Tax cuts, employer incentives and a myriad of other measures in the Federal Budget are great news for first-time buyers, homeowners and investors. While the property market has been pleasingly stable during the Covid crisis, the Government has positioned several policies to use real estate as a driver of economic growth and employment. The two…
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It’s the oldest cliché in real estate – “location, location, location”. But what does it mean? A city apartment may be perfect for one person but someone else’s idea of hell. Equally, a modern home in an estate makes others rush for the exit. As an experienced real estate agent, my view is that the…
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You can’t beat the confidence of our country – even with a pandemic and the associated economic and social challenges, we continue to demonstrate our optimism about the future by investing in real estate. Home values are increasing across America, and that means prospective buyers need to be more diligent than ever in assessing the…
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Every buyer goes through a series of emotions from the moment that they begin their search for a new home to the euphoric time when they take possession of the front door key. Let’s not sugar-coat this: buying property can be stressful for a time. And first-time buyers must deal with the anxiety of dealing…
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Some buyers regard them as diamonds in the rough – homes that are rundown or neglected. These buyers can see through the grime and the dilapidation and can’t wait to start renovating. If you’re one of those folks, then you’re a breed apart. The archetypal fixer-upper is only right for a buyer who has sufficient…
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So, you’ve endured months of hardship and frugal living and to save enough money to use as a deposit for a home. Now comes the loan application and knowing for sure how much you’ll be able to spend. Lenders will put a magnifying glass to your application, especially in the aftermath of the banking royal…
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Our continuing lockdown across Victoria has been a sobering experience that has created uncertainty, delay and stress in all our lives. But it is essential that we remain optimistic about our future, and that has never been more relevant than for those who’d been planning to buy or sell a home in the current spring…
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It’s easy to become distracted by bright and shiny features when you’re walking through a home for the first time. A new bathroom or a modern kitchen can quickly capture your attention and divert you from other important aspects of the property. While your agent will have used your initial brief to scope out its…
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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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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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