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If your property needs repair or you’re considering a few renovation projects to get it ready for sale, there are a few things you need to consider first. Although well-planned, cost-effective renovations can add value to a home, there is always the risk of over-capitalising. That’s why it pays to consider the types of renovationsRead more

Our guest bloggers from Resene take a look at what buyers want in a dream home, and how to achieve it. We’ve heard Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz say, “there’s no place like home”, and many buzzy bee jokes end with the punchline “honey, I’m home!” – but now, we can actually get aRead more

Moving house can be stressful and upsetting for everyone, but particularly young children, especially if they’ve previously only known one home. But with a little foresight, planning and some good old distraction techniques moving to a new home need not be traumatic. Before moving: Keep the kids as involved as possible in the process ofRead more

Buying a new home often means moving to a new suburb, city or even country. It may be a new location you chose simply because you loved it, or it maybe it’s where you need to be for work or family. Whatever the reason for your change in location, it can be a little dauntingRead more

It’s been a long-held belief in the real estate world that the best time to list your property is in spring. There’s definitely merit to this, with gardens looking their best and with the warmer weather, but that doesn’t mean you should hold off listing your property as we come into autumn. Here are fiveRead more

Many jobs can now be done remotely and working from home is becoming increasingly common. This means an office space can be an attractive point of difference when you are looking to sell. Your goal is to make your office appeal to the widest range of home buyers possible. And you don’t necessarily have toRead more

Some tips for trimming the cost of your mortgage by our mortgage advice partners Mortgage Express As a homeowner, paying off your mortgage before you retire is important. Once you hit retirement age, the last thing you want is to be saddled with debt, or to have to continue working to pay off the balanceRead more

The New Zealand economy is expected to grow 3.5 per cent over the coming year, with construction, tourism and household spending to lift inflation from its record lows, though international political concerns cast a shadow, according to ASB Bank. In the bank’s forecasts for 2017, it says the domestic outlook is encouraging, with the overheatedRead more

The first impression is the most important Your Harcourts consultant will organize some simple tips to help show your property off to its best advantage. Apart from the more obvious ones like making sure your garden, grounds and exterior are well maintained it’s often the little things which can make a big difference. And firstRead more

Adding value. It’s the holy grail of pre-sale home renovations. What are the quick, simple and, most importantly, cost effective alterations you can make that will maximise your appeal to buyers, and therefore your eventual sale price? Inside is one thing – where often a coat of paint and a thorough deep clean can workRead more