As millions of Americans prepare to cast their vote, it’s interesting to note how housing policies have played a larger role than historically normal in the race for the White House. Housing is always an important topic, but the recent challenges with inflation and higher interest rates, which has led to rising rents and stagnant…
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Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and gratitude. Celebrate this special occasion by creating a warm and inviting space in your home for Holiday gatherings! Here are some tips to help you transform your home into a festive haven this Thanksgiving: Embrace the Colors of Fall Fall is a season of vibrant hues. Remember…
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In today’s increasingly digital world, the home office has evolved from a rarely-used corner desk to a dedicated and essential workspace. The modern home office demands thoughtful design that seamlessly blends functionality, technology, and aesthetics to foster productivity and enhance work-life balance. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says 22% of all American workers are…
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As our population ages, the demand for homes that cater to the unique needs of seniors is growing rapidly. Creating a living space that allows individuals to age in place—remaining comfortably and safely in their own homes as they grow older—is a priority for many families. Thoughtful design choices can make a world of difference…
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A significant change has been made to the home appraisal process, which will affect both first homebuyers and upgraders. Lenders will now be required to implement a borrower-driven process for requesting a Reconsideration of Value (ROV). Essentially, owners of homes can now contact their lender and ask for their home to be revalued so that…
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Mortgage rates are dropping against a background of a weak economy, and many pundits are trying to work out whether the current scenario will send property prices north or fail to ignite the market. Many believe that the current Official Cash Rate (OCR) of 4.5% will drop a further 1% to help revitalise the economy. …
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Does your home make you happy? It’s a simple yet incisive question aimed at revealing whether you truly enjoy your sanctuary. If you quietly confess that, actually, you don’t love your house or apartment, then ask why not. What’s the problem? How can you change your mood towards your home? Ambivalence or disappointment are emotions…
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It’s always fun to change up the decor of your home, especially if you can time it with the seasons. For many homeowners, it’s all too easy to become a little bored or even blasé about your surroundings until one day you decide to do something drastic. So many of us love to garden at…
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When it comes to home maintenance, owners tend to overrate their DIY skills, producing work that either doesn’t add value to their property or damages it. Be aware that poorly executed and finished work will diminish the property’s value. If buyers recognise poor work they will often seek a discount to pay for remediation or…
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If you enjoy the occasional bizarre language and statements in the current presidential campaign, try this one – “the most neglected part of homeownership is the gutters. It’s personal for me”. The “me” is Democratic vice-presidential pick Tim Walz, who reckons he has had some bad gutter experiences. “You get your basement wet. You get…
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