Since New York became the first state to ban natural gas and other fossil fuels in new buildings, a debate has been raging about the health dangers of the gas stove in the family kitchen. An increasing number of owners are now replacing gas with an induction stovetop as part of a kitchen remodel. The…
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The speed at which sentiment in the property market can change can be stunning. Just a few weeks of good economic news and renewed stability in mortgage costs will change how the future values of real estate across America are viewed. After 18 months in which the Federal Reserve increased interest rates to beat down…
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If you’ve been looking at your electricity bill recently and wondering why so much power is being used, then it is worth investigating the value of having dedicated circuits for your major appliances. They can reduce your power bill, provide an extra safety precaution against appliances overheating and reduce the chance of circuits tripping when…
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Searching for your first or next home is rarely a straightforward journey for any couple. There will always be differences of opinion on the practicality and attractiveness of any property. The key to a successful home-hunt is listening to your partner’s point of view, respectfully expressing your opinions, and then finding a compromise. Many couples…
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Fluctuating property prices often make prospective buyers and investors think twice about the value of real estate and whether it is a safe investment. If you pay attention to only the day-to-day media coverage of the real estate scene, you will fail to see the big picture. In America today, the median sales price for…
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With the spring selling season upon us, many owners will be asking whether now is the right time to enter the market for a much-wanted upgrade to cope with a growing family, or to downsize and live a simpler life. The favorite selling period is from the beginning of April and through to the first…
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Americans are staying in their homes longer and aging in place, according to new data from the property portal and brokerage, Redfin. The finding indicates the current shortage of homes for sale across America isn’t just a result of higher interest rates but also due to owners holding onto their homes almost twice as long…
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New international research has highlighted New Zealand as one of the most expensive property markets in the world on a price-to-income ratio. Analyst company Statistica singled out Auckland as exceptionally “competitive” despite the city’s slow price decline last year. Nevertheless, it found average house sales prices of $1.2 million in North Shore City. It noted…
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New Zealand has won a global reputation for being the country where everyone wants to escape the world’s troubles. The fresh air, space and beautiful countryside make it one of the most desirable nations to live peacefully. There continues to be a steady trend in sales of lifestyle properties, despite the challenging economic conditions and…
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A new survey of New Zealand’s property market shows buyers are returning after a prolonged absence because of interest rate rises. However, they’re not making any quick decisions. More than half of agents (57%) have noted an increase in prospective buyers at open homes, according to the latest New Zealand Home Loans (NZHL) Property Report. …
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