Category: General

Values keep rising as more homes come onto the market

American homeowners continue to see the value of their homes rise as buyers remain poised for the beginning of interest rate reductions by the Federal Reserve. Anticipated falls in mortgage costs have yet to materialize as the Fed remains concerned about the risk of inflation due to the nation’s strong economic performance and buoyant employment…
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Seven tips for exploring a better loan deal

With the Federal Reserve taking longer to reduce our mortgage costs than we had all anticipated, many smart homeowners are casting their net to find their best home loan deal. Around 350,000 Americans are coming off their five-year, fixed-rate mortgage deal this year, according to research from Ice Mortgage Technology. So, plenty of lenders are…
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Winter fire danger puts focus on smoke alarms

Winter is one of the biggest seasons for household fires as residents bring out long, unused heaters and electric blankets. Every home is vulnerable to fire, of course, so it’s essential you have working smoke alarms. It’s now a legal requirement to have a detector in your home.  Not all smoke alarms operate the same…
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The danger of using the wrong paint

One of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home before putting it on the market is to give it a facelift with a splash of paint. Whether you wish to improve the interior or exterior, a fresh lick of paint will work wonders. You’ll increase your curb appeal from the outside, while indoors you’ll…
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Six indoor plants that’ll breathe new life into your home

The right plants can transform a house or apartment into a warm and inviting home. They add a touch of life, colour, and tranquillity, especially when you’re looking to sell. However, choosing the right indoor plants can be overwhelming. That’s why our agents have compiled a list of six favourites that are perfect for the…
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Investors needed as renters face worse conditions for 17 years

The Australian rental market is experiencing unprecedented challenges, characterised by escalating rents and declining affordability.  This challenging landscape presents a compelling opportunity for astute property investors who understand the underlying data and trends. According to the PropTrack Rental Affordability Report, renters face the most challenging conditions in 17 years.  Since the onset of the pandemic,…
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$10 trillion question: What’s the future for property?

The Australian property market has reached the incredible value milestone of $10 trillion – the largest capital class in the country. With industry research showing almost 50% of suburbs at their highest-ever value level, it’s time to ask, “what’s next for Australian property?”  As an experienced real estate agents in your area, we can testify…
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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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