Category Archives: Tips & Advice

How to Buy a Block of Land – Tips

Buying a block of land should be easy.  Unlike purchasing an existing home, there’s no construction quality issues to consider, no style to choose, and no decorating details to slow down the decision-making.   However, it’s not as simple as looking in the paper and picking a block out.  There are far more factors to consider as your choice of land is intrinsic to the success of your custom-built home… so here is a checklist with some of the more important considerations. Continue reading How to Buy a Block of Land – Tips

Appliance star energy ratings explained

The Energy Rating Label was first introduced in 1986 in NSW and Victoria, and is now mandatory in all Australian states and territories for electrical appliances to carry the label when they are offered for sale.

This includes:

  • Dishwashers
  • Refrigerators
  • Freezers
  • Clothes washers
  • Domestic televisions
  • Clothes dryers
  • Air-conditioners (single phase only)
  • Some three phase air conditioners and swimming pool pumps may carry an energy rating label if the supplier chooses to apply for one

On all these appliances, the label features a star rating between one and 10 stars – the greater the number of stars the higher the efficiency. Continue reading Appliance star energy ratings explained

Moving with Kids & Pets

 

A much overlooked topic when it comes to moving is kids and pets.  

Mention that you’re relocating and everyone has lots of advice about the best way to pack, and tips on what to do and what to look out for.

However, kids and pets are very often the overlooked topic even though they are probably the ones most affected on the day.

Moving Day can be traumatic for kids and pets so it’s important to make sure your little ones (two legged or four) are safe and sound while the movers pack and load your belongings.

Keep these tips in mind as you prepare them for moving day. Continue reading Moving with Kids & Pets

Should you manage your own investment property?

One of the most important decisions to make when you buy an investment property is whether to appoint a professional property manager or manage the property yourself.

More than three quarters (77%) of landlords have their properties professionally managed by an agent, or have done so in the past, according to The Australian Landlords Panel 2012.

Both options needed to be carefully considered before making a final decision that is right for you. Continue reading Should you manage your own investment property?

Buying a new build home vs Buying an existing home

A question that many potential first time buyers ask is “Should I buy a new build, or should I go for an older property?”

Everyone has their reasons for choosing new or older buildings when purchasing their first home.

If you are faced with this conundrum, why not read on for our top list of considerations before taking your first visit to the estate agents. Continue reading Buying a new build home vs Buying an existing home

Unwanted winter houseguests – rats and mice

The return of winter means you’ll be spending more time in your home, but chances are, you won’t be the only one seeking shelter.

As temperatures drop, some of our most despised house guests – rats and mice – are busy searching for a warmer spot to sleep, and many will find it in a wall cavity, snuggled up in ceiling insulation or curled up behind a fridge. This can be a matter of concern, but there are ways of coping with them other than putting down anti-coagulant poisons, which can harm pets that ingest the poison or the poisoned vermin. Continue reading Unwanted winter houseguests – rats and mice

How to maintain your swimming pool over winter

Now that it’s time for your swimming pool to close shop for the winter, most people simply throw the cover over and forget about it.  When the weather warms up, you’re then faced with getting that browny-green pool crystal clear again so the kids stop badgering to get back in!

The most economical way to maintain your pool is to:

CONTINUE TO LOOK AFTER YOUR POOL Continue reading How to maintain your swimming pool over winter