Blog

Buying, selling, moving and renovating are all major life events, and it’s important you are covered by insurance every step of the way. Here’s how you can best manage insurance requirements so you aren’t caught short. When purchasing a house It’s best to contact insurance companies to arrange house insurance ahead of time as theyRead more

The decision to sell is made, but how do you ensure potential buyers know your house could be their dream home? Here are five top marketing tools to help you get the best possible result for your sale. Online presence More than 80 per cent of  Kiwis look online to find properties for sale, soRead more

Whether you are retiring, looking to free up some capital, or simply wanting to de-clutter, downsizing can offer some real advantages – but it also comes with some downsides. We weigh up the pros and cons of making this lifestyle change. PRO: A smaller home means smaller bills If you are looking to save onRead more

Many of us have an idea for a potential add-on or major renovation for our home, but we don’t always get around to doing it. So, when it comes time to sell, is it worth getting the plans and/or consent ready to show potential buyers? Prepping the plans If you never got around to thatRead more

1. Lighting  Like owls and vampires, burglars like the darkness, so good lighting in and around the home is important. External lighting around the house will fill in the hidden dark spaces and put burglars off. You can get lights that are activated by motion sensors to flood dark spaces, this is great when youRead more

Buying a piece of bare land is an exciting prospect, but hidden costs and issues could turn your slice of paradise into a headache. Check out our tips on what to look for when shopping for a section. Take an expert If a builder or architect is drawing up plans for you, take them alongRead more

New subdivision developments are springing up around the country, and attracting buyers from all walks of life. Here’s a look at the good and the bad of these new neighbourhoods. PRO: Amenities on your doorstep Unlike older suburbs that have gradually evolved over time and often outgrown the capacity of their local schools, shops andRead more

Lucky you, you live in an old house. That may not be your first thought… old houses come with a lot of challenges, but they also come with character and history, which can only be created over time. Old houses differ between styles and eras, which can be challenging, but there are some general recurringRead more

School holidays! It’s a time of excitement for the kids – and a degree of stress for parents, particularly when the inevitable rainy days arrive. Here are a few quick ideas for keeping the kids amused that shouldn’t break the bank. Rain … Make salt dough Christmas decorations. Or after Christmas, any kind of creativeRead more

The laundry often isn’t somewhere we spend much time on when it comes to renovations or updates, but it is a room where many of us spend a lot of time each day. The importance of the laundry in daily living means it could be a deal-maker for potential buyers, so consider these tips toRead more