Asbestos…. feels like a scary word… particularly for those who are filled with flashbacks of ads with people on breathing apparatus showing the negative effects of asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, it was a common building material until around the mid 80s, so the likelihood of it having been used to build the house you are renting or looking to buy is very high.
Read MoreBack in the ‘old days’ it used to be a major selling point that your 70’s flat had gas connected and a gas cooktop burner. Technology was lagging and everyone hated the electric hot plates that took forever to heat up and cool down. Even that pesky hot water system that ran out too quickly or dodgy wall heater that contributed to 95% of the electricity bills.
Well times are a changin’!
Read MoreThis is a concept you may come across if sustainability is important in your renovation or new build. "Passive house" (German: Passivhaus) is a voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, which reduces the building's ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling.
It is the practice of taking note of the local climate and site conditions and making sure your home design maximises the benefits these can offer to create a comfortable internal environment.
Read MoreLet’s explore some commonly asked questions.
We’re often asked by clients about home improvements, and what will add the most value to their home.. Even in 2023, installing solar panels on your property will not make a measurable difference to how much people will pay for the home. Buyers do see them as an added benefit, but not necessarily a deal maker or breaker.
Read MoreWe’ve all heard about the rising cost of building and renovating.. So we wanted to give you some tips to curb the inevitable increase in the cost of your reno. Whether what you wanted 2 years ago when you first started planning has now risen just out of reach or you’ve just got champagne taste on a beer budget, we've got a few tips for you.
Read MoreHere’s our step-by-step guide to home improvements. Have fun!
Read MoreYou’ve been saving for a while now, you've spoken to a finance professional, and they’ve said you can buy a house for around $600k. Well done! You should be really proud of yourself!
In this blog we’re going to show you a few areas and property types which we deem to be good investment options. We will also show you an example of a recently sold property that reflects what we would consider to be good real estate.
Read MoreIf you’re looking to buy a house, townhouse or courtyard apartment it’s important to understand what easements are and how they might affect the value or usability of the land you’re purchasing.
What is an easement?
The legal definition of an easement is ‘the right to cross or otherwise use a portion of someone else’s land’. Most commonly easements are in place to allow access to waterways, and pipes relating to common sewage lines.
Read MoreYou don't want to move out to the sticks just to accommodate a furry friend. You want to maintain your inner city lifestyle but welcome a fur baby into the fold. Here's a curated list of companions perfectly suited to high-rise living...
Read MoreOur top tips to ensure you stay together in the process!
So you’re in the market for a love shack? One of the largest demographics we work with is couples, we’ve truly seen it all. So unless you’re also in the market for some hefty couples counseling bills, listen up kids.
Read MoreFirstly, what is Capital gains tax (AKA CGT)... It is a levy you are obliged to pay on the capital gain made from the sale of an asset.
A capital gain (or loss) is the difference between what you paid for an asset and what you sold it for (less any fees incurred during the purchase). So, if you sell a property for more than you paid for it, there will be a capital gain. And if you sell it for less, that is considered a capital loss.
Read MoreHere we are.. Comin’ at ya with the next round of common questions asked by first home buyers…
Read MoreWe love working with first-home buyers. Helping them navigate what can be a very confusing and stressful time is one of the most rewarding parts of our job! We were first home buyers once too and know just how critical the right guidance is to long-term success in property ownership.
Read MoreAs a general rule, we don’t buy off the plan (OTP) property for our clients. However, there are some circumstances within which an off-the-plan purchase may fit. It really comes back to your property purchasing strategy. Are you buying for cash flow and depreciation? Or to be able to value add and for capital growth? Answering questions like these might be able to give you an answer as to whether or not off-the-plan purchases are right for you!
Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons from both sides of the fence, shall we?
Read MoreWhat do we mean by ‘value-adding’? We mean spending a dollar, to make 3 (or more!).
Let's explore
Read MoreSo you’ve watched advocates bidding like crazy on The Block and you’re wanting to know more about buyers' advocates and how it all works.
First of all, what you see on the block is NOT a good representation of what we do.
The thought of purchasing inflated real estate for our clients so we can get our name in lights for a few minutes doesn’t quite fit in with our business ethos.
Let us explain…
Read MoreNo matter how good or bad a property appears to be, we always recommend getting a building and pest inspection.
We have seen perfect looking 5 year old apartments riddled with water leaks, and what you perceive to be dilapidated houses come back with structurally sound concrete stumps and perfect plaster work! All they need are some new weatherboards and a heavy duty paint job
Read MoreFirst of all.. What is ‘zoning’?
Zoning is a framework, generally set out by state and territory governments and applied by local councils, which dictates what can be built where and how. It regulates the pace and pattern of development, growth and character of an area.
Read MoreYou may have heard the term thrown around, but what constitutes an off market property? It refers to a property being sold without any public advertising. When we say ‘public advertising’ we mean it hasn't been uploaded to any online portals, which costs the vendor thousands of dollars.
Read MoreWe’re talking in person auctions.. they may take place in front of the property on the street, inside the property or in a boardroom at the agents office. Let’s unpack a few strategies and considerations, but remember… Just like real estate itself this is not an exact science, there is no one particular formula for success when it comes to auctions.
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