How to shrink credit card debt before mortgage shopping

More than half of America carries credit card debt, incurring super-high interest rates on an average outstanding balance of $6000. Meanwhile, home loan rates are at record lows. If you’re a first-time buyer seeking a mortgage, the debt on your plastic is no small matter. It hurts your credit rating and directly impacts the amount…
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Even in a strong market, sellers need to focus

The challenge of a seller’s market is that it can lull you into a false sense of security.  It’s easy to adopt a relaxed attitude in the belief you’ll have no problem selling your home.  Unfortunately, that mindset rarely achieves the best possible price for your most important financial asset. Remember that selling in today’s…
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Clever strategies to put you ahead of rival buyers

Trying to buy a new home in a boom property market can be frustrating and, as an experienced agent, I totally get it! Every time you roll up for a walk-through, the seller’s agent can make you feel like half the world wants this particular piece of real estate. But have no fear. Whether you’re…
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Questions you should ask about building inspections

If you’re buying your first home, or it’s been a while since you’ve been in the property market, you may question the importance of building inspections. They add to your costs, and some sellers will say there’s nothing wrong with their property and you should save your money. Many buyers in the current market forgo…
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The golden rules of downsizing

If you’re a parent with adult children who’ve successfully launched, statistics show you’re among the most likely demographic to contemplate whether you should downsize. As an experienced agency in our area, we have worked with many couples seeking to downsize in this area, maintaining an excellent lifestyle while reducing the obligations of owning a family…
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Five tips to seal the deal on your dream home

Buying a home is a big life decision, and it’s certainly a challenge when we’ve been in a global pandemic and all forms of media are saturated with coverage of the conflict in Europe. If you had asked most real estate agents just a few years ago what impact such global events would have had…
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Six tips to help first-home buyers avoid property traps

The current real estate market can be intimidating for first-home buyers and new investors who are keen to buy with newly-arranged finance. As an experienced real estate agency in your area, we always caution first-time buyers and investors against over-exuberance.  It is wise to avoid being held hostage to FOMO; the fear of missing out.…
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Six steps to a great home office

The home office is no longer the temporary fix forced upon us by the pandemic; it’s become a prerequisite for many who are now splitting their desk-bound time between work and home. That places the home office as a new hot button for prospective buyers, especially young professional couples, who are cruising the market right…
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Selecting tradies for your pre-sale renovation

Did you know that it can take homeowners up to a year of thought and debate before taking the plunge and beginning a renovation that would enhance the value of their property? One consideration that can increase anxiety is the selection of a builder to carry out the work. We all hear of occasional horror…
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Understanding anticipated yield on an investment property

The rental crisis sparked by thousands of overseas students and workers returning home because of the pandemic has been turned on its head, creating fresh opportunities for experienced and first-time investors. Demand now far outstrips supply, according to the latest figures revealed by REA Group’s PropTrack rental report.  We’re seeing a 37% rise in demand…
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