often see sign boards outside homes that state the property is “in escrow”, but what does that actually mean? It means the house is not sold, but a deposit has been taken and a deal is in its final stages. A deposit is known as “earnest money” and represents a small percentage of the…
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Hot summer days can lull us into believing the warmth and lazy, long evenings will never end. But fall will soon be upon us. The next few weeks are a great time to prepare your home for this change of season and the winter that will follow. If you’re one of many homeowners thinking of…
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A home should be welcoming and comfortable, but as a real estate agent, I see many homes that have been conquered by clutter. Clutter affects your attitude towards your home. When you decide to sell, it means you face more work to prepare your property than setting a few moments each week to get on…
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With so many Dads spending more time than ever at home, we thought we’d make Father’s Day easy with some great home-themed gift ideas. (Hint: Fathers’ Day is the first Sunday in September!) Jumbuck BBQ Charcoal Grill and Smoker – $49.95 from Bunnings Getting the heat levels perfect with charcoal is an art form. But…
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Selling your home can be stressful even when the process is well organized and going as planned. There’s a lot going on at a psychological level that can make you feel deeply uncomfortable even when things are under control. Let’s take a look at why you might be feeling unsettled and how to reduce the…
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It’s an old real estate cliché, but “location, location, location” is never more true than when selecting an investment property. The area and style of property in which you chose to invest will determine the type of tenant and level of rent that you will attract. You must research your target area. You want to…
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Doing a major remodel of your home may seem like an easier and more affordable solution than selling, but be warned. It is a huge commitment and has significant downsides including stress, dust and mess, scope-creep and budget overruns. There is also the risk of over-capitalizing on your property. Ask yourself what your home will…
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Owning an investment property is a little like running a business. It provides a great source of income and builds personal wealth but inevitably comes with a series of costs that hit your bottom line. The great news for property investors is that many of these expenses are currently tax-deductible. It is a common misconception…
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You’ve finally found a place to buy and the offer has been accepted. Closing is underway. Thank goodness you never need to inspect another home again. Right? Wrong. You should go through the property one last time to ensure everything is in order. Here’s what to look for: 1. Is everything present and accounted for?…
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You’ve decided to sell your property. It’s a huge decision and moving is always a time of upheaval in your life. What you want then, is the smoothest experience possible, and central to getting that is finding the right agent to handle things for you. With so much choice in the industry, finding that agent…
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