How to build a house: Construction phase
It’s the great Australian dream – building a house from the ground up, but the process of construction can be a bit of a mystery, especially for first-home owners. Knowledge is power, so understanding the construction phase – what will happen when and how – is one of the best ways to minimise anxiety and start to enjoy the process. Most Australian builders follow a...
Do you need contents insurance as a renter?
Moving into a rental property can sometimes be a costly exercise. You’ve got your moving costs, you may have had to buy some new furniture or appliances, and you’ve got to come up with bond. And then you need to decide whether to purchase renter’s contents insurance to protect your belongings. But do you need that insurance? The answer, of course, depends on your own personal...
Should you move out while you sell?
To move out or not to move out, that is the question! Deciding whether to remain living in a property while it’s on the market, or to move out is one of the many choices vendors face as they prepare to sell. Angus Graham, from Hodges Sandringham in Melbourne, and Property Stylist Kate Bunton – from 2Tweak Interior Styling, which works with real estate agencies and private clients to...
How long does it take to sell a house?
It seems everyone has a theory about how long it takes to sell a house, but what’s the reality? Angus Graham, from Hodges Sandringham in Melbourne, lays out the facts: “On average in Australia, it takes about 30 days from when you take the photos of your home until the date of sale,” he says. “Once the home has been sold, settlement usually takes between 30 and 120 days,...
How to negotiate the purchase price
Part art, part science, negotiation is a tricky business. Come in too low and you’re left out of the conversation; too high, and you find yourself caged in, with no way to escape. So, how do you work out an offer that’s just right? Here’s our guide to negotiating a purchase price. 1. Look at recent comparable sales The first step towards a successful negotiation is...
7 ways to save on rent without getting a housemate
Sharing a house is a lot of fun, but there will likely come a day when you’ll want to go it alone. That doesn’t mean, however, that you’ll necessarily need to earn a whole lot more cash. Here are a few ways to make solo living work, while saving enough cash to still do the things that you love. 1. Be a professional house sitter If you’re keen on living alone but...
