Blog

Small towns can be great places to live, work and play. But for those new to the area – and new to country living overall – making friends can be tricky with fewer social groups and possibilities available. You want to walk down the main street and have everybody know your name. Becoming that person ain’t so easy though but don’t despair! Begin with… Firstly, be kind to yourself. You had plenty of pals who cared about you when you were in the city so there’s […]

If you’re a sole trader or similar, working from home is an easy, nothing new experience but for others, especially parents, there’s nothing easy about working “remotely”. Here’s how to work well – and keep your mental health intact – in your in-house office. Stick to a schedule It can be tempting for remote employees to enjoy an extra few hours’ shut-eye on workdays. But aim to stick as closely as possible to your normal job routine and structure, including starting work at your usual time. […]

You’ve found the perfect home, you and the seller have agreed on a perfect price, and “all’s right with the world”. Or is it? Excitement and expectations run high when it comes to property purchases and sales but concerns can move in afterwards. This is why cooling-off periods are crucial. Cold feet or concerns = Cool off relief As real estate agents, we’re all too aware post-contract doubts and problems occur. Your finances may fall through; unexpected emergencies might crop up, such as losing your job […]

Recent times have seen a wave of DIYers willing to give a few jobs around their home a try. While we think it is fantastic for you to be involved in improving your home, there are a few things you must do before undertaking a DIY project, to ensure your safety and the ensure the continuity of your home is not compromised. 1. Check For Asbestos This is not something that even we as builders leave to chance. Each and every renovation we take on, we […]

Real estate auctions are heady, emotional times for buyers and sellers. Both groups are keen to remain savvy, shrewd and unemotional but this isn’t always easy. Becoming well wised up on the many auction terms we, are real estate agents, throw out will help you though. Read on to get smart! Vendor bid This is actually not a true bid for the property but one made by the auctioneer, on behalf of the seller. We often make such bids if bidding by the crowd is struggling […]

You’re happy to tackle a renovation or simply want a bargain buy property. Both of these ideas are great but is a delipidated dump really worth the stress and high costs such homes can bring to your life? Ramshackle attraction Despite issues such as rotten floorboards, peeling paint and all manner of structural and other problems, older homes can be very charming. Along with their low cost, it’s hardly surprising that they often attract an extraordinary number of bidders and jaw-dropping prices. If you’ve fallen in […]

You’ve made the decision to buy a home and now the hunt is on not only for a house but for someone to help you find a loan. This is when a mortgage broker comes into the picture. If you’ve never dealt with these financial advisers before, here are some good questions to ask them. But firstly… Mortgage brokers are the financial mediators between you and a bank or lender. They’ll examine your cash and credit situation and advise you of the best home loan to […]

By guest blogger, Nicole -The Builders Wife The beginning of the year has been a busy one with clients looking for my mood board services. I’ve just completed a new board, for a 3-year-old girl who is moving into her big girl bed. I’ve loved the tween boards I completed last year, but I think this is my favourite so far! The brief for this bedroom was to create a calming space for the transition from a nursery to a ‘big girls bedroom’. I remember the stage […]

You’re keen to splash your cash on an investment property. But how do you choose which area to buy in? one which will appeal to plenty of people and ensure strong rental yields? Investment starters Investment purchases are a considerable leap away from an owner-occupier one. Both types of buyers obviously want a great cash flow but the latter is also concerned with their personal needs and demands. But with an investment property, you’ll be hunting for a place offering a strong rent yield and an […]

Your home looks perfect to you but when it comes to open inspections, potential buyers may beg to differ. So, how best can you impress these crucial people? Calling all objective opinions When you live at a house all the time, it’s easy to miss dirt, mould and cracks as well as pet smells and general clutter. So, well before your first inspection, invite a second opinion – in the form of a friend or family member – into your home. Preferably, someone who has a […]