Why using MLS makes sense for sellers

The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that underpin so much of residential American real estate can be a highly effective asset when selling your home. While many owners like to investigate the possibility of an off-market strategy – and there are good reasons to do so – you really can’t beat an MLS listing for exposure…
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Seven ways sellers can strike a hot deal this summer

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, barbecues, and for many homeowners it’s the prime selling season.  The long days, warm weather and active buyer pool create an ideal environment to showcase your property’s best features.  In this economic cycle of concern about tariffs, and the temporary fall in buyer decisions (down 6% in March), there are…
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New homes get sales boost with tariff u-turn

America builds around 1.4 million new homes every year – a massive contribution to easing the demand for housing that also keeps property prices from spiraling beyond the reach of millions of families and first-time buyers. Some 944,000 of these new constructions were for single-family homes in 2023 – 66.8% of the total, according to…
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Prices keep rising despite slight dip in deal numbers

A continuing environment of high rates and a case of tariff jitters dampened buyer enthusiasm for real estate in March, according to the latest figures. Sales slipped 5.9% to an annual 4.02 million deals on a March-to-March basis.  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said the market remained on a “solid footing” and blamed one…
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Six surprises first-time owners find with their new homes

The day you own your first home is joyous – finally you’re on the property ladder with a place of your very own and the opportunity to build your wealth. And after probably saving for years for your deposit, there should be no small measure of delighted relief that you’ve achieved your goal. Of course,…
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If you’ve got the rug bug, here are seven buying tips

Many folks find buying a rug a real conundrum – what is the best size for a room? Is it cool to put a rug on top of carpet? And is it supposed to match the carpet, the furnishings or can it be a random statement of color and pattern? It’s certainly a lot easier…
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Six investor tips as rural migration accelerates

The latest sales data for real estate across America shows a dip in March – a fact that the National Association of Realtors said reflected a downturn in “housing mobility”. Its chief economist said this could become a societal trend as folks decided to “stay in place” rather than move for reasons of work or…
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Six trees that will make a big statement in your garden

Creating a beautiful garden is a labor of love that requires careful planning and big decisions about the best plants for shady areas and those that capture full sun. One of the biggest decisions – figuratively and literally – is to select an ideal tree.  You need to consider its ultimate height and spread so…
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Buyers revel in low rates and wide choice of properties

With interest rates in full retreat, Kiwi confidence in the property market grows stronger with every month that passes.  The number of successful sales has increased 3.4% on last year’s numbers, and the average value rose 0.4% in the three months to March. The average property in New Zealand is now worth $970,000. Our property…
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Rate cut fires up market as we watch for tariff fallout

New Zealand property buyers enjoyed more good news with another cut in the Official Cash Rate (OCR). The Reserve Bank of New Zealand took the knife to the OCR for a fifth time since last August, reducing the rate 0.25% to 3.5%. Determined to spark up emerging economic growth and support the five-month momentum of…
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