A rare slice of one of Canberra’s most exclusive, historically significant and tightly held enclaves is up for grabs. It has long been one of Australia’s most unique addresses and now a rare chance has arisen to move into the prestigious heart of the nation’s diplomatic district. The suburb of Yarralumla is home to many […]
Australia’s border towns and neighbourhoods may look alike, but home buyers should be aware of greater forces shaping property prices. Border towns sit on either side of a state line, often operating as one community but governed by different tax rules, housing policies and planning systems. While residents may shop in the same supermarkets, they […]
Key takeaways Your mortgage isn’t the only cost— taxes, insurance, and maintenance can add up. Be prepared for ongoing expenses like property taxes and homeowners insurance. Set aside money each year for repairs and maintenance. Don’t forget about utilities, HOA fees, and upfront costs like closing fees. Budgeting for these expenses  now can save you […]
The five-bedroom house 12 Narmbool St, Manifold Heights, has sold after six months on the market. Manifold Heights’ meteoric rise to Geelong’s most expensive residential real estate can be traced to the 1920s. The decision to impose a single-dwelling covenant when most of the streets were mapped out on what was originally vineyards has locked […]
If you’re thinking about selling your home or just want to boost its curb appeal, you’re probably wondering: Does landscaping increase home value? The short answer is yes, it can. In fact, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) estimates that investing in landscaping can boost a home’s value by as much as 15% to […]
An open house can tell you a lot about a home—but only if you know what to look for. To get the full picture, it’s important to ask questions beyond what you can see on the surface.  While the home might appear move-in ready, asking thoughtful questions can help reveal the condition of the property, […]
All things must come to an end, and rental agreements are no exception. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying your first home, or simply looking for more space, you’ll need to follow a few steps before your lease ends. And sending your landlord a notice to vacate letter is one of those steps. Outlined […]
A lot of people will ask “Is down payment included in closing costs?” when they’re buying a home. And the simple answer is no, they’re not the same. It’s easy to get them confused because they’re both big upfront costs you pay when you’re in the homebuying process. Think of it this way: Your down […]
As a homebuyer, home maintenance is key to keeping your property in good condition for years to come—but without a solid plan, those costs can add up quickly.  The most effective way to budget for home maintenance is to set aside about 1% to 4% of your home’s value each year (or break it down […]
Key takeaways: Buying a house with an LLC is generally recommended only for experienced real estate investors, not the average homebuyer. While you can buy a house under an LLC, the pros and cons to doing so are complex and should be considered carefully.  This buying method is most useful for landlords, people who own […]