Gardening grows people’s outdoor imagination, creativity and joy as few other hobbies can. Better yet, both homeowners and renters who have never tried gardening before can succeed at this pastime with experience not always required for success. Green Thumb Lesson #1 Don’t be crushed by failures as even the wisest gardeners have them. Just like…
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A dream home can quickly become a nightmare if you have to cope with noisy, insensitive neighbours. Whether it’s late-night parties or barking dogs, there is literally no getting away from this issue. These tips may help you find a way to resolve your differences. Talk to difficult neighbours first Although it may be awkward…
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Smoke alarms have been mandatory in Australian residential homes since around 1995, and there is good reason for this. These critical early warning detectors can help residents and their pets stay safe from fire 24/7. Yet while smoke alarms are one of the most important inclusions in a home, they’re easily forgotten or ignored when…
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Are you thinking of building a small granny flat or stand-alone studio in your backyard? Part of the fun is coming up with some great interior design looks once the construction is completed. The trick is to consider its purpose first, followed by budget, size and accessibility. And you don’t have to spend big to…
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Another summer is over but for homeowners who live in flood-prone areas, now is a great time to consider how to protect your property for next season. Don’t forget the garden will also need protecting, so green thumbs start thinking about how to guard the greenery from dreaded downpours. Preparation is everything when it comes…
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Creating a budget for your next property purchase is an essential task before searching for your next dream home. There’s no problem with visiting a few properties in the neighborhood to see what’s available, but when you are ready to enter the market and purchase, you need to know your spending power. In most cases,…
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It’s amazing how your garage accumulates personal belongings and the leftovers of DIY projects during the summer months. One moment, you have an easy drive into your garage, and the next, your car sensors are beeping like crazy to stop you from running into old paint cans or a set of golf clubs. A clean…
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Mortgage insurance is one of those obligations all owners face if they apply for a loan without a 20% deposit. Its purpose is to protect your lender from the possibility, no matter how remote, of you defaulting on your loan. Potentially, this would leave them with a property that may not be resellable at market…
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When you’re selling your home, it’s important to be authentic in your marketing content and in how you talk to prospective buyers. Half-truths and approximations can be a selling disaster even if you or your agent have the best intentions. Watch out for this list of common catch phrases that buyers are likely to question.…
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Whether you’re a first-time buyer or about to upgrade your property for a second or third time, it’s a smart play to use technology to make your home-hunting as efficient as possible. Many buyers are now using phone apps exclusively to find their dream homes. These are some of the best. Zillow The market leader…
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