It’s the three words that home buyers constantly hear: “location, location, location”. That’s because location is a key reason why home buyers will purchase one dwelling over another, regardless of what the home offers. Why? Fixtures and fittings are changeable but location isn’t. Nearby amenities, particularly rapidly evolving ones, will also add to the property…
Read more
Whether it’s an investment or a much-loved, long-held family home, dwellings should look their best when on the market to ensure sellers receive a great price. Enter: home staging. This temporary revamp of a property, which can be undertaken by professionals or sellers themselves, is essentially a marketing strategy to improve the selling price of…
Read more
Selling a home is a highly stressful experience and it can therefore be easy to make some common mistakes. Setting an unrealistic price An overly-low price could result in the seller losing thousands of dollars while one set too high could mean it doesn’t attract buyers. Thus, a home’s offering price should be realistic and…
Read more
There are few things more emotionally distressing – to say nothing of financially difficult – than cleaning up a home after a flood. Finding badly damaged, much-loved items is particularly heart-breaking. Yet even the unprepared should take heart: while some damaged items will have to be thrown away, others can be restored. Clothes and linen…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
The opportunity to take part in a shared equity initiative run by Canada’s federal housing agency has closed, reducing assistance options for first-time buyers. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp wrapped up the program, called the First Time Home Buyers’ Incentive (FTHBI), on March 31 and will no longer accept applications for assistance. Established in September…
Read more
The big question Canadian homeowners continue to ask about the real estate market focuses on finance rather than the quality of available homes, the best locations or the most profitable areas for investment. Instead, agents at our brokerage often field questions relating to mortgage costs and when interest rates are likely to come down. The…
Read more
