Tag Archives: tips

The top 10 tips for auction bidding

By Cate Bakos

As a trained auction bidder and experienced property buyer, I’ve bid at hundreds of property auctions over the years and have learnt many tricks along the way.

Being based in the country’s auction capital, Melbourne, means that I’m exposed to auctions every single weekend, from the beginning of February until the week before Christmas. Melbournians, Sydneysiders and even Brisbane shoppers understand that the chances of a good property being taken to auction are high. So why do so many people fear auctions? Continue reading The top 10 tips for auction bidding

10 ways to prepare your property for a Spring sale

The property market is alive and buzzing in Spring, with an abundance of buyers and great weather for home inspections. That said, many properties will inevitably make their way onto the market, which means you’ll have a bit of work to do to ensure your investment stands out.

Groom your property for its grand entrance onto the market. Take advantage of the season and give the dwelling a once-over before hitting the ‘For Sale’ board with these 10 top tips for preparing your home for a successful spring sale. Continue reading 10 ways to prepare your property for a Spring sale

Simplifying cross ventilation


Anyone who has ever gone camping will be able to tell you the basics of cross-ventilation – opening up opposite windows (or tent flaps) to allow the air to flow from one side to another.

It’s the same thing that you would do if you have to sit in your car on a hot day. One window is simply not enough, but one open on each side of the car does the trick. Now apply this to your home and you’ll find substantial reductions in your energy costs for cooling. Continue reading Simplifying cross ventilation

5 Tips To Get The Best Price When Selling Your Property

For whatever reason, if you have to sell your property as soon as possible, don’t panic!

It’s easy to be overwhelmed but the best way forward is to set out a plan for selling and work through it step by step. Don’t be deterred if the word on the street is that ‘it’s a bad time to sell'; just keep the following tips in mind and selling your property quickly, and for a good price, will be achievable. Continue reading 5 Tips To Get The Best Price When Selling Your Property

How to sell fast in a slow market

About to sell? Who do you target your property to – and how? Costa Charalambous and Your Investment Property reveal how.

When you bought your first property, you had a purpose, the property met your needs, and certainly there was a special connection. Now as the vendor, you are on the other side of the fence. But stepping into that old hat again and being in the buyer’s mind can help you be at the top of the selling game. Continue reading How to sell fast in a slow market

Holiday security tips

There’s nothing more tempting to a thief than a house which is obviously empty and the golden rule is not to advertise the fact that you’re away.

An overgrown lawn and a pile of newspapers in the driveway is the equivalent of a big billboard in the middle of your front yard saying, “I’m on holidays – help yourself to my stuff”.

Other telltale signs for thieves include forgotten radios blaring 24 hours a day, lights that stay on all night and curtains, which are normally open during the day, being left closed.
So, what can you do to make sure your home is not a target for burglars while you’re on holidays? Continue reading Holiday security tips

Top tips for first-time property investors

Planning, research and good management will help you enjoy your investment.

The purchase of your first investment property marks an exciting new financial phase in your life.

It may also cause some butterflies as you venture into this unfamiliar territory.

As with any first-time venture, you may well encounter some problems but here are some tips that should help you avoid, or at least reduce, some of the issues associated with being a landlord. Continue reading Top tips for first-time property investors

Make money while waiting

With many off-the-plan developments taking years to complete, buyers might want to reconsider how much deposit they put down on a flat they won’t occupy for a long time.

Under the Sale of Land Act, a deposit cannot exceed 10 per cent of the purchase price of an OTP unit but that doesn’t mean the deposit must be the full 10 per cent. Continue reading Make money while waiting