Another summer is over but for homeowners who live in flood-prone areas, now is a great time to consider how to protect your property for next season. Don’t forget the garden will also need protecting, so green thumbs start thinking about how to guard the greenery from dreaded downpours. Preparation is everything when it comes…
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Creating a budget for your next property purchase is an essential task before searching for your next dream home. There’s no problem with visiting a few properties in the neighborhood to see what’s available, but when you are ready to enter the market and purchase, you need to know your spending power. In most cases,…
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It’s amazing how your garage accumulates personal belongings and the leftovers of DIY projects during the summer months. One moment, you have an easy drive into your garage, and the next, your car sensors are beeping like crazy to stop you from running into old paint cans or a set of golf clubs. A clean…
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Mortgage insurance is one of those obligations all owners face if they apply for a loan without a 20% deposit. Its purpose is to protect your lender from the possibility, no matter how remote, of you defaulting on your loan. Potentially, this would leave them with a property that may not be resellable at market…
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When you’re selling your home, it’s important to be authentic in your marketing content and in how you talk to prospective buyers. Half-truths and approximations can be a selling disaster even if you or your agent have the best intentions. Watch out for this list of common catch phrases that buyers are likely to question.…
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Whether you’re a first-time buyer or about to upgrade your property for a second or third time, it’s a smart play to use technology to make your home-hunting as efficient as possible. Many buyers are now using phone apps exclusively to find their dream homes. These are some of the best. Zillow The market leader…
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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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Interior designers are your key source of ideas and advice when organising a property renovation. They will examine spatial issues, recommend design and building improvements and work closely with your architect and other tradespeople. They should have a good understanding of building regulations and may also have access to trade discounts. Interior designers can provide…
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Asbestos is understandably a material that gives tradespeople, renovators and home buyers cause for concern. Exposure to this invisible hazardous material can cause fatal lung diseases with symptoms able to go undetected for decades. Asbestos was banned in Australia in 2003 and it is now banned in all other OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and…
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