News Archive
27 April 2008
The mortgage monster
The combination of the highest relative property values in the world with the highest official interest rates naturally produce high home loan repayments. Just how high and how painful is now becoming more than obvious. Anecdotal reports of rising repossessions and a huge increase in forced sales are now spreading from so-called blue collar suburbs to properties in the $1 million to $5 milli... read news item »
27 April 2008
When less means more
The allure of waterfront property remains typically strong, but growth in waterfront values across NSW has slowed from 2006, according to NSW Valuer-General Philip Western. "In coastal locations, the market has eased off," he says, although homes fronting Sydney Harbour buck the trend and remain extremely robust. "In general, we didn't see the increases we had seen in the past,... read news item »
23 April 2008
Home owners wait 26 weeks
About 9500 eligible households have switched to solar hot water since the previous government announced a rebate of up to $1000 in October, but many remain caught in a backlog, with some payments taking 26 weeks to reach home owners. The Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, yesterday launched a modified scheme to cut some of the red tape associated with approvals, but it will be months before... read news item »
23 April 2008
Down to earth in the 'burbs
Phil and Louise Woods tick off more green boxes than most. They capture their own rainwater, have solar panels on their house, buy recycled clothing, eat organic fruit and veg and have chooks grubbing about in their yard. They have also recently renovated their home with mud bricks, using 30 tonnes of soil that was otherwise destined for landfill. But rather than living in a commune near Nimbi... read news item »
19 April 2008
Fortune favours the brave
There are fewer people taking out home loans this year and fewer people at open for inspections. In some areas, agents say there are half the number of buyers and prices have dropped up to 10 per cent compared with last year. These are uncertain times in the property world. Analysts seem confused about the future in the wake of the two most recent interest rate rises and the nosediving world econ... read news item »
13 April 2008
Free advice for battlers
The State Government plan to broaden eligibility for mortgage assistance will ease the backlog as people flood into counselling services in a last-ditch effort to avoid bankruptcy. As well as an extra $1 million for financial counsellors, Premier Morris Iemma's battlers' budget boost also includes: * $840,000 to fund interest-free loans of up to $1000 to buy essentials such as white good... read news item »
13 April 2008
Building on success
Sick of working for a living? Me too - so I've been carefully studying the wide range of seminars on offer around town at which self-described property millionaires will generously share their tips on making a motza out of real estate deals by snapping up a poorly maintained home on the cheap, renovating it - and then selling for a huge profit. Renovating looks all too easy on the lifestyle ... read news item »
12 April 2008
When you need a helping hand
Your brand new off-the-plan apartment has more leaks than a whistleblowers' convention. Your building manager has been selling unit masterkeys on eBay. And pets are running riot throughout the common property. Who ya gonna call? Many apartment buyers complain they don't know where to turn when they're having difficulties but there's a whole industry aimed at helping them out. Help! I ... read news item »
11 April 2008
Tips for selling an apartment
Many apartment owners are in danger of losing money when selling their apartments because they are too busy putting in a new kitchen or bathroom and not looking beyond that, according to the Institute of Strata Title Management (ISTM). With housing affordability at an all time low, first home buyers are turning to medium or high density dwellings as more affordable options*. But adding value ... read news item »
10 April 2008
Green tips you can practice every day
Water Fix any leaky faucets, toilets or water pipes. Even a small drip can add up to a lot of water over time. Wash your car the natural way - wait until it rains. Install water saving faucets Energy Conserve fuel by turning down the heat at night and while you are away from your home — or install a programmable thermostat. Use compact fluorescent l... read news item »