Seven ways to get your home ready for the fall

Hot summer days can lull us into believing the warmth and lazy, long evenings will never end. But fall will soon be upon us.  The next few weeks are a great time to prepare your home for this change of season and the winter that will follow. If you’re one of many homeowners thinking of…
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8 tips to make your home sparkle

A home should be welcoming and comfortable, but as a real estate agent, I see many homes that have been conquered by clutter. Clutter affects your attitude towards your home. When you decide to sell, it means you face  more work to prepare your property than setting a few moments each week to get on…
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Great gift ideas for Dad for home

With so many Dads spending more time than ever at home, we thought we’d make Father’s Day easy with some great home-themed gift ideas. (Hint: Fathers’ Day is the first Sunday in September!) Jumbuck BBQ Charcoal Grill and Smoker – $49.95 from Bunnings Getting the heat levels perfect with charcoal is an art form. But…
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4 ways to reduce the stress of selling

Selling your home can be stressful even when the process is well organized and going as planned.  There’s a lot going on at a psychological level that can make you feel deeply uncomfortable even when things are under control. Let’s take a look at why you might be feeling unsettled and how to reduce the…
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6 things to consider when choosing an investment property

It’s an old real estate cliché, but “location, location, location” is never more true than when selecting an investment property. The area and style of property in which you chose to invest will determine the type of tenant and level of rent that you will attract. You must research your target area. You want to…
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5 reasons to sell rather than remodel

Doing a major remodel of your home may seem like an easier and more affordable solution than selling, but be warned.  It is a huge commitment and has significant downsides including stress, dust and mess, scope-creep and budget overruns.  There is also the risk of over-capitalizing on your property. Ask yourself what your home will…
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Tax deductions for investment properties

Owning an investment property is a little like running a business. It provides a great source of income and builds personal wealth but inevitably comes with a series of costs that hit your bottom line. The great news for property investors is that many of these expenses are currently tax-deductible. It is a common misconception…
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5 things to check before closing

You’ve finally found a place to buy and the offer has been accepted. Closing is underway. Thank goodness you never need to inspect another home again. Right? Wrong. You should go through the property one last time to ensure everything is in order. Here’s what to look for: 1. Is everything present and accounted for?…
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6 key questions to ask your agent before you sign them

You’ve decided to sell your property. It’s a huge decision and moving is always a time of upheaval in your life. What you want then, is the smoothest experience possible, and central to getting that is finding the right agent to handle things for you. With so much choice in the industry, finding that agent…
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Tips to stress-free remodeling

Remodeling rather than buying a new home can be a tempting strategy if you love your neighborhood and don’t wish to move.  Yet, upgrading your home can be taxing to your stress levels. There is a lot to think through and coordinate with contractors. Some homeowners come away from a remodel scarred and so unhappy…
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