Category: General

Pros and cons of using disinfectant wipes in the home

Disinfectant wipes have become one of the most popular cleaning products for the home in the last decade because they’re designed to kill bacteria and viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces. Their true effectiveness depends on their correct usage and recognition they are not the solution to every cleaning task. The most important factor is known…
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Price trend edges higher as mortgage costs taper down

Latest data on prices and mortgage costs suggests buyers need to move quickly before the Holidays if they want to find a great deal. Values look set to rebound as the Federal Reserve moves toward a lower interest rate environment. The US is on track to sell 4 million properties this year with the sale…
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Why NOW is a good time to buy!

After the long-awaited and highly anticipated 0.25% reduction in the federal funds rate reduction by the Federal Reserve, many realtors are being asked if now is a good time to enter the market. Optimism is beginning to gain momentum because mortgage lending rates have been tapering down ever so slightly for the last few months.…
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28% of buyers now first-timers – and they do things their way

Constant discussion about how property has become unaffordable for Millennials and Gen Z  has prompted regular market research to uncover the attitudes and aspirations of younger buyers. These reports offer fascinating insights, especially if you’re about to downsize and sell your family home because these two generations are your most likely buyers. First-time buyers currently…
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Listings dip as equity-rich sellers monitor mortgage trends

Leading real estate marketplace Zillow has reported a 7.3% fall in the number of its listings for August as sellers take stock in the aftermath of the summer selling season. Inventory remains 15% above its level 12 months ago, providing buyers with plenty of choice and a healthy negotiating position.  Currently, 20% of all sales…
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Ten tips to get your home ready for a winter sale

If you want to sell your home quickly and efficiently, there’s no better time than winter. Even though days are starting to turn chilly, there are a number of factors in your favor. There will be fewer new properties coming onto the market to compete with you. Indeed, Zillow has just released data saying month-over-month…
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Five top selling tips as Westpac predicts 5.4% growth next year

Housing prices are predicted to rise by more than 5% next year in a landmark real estate report issued by Westpac NZ. Its chief economist Kelly Eckhold says in his latest report that prices should remain stable for the rest of this year and are unlikely to rise sharply in the spring selling season. “Investor…
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Eight buying strategies as latest price curve flattens

Increasing affordability is the main positive to be taken from the latest data on New Zealand’s real estate market. For the three months to the end of August, New Zealand’s average price was $957,000 – the same level of two years ago. Amid economic concerns, buyers with the courage to strike out now have a…
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Call for tax relief to encourage downsizing

A major challenge for the real estate market has been persuading empty nesters to sell the family home and downsize. Stamp duty on the purchase of a new home – a tax that can get into six-figure territory – is the key reason why older Australians are refusing to sell their family homes. In the…
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Colour conundrum: The best approach when selling your home

When preparing your house for sale, the most common advice you’re likely to hear is to repaint both the interior and exterior of the property. Sales agents will be especially keen for you to give the property a facelift so prospective buyers feel the property has been well maintained and feels fresh and inviting. Painting…
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