Category: General

Throw some shade in time to party this summer

It’s wonderful to have a garden or courtyard that’s a suntrap, but during the hottest days of summer the furnace of direct sunlight can get a little much. If that’s your challenge this summer as you entertain family, friends and neighbors, then perhaps you should throw a little shade, in a good way! It will…
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How to swing and hit the property curveball

Some are calling it the property market curveball that no one saw coming: war in Ukraine, 40-year-high inflation and the Federal Reserve pushing interest rates north to stop an overheating economy. No matter how you look at it, the property market is beginning to swing back from its record-breaking growth for houses, condos and apartments.…
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Eights ways to rein in your runaway power bill

If you’ve been shocked at the increase in the cost of gas and electricity lately, you’re not alone.  Utility prices are on the march along with fuel and food, all of which are feeding an inflation rate that has prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to hike its target cash rate to 0.85% and increase…
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Does your insurance stack up to rising building costs?

With inflation capturing many of the headlines at the moment, it’s not a crazy idea to assess the insurance coverage for your home. The rising price of materials for construction and the availability of labour have combined to push the cost of renovation, maintenance and replacement much higher.  Leading industry researcher CoreLogic says construction costs…
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Unpacking rising property prices

The real estate market can often behave in ways that seem counterintuitive, with property prices sometimes rising even in the face of changing economic conditions. This phenomenon can affect both potential buyers and sellers, making it crucial to understand the underlying factors. For homeowners, comprehending market dynamics is essential for managing what is often their…
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Colorful plants for time-poor gardeners

Sassing your curb appeal is a great strategy when selling your home. An awesome first impression is a slam dunk for any owner determined to get top dollar. With summer moving into full swing, there’s no better introduction to your home than a front yard packed with the color of flowers and shrubs. As an…
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Ingredients to create a new kitchen

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen, then you’ll need to include at least five essential ingredients. Few areas of the home are the subject of so much change in fashion as a kitchen.  It’s pretty tough to keep up with designers who are now moving from open shelving back to ceiling-high cabinets to capitalize…
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The nitty-gritty of keeping your home clean

Ensuring your home is clean is one of the most important aspects of selling property. A dirty, untidy home will turn away untold buyers and cost you thousands of dollars by diminishing your sale price. As an experienced agent in our neighborhood, I’m always at pains to stress the importance of cleaning and tidying a…
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How to make your new home child-friendly

Young families buying their first property are presented with a range of financial and practical challenges, and one of the most important is to ensure the home is safe for their children. If you’ve got toddlers and young children, you need to be confident your new home is child-friendly. Risks with swimming pools and spas…
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Prepare for plumbing issues this winter

Plumbing is one of those elements in our homes that gets little attention until something goes wrong. But, did you know that colder weather can play havoc with drainage and pipes? As an experienced agency and property manager in our area, we see three common plumbing problems that can be caused by inclement and colder…
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