Of the twists and turns our real estate market has been taking of late, folks looking to buy a new home will have been encouraged by the rise in the conforming loan limit (CLL), taking it above $1 million for the first time. If you’re not familiar with a conforming loan, here’s the deal: It’s…
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Buying a holiday home is a wonderful ambition that creates visions of happy families and fun times that will stay with you forever. Remember that this is an emotional decision, so try to keep in mind the practicalities as well. Some owners love having a holiday home while others have found it more work than…
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Searching for your dream home can be an exciting experience: you get to explore different housing styles, check out new locations and think about the kind of decor you love. To help the process go smoothly, a great idea is to spend a little time and effort listing the features you want in a home,…
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If you hold a long-term dream of living in the country or owning a holiday home, the latest price trends in regional Australia are working in your favour. Whether you’re looking for a long-term investment or a place to relax, the red-hot prices commanded by regional centres and towns across Australia are coming off the…
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An increasing number of homes are being advertised as “sustainable”, attracting potential buyers who are considering their domestic eco-footprint and its detrimental environmental impact. But what are the essential features that contribute to making a home sustainable? Energy ratings can be obtained from organisations such as the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme and Green Star,…
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As we approach the end of 2022, many potential home buyers will be wondering how the market will play out over the next 12 months. Nationally, it’s slipped 2.7% over the past year, at an average of $28,000 for each property. But the performance is pretty erratic. Cities such as Auckland (-5.5%) have taken a…
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If you’re getting out of the city to take a well-earned break this summer, you won’t be alone if your mind wanders and you daydream about owning a holiday home. Such a luxury is the goal of many Australians, who love the idea of somewhere to escape and maybe spend their golden years in more…
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As we approach the end of 2022 and look at national property market trends, it’s fair to say caution is the prevailing emotion. The euphoria in which owners enjoyed double-digit value gains for two successive years has been tempered by rising interest rates and break-out inflation. Owners have pressed pause on plans to sell while…
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Buying a home for the first time doesn’t have to be a daunting experience, if you know the basics before your start. It takes many puzzle pieces to ensure all your paperwork and lender funds are in order for settlement day, so preparation is the key to a successful transaction. One of the most important…
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Is housing affordability making your entry to the market seem out of reach? There may be other options you have not considered that will help you get your foot in the door. Purchasing a townhouse or condo can be a great alternative if a house continues to fall outside your budget. What you need to…
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