Check out the The Home Enthusiast With Remy on Spotify!  Host - Remy Guest - Phoebe Shorter from Foxy Home Staging The challenge of small spaces Small spaces, especially in units and townhouses, can be a challenge when it comes to making them look good and functional. But with the right design choices, you canRead more

Check out the The Home Enthusiast With Remy on Spotify!  Host - Remy Guest - Scott Leitch (Scotty) What's the difference between painting your home yourself, where you don't have much experience versus using a professional? there's a few differences, paintings are trade, so a lot of people think they can just do it themselvesRead more

The elements aren’t always kind to us when it comes to our homes and investment properties and as the weather warms up and there are heightened risks with the potential for bushfires, it is important to ensure that you have a maintenance plan for your property. Don’t wait until it is too late to save

Whether you are a seasoned renter or new to renting, it may not always be clear the reasons or when you should contact your property manager about your tenancy or the property.  For the most part, you won’t need to contact your agent on many occasions and when you do need to, they will usually

Choosing to rent your property may seem straightforward in that you find a tenant, sign a lease agreement, and collect the rent. However, there are legislative requirements and obligations that are required as a landlord and depending on the state in which your property is located will determine the rules. Employing a qualified property manager

Whether it’s buying or renting, the hunt for a new home can be a time-consuming and pressure-filled experience, especially in a rental market that is in high demand.  Renter’s agents have increased in popularity over the years and employing an agent when you are in the market for a new rental is an exercise in

There is a level of risk that comes with owning an investment property and ensuring that you have the right level of cover is a crucial step to reducing risk over your property.  Your property manager will always process any applications that they receive from tenants, checking all references thoroughly, however life doesn’t always go

When you are renting it may seem like your options are limited when it comes to gardening or creating your own green space in a rental property. While you can’t make larger changes to the landscaping of the property without the Owners permission, there are alternatives to introduce gardens in your outdoor living space. Pots

One of the considerations when owning an investment property is the lease terms that are offered to your tenant throughout the duration of the tenancy. There are some benefits to maintaining a fixed-term agreement, especially if they are great tenants and you could keep them for a longer term. Look at your options When the

One of the more valuable steps that you can take as a property investor is to employ an experienced property manager to manage your investment property throughout its life cycle. There is a myriad of tasks that are involved with renting your property and a property manager can assist with navigating through those tasks and

A rental market that has limited availability of properties and a larger number of prospective tenants can create a level of competition that means that you may not be approved for the first or even subsequent rental properties. To combat this, we have put together some tips on what property managers will look for when

Investing in property can bring many rewards for your financial goals when managed effectively. Depending on your plans, investing in one or many properties could be part of your strategy to build your investment portfolio. There are various market factors to consider when you are building your portfolio including current conditions relating to property prices,

Finding a professional and qualified agent to sell your home may be a daunting process at first and it is essential to find the right agent to guide you through the selling campaign and beyond during your move. While it can seem like a straightforward job, selling your home takes skill in sourcing qualified buyers

Changes in markets, the cost of living and rising interest rates can put a strain on mortgages and increase the level of stress around day-to-day life activities. Rather than get into overwhelm with the additional load, there are steps that you can take to lighten some of the pressures of mortgage stress. If you are

If you are weighing up diversifying your investment strategy and purchasing a rental property, it is important to be aware of many factors that will impact your journey as a landlord before you jump into the property investment pool. It is not as simple as purchasing the property, finding a tenant, and then sitting back

In markets where there is a lot of competition with many listings or even in those when the listing pool is scarce, a great marketing campaign with the right elements can be key in finding you the fastest possible buyer at the best price. Agents may talk with you about the prospect of advertising the

There are many reasons why you might decide to sell your home, it could be the need to upsize or downsize, the need to relocate or even find something more modern. When you are on the path to your next move, sometimes it is worthwhile considering if you need to sell or if a renovation

Making the decision to sell your investment property is usually one that is not made lightly, and you may find that you spend some time deliberating over whether to sell the property or hold onto the investment. Timing when to sell your property is often a major factor and the length of time that you

When it comes to owning an investment property, it is inevitable that at some point, things will go wrong, and disputes may arise between you and the tenants. A qualified and efficient property manager will be well-trained in conflict management and dispute resolution and will largely be able to resolve any disputes on your behalf.

The need for a tree or sea change often sees city dwellers pack up their lives and move to the regional hubs for a change of pace and a chance to slow down. If you choose to purchase a rural property with substantial land holdings or dip into the world of farming and owning livestock,

When you are looking to purchase a new home, employing a buyer’s agent is a great way to outsource the stress of searching for a new home. A buyer’s agent can take the leg work out of looking for the right home for you and working through the negotiations with the selling agent. Whether you

A contract for sale is a requirement for property sales and the process will change depending on the state that you are selling your property in. As a vendor or seller, it is part of your responsibility to have the contract prepared prior to listing your home for sale. A contract for sale is designed

Purchasing an investment property can be an exciting step in life and it can be overwhelming as you work through the steps of tasks that you need to have organised to ensure that your property is ready for new tenants. One factor that is often overlooked is landlord insurance and how important it is in

Venturing into home ownership means the journey of searching for and inspecting properties to consider purchasing for your first or next property. As one of the largest purchases that you make in life, it is an important decision and one where a thorough inspection should be carried out to ensure that the property meets your

In an online world, prospective buyers will look to the property portals and websites in the search for their new home. A professional video walk-through of your property can be one of the most impactful first impressions that a buyer may have before they attend the inspection. There are great benefits to using video in

Carrying out a due diligence on an apartment before you purchase, especially if you are choosing to use it for investment purposes is a wise expense to ensure that you are aware of any building concerns prior to making the final acquisition. A strata inspection report will detail the history and the current state of

When looking to sell there is often a focus on the interior of the property and any inclusions, layout and features that will appeal to potential buyers. You may concentrate on any repairs or improvements in these areas, however, it is also important to focus on the first impression of the home that a potential

Venturing out into the rental market to look for a new apartment to live in can be challenging and very exciting. To make it easier on the new home hunt, making a list of your musts and like to have requirements is a good step in narrowing down the playing field whether it be a

Purchasing your first or subsequent homes is a large purchase whether it’s a home to live in or a property that you are using for investment. The pre-settlement inspection is important to ensure that you have ticked all the boxes on your checklist prior to settlement and any issues are addressed. Book in the date

When you are renting it may seem that there are a limited number of options for you when it comes to making the property feel like home.  While there are legislation and guidelines in your tenancy legislation around alterations to the property, you can discuss minor improvements with your property manager before making any changes

It can be an exciting and overwhelming step when your home finally settles and during the moving process, there may be some confusion as to what you can take with you during the move and what is required when you hand the keys over to the new owners. When you are preparing contracts with your

Deciding to sell your investment property is a big step on your investor journey and one that may help to free up the necessary funds to move on to your next venture. When you do choose to sell, there may be tenants still occupying the property and you will need to make the decision to

The property has sold, and you are making plans to move on to your next home. Prepare for your moving day in advance so that you have a strategy around settlement day and beyond. Arrange your removalists Finding removalists can be a tricky task. As soon as you have a proposed date for settlement, look

It’s not always welcome news when you are advised that the landlord has made the decision to list their property for sale. It may leave you with many questions, including what happens next? The property can be sold at any point, irrespective of what stage of tenancy you are in as the landlord’s situation can

The property has exchanged either under the hammer at auction or through negotiation in a private treaty sale and the first step is done. So, what comes next?  There are still a few steps before settlement can go through and some key areas to be aware of in the lead-up to the final sale of

When calculating the worth of your property, a sales agent will take a number of elements into account when calculating the appraisal price and how they feel your home would fit in line with market expectations. Property type and land size A sales agent will look at the type of property that you own as

When you sell your home, the expectation is that it will be as straightforward as allowing people through, the auction or sales negotiation and then settlement to free you to move onto your next property. But what happens when all doesn’t go according to plan?  There are times during a property sale when the potential

In choosing to purchase a property, you are investing in one of the biggest purchases in your lifetime. It is important when outlaying considerable finance for an essential purchase that you look for a property that will suit your needs.  While some buyers will look for a house or townhouse, or house and land packages

One of the questions that will often be asked when you choose to sell your home, is how long will it take to sell? There are commentators who will claim to know the science behind how long a property will stay on the market before a qualified buyer snaps it up.  There are no fixed

The best-laid plans don’t always go according to the path that you set out on and changes in life circumstances can occur. It may be that you need to downsize or relocate for work or reasons outside your control.  It is possible to break your lease should you need to, however, there are requirements and

Buying your first or subsequent homes is an exciting stage of life and while the fun may be in searching for and negotiating a purchase, there are many costs that come with the purchase that are important to factor when planning your budget for the purchase. Stamp Duty, mortgage registration and transfer Fees Depending on

Attracting people to your home is key to getting a successful sale at a maximum price and there are some essential areas that potential buyers may look at when it comes to their list of requirements in living spaces and may ultimately determine if they choose your home to buy. Be smart about areas you

When you are looking to buy your first home, the process can seem overwhelming between the finance, real estate jargon and the advice that you will receive from anyone that you talk to. Buying your first home is an exciting step into the world of home ownership and it doesn’t need to be as stressful

When you make the choice to invest in property, it is important to recognise and be aware of the areas of compliance that you are responsible for as an investor and property owner. There are certain safety areas in the property that need to be made safe to comply with regulations and legislation including areas

Purchasing an apartment, unit or townhouse can bring the opportunity to live in a property with lower maintenance than a house with minimal to no requirements to maintain yards or other buildings. It can also provide lifestyle amenities such as pools, gyms, and other facilities, however, these also need to be maintained. In many complexes,

Property investment can be one of the safest assets with a strong capital growth and is one of the more popular forms of investment. While the initial and ongoing outlay can be costly, investing in the right areas with robust rental yields can prove rewarding in providing a passive income.  Work out your ‘why’ Before

You’ve made the decision on your sales agent, taken the necessary steps to list the property for sale and you’ve made improvements to the home to help it through a sale. The next step is planning out a marketing and advertising strategy that will appeal to potential purchasers and get them through the front door. 

There are often several lists of items to factor in when the time comes to sell your home and they could range from repairs to finding the right agent, to presentation and where to move to next.  While these are all important factors, five additional areas to consider prior to or during the sale would

Pet ownership has been on the rise in recent years as people add furry friends to extend their family units; and while attitudes are evolving, there are still several things to consider before welcoming a new family member, if you are renting. Seek permission from your property manager and landlord Depending on the type of

If you are considering investing in a rental property as part of your investment strategy, you may be interested in what the return will be on investment. While there are investors who will go into an investment property purchase with emotion attached, a smart investor will focus on the dollars and sense. When looking for

When you think about making improvements to your home prior to selling, you may look at the most affordable options that are going to add value to the property and ensure that you don’t overcapitalise. Small improvements to some rooms in your home can give the property a quick refresh and often add significant value

The hunt for your new home whether it be your first or your fifth home can be overwhelming, especially if you are not prepared. In a strong market, it may also mean that you look through several properties and make many offers before you finally purchase. Determine the type of property Everyone’s journey to homeownership

An investment property will be one of the largest purchases in your life and when it comes to finding a tenant for the best return on your investment, it pays to employ a qualified and experienced property manager.  Research your options Before making the decision to appoint a property manager, meet with prospective agencies and

Selling your home can be a costly experience albeit one that can help free up the asset to move on to your next home.  When it comes to deciding to sell, you may think about selling privately, or through online options rather than through an agent. While this may work in your favour, there is

A condition report is a document provided to you by the Landlord or Property Manager as the second part of the Residential Tenancy Agreement when signing a lease agreement for the rental of a property. The condition report must be provided to you at the time of signing your lease and detail the property condition

Sales don’t always go according to plan and on occasion, a sales offer will fall through. In cases such as this, it can add additional stress to what is already a high-pressure transaction, and it is helpful to understand what comes next and have the right agent on your side.  Be selective of your buyer

The thought of downsizing your home may seem like a daunting task, although it is one that can be beneficial depending on your circumstances. It is also the first step to the next stage of your life and an exciting one.  1. The opportunity to declutter When you find a property to downsize to, it

Spring is a great time to list your property for sale as people tend to make their way out of the hibernation of the winter months. It is a great chance to get your property in front of interested buyers and can be the difference in the number of weeks that the property is on

Rising costs and tighter rental markets can mean that the cost of rent increases can prove challenging, especially if you need to be in certain areas for work, schooling or near to family or community groups. Some things that are great to consider if you are renting are factors such as budget, affordability, and lifestyle. 

Listing your home on the market for sale will bring two questions with the type of sale; to auction or to sell via a private treaty sale. Auctions have been the favoured method of many sales agents and sellers for some time, however, when the market cools, we can often see more private treaty sales.

Making the decision to sell your home and move on to the next purchase can raise questions about the order in which you buy and sell. Should you sell your property to free up finance and gauge how much you can feasibly spend on your next home, or should you buy first and then sell?

If you are embarking on the experience of renting for the first time, there can be excitement around the prospect of the search for your first home. It is important to be organised and aware of what is happening in the market before and during your search. Make a To-Do List Before you start searching

Auctions were once a landscape that required the bidders to attend in person, however, changes over the years have seen a move to more accessible forms of phone and online bidding.  While online bidding may seem like an option to turn up and just raise the e-paddle on the day, there are still some things

Having an investment property while trying to sell your property may seem like there are hurdles in front of you. However, having a good sale agent and property manager who are all working together with the tenant can often create a great outcome throughout the sale.  Communication is key While there are requirements in some

As your circumstances change and you decide to upgrade, downsize, or move locations, the decision to sell your home or keep it as an investment may be something that you need to consider.  There is no one size fits all approach in choosing to sell or keep your property for investment and it is best

When beginning your search for the next or even your first rental property, it is important to budget for the costs that are associated with both moving and the ongoing expenses. Rent and bond In assessing your rental application, Property Managers will look at your income and affordability for the home. As a rule of

Deciding to sell off-market will likely be a decision that is made between you as the vendor and your agent based on the style of home that you are selling and the current market conditions.  While auctions have been a popular method of sale in the last decade to increase the potential sale price, there

Now is as good a time as any to consider selling your home. No matter the market, with the right property, marketing strategy and agent, it can sell in the fastest possible time, at the right price. Property presentation Prior to listing your property for sale consider how well it is presented in its current

Warmer days in the summer months can see many homeowners longing for the cool reprieve that can come with owning a pool.  Before rushing out to make plans and install one in your backyard, it is a good idea to weigh up whether it will increase or detract from the value of your home when

Finding a real estate sales agent for the sale of your home is a personal choice that is important to get right to ensure that you are comfortable and informed throughout the sales process and the final decision of sale. While you may be referred to agents from friends, family, colleagues, or online forums, in

In a competitive rental market, rents can increase at an exponential level and can sometimes lead to negotiations in rental prices and some properties being out of reach.  There are no guidelines on what a “reasonable” rent increase should be and rental figures are influenced by the supply and demand on rental properties in the

Over the past decade, auctions have become the favoured method of sale for real estate agents and sellers in the property market. While this is a great option for agents to use during the sales process, it can become an exciting and stressful experience for buyers.  Preparing for an auction is a crucial step before

Making the decision to either renovate or sell can be a tough one, especially when the sales market becomes quieter.  When planning to sell your home, usually there will be a consideration around the current market conditions, the costs to sell and the emotional attachment that is within your home.  Some things to consider when

Changes in laws across the years and world events have seen a rise in pet ownership in rental properties as more renters are finding it acceptable to have pets in their properties.   As with all pet ownership, there are things to consider in the care and use of the property as well as the safety

Inclement weather can sometimes put a dampener on the number of people who may come through your open home and when it comes to your winter homes, as with any season, you want to show off your property in the best possible light. The winter months are a great opportunity to show how warm and

A tighter rental market can often mean that there is more competition when you are looking for your new home. This can sometimes lead to stress around the application process, and you may find that you are applying for several properties. There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you have

There are many benefits to staging when selling your home and depending on the style of your home and budget, there are professional stylists who can work with you and your agent to find the best solutions in presenting the property for sale. It increases the look and feel of the home Bringing in furnishings,

A residential tenancy agreement, lease agreement or tenancy agreement is the legal document that is required when a Landlord/Owner/Property Agent and Tenant/Renter enter into an agreement for the Tenant to rent a property for a specified period. A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document, and it is important that all that enter into the

When property markets are influenced by external factors or changes in economic conditions, there can be fluctuations in how fast a property may sell. There are additional factors that can also limit the length of time that it takes to sell a property and important factors to note if you are considering selling. Price If

When it comes to selling your home, there are a few things that you should consider before deciding to sell and then testing the market to see if it will achieve your goal sale price. Avoiding little mistakes along the way can reduce stress and maximise the outcome.  1. Avoid overcapitalising on improvements It may

Selecting the right agent to sell your home is a crucial piece of the puzzle to ensure that you are making informed decisions in the property sale process and in the end, comfortable with the outcome of the sale. There is no one answer to the best agent, as everyone’s approach to selling their property

Heading into tax time can seem a daunting prospect with understanding what you can and can’t claim on your investment property.  The good news is that a good property manager can help to keep track of your expenditure over your property and a great accountant will help with identifying and maximising the deductions that you

The property market is constantly moving and what the final sale price of a property ends at varies depending on a multitude of factors, however, will largely be at the whim of supply and demand of properties in the market. When looking at pricing your home, you first might consider basing the sale price off

The decision to sell your home can be life-changing and when you are considering when the right time might be, you can sometimes get caught up in the hype of when it might be a good time to test the market.  Largely, the real estate market can be seasonal in the demand for property. Spring

If you own one or even more investment properties, there are benefits to employing a qualified property manager to take care of your assets and who will ensure that the essential areas are taken care of.  A good property manager will take the potential stress away from you when it comes to management of the

While there are the traditional methods of sale including auction, private treaty, and expressions of interest or tender, with more recent market demands, selling off-market has become a viable option for sellers and buyers.  To sell off-market, a sales agent will usually have a database of interested buyers that have been generated due to an

When it comes to putting your home on the market for sale, there are several areas that are important to disclose to your agent and potential buyers before and during the sale of the property. Failure to disclose many of these areas can result in harsh penalties, depending on the state that you are in

There are many advantages to selling your home by auction. This form of selling a property can contribute to achieving a higher final sale price by increasing the competition of the potential purchasers who are bidding on auction day.  When setting your price prior to an auction you have the choice not to sell underRead more

As we head toward the end of the financial year, you may find that you are having conversations with your accountant or your property manager around areas that you can look at to maximise your investment property value and in turn, the returns that come with it.  One of the areas that you can lookRead more

The return of the cooler months can be a time where it is tempting to hibernate and let those maintenance items go around your home until the spring warmth is back. Keeping on top of home maintenance in the winter months will ensure that it doesn’t get too far behind. Check walls and ceilings forRead more

A property appraisal will usually be carried out on your home by a qualified real estate sales agent where you would like to gain an estimate of the potential value in the current market conditions or in the case where you have decided to sell the property. Choosing to get a market appraisal on yourRead more

Selling your home doesn’t need to be stressful and with the right combination of industry knowledge and guidance through the process, it can be an exciting journey on the path to your next property purchase.  Have the property appraised When you make the decision to sell your property, one of the first steps that youRead more

Listing your property for sale was once as simple as a few steps of meeting with the local agent, popping up a ‘for sale sign in the front yard and writing a modest ad for print in the local newspaper. While the outcome itself in the current real estate market isn’t too dissimilar, the processRead more

Employ the experts  Regulations around the property including tenancy legislation and taxation are areas that change over time. This is where qualified and experienced experts in property management and accounting can assist in making life easier during your investment journey. Employing a qualified and experienced property manager can remove the stress that can come withRead more

When it comes to selling your home, it is beneficial to assess the current condition of several areas of the property for potential maintenance or minor improvements that may be needed. Tending to this maintenance and improvements before the point of sale can save headaches down the track with potential purchasers who may wish toRead more

Rising costs and tightening household budgets are front of mind as we head into the winter months and as the temperatures start to cool off, the increased use of appliances to heat our homes can contribute to the biting energy prices.  To avoid the bill shock that can sometimes arrive in time with your nextRead more

There is an old saying about first impressions, in that you never get a second chance to make a great one. When you consider selling your home, the impression that prospective buyer has when they walk through the property could be the make or break of their decision-making process in the sale.  Presentation is keyRead more

The winter months can sometimes be unpredictable when it comes to the weather. Rather than it dampening your moving plans, take some steps to ensure that your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Check the weather app Rain has the potential to cause havoc on your moving plans so being prepared for anyRead more

When you make the decision to sell your home or investment property, at face value it could seem like it is as straightforward as contacting an agent, listing, selling, and then moving on to your next home.  There is usually a myriad of costs that should be considered when you embark on the sales processRead more

Tax depreciation is often overlooked in investment property ownership and arranging a schedule or estimate if your property is eligible before 30 June can help you to maximise the potential tax returns. A tax depreciation schedule can be organised through a quantity surveyor who will inspect your rental property and report back on the depreciableRead more