Category: General

10 cleaning hacks to make your kitchen sparkle

The kitchen is the heart of any home – and that’s why it’s such a big focus for buyers when they search for property. A great kitchen can reward you with a higher sale price and reduce the time your home stays on the market. As a rule, it’s the first room owners consider renovating…
Read more

7 beautiful plants that are toxic to pets

Plants are a wonderful way to give your home a special lift, especially if you’re preparing for sale and want to embrace the latest fashions in interior design. Whether you’re decorating a bathroom or an open plan living area, judicious use of indoor plants captures the back-to-nature vibe that so many designers favour currently. As…
Read more

Why a surveyor is critical in big renovations

Adding an additional room or storey to your home can significantly increase its value, especially in a booming market. For homeowners with a medium-term plan to sell and move up the property ladder, this is a high investment strategy that promises a sensational return. But you’re going to need planning permission, or a building permit,…
Read more

10 tips to paint like a professional

A budget-friendly improvement that you can make to your home – whether you’re about to sell or you’ve bought a fixer-upper – is to give it a lick of paint. A bright, open home is right at the top of buyer expectations these days, and creating a fresh, beautiful colour scheme will turn heads. Avoid…
Read more

5 point guide to make your bathroom renovation a success

A renovated bathroom is one of the most positive features that you can offer in a home if you are determined to achieve its maximum value when the time comes to sell. Buyers know that upgrading a bathroom is expensive and a significant project. And they love the idea that they can walk into their…
Read more

7 ways to create a great home office on a budget

If you’ve been balancing your laptop on your knee for the past year or trying to find a few inches of space between school books scattered on the dining table, then your return to the office will have been a relief. But a new survey from the University of Sydney suggests most Australian office workers…
Read more

6 ways to tame garden weeds

The heavy rains and warm weather of past months means grass and gardens are growing like jungles – including plants you wish would not make an appearance.  Once you’ve mown and trimmed the edges, the biggest task in most gardens is weeding. It’s back-breaking work and can be hard on the knees so any strategy…
Read more

APRA lending rule changes haven’t stopped market momentum

Recent changes to bank lending practices introduced by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority to scale back borrowing levels have had only a modest impact on the market. Under the rules introduced late last year, lenders must now apply a 3% buffer – up from 2.5% — to ensure clients can handle future interest rate increases.…
Read more

Your dream of country-living is still a reality

A big surprise in the property market over the past two years since the pandemic hit our shores  has been the popularity of regional markets. Australia is among many western nations that experienced an exodus of white collar workers who’ve cashed out of their city properties to live with more space, freedom and safety in…
Read more

Big weather events mean buyers must know their risk

The devastating floods along the east coast of Australia over past few weeks has emphasised the importance of understanding your risk before buying a property. Whether you’re looking to purchase near bushland, close to beaches, a river, or even lowlands you should be aware of the local dangers that Mother Nature can bring. This country…
Read more