Hanging a gift stocking on the mantelpiece of a real log fireplace is more common than most folks realise. The Census Bureau reports 44% of newly-built houses include an open fireplace, providing cozy winter nights and festive seasons you’ll never forget. So, make sure you are ready for these upcoming Holidays by doing a chimney…
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Did you know that switching from gas cooking to electricity can help save the environment? Research now shows that every time you ignite a gas ring, your stove will push out unburned methane that’s 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide (C02). And, according to a Forbes magazine report, the number of gas stoves being…
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Making a New Year’s resolution stick each year is one of life’s rituals and some of us are better at the challenge of them than others. Commonly, we make resolutions for our own benefit. But it’s easy to then treat them as disposable because they’re only for us. So, for 2023, why not adopt a…
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Have you ever wondered how to make sense of the constantly changing real estate market? Taking a snapshot of key market statistics can provide valuable insights into current trends and market positioning. Remember that national or regional statistics don’t always directly reflect local conditions. Real estate markets can vary significantly even between neighborhoods, so it’s…
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There are a lot of jobs to do around the home that will improve its value, but when do you put a stop to DIY and call in the experts? Remember, enthusiasm for doing the job yourself does not replace a professional finish. So if your workmanship is likely to lack a professional quality, it…
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Little changes can make a big difference to how you feel about your home so if you are bored, or your rooms are feeling a bit dull, it’s time to have some fun. You don’t need to knock down walls or rip out and replace a kitchen to make everything seem more comfortable. Perhaps it’s…
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If the onset of winter has caught you out, you’re probably wondering how you can quickly prepare your home for the cold weather so there are no expensive problems down the track. Getting a few jobs ticked off your list now will help you avoid some common maintenance problems. Tips for preparing your home for…
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New Zealand homeowners continue to reap the rewards of investing in real estate, with new figures suggesting almost 95% of sales made in the September quarter were achieved at a profit. The results gathered by researcher CoreLogic are slightly down compared to the previous quarter when 98.1% of residential properties were sold at a profit. …
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As we approach the end of 2022, many potential home buyers will be wondering how the market will play out over the next 12 months. Nationally, it’s slipped 2.7% over the past year, at an average of $28,000 for each property. But the performance is pretty erratic. Cities such as Auckland (-5.5%) have taken a…
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Decorating our homes for the festive season is a highlight of the year for many of us, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for family and friends. But finding the right Christmas tree and most suitable decorations can be challenging if you’re in a small apartment or house. It’s a little deflating to buy the…
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