colinrealestate

If you’re thinking of selling or buying, unlike most years previously, it appears that this year more Kiwis than ever will remain at home and or take shorter breaks away. Obviously it has been a challenging year for the entire economy so this is no surprise.

However, what many are surprised to learn is that research shows that for many years on any given day during the Festive Break, over 70% of home owners are in their own home!

So what? Well, it just could well be that this year is the time to show your home over the break if you are selling – a great excuse to go to the beach while your Open Home is on, or get out of the mid day sun to go looking if you’re thinking buying.

Good luck and let me know if I can help.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

KiwiBank is leading the charge, maximising the offer to First Home Owners with no deposit through the Government Incentive “Welcome Home Loans” package.

Other banks are supporting the same programme to some degree or other.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

It’s a fact! Whether indoors or outdoors, NZers prefer understated colour. Many of us would like and probably have used bold colours, feature walls, friezes and other strong statements…but we have to face the fact that buyers prefer understated whites, off whites and creams.

To be frank, they are timeless and will not go out of fashion whereas every other colourway can be pinned to a certain fashion period and will be out of date almost as soon as they are installed.

So if you’re selling, take a look at a refresh….if you’re buying and see a colour you don’t like, don’t worry, a few litres of paint and it’s sorted!

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

There is quiet confidence that many of the regions will see a better 2011 with predictions of stable dairy incomes, and the seemingly positive response to the development of a new strong wool Co-Operative that will oversee the sale, processing and marketing of that part of the NZ clip,. Certainly we have seen a lift in both listings and buyer enquiry across those sectors in recent weeks.

Sadly viticulture and Kiwifruit are struggling and may do so for some time. However, there is renewed interest in forestry as a viable long term investment.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

For much of the country the summer has already hit the ground running this year. We are noticing that the houses proving most popular and selling quickly are those set up with comfortable outdoor living areas.

One feature that is being asked of more and more is for shady areas outside, as well as places in full sun. It’s amazing what a $69 shade sail can do. Go outside and take a look at how you could reinvigorate your favourite outdoor space.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

There are so many theories about the state and future direction of the property market but there is one truism:

If you want to sell, find the house of your dreams, as long as you are selling and buying on the same market, any time is fine.

The big issue we all face of course is that values are not what they were a few years ago so that damages equity. But think on this – on the basis that your property and the one you want to buy have each altered in value by the same amount, the difference is actually less now than previously and this is especially applicable if you are upsizing.

In the end though it comes down to one thing: Does it feel like the right thing to do? If it does, you will do well. Homes are selling, good properties and those well presented are moving well and being contested, so if you are selling, make sure your home’s presentation is up there with the best.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

Most of us, in fact virtually all areas of the country endured one of the longest and wettest winters in many years, and while many remain concerned as to when is the right time to sell, the predominant comment we hear is “…I want to be in another house before next winter….”

Now, we all end up buying someone else’s property so how do we go forward?

Well, there are always answers and mostly they are cost-efficient options, to warm, dry and make comfortable the home someone has moved on from.

Council and Government supported loans to insulate, heat and dry homes abound….and remember what you see as an opportunity to quickly solve a simple problem and add value, the person who has lived there for some time just doesn’t see.

Opportunity knocks.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

(From BNZ’s most recent update)
Still be floating. But I would keep an eye out for any extra discounting of medium term fixed rates and would take a two year fixed rate if someone offered me 6.35%. I would fix three years if someone offered me 6.50%. Those rates are currently 6.7% and 7.15% respectively.

Given that such rates are unlikely to be offered to me I would be watching closely for when fixed rates may rise and would look to jump into the two year rate just ahead of that rate rise happening.

Don’t know when at this stage.

Speak to your financial advisor for the best options for you.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

If you’re planning to tidy up your home pre sale make sure you don’t paint in the heat of the day.

Modern acrylics are superb products but it is best you don’t expose them to heat or cold, so never paint when the air temperature is below 10 degrees or above 22 in the sun or 28 in the shade…it just dries too fast and could easily fracture later.

It’s all in the preparation though, so make sure you wash thoroughly before hand. Many like to use water blasters but these do not always remove all the material…hose down, rub with broom [plastic ferrules] which you dip into a bucket of water with Sugar Soap liquid, then hose off. Of course, if there are splits or cracks present then complete removal including sanding etc will be required prior to adding paint.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »

Much has been learned about insurance these past few weeks following the Christchurch earthquake so perhaps it’s a timely reminder for you to review just what is covered under your policies.

Each company has it’s own little nuances so make sure you go quietly through all definitions and always ask the company to confirm details and descriptions… in writing.

Filed under: REAL ESTATE  |   Tagged under Real Estate | No Comments »