Steady as she goes. That appears to be the philosophy of the Reserve Bank, who today decided to keep interest rates on hold – the cash rate remains at 3.5%.
With cuts in May and June totaling 75 basis points, the majority of economists surveyed prior to the announcement predicted this result. Continue reading Interest Rates remain on hold
It’s not easy being green when world leaders are grappling with the issues surrounding climate change.
While we use green bags at the supermarket, recycle our rubbish, maybe do a little vintage shopping and even try to grow some vegies in the backyard or on the balcony – is that really enough? Is green fatigue affecting campaigns to reduce our carbon footprint? Continue reading It’s not easy being green: Why environmental campaigns are dying
LED lights are finally reaching a level that is set to make them the choice of lighting when it comes to what to put inside – and outside – your home.
You might not see them on the shelves of Kmart just yet, but most lighting retailers now carry several lines of LEDs and they come in everything from strip lighting to downlight globes and, thankfully, replacements for what we would consider “normal” globes that fit into bayonet and screw-in fittings. Continue reading LEDs finally hit home
Preparing and presenting your house for sale in its best possible light really pays dividends in the end financial result. Here are a few sure-fire ways to make your open home a success. Continue reading Quirky ideas for open homes
Floating floors can be a relatively cheap, quick and easy update for your floors, the trick to getting a great floor is, as usual, all in the preparation.
Through all the fickle trends of the last century, one style of flooring has consistently triumphed: floorboards. Continue reading DIY: Floating floors
With the official interest rate lowered in two consecutive months, borrowers are likely to be considering reassessing the terms of their loans with the possibility of switching financial institutions.
Here are seven key areas where hidden fees and additional costs are likely. Continue reading 7 Hidden Costs in Switching Mortgages
Comprehensive property reports can save pain down the track.
For many people, filling out a detailed, accurate condition report at the start of a tenancy is about as appealing as doing their tax return or cleaning the car.
For first-time renters especially, given the choice between setting up their new share house, organising the housewarming party or checking the skirting boards for signs of wear and tear, it’s easy to see why paperwork often gets bumped. Continue reading Comprehensive property reports worth dwelling on
Sometimes selling makes sense.
You may have cash flow issues or your property may no longer be performing for you.
The good news is that it’s a buyer’s market, so what can you do to make to get the best possible price for your property? Continue reading How to get top Dollar in a Slow Market
Asbestos.
The mere word is enough to strike fear into the heart of any renovator, but the good news is that it’s not all bad. Like the sleeping dragon, asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed or approached without due care. Continue reading DIY: Asbestos
It is the classic quandary for many empty, or soon-to-be empty nesters across the country: what to do with the big family home once the adult children have finally flown the coop?
Is the answer to stay in it, sell it, or rent it out? Continue reading From Empty Nest to Nest Egg