The Bank of Mum and Dad is one of the most discussed concepts when it comes to young people saving for their first home. Official data on the financial strength of this so-called “bank” is absent in Australia, although a survey by Finder.com.au – a comparison website – claimed it was worth $35 billion and…
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After months of owners holding onto their properties tightly and bolstering prices, the pendulum is swinging back in favour of buyers, and especially for Kiwis who are seeking to upgrade. The recent 0.25% reduction in interest rates – the Official Cash Rate (OCR) has now fallen from 5.25% last August to 3.25% – is offering…
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Wallpaper is not a fad that’s going to disappear any time soon. Gen Z and Millennials are embracing big and bold patterns as they modernise the look and feel of their first homes. And unlike many fashions in property, it’s really a case of anything goes when it comes to wallpaper. Block patterns, stripes and…
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Australians are normally a careful people when it comes to money, and the prospect of a federal election is enough to put most property purchases on hold as buyers wait to see which party and policies win the day. Not this time. Buyer demand for homes across Australia showed no sign of stalling as the…
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As we head into winter, the New Zealand housing market is full of mystery and intrigue. Trying to find the perfect time to buy and sell a home has rarely been harder if you believe you can read the tea leaves of our real estate market. We’ve been helped by the recent 0.25% cut in…
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One question that vexes many homeowners when they go away for the weekend or even on an extended vacation is whether to leave on the lights to give the impression someone is present. And is there any point in keeping the exterior lights on? Is any burglar really going to be fooled? Motion sensor lights…
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When preparing your home for sale, one element that can undermine your efforts and ambitions of a successful sale is dated furniture. Buyers are definitely focused on the core elements of your home – such as available space, the number of bedrooms and location – but they can be distracted. Clutter, bold color schemes, worn…
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The search for buyers has never been more important as the market mood continues its cautious optimism supported by strong employment trends and continued economic growth. The stock market gyrations in recent months on the back of tariff threats and promises of constructive trade negotiations mean the search for buyers is becoming increasingly competitive. Upsizers…
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Many young Americans saving for their first home don’t have the luxury or desire to continue living with their parents. Instead, they must build up their savings for a deposit while paying rent. It can take two or more years to gather enough cash to start to seriously think about buying your first home. And…
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It’s time to reassess your real estate strategy! If you’re backing off purchasing your dream home because of the tariff threats, then you could be missing a rare opportunity. If you’re wavering, know that the possibilities of striking a great deal will likely be gone in a year’s time. Fortune favours the brave, as they…
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