A feature of any wet and warm summer is the emergence of ants, digging their way through the mortar of bricks and pavers and often invading your kitchen. While there are more than 12,000 species in the ant family, the two most common pests across the Southern Hemisphere are the sugar ant (also known as…
Read more
With real estate values recalibrating after two years of double-digit growth, now may offer an opportunity to purchase property using your superannuation fund. You’ll need to have a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), which allows you to make your own investment choices. If you’re in an industry-based super fund or similar, this is not viable. If…
Read more
Easter is one of the last opportunities of the year to entertain friends and families before winter sets in. While the nights are closing in and the days become cooler, we are lucky enough to have a climate that encourages outdoor entertaining. Hosting a gathering at your home is a special moment – it’s how…
Read more
Higher tariffs for household gas, plus publicity highlighting how methane emissions from gas cooktops risk your health and contribute to global warming, have many owners considering switching to induction cooking. Gas cooktops are being targeted by organisations such as the Global Cooksafe Coalition. Its goal is to stop gas cooking because of the methane issue.…
Read more
Digital property tours gained in popularity during Covid lockdowns when buyers and agents had to follow restrictions around inspecting homes for sale. These are a great tool tour to capture the attention of buyers as they are scanning through listings on property portals. A professional will create a quality digital tour, using a 360-degree camera…
Read more
Renovating your home can be a good strategy to improve its value, if you have made the right choices when you purchased. Any upgrade will offer its most significant value the moment it is finished. So, if you’re thinking of moving up the property ladder in the next five years, it’s probably best to start…
Read more
Did you know that the kitchen contributes approximately 15% to the value of a home? It is no wonder then that it’s one of the rooms where buyers pay so much attention, checking out storage, making sure the cupboards and drawers open and close smoothly, and inspecting all the appliances. If your kitchen feels like…
Read more
With tennis and cricket still dominating our TVs, it’s hard to get in a headspace to plan beyond summer. But that’s your challenge if you want to sell your home to either upgrade or downsize in the next few months. Many owners will rush their preparations immediately after New Year to try to catch the…
Read more
Adopting a cautious approach to real estate as we get into 2023 properly is understandable. Whether buying, selling or both, there’s plenty to consider. But don’t over-complicate the situation. Creating wealth through real estate is a long game, and short-term concerns such as interest rates can be an unnecessary distraction. It’s essential to stay within…
Read more
With property prices tapering since their peak last May, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows buyers have a rare opportunity to capitalise on the current sentiment in real estate. New loan applications for all housing fell 3.7% at the end of last year, according to the last figures from the ABS. New…
Read more
