Do you have any “special features” in your home that may actually turn away buyers? Ask your agent to give you an honest assessment of how the market will receive your property and, if there are some problem areas, consider fixing them to optimise your sale price. Our handy checklist highlights some of the features…
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One of the most cost-effective ways to prepare your home for sale is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Many owners will take on this task themselves, and they’ll do an outstanding job. On occasion, however, their painting skills will let them down. Usually, the problem is all in the preparation. Be aware…
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Australia’s housing market has not been short of the occasional twist or turn in 2023, and many owners sat on the sidelines to watch how it would play out. In the past four months we’ve seen it turn from decline to a far more positive sentiment. But we got a final twist with the Melbourne…
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Whether you want to upgrade your home or you’re a first-time buyer, the recent interest rate rise imposed by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) on Melbourne Cup day will be of more than passing interest. Families, couples and singles in the throes of buying their next or first property will want to know the…
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Demand for more sustainable residential buildings isn’t going away, and both the federal government and many local councils appear on course for adjusting building regulations during the next few years. The real estate industry is increasingly discussing the impact of a draft Federal Government and CSIRO rating system that would influence home valuations and insurance…
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The momentum for Australia to reduce carbon emissions from residential buildings is growing stronger, with the nation’s largest city councils pledging to phase out gas stoves. The City of Sydney and the City of Melbourne have joined the Global Cooksafe Coalition, which is seen as a prelude to banning gas stoves following similar moves by…
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Property researcher CoreLogic has released a heroic set of numbers that reveal granny flats could solve our residential accommodation problems. The study claimed to have found 655,000 sites across Australia that could accommodate a granny flat, regardless of whether your grandmother was interested in being an occupier. More than a third would be within 2km…
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The strong performance of the housing market, despite the recent interest rate hike on Melbourne Cup day, should give heart to homeowners who are looking to either upgrade or downsize this summer. The most recent Home Value Index from industry researcher CoreLogic shows property has edged up again in October, registering 0.9% value growth on…
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Buying property as the market bounces back after its lull can be challenging, especially for first-timers who’ve not experienced the pressures of sealing a deal. If you have a pre-approved loan, your lender will often set a 12-week deadline before you need to apply again. These buyer guidelines will help you respond quickly to an…
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Buyers use plenty of tricks during a property inspection to look for any flaws in their potential new home. Some open and shut cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms, while others stare at the ceiling above the bathroom to spot dampness, or inspect under the sinks to look for water damage. Paintwork at floor…
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