Month: April 2020

Why a Sturdy Home in a Good Location Matters

Owning a home is arguably one of life’s biggest achievements. But given the amount involved in acquiring residential property, it’s also a really big investment. 

Nevertheless, many Australians choose to be homeowners. Data published by Trading Economics in 2016 showed that more than half (65%) of Aussie households own their homes outright. 

The dark clouds that hovered over Australia’s economy for years have also lifted, and GDP growth continues on an upward trend. Strong economic prospects can only serve to benefit vital sectors like real estate.

Home buying is likely to be the biggest financial risk you’ll ever take. That being said, you’ll want to invest in a property that won’t depreciate quickly. This makes choosing the right neighbourhood will be as important as what goes into the house itself.

With that, let’s get into what a ‘good’ home location should look like.

Suburb Research

Safety, proximity to work, good schools, and availability of public services are usually the top considerations for homebuyers. However, you’ll want to buy a house that not only fits but also looks good on your investment portfolio.

This is where suburb research comes in. The goal is to snap up a piece of residential property in a suburb that’s likely to grow and flourish over time. 

How do you tell if you’ve found that ideal suburb? Here’s a 9-point checklist from Urban.

  1. Homes are selling as soon as they reach the market
  2. There are pending infrastructure upgrades
  3. Excellent public transport
  4. An abundance of new businesses and start-ups
  5. Many of the available amenities are within walking distance to many amenities
  6. The neighbourhood is home to many well-regarded schools
  7. Lower rental vacancy rate
  8. First-time homebuyers are flocking to the area
  9. Neighbouring suburbs are already in demand

Once you’ve landed on that ideal suburb, check out property developments in the area. Needless to say, you’ll want to go with a company with experience and a good track record. If you’re house hunting in Queensland or Victoria, AVID has quite the selection of residential developments that are well worth a look.

Property Type

After selecting the right suburb, the focus then moves on to the house itself. Homes come in different shapes and sizes so it is essential to pick one that will make a comfortable abode for all the intended residents. 

Structural integrity is another important factor when looking at houses. Enquiries should always be made about plumbing, electrics, insulation, and materials in the structure. If it’s an established property, it may be good to have the house inspected to check if there are any existing damage.

Do you have a specific vision for how your dream home should look like? In that case, it may be best to build a home rather than spend your time looking for one. If so, your focus then shifts to finding a suitable plot of land for the structure you have in mind.

Head on over to Harmony Living If you’re planning to put down roots in Palmview on the Sunshine Coast. 

At the end of the day, you want a home that ticks all your boxes while being a sound investment. Whether you’re buying or building one, remember that a ‘good’ location is always a must!

 

4 Simple Home Improvement Ideas You Wish You Knew Before

Most of us homeowners want to give our home a facelift but are often bothered by the expenses that come with and the fact that we don’t know exactly what to do. Contrary to what most people think, a home improvement project doesn’t have to be mind-boggling nor expensive. 

As proof, here are four simple home improvement ideas that would instantly make your home look and feel better without putting a huge dent in your budget:

Replace your old bulbs.

Lighting has a huge impact on the look and feels of your home and you just don’t need those harsh white bulbs that make the space look busy and stressful instead of helping you to relax. So if you’re still using the same old white bulbs that came with your house when you bought it, it’s time to replace them with energy-efficient yellow LED bulbs that will instantly make your home feel brand new with its more subtle lighting. 

Yellow bulbs are recommended by experts for their soothing effect, which helps you feel calmer, and LED bulbs also cut down on your energy consumption and they last for a longer time. You can also opt for dimmers over light switches so you can easily adjust the brightness around your house depending on your mood.

Throw in a good blanket.

If you still don’t have the budget for a new bed or sofa, buy a luxurious cotton waffle blanket instead and use it as an accent piece for your bed or couch to make it feel cosier and more comfortable. You can also invest in plush throw pillows in different textures and sizes to instantly add a pop of colour and character to your bedroom or living area without spending a lot of money.

Use floating shelves.

You see floating shelves in almost all home design websites these days. In a time when most of us are living in smaller spaces, floating shelves are a great way to add extra storage that also serves as your accent for your home. You can install floating shelves in your kitchen, dining area, bedroom, and all those unused corners around your house.

Replace your cabinet hardware.

If you’ve been looking at your old kitchen or bedroom cabinets and you’re aching to give them a makeover but you don’t have the budget for it yet, you only need to replace their hardware to update their look. You can either go luxurious with gold or silver hardware or you can go bold with some funky designs to add character to your space. 

Bonus tip

To complete the look and feel of your home for less, visit Alcyon and invest in one of their aromatherapy diffusers to place around your house and instantly make it feel and smell like a spa. You’ll surely love coming home to a space that smells relaxing. You can put diffusers in your living and dining areas, and of course, your bedroom where you can relax at the end of a busy day.  

© 2024 Panama City Metro • Powered by