Should your child mow the lawn?

One of the summer’s less pleasurable activities for homeowners is the endless lawn mowing. It only takes a rain shower and a few days of sunshine for the grass to look unkempt again. A popular strategy to avoid mowing is to make one of your children do it. But is that a great idea?  How…
Read more

Marketing tips to stand out

When the number of potential buyers exceeds the available inventory of homes, it can create a competitive environment. So, to win this game, focus on sales and marketing if you want to attract multiple buyers and receive competitive offers. Photography You cannot beat great photography: it’s essential for every media channel. Don’t skimp on this,…
Read more

Home shortage bonus for sellers

Market conditions can sometimes create unique opportunities for homeowners looking to upgrade their living situation. When there’s a scarcity of available properties relative to buyer demand, it can be particularly advantageous for those considering selling their homes. In times of low housing inventory, several market indicators may reflect this shortage: Decreased sales volumes compared to…
Read more

Six ways to top off the perfect kitchen

The selection of a countertop is one of the hardest decisions when remodeling a kitchen. You’re confronted with such a variety of surfaces and colors it can make your head spin. The style of kitchen cabinetry will be an influencing factor, but you’ll still be left with a tough choice about the countertop you want…
Read more

Popular home features buyers are willing to pay for

Many owners will spend thousands of dollars preparing their homes for sale, but they need to remember to consider what buyers desire. Before you put your home on the market, it’s a smart play to talk to some real estate agents about the features that would attract buyers before committing to an upgrade. The fundamentals…
Read more

Six insect-busting ideas for your garden

Our long summer evenings are a wonderful time to be outdoors; so long as you’re not driven back inside by the pesky, biting insects that descend on us the moment the sun goes down. Being able to ward off insects is essential for an enjoyable evening on the patio. No one likes beating a retreat…
Read more

Shortage may signal optimal time to sell

Popular regions around New Zealand are starting to experience a shortage of properties for sale; and that may be a positive sign for owners debating whether they should sell in the current market. Dramatic shortages are being reported in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, where the number of homes for sale is down 62%  for houses…
Read more

Focus key to buying before recovery in full swing

Upgrading your property, or plunging into the market for the first time, requires some strategic thinking at the moment. Shelving your property ambitions right now, and putting them to the back of your mind, will not help you capitalise on the current opportunities. While New Zealand is technically in a recession (we’ve had consecutive quarters…
Read more

Ingredients to cook up a five star kitchen

A deluxe kitchen is a dream for many homeowners who love their food and the idea of entertaining. What is a reasonable sum of money to invest in a kitchen? It depends on your property’s value and the likely demographic of your target buyers. It’s easy to spend more than $100,000 on a state-of-the-art kitchen,…
Read more

Eight ways to make your home picture-perfect

A picture tells a thousand words – and that well-known phrase neatly captures the need for every owner to invest in quality photography when the time comes to sell their home. If you’re thinking of selling your home, never underestimate the power of photography. When folks are scrolling through real estate portals, only the best…
Read more