Six of New Zealand’s 16 regions continue to deliver value growth for their owners, while the rest of the market prepares for a turnaround after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) for the seventh time in two years. With a record-high level of listings and a cash rate now down a further…
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The challenges of the housing market were cited as one reason why the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has again decided to cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR), reducing it by 0.25% to 3%. Cheaper mortgages are now likely to further encourage the signs of green shoots that have emerged in several regions in…
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Have you ever looked at your energy bill and wanted to scream? Not only does the cost of heating your home feel like it’s through the roof, but the data that electricity suppliers give to explain your bill can be bewildering and unhelpful. Following an unusually cold and wet winter, many will fear their bill…
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One of the most common questions asked in real estate is whether it’s better to sell first and then buy, or take the opposite approach. Unfortunately, there’s no right or wrong answer as it depends on your financial situation, risk tolerance and the prevailing mood of the market. While selling your home first reduces financial…
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Many homeowners will now be debating whether it’s time to capitalise on lower interest rates and a growing exuberance in the property market by putting their home on the market. There’s a lot to think about before taking that step, of course. A strong sense of purpose and vision for the next chapter in your…
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Home-hunting takes on an extra dimension when you are a pet-lover and you need somewhere that’s suitable for your dog or cat. According to data from the RSPCA, Australia has one of the highest percentages of pet ownership in the world. Some 69% of occupiers have a pet, with 48% owning a dog and 33%…
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If you’re looking to downsize, you may enjoy a somewhat tongue-in-cheek analysis from the web portal Zillow, which has looked at some of the most extreme amenities being offered inside apartment and condo complexes. They go far beyond the old-school “pool and spa” pitch. And tennis courts . . . meh. Choosing to downsize in…
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It’s never too late to attract motivated buyers when your home is positioned correctly. Neighborhoods continue to see steady interest from buyers, and while market conditions can shift, one thing remains consistent: well-prepared homes that are priced appropriately tend to stand out. Buyers are often willing to move forward when they see value, especially if…
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Many owners work incredibly hard to prepare their homes for sale, but sometimes the end result is a presentation that feels a little lackluster or is missing an essential spark. It’s not always easy to put your finger on the problem. The owner has followed all the basic guidelines for decluttering and depersonalizing, yet something…
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The median price of an existing American home has hit a record high, increasing 2% year-over-year in June to $435,300. The value of an existing home has increased almost $141,000 in the past five years, according to the latest “Existing-Home Sales Report”, issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Just 12 months ago, the…
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