There are two numbers that every owner, buyer and seller is keeping a keen eye on these days: the inflation rate and rising mortgage costs. As many of us are acutely aware, the Reserve Bank of Australia has increased interest rates 10 times in the past 12 months to fight post-pandemic inflation. Now, we may…
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With more than a third of our home loans written on fixed terms, many of us face the prospect of a significant change when these arrangements expire. Industry researcher CoreLogic says the so-called “refinancing cliff” is about to start to bite in Australia. With loan rates currently standing at between 5% to 6.5%, this refinancing…
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The recent sharp fall in property prices which was triggered by interest rate rises has now flattened, according to the latest industry research. CoreLogic’s March housing market update shows national prices dropped an almost imperceptible 0.14% in February, the smallest monthly fall since the Reserve Bank began hiking interest rates last May. CoreLogic also reported…
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As the cost of construction materials begins to level off after the post-Covid supply chain issues, an increasing number of renovation projects are under way. We bring you the Top 5 renovation trends for 2023. Let there be light Architects and designers insist natural light be prioritised. Full-height windows, wraparound glass doors and skylights are…
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The time has come to sell, but you are wondering how much you are realistically likely to get for your property. So where do you go next? Reaching out to a reliable and experienced local real estate agent will give you an opportunity to receive a current market appraisal. This is how the process works:…
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Retiring is a significant life event that can have a major impact on your current housing situation. When it comes to timing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some retirees choose to move before they retire, while others wait until they have more time to explore their options and then make a move. It’s important to consider…
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When a market transitions, you have to work a little harder to negotiate successfully. That’s true for both the seller and the buyer because you’ve got to find common ground if there’s to be a deal. If you find yourself in a tough negotiation, it can be helpful to understand why some real estate deals…
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Maximising the value of your home is likely to be a priority if you have decided it’s time to sell. If you’re a reasonable exponent of DIY, you might want to make some cosmetic improvements to your home. Just use a little caution with the bigger jobs, such as fixing up a bathroom. These are…
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When buying a new home, you’re likely to receive advice from your agent on sales trends in your target neighborhoods and how a deal might be negotiated with a particular buyer. Check out these examples of common advice, so you can decide how you might respond. Creating tension Many agents leverage neighborhood listings when negotiating…
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Property market insights released in March by realestate.co.nz suggest the number of properties for sale in February was up 25% on the previous 12 months. The 29,000 homes on the market was the highest figure since 2015. While this is great news for buyers, owners have responded to the conditions by delaying their decision to…
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