Category: General

Buyer choice expands as the OCR stays stubbornly high

The latest figures from the OneRoof-Valocity House Value Index reveal a shift in power towards buyers, driven by a surge in listings and the lingering effects of high interest rates. While New Zealand’s average property value increased modestly by 0.4% to $977,000 in the last quarter, the number of homes for sale has soared, exceeding…
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Investors in a rush as bright-line tax change looms

The New Zealand property market is about to undergo a seismic shift.  From July 1, the bright-line tax rule for property investors and holiday homeowners will change from 10 years to just two years.  Any property (other than your primary residence) sold within two years of purchase will trigger a capital gains tax on the…
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Solar powers ahead as homeowners go green

In March, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced that renewable energy – primarily solar power – had outpaced fossil fuel energy for the first time. The US solar industry installed 32.4 gigawatts-direct current of capacity in 2023 – “a remarkable 51% increase over 2022,” the SEIA noted. “This was the industry’s biggest year by…
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Why primer can be your best friend when painting

A well-maintained and beautifully presented home will always have a significant impact on potential buyers and maximize value when the time comes to sell.  While you may be tempted to hire professionals for every home improvement project, many DIY tasks can make a big difference without breaking the bank.  As an experienced real estate agent…
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Check out the AI tool that will make your home fabulous

It’s always fun to find a new and exciting piece of technology that helps you run your home better. As an experienced real estate agent, I’m constantly seeking innovative tools and resources that help improve my performance and assist my clients.  Recently, I dived into IKEA’s new AI tool, called Kreativ, to check out whether…
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How to create chaos in your garden – and love every moment

When you hear the words “chaos” and “garden” in the same sentence, you’d be forgiven for thinking the backyard would be full of weeds and dead plants. But “chaos” has become a new term for transforming a garden into an unruly treasure trove of plants. As an experienced real estate agent in your neighborhood, I’m…
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Surprise buyers with garage update

Preparing an older home for sale often presents a few maintenance challenges. Fixing problems that may have been annoying you for months or years is essential if you’re going to maximise the value of your property. One of the challenges is fixing dirty or cracked garage floors.  Getting long-term grease out of the cement is…
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Rejuvenating scratched hardwood floors

Constant foot traffic and the inevitable knocks of everyday living eventually take the gloss from any hardwood floors. Many buyers highly value a beautiful wooden floor. It’s an elegant foundation that sets the tone for the rest of the property. These tips will help restore these floors to their former glory. Return on investment If…
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What to look for when buying a new fridge

Performing 24/7, 365 days of the year, fridges are the crucial quiet achiever of the kitchen. Yet they are also the most under-appreciated appliance so, when they stop working unexpectedly, both food and budgets can also rapidly suffer. With so many areas of the US having hot summers, it’s difficult to imagine how early generations…
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Bedroom refresh to celebrate new season

With spring on the doorstep, there is no better time to bring this refreshing new season inside your home; and the bedroom is a great place to start. The heart of a home’s relaxation, bedrooms are ideal for a spring fling of  colourful quilts, sheer curtains and flowers. Best of all, a spring refresh can…
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