colinrealestate

If you’re keen to do some home improvements this summer, keep in mind that some improvements add value and some don’t.
Kitchen – new cupboards and bench tops and a new oven almost always add value.
Adding a bathroom – also adds value, particularly an en suite.
Adding a bedroom – converting an attic or adding a sleep-out generally adds value. But don’t get carried away by putting a brand new piece on the house. The cost will never be recovered.
Decks & outside living areas – Large decks have huge appeal. You should get most of the cost back in added value, but maybe not all of it.
Grounds – Too many trees and gardens can reduce the value, as all buyers can see are their weekends taken up with keeping them looking good. Make sure the grounds are as maintenance free as possible.
Swimming pools – Almost never add value and put many buyers off.
Spa pools – Same as for pools, so make sure its portable so you can take it with you. Spa pools have novelty value only.
Decor – A coat of paint on the inside walls to hide old wallpaper along with new light fittings can add loads of value and not cost much to do.

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www.firstnational.co.nz for nation-wide property listings and Real Estate information
www.pricespy.co.nz Prices for NZ’s electronics compared
www.sorted.org.nz to set your money straight for 2010
www.interest.co.nz for the best mortgage rates from all lenders
teuxdeux.com for a very handy and useful daily “to-do” activity list to keep on your screen.

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If you are looking for good summer reading, try these, as voted the BEST of 2009 by the New York Times.
THE GOOD SOLDIERS by David Finkel.
CHRONIC CITY by Jonathan Lethem;
A GATE AT THE STAIRS by Lorrie Moore;
HALF BROKE HORSES by Jeannette Walls;
LORDS OF FINANCE: The Bankers Who Broke the World by Liaquat Ahamed.

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When applying for a mortgage, it’s the LIMIT on your credit card, not the outstanding balance that’s taken into account by lenders.
So if you don’t get close to the limit, reduce it as much as you can. It will make a big difference to the size of the mortgage you can take out.

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Research across the world tells us more relationships get into trouble for one reason more than any other! It’s not infidelity, its money – or more specifically the stress of feeling you never have enough or don’t have control. January is the most prolific month for financial stress and this is often brought on by overspending during December and January.
Our advice is to seek help from a competent financial planner. If the mortgage is an issue, ask us about downsizing your home or moving to a less expensive area. Lots do this, so you would be among the many and it could make an enormous difference to your financial situation.
Call me to discuss options and opportunities.

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Westpac is predicting that the NZ economy will take off in 2010. Recently releasing a report called “This Time Its Different”, the banks economist’s outline why NZ’s recovery will be so good. The main reasons for this are the behaviours of the key factors:
– Assets, particularly housing and shares, are rebounding strongly.
– NZ is experiencing a mini-migration boom
– There is a dramatic shortfall in new houses being built, which will create a multi-year source of economic growth.
– The inventory cycle is extremely low and re-stocking will create growth
– Business & consumer confidence, the yield curve and other economic indicators are looking stronger than in previous economic recoveries.
The bank also warns those pessimists looking at credit, employment levels, business closures and mortgagee sales will find that they miss the first year of economic recovery as these are all classic lag factors.
Most New Zealanders would agree that things are improving and unlikely to slip backwards again. The NZ Herald report that 55% of kiwis believe John Key’s government is doing a good job and Key himself has hovered between 50% and 60% as being the best person for the top spot.
We are definitely noticing a more positive outlook from home buyers, helped by stable house prices. The graph above shows median house sale prices around NZ from November 2006 until now. Perhaps “Boom” is too strong a word, but 2010 is without doubt going to be a good year.

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• At Christmas time avoid the temptation to put wrapped presents under the tree any earlier than Christmas Eve – it may look festive but it shows burglars the quantity of gifts for the taking. Remember that most burglars rarely act on impulse, the spend time selecting the right house
• Make sure that valuable items aren’t visible from outside (hide DVD players, computers etc)
• If you have an alarm use it – if you don’t, get one!
• Ensure window and door locks are fitted, working and used
• Invest in automatic activation of lights in your house to give it the “lived in look” even when no one is at home.
• Cancel paper deliveries when you’re away
• Have neighbours collect mail and free papers and leave them a key
• Do not pull the curtains. Seeing this during daylight hours is a give-away that you are on holiday

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As of November this year, the law changed to require all people in the industry to be licensed. So from now on, you will see “”Licensed Salesperson REAA 2008” on my business card and other printed and electronic items.
We are totally committed to the principles of the new Act, which is designed to ensure even more transparency into real estate practices and processes.

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We undertake considerable internet promotion, advertising and marketing as part of our service to you. However, some additional paid advertising is important to ensure we reach every targeted group of the buying public.
No two properties are the same and we will thoroughly research and discuss the mix of promotional activity we believe would work best for you.

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The www.interest.co.nz web site has a brilliant mortgage calculator on it that allows you to compare two scenarios at the same time.
An example loan is for $250,000 at 6.99% and that paying $1,000 per fortnight, it will take about 16 years to pay off and you would pay just over $165,000 in interest. Pushing that up to $1,200 per fortnight, reduces the loan to 12 years and saves $48,000 in interest. You can nominate any of the variables to be the one you solve for.

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