Renovation research pointers

Whether you are building or undertaking a major renovation, check current legislation in your region to ensure that the work provided is under warranty. Most states require builders to be fully registered and this includes offering warranty insurance.  This is geared towards protecting both parties, but particularly the owner in the event of substandard workmanship.…

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Window shades with a view to energy efficiency

The best-dressed windows serve a valuable dual purpose of keeping the winter chill at bay and blocking harsh sunlight at the height of summer. But they should also enhance and blend with your interior style in a cost-effective and energy-efficient way. Dream drapes that frame a realistic outlook  Designer drapes needn’t cost the earth, nor…

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Your home protection plan for bushfire season

The dire consequences of Australia’s Black Summer bushfires in 2019-2020 remain a tragic legacy. There were around 24 lives and countless wildlife lost, 2,448 homes, up to 6,000 buildings and millions of hectares destroyed as a result of partially preventative measures.  And with spring and summer temperatures set to soar in the Southern Hemisphere, protecting…

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Investing in time is your biggest windfall

Shop around. These two words describe the best possible philosophy in any sphere of real estate — be it buying, building, renovating, searching for a mortgage or insurance, or simply choosing an agent to sell your home.  And while it’s easier said than done, each of these requirements will take time and energy to carry…

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Real estate growth triumphs over adversity

With many real estate brands reporting record growth in recent months, coupled with interest rate lows, flexible lending and working arrangements, pioneering practices are rising to the challenges of pandemic-driven consumer behaviour.    Embracing new technologies reaps results Digital marketing, advances in augmented reality and virtual auction platforms have all played a part in the upsurge…

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Clearance rates: what they mean for buyers and sellers

If you read any auction stories in the Sunday papers or online, the words “clearance rates” will inevitably be mentioned. They indicate the strength of the selling market by measuring the percentage of homes sold at an auction or beforehand. The higher the clearance rate, the greater the buyer demand on that particular weekend. Choose…

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Your property inspection checklist: must-take items

Augmented-reality technology and pandemic restrictions are quickly changing the way we buy, sell and rent property.  But for an initial property inspection, wherever and whenever possible, it pays to adopt a hands-on approach.  In addition to the areas that should be covered in every home inspection, we also recommend a grab bag of useful tools…

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Lockdown fuels a keen desire to redecorate

Lockdown realities are not only changing the way we live and work, but also the environment in which we do so.  Given our close proximity to and focus on our homes, many householders are looking to redecorate. Those seeking to make a change or replace outdated furniture and continue to improve their decorating style, are…

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Working with nature to help property values thrive

If you’re planning to put your property on the market, the importance of presentation cannot be overemphasised — and never more so than in the garden.  An appealing outdoor zone and landscaped gardens can hugely increase the value of a home, which is why prospective sellers should start putting their green thumbs to good use…

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How building with passive design adds value

Homes built for the future encompass increasingly popular passive design principles. From green ratings and solar energy to orientation, insulation and glazing, constructing a certified passive-design property is not only an exercise in cost-cutting and energy efficiency, but it can also add resale value.  Passive principles Buildings built in accordance with the Passive House (Passivhaus,…

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