New loan rules to expand insurance mortgages from 25 to 30 years are set to take effect next month to help first homebuyers into the market. By increasing the repayment period five years, first-time buyers will face lower monthly mortgage bills. However, if the loan were to go to full-term, they would pay more in…
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If you’re watching Canada’s interest rate tumble faster than anywhere else in the world right now, you’ll either be delighted you have a variable lending rate or annoyed you took a gamble on a fixed rate. For those who gambled and lost, the temptation is to call the lender and immediately ask for a new…
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If your kids are screaming at each other in their bedroom and demanding you dispense punishment for whatever sin has been committed, maybe it’s time to upgrade your home. Separate bedrooms will not only be good for the children but also help maintain your sanity. “Family” is the most common reason for homeowners deciding that…
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With the latest 0.5% cut in interest rates, New Zealand buyers must start to think strategically about the best time to jump into the market. Now the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has trimmed rate by a full 1% in the last few months, you have precious few moments to consider your strategy before prices…
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Premium brands always do well in market downturns – and that’s true for the “dress circle” properties in the Queenstown area. The value growth down south has been stellar while other areas of New Zealand – most noticeably Auckland and Wellington – continue to feel the impact of high mortgage costs. The announcement of a…
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One of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home before putting it on the market is to give it a facelift with a splash of paint. Whether you wish to improve the interior or exterior, a fresh lick of paint will work wonders. You’ll increase your curb appeal from the outside, while indoors you’ll…
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Moving homes is recognized as one of life’s most stressful events – up there with divorce and death. If you need to execute a fast property shift, stress levels can rise even higher, but with efficiency and calmness as your mantra, moving house in a month is possible, believe it or not! Here’s how: Week…
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The real estate market is a dynamic ecosystem influenced by various factors. While specific conditions can vary greatly by location and time, understanding general market trends and key influencing factors can help you make more informed decisions about property investments. Housing markets are typically cyclical, experiencing periods of growth, stability, and occasional declines. These cycles…
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Keeping track of the mortgage market can be a full-time job when you’re preparing to upgrade. New offers come onto the market all the time even though our interest rate is staying stubbornly high amid speculation the drift down will begin in the next few months. As an experienced local real estate agent, I work…
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Confidence continues to return to the property market despite the continued pressure on mortgage costs, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It looked at the number of new loans that are being issued and found an uptick of 4.9% for March compared with the previous month. That represents a value…
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