Tag: country_au

Importance of school catchment areas

Home buyers who are parents of school-aged children, or who plan to be in the future, rightly consider school catchment zones important when purchasing a home. The general rule of thumb around these geographical areas is that parents wishing to enrol their children in a particular state or government school must live in this school’s…
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Everything you need to know about stamp duty

Amid all the fees and charges of a home loan comes stamp duty. Also called transfer duty, this one-off state and territory government tax levy applies to several everyday situations, such as vehicle registrations and insurance policies. However, stamp duty is most well known for its application to property purchases, including holiday homes, investment property…
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What is settlement day?

Settlement day can be a highly stressful, but exciting event, especially for first-home buyers. But preparation is key to a worry-free settlement day. What is settlement? Settlement day is the transfer of a property’s legal ownership from the seller, or vendor, to the buyer, and usually occurs around four to six weeks after property contracts…
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Values continue 14-month rise

Property prices are powering ahead as buyers in the autumn selling season continue to display optimism ahead of predicted interest rate cuts in the second half of the year. In the first 12 weeks of 2024, prices have increased by 1.6%, according to the Home Value Index run by industry researcher CoreLogic. A rise of…
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Poll uncovers demand for housing action

Community concern about the state of the housing market in Australia has been highlighted by a recent poll of Guardian Australia readers. They expressed concern over rising prices, higher rents, the lack of new homes being built, and the absence of radical thinking to solve these problems. As an experienced agency in your area, the…
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Demystifying real estate jargon

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply curious about the nuances of property transactions, the terminology used in the real estate industry can often seem like a foreign language, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and confused. This guide to some of the most frequently used terms has been designed to help you speak…
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Choosing a great property manager

Property investors will soon discover that property management fees are one of their highest financial expenses. While this expense is tax deductible and investors aren’t legally required to engage a property manager, interstate or overseas investors in particular will find their lives far easier with one. Here’s why. Property manager tasks Property managers ensure investors…
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What to do when disaster hits

Insurance claims can be a tough part of the cleanup process if you get hit with a natural disaster. If you live in flood, cyclone or bushfire-prone areas, it is wise to ensure you have the correct insurance cover, and that it is up to date.  Coverage in high-risk areas can also come with a…
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Everything you need to know about mulch

Mulching is a key task for all green thumbs , but why do gardeners love mulch? Easy. It’s the perfect combination of plant defender, weed deterrer, moisture protector, soil guardian, temperature regulator and garden beautifier. Yes, all these qualities can be found in highly scented bags from the local nursery or garden warehouse. Be warned…
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What to expect when installing new lighting

Winter is upon us and, with the new season comes a need for extra light throughout the homes, especially for those living in cooler, darker climes. This makes it an ideal time to install new lights throughout, while potentially also giving your home a new look and feel. But can homeowners undertake such installations themselves?…
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