Tag: country_au

Are you ready for a tree or sea-change?

Hardly a day passes without another article published on the wonders of living in regional Australia and how the thousands of sea and tree-changers who’ve bitten the bullet have never looked back. So, as we descend into winter, it’s a great time to consider whether leaving the city for the bush or beach is everything…
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Winter’s here, so it’s time to plan a swimming pool!

Owning a swimming pool is one of those dreams that go hand-in-hand with the Great Australian Dream of owning a home on a quarter-acre block. If you’re looking for a new home right now, should you only consider properties with a pool or be prepared to install one after you’ve moved in? Swimming pools do…
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Researcher predicts end to slump

Real estate prices could be at a turning point according to forecasts from leading industry researcher, Core Logic. With data showing that average values were down just 0.6% in April, negative market sentiment could be coming to an end. CoreLogic economist Kelvin Davidson issued an important reminder about prices, saying property values were still $200,000…
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How to care for your pets when moving

When you start planning a move to a new home, your mind buzzes with a thousand thoughts, yet one important decision may be forgotten: what to do with your pets? Moving home can be a source of anxiety for cats and dogs that have grown familiar with their current surroundings and even the local neighbourhood.…
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Removing confusion over common property types

Understanding how real estate agents describe different types of property can be a challenge if you’re unfamiliar with the market. While a picture is worth a thousand words in real estate, they don’t pick up the subtle differences between the array of property types available. These common descriptors will help explain some of the real…
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Does Super incentive make downsizing an option?

New rules that allow couples to each put $300,000 from the sale of their primary residence into their superannuation fund tax-free has made downsizing a hot topic. The idea that you and your partner can add a combined $600,000 to your retirement savings has made selling the family home a tempting prospect. Is this the…
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Evacuation in times of natural disaster

Did you know that it is important for everyone to have a home evacuation plan in place, even if you do not live in a natural disaster prone area? While the frequency and severity of disasters such as floods, cyclones and bushfires can vary depending on location, it is important for all Australians to be…
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Have a crack at fixing your driveway

Preparing your home for sale is usually a straightforward matter for most homeowners. You might need to fix a few problems, such as a leaking tap or peeling paint in the corner of a room, but for the most part the greatest challenge is keeping your home tidy when buyers conduct an inspection. In these…
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Plunge into pool installation costs

With the onset of autumn and the colder, shorter days, it might seem crazy to suggest you start planning if you want a new swimming pool by next summer. As Australians, we love a swimming pool: almost 3 million of us live in a house with one. But how much will an installation cost? There…
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How to emergency declutter before buyers arrive

It’s amazing how “our stuff” can have an emotional hold on us and complicate what should be the simple task of decluttering our home. The simple idea of getting rid of unnecessary possessions (and let’s face it, they’ll cost you money to move them when you’ve found your next dream home) is harder than it…
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