Category: Downsizer

4 hot condo design trends

Condo and apartment designs are always moving with the times, embracing new technologies that enhance lifestyle while never losing sight of providing the modern idea of a comfortable, stylish home. Global best practices are quickly implemented by local designers who pick up the latest buzz of excitement in new home living.  New trends can either…
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10 questions when you buy a new condo

Buying a new condo is a completely different process from buying a previously owned property.  The most tangible asset on which to make a judgment is the land component. All you have to go on is a floor plan, scale models, photographic simulations and the reputation of the construction company. So, sometimes the whole process…
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How to inspect a condo

Once you have found a condo that ticks all the boxes in terms of size and location, it’s time to double down on the basic inspection and discuss the quality of the opportunity with your agent.  Here’s a shortlist of specific checks you should conduct when you view the property before you make your final…
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Retirement home versus apartment living

If we’re lucky enough, we will all experience ‘golden years’ and with their arrival comes decisions about how and where we want to live in our old age. You don’t have to be approaching your senior years to be confronted by this reality. The children of elderly parents are often involved in these conversations and…
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9 tips for checking an off-the-plan contract

Buying off-the-plan offers you a great opportunity to make a profit from real estate but is always a calculated risk. With a development planned, or in the midst of construction, you’ll can sometimes gain an advantageous price compared with completed buildings, and a 10% deposit gets you in the market quickly. If property values are…
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7 tips for assessing the marketing plan for your property

The marketing plan presented by an agent reveals much about their strategic approach to selling your property. Advertising is not a perfect science and is always constrained by the likely return on investment.  You should consider a minimum spend of $2000 for a four-bedroom family home, which should be sufficient to gain attention across a…
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How much a school – and family-friendly features – add to your home price

If your home is near a top-performing school and you think that’s it’s time to sell, then it’s possible you’re sitting on a potential gold mine. Property within the catchment area of Australia’s highest-ranking schools command a price premium of up to 15% – and that can mean tens of thousands of dollars more for…
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First impressions critical to successful sale

Preparing a property for sale can be hard work but done properly, it can also add thousands to the price you’ll ultimately secure. There’s a saying that you only have one chance to make a first impression. To identify where to start, imagine your home is being feature in Vogue Living, or a similar glossy…
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How your agent can help when selling during divorce

A real estate agent can play a pivotal role in limiting the stress of selling a property during a divorce. Choosing the right agent is crucial as they should be a trusted intermediary for both partners and be able to limit any disagreements. That’s not always easy. The stakes are high. The family home is…
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10 smart tips for buying a condo

Condo shopping can be a lot of fun but it’s risky without a plan. And it can be even harder if you’re considering buying new where you can’t actually see the finished product yet. Smart buyers consider each property with a clear vision for what they want, and they will not compromise until they’ve found…
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