Latest Posts
6 Key Benefits of Owning a Home
Owning a home is a dream for many Kiwis, and for good reason. Homeownership offers a range of financial and lifestyle benefits that renting simply can't provide. Whether you’re considering buying your first home or investing in property, here are six key advantages of owning a home in New Zealand. 1. Form of Compulsory Saving Owning a home means you’re not just paying for a roof over your head – each mortgage paymen...
How Colour Affects Home Appeal and Resale Value
Choosing the right colours for your home is more than just picking your favourite shade – it's a decision that can significantly impact both your daily living experience and your home's value. The colours you select have the power to influence mood, alter the perception of space, and even affect potential buyers' impressions. For Kiwi homeowners, mastering the art of colour selection is crucial for creating a space that not only feels in...
Helpful Tips For You To Protect Your Plumbing In Winter
As winter settles in, it's essential to ensure your plumbing system is prepared to handle the cold and damp conditions. Our mates at Garcia Plumbing and Gas, are here to help you keep your home safe and warm throughout the season. Here are some key winter maintenance tips to keep the plumbing at your property working well through winter. Inspect gutters and drains Winter rain means more water naturally accumulates around your p...
The Market is Choice
You’re hearing it every day - on the news, on the radio, in the papers: the market is changing. It’s slowing down, and one of the factors contributing to this is that buyers are now overwhelmingly reporting that the banks are changing how much they can borrow for a home. There’s never been a better time to purchase a great home. We’re currently seeing more quality stock on the market than we have in a long time...
To Stage or Not to Stage?
Southern Star Realty's 4 P’s to making homes shine: Presentation Preparation Promotion Production We know that selling a home can feel very stressful and often a little overwhelming. It’s not uncommon to see several homes come to market at the same time, with similar content. Too often, we see homes brought to market in a way that doesn’t meet the expectations of many discerning buyers. Prices are sti...
What is COMO?
In recent years, the real estate market experienced Buyer F.O.M.O. (Fear Of Missing Out) due to a shortage of homes compared to the high demand from buyers. Now, we are transitioning into a more balanced market, with an equal number of buyers and sellers. However, with this balance comes increased expectations from buyers and banks that homes meet higher standards of finish and condition. This shift has led to longer times on the market, as bu...
Balancing Life and Real Estate – Lessons from My Dad
Growing up, I was fortunate to have a father and mentor who embodied old-school values and toughness. My dad believed in never spending money you didn't have on things you couldn't afford, a principle he lived by diligently. In contrast, my mentor valued moderation and the idea of sewing first and hoping for a good harvest. I remember being concerned when my dad bought his first new car, worried he might have stolen it because we were seemingl...