There are many decisions to make once you decide to move home: Do you buy or sell first? What type of mortgage do you need to climb the property ladder? And how will you co-ordinate accommodation so you’re not left stranded between properties? And here’s the most important question – how will you achieve a…
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Powered by a revolutionary government policy to support first homebuyers, Australia’s sale prices are now growing faster than at any time in the last two years. The moment the Government released its Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) – a policy guaranteeing 15% of a 20% deposit so first-time buyers avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance – the national…
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In an effort to maximise their home’s value, owners will make at least two significant improvements before it goes on the market. One of the most common areas of focus is the bathroom because of its influence on a buyer’s assessment of your home. A full renovation of a bathroom can cost tens of thousands…
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An appraisal of your current home’s value is an essential first step for owners looking to sell and move up the property ladder or downsize. A value estimate grounded in reality rather than wishful thinking will ensure you don’t make any terrible or expensive mistakes when you consider your next property purchase. The best appraisal…
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If you’re considering putting your home on the market in the New Year – a great time to sell, by the way – you should be thinking about how you might increase its market value. Given your home is probably your most significant financial asset, maximising its value will give you more options for your…
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A common request of real estate agents is to explain the pros and cons of selling your home at auction rather than negotiating with buyers in a private treaty situation. It’s a completely justifiable demand. While auctions are super-popular in the bellwether markets of Sydney and Melbourne, this approach gets a more lukewarm reception in…
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If you want to sell your home quickly and efficiently, there’s no better time than winter. Even though days are starting to turn chilly, there are a number of factors in your favor. There will be fewer new properties coming onto the market to compete with you. Indeed, Zillow has just released data saying month-over-month…
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As the leaves continue to descend and fall enters its last month, it’s been interesting to see how the leaf blower has taken over from the humble rake to clear away nature’s debris in many of our neighborhoods. Is this a good use of technology? Is trading a little physical exercise for battery-powered convenience the…
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More than 1.1 million homes are now for sale across the United States, giving buyers lots of choice and a strong negotiation position. Inventory of homes for sale has now risen for the 23rd consecutive month, according to the latest data from aggregator Realtor.com. There are now 17% more homes for sale than this time…
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One of the most important skills when selling your home is the art of staging to give an enhanced impression of space, purpose and natural light. Buyers love the idea of having lots of space, but you also need to arrange your furniture so each room has an obvious purpose. It’s disappointing to walk through…
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