Category: General

Does a pool give you that sinking feeling?

Traditionally, the “Great Australian Dream” has been a home on a quarter-acre block.  Today, we’ve shifted our standards, and many buyers will gladly swap the space for the luxury of a swimming pool. However, buying a home with a pool can be a tricky business. If you’ve found an ideal property that has an aging…
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Don’t get cold feet with a winter sales campaign

The idea of selling your home in winter shouldn’t give you the chills. Many factors play to your advantage when you put your property on the market at this time of year. As an experienced agency, we know you’ll enjoy less competition from rival sellers seeking to win buyers’ attention during the winter months. Why…
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Rate cuts spark up NZ market – and there’s more to come

Property values are starting their return to normal growth patterns, according to data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ). Average prices rose 1.5% over the three months to the end of October. This is a welcome turnaround after seeing drops of -0.6% and -0.3% in the previous two quarters to July…
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Listings and sales rise in response to rate cuts

The real estate scene is on the move thanks to falling interest rates and reduced mortgage costs. Transactions were 7.7% higher in October than for the corresponding period last year, according to the latest Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) figures. The result suggests we can put aside any doubts that homebuyers would not respond to…
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Is the property market finally making a comeback?

Optimism for a big rebound in New Zealand property prices have increased with a third successive cut in interest rates. Our Official Cash Rate (OCR) has dropped a further 0.5% to 4.25% – the third successive reduction by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. While it’s too soon to see evidence of the latest cut,…
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What are today’s homebuyers thinking?

With today’s real estate market experiencing ebbs and flows on an almost monthly basis, sellers often ask me about the profile of a typical buyer. Usually, they’re seeking information that will help them prepare their home for sale and a guide for how long it might take to strike a deal. In our neighborhood, there’s…
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Seven ways to maintain your home this winter

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to prepare your home for the challenges of the colder months. Just like we bundle up in warm coats and hats, our homes need extra care to withstand winter’s chill.  From a real estate perspective, proactive maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but…
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Holiday decorating tips to lure buyers

The Holidays are upon us, and while you’re busy decking the halls, don’t forget that it’s also a fantastic opportunity to impress your home for potential buyers if you’re about to put your home on the market. Winter is not usually a boomtime for selling your home, of course. However, the recent cuts in mortgage…
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Why using a buyer’s agent is becoming more popular

Buying a property can be one of the most exciting moments of your life. It embraces the feeling of a new chapter in your life and all the hopes and dreams that come with it. Sometimes, however, there are not enough hours in the day to focus on finding your dream home. Instead, it can…
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Prioritize family safety when decorations go up

Home safety issues are never far away during the Holiday season. Fire departments respond to more emergencies at this time of year than at any other. Usually, it’s chimney fires or candles that have tipped over unnoticed. Occasionally, folks might overload their electricity supply. Given modern-day Holiday decor, there can be wires for fairy lights…
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