Tag: country_au

Reducing utility bills during cold snap

The record rainfall that has hit Australia this year has been accompanied by uncommonly cold weather that has exposed flaws in the insulation of many homes. Utility prices aren’t the only things going through the roof – so is the heat you’ve spent so much to generate to keep you warm. Generally, Australian homes are…
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Tactics to survive mortgage stress

Shop around Lenders always need to win new customers, even in tougher times. Do not discount the fact other institutions will want to win your business. Good deals are often available to those prepared to swap lenders. Simple changes Assess your spending habits. Making cutbacks that won’t destroy your lifestyle may ease the pain. Even…
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Home improvements that don’t cost a fortune

If you want to improve your home but have put the idea on hold because of the increasing cost of living, we have a few ideas to help you; and you don’t have to go crazy at Bunnings or on Gumtree or eBay to make great changes that will lift your spirits. Sometimes, owners become…
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Rental shortage opens door for potential investors

A rental crisis that has struck post-lockdown Australia is allowing investors an opportunity to re-enter the market with an almost iron-clad guarantee of finding tenants. Rents have risen almost 12% in the past 12 months and the vacancy rate stands at an incredible 1%, according to new data from SQM Research.  These factors, combined with…
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Rocketing rents signal times for investor revival

Strong rental returns is one reason why investors are being lured back into the property market after many sold for capital gain 12 months ago when values were up 20% plus year-on-year. The real estate picture is not precisely the same as many investors left it – properties values are higher but interest rates are…
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Six mistakes you can avoid as a buyer and seller

Buying and selling a home is not something most people do more than a few times in their lives. It’s easy to make basic errors or assumptions when you’re not used to the real estate market, which has some unique facets. Some behaviours tend to crop up time and again. To help make the transaction…
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Choosing your agent in a changing market

Maximising the value of your property in the current real estate market has never been more important. When buyers move from the fear of missing out (FOMO) to FOOP (fear of over paying) the experience and skills of your real estate agent will be pivotal in achieving a great sale price. Choosing an agent will…
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How to DIY safely

There are a lot of jobs to do around the home that will improve its value. But there are also several that you should never touch. Sometimes, expert tradespeople are required for tasks where a willing DIY-er should never stray. Enthusiastic DIY that lacks a professional quality can also detrimentally affect the value of your…
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Five ways to ease mortgage rate pain

The quick change in our economic landscape should give many homeowners a reason to evaluate their mortgage situation. As a respected agency in your area, we have experienced this scenario before and understand how tightening economic conditions and rising mortgage payments affect our clients. Below, we’ve offered a short list of basic advice on how…
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Smart downsizing to avoid common traps

As Australia’s aging population becomes increasingly cash-poor and asset-rich, the option to downsize their properties becomes increasingly attractive. Once the children have flown the coop, hanging on to the family home becomes needlessly expensive, especially in these days of skyrocketing gas and electricity prices. Generally, the family home can be said to be “not fit…
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