There’s no denying that buying a home is a big decision and yet you may be surprised by the number of people who are influenced by factors other than price, resale value, and location. From the number of a house to a lick of new paint on the walls, it seems we are influenced by…
There’s no getting away from the fact that selling your property is a big deal. Even in today’s improving property markets, there are no certainties and lots of hard decisions to be made, underscored by the pressure of knowing that certain decisions could mean thousands of dollars less in your pocket. But how do you…
Australians are delaying moving to new homes due to concerns about housing affordability, high stamp duty costs, fears of not earning enough from selling their current homes, and the uncertainty of finding better alternatives. This has led them to stay in homes that may not be the best fit for their needs. In fact, a…
Valuations are an essential aspect of the property investment game, with the potential to either help your portfolio prosper or stop it dead in its tracks. Financing a new purchase or restructuring or refinancing your existing debt are generally the main reasons for a property investor to have their assets valued. Because the result of…
When it comes to selling property, everyone wants the best price for the lowest possible expense. But how open to negotiation is your real estate agent likely to be? In this article, a group of experts reveal the pros and cons of haggling on costs and strategies to do it well. Picture this – you…
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or property investor, our online calculator allows you to be aware of the costs involved in buying or selling a property before embarking on the lengthy and expensive process. In the meantime, I’ve put together all the information you might need on costs involved in buying and selling a…
It’s no secret that parking can add value to a property. But rising population density is now making the humble parking space a sought-after feature. In his recent column in Switzer, John McGrath examines what people have been willing to pay to park their cars. This is a question that will never have a definitive…
What’s happened to your home mortgage bill over the last year? The interest bill on the average $580,240 owner-occupied home loan is $792,693, meaning the true cost of the typical home loan in this country is $1.37 million, according to financial comparison site, Canstar. The analysis is based on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s average…
The perfect storm of skyrocketing living costs, stagnant wages, and rising house prices has made the Great Australian Dream feel more like a mirage for many. What’s a would-be homeowner to do? Enter rent-to-own (sometimes called a rent-to-buy) home schemes, a rather nifty alternative that is popular overseas has been starting to gather some momentum…
Who do you ask for property advice – whether it’s for your next home or a property investment? Let me tell you who not to listen to – don’t take advice from reality TV shows! In fact working with inexperienced or unqualified self-styled “property experts” can result in buyers purchasing a dud for an overinflated…
