What To Consider When Buying House & Land Packages

Are you purchasing your first home or investment property? You may very well be beginning to experience a sense of overwhelm with the multitude of options available. One popular option is to purchase a comprehensive house and land package. As this is an attractive option for many, here are some considerations to take into account when looking for house and land packages in Victoria.

 

What Are House And Land Packages?

A house and land package is a property purchase in which the buyer purchases land and plans to construct a home. This is done with one process but with two contracts. These are slightly different from regular property purchases. When you buy a house and land package, you deal with two contracts (one for the land, one for the house), whereas with a traditional property purchase, the two are valued together and you get only one contract. 

The land contract is a set value which you will be required to pay via your mortgage or whatever financial terms you’ve arranged. The construction of the home is typically done in phases and paid for accordingly.

 

Considerations When Buying House and Land Packages

One of the most important considerations before choosing a house and land package is the area’s infrastructure. The area may be considered up-and-coming, so there may be factors to consider such as public transportation that are not fully developed yet. 

Break down the prices to ensure they are actually representative of the property value. Sometimes, these can be inflated by marketing commissions and costs. Find packages where you are not overpaying.

If your purpose is investment, take into consideration that you can’t have tenants during the construction phase. So financing your mortgage may require a bit of creativity until you are able to let to tenants, particularly if construction takes longer than anticipated.

 

House and Land Packages: Pros

Cost-Effective

Purchasing a package deal may be cheaper than purchasing an existing home. There are little-to-no fees or initial payments when building your own.

You can typically settle much sooner with a package deal since the traditional method often employs high interest rates. 

Convenience

Going with a house and land package typically simplifies the process of getting a home. You have to deal with the developer only instead of a multitude of different people involved in acquisition and construction. 

Financing

Financing is often simpler with house and land packages. You know exactly how much you need to finance before you go to the bank.

 

House and Land Packages: Cons

Pre-Designed Homes May Not Be For Everyone

While this can be considered a pro as well, not everyone will love to choose a home from a catalogue of options. Still, you can always adjust the design and add or remove any amenities that make the home unique for your family.

Location

If you were hoping to be in the city centre, a house and land package may not be for you. These deals are often situated in the suburbs where the commute to work increases and public transportation may not be an option.

Less Land

As these are generally part of a larger development, house and land packages are usually compact, meaning you’ll have less yard space. That’s not always the case, however, so be sure to do your research beforehand. 

 

In Summary

House and land packages are a great way to purchase property. It’s feasible, straightforward, and economical. It’s particularly well-suited to first-time homeowners. However, if unique home design and amenities are a priority for you, along with a large yard, you may consider purchasing an existing home or creating your own.

 

5 Tips Every First-Time Dog Owner Must Know

With more than 29 million pets in Australia, almost every household now owns a dog. Although it can be such a joyful experience, dog ownership is also a huge responsibility, especially for first-time owners who don’t know exactly how to take care of their pets.

 

Now, if you’re part of this bunch, here are five important tips that will help you get started as a first-time dog owner:

  • Give time for your dog to adjust. After you take your dog home, it will take some time for it to adjust to its new environment. Prepare a space for your dog to be comfortable in, like its bed or area where it can feel at home. You also need to be extra patient with your dog and give it time to be familiar with you. Dogs are often overwhelmed and scared, so make sure to find ways to make them feel loved.

 

  • Invest in the right food. Food plays a huge role in the health and wellbeing of your dog, so you need to find a dog food that fits his needs best. Investing in high-quality Australian made dog food is not only a way of showing your love for your dog, but it’s also your investment to make sure that your pet doesn’t experience any problems that could mean more expenses for you in the future. 

 

  • Take care of its basic needs. Having a dog would feel like having a newborn at home, which means that you have to provide for its basic needs to give it the best quality of life. Aside from good quality food, you also need to give it a good shelter, proper nutrition and the opportunity to interact with other pets. If your dog feels that it is well taken care of, you will surely be reciprocated with loyalty and a lot of love.

 

  • Find a good veterinarian. Just as you would find a good doctor for your family, you also need to find a good veterinarian for your dog. This professional will not only help you look out for your pet and make sure it stays healthy, but he can also help you learn more about how to take care of your dog properly. By building a good relationship with your vet, you will have someone to go to whenever your dog gets sick.

 

  • Train your dog. You don’t need to be the dog whisperer to raise a good dog. You just need to reinforce good habits consistently to make sure that your dog can grow up with proper manners that will keep you from any hassles later on. Taking a little time out of your day to train your dog is a huge step towards making it a good pet.

 

Are you excited to raise a good dog? You made the right decision in choosing a pet to be part of your family. If you follow these tips, it would be easier for you to make sure that your dog gets the best quality of life.

What Causes Constipation and How to Combat It

Are you having difficulty when you need to go to the toilet? You might have constipation; it’s a condition that we all eventually go through. The severity of constipation varies significantly, from mild to extreme. It could even have serious health consequences.

If you do have constipation, I’m sure that you have a lot of questions. What is it? What causes it? How do you remedy it? All these questions will be answered in this article, so read on if you wish to learn more.

 

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is infrequent bowel movements, causing difficulty in digesting food and processing it through the digestive tract. Constipation is defined as passing fewer than 3 stools per week. Stools that are too hard or lumpy is a common symptom.

 

What Causes Constipation?

Constipation is caused by food that doesn’t digest quickly enough, going too slow through the digestive tract. Anything that blocks the colon or rectum can cause constipation. This could include an anal fissure, colon cancer, rectal cancer, or even a bowel stricture. 

 

How You Can Combat Constipation

There are several strategies that you can implement to combat constipation. Some of these include eating certain foods, while others include avoiding certain foods. You could even use an over-the-counter drug. Read on to find out more about how you can find relief. 

 

Try Drinking Some Lemon Juice Mixed With Water

Perhaps the simplest way that you can alleviate your constipation is to drink water with lemon juice mixed in. The great thing about lemons is that they have a lot of vitamin C. Natural antioxidants like lemons hydrate you, especially your digestive tract.

The hydration of your gut will make it easier to digest foods. Your stool will soften, and your bowel will have better movement. All of this works because if you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to be constipated. If you already have constipation, you won’t be helping it.

Your digestive tract needs to be hydrated to an optimal level for your stool to break down and soften. The ideal stool is neither too hard nor too soft. Hydration of your gut plays a large part in determining the hardness of your stool.

You need to make sure that you don’t just drink lemon juice by itself. It’s a very high citrus fruit, which can cause some problems for your teeth. Simply diluting it with enough water should do the trick.

 

Consume Some Olive Oil

The great thing about olive oil, apart from its well-documented health benefits, is how it can improve digestion. Olive oil works like WD-40 for your digestive tract, making it easy for foods to pass through your intestines. Constipation is all about improving the health of your gut.

All you need is a single teaspoon or two for good measure.

 

Use a Laxative

Another common way that people combat constipation is to use an over-the-counter drug. For instance, laxatives nz are an effective way to remedy your inconsistent bladder. OTC drugs are more potent than simple homeopathic solutions, such as drinking lemon juice.

 

What You Need to Know About Gas Cylinders

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been used in a variety of domestic and industrial applications for many years now, and it is proven safe as long as it is stored and used properly. But it’s also no secret that a mishandled gas cylinder can cause some serious dangers. 

 

If you have one at home, here are some of the most important things that you need to know:

Proper handling

All compressed gas cylinders, whether full or empty, should be secured properly with a chain or strap between the “shoulder” and “waist” to keep them from moving and falling over. Any empty or unused cylinders should be capped at all times to avoid any leaks. Even empty cylinders can still have some residue gas that could be a potential hazard.

 

Proper storage

Aside from securing the cylinders properly, they also need to be stored in a well-ventilated outdoor area where they can always be positioned upright. Never store your gas cylinder indoors, especially in tight areas, to avoid the risk of an explosion. You should also avoid storing any aerosols, petrol, or flammable liquids near your cylinders. 

And aside from positioning your cylinders upright at all times, you also need to make sure that the pressure relief valves are facing away from any combustible materials or dwellings.

 

Proper usage

You must learn how to use your gas cylinders properly to avoid any chances of an accident that could lead to damages and even loss of life. For one, you should never use your cylinders inside a confined space or connect and disconnect it near a naked flame. LPG catches fire quickly, and explosions have happened before because of people operating their cylinders near a flame. 

It’s also vital to ask your supplier how to operate your cylinder before using it since some cylinder valves may vary. If you’re having a hard time opening or closing the main cylinder valve or if you think that there’s something wrong with any part of the cylinder, contact your supplier right away.

 

Proper maintenance

To ensure that your gas cylinder is working properly, you need to make sure that it is properly maintained and re-tested every 10 years. If you suspect a leak, you can check it by spraying soapy water over the hose or connection that you think has leakage. If you see bubbles, that’s a sign of a leak, and you need to turn off your gas cylinder right away and call a licensed gas fitter to fix it. 

Never attempt to fix any leakage on your own or use a naked flame to detect it because that could easily lead to an explosion. 

 

Finally, make sure that you’re only getting your gas cylinders from a reputable supplier. This will help you ensure the quality and safety of your cylinders to avoid any hazards that could put you, your family, or your business at risk. Never settle for low standards just because they are cheaper. It is always important to be careful at all times, especially when it comes to handling, storing, using, and maintaining LPG.

 

5 Smart Tips to Help You Save Up for Your Dream Home

We all have our dream home, don’t we? White picket fences, a beautiful front porch, and a house that we can finally call ours. But there’s also the reality that investing in a home is a huge financial decision. With housing prices skyrocketing in Australia, achieving your goal of buying a house may seem far-fetched right now. 

 

But you can get started on your journey to buying your dream home by saving up now. Here are five smart tips that you can follow:

Set your mind to a goal.

You’ll see a lot of good deals on the market because developers are trying to sell their properties. But if you are to make a smart decision that will benefit you in the long run, you have to save up for at least 20% of the total price of your home. Do some research and set a price point that you can afford. Then, use this as your foundation for building your savings fund for your home.

 

Re-evaluate your expenses.

We all have expenses that we can live without. While you need to allocate money for staple expenses like rent, utilities, and food, you can do away with having Starbucks twice a week or ordering takeaway every Friday. Getting to your dream home will require some compromises and sacrifices. So, re-evaluate your expenses and cut down on anything that’s not essential. Live below your means today and enjoy your dream home in the next few years.

 

Find ways to earn more.

If you want to achieve your financial goal faster, you could use an extra source of income. Fortunately, there are so many ways to earn money these days. You can write blogs, offer tutorials, bake cookies, or work a side hustle just to get more cash into your pocket. People who already bought their dream home have worked hard for it. So, if you want to get to your goal faster, find ways to earn more.

 

Invest your money.

If you’re already starting to look at house and land packages, you’ll probably be inspired to find ways to earn more money fast. This is where investing comes in. Although putting your money on the stock market, for instance, involves some risks, doing it right will also reap you good earnings that you can put towards your dream home. 

 

Stay out of debt if you can.

Finally, there’s debt, which will be one of your biggest roadblocks to achieving your goal of buying a house. So, while debt can be inevitable at some point, try to stay away from it as much as you can. If it’s not necessary, don’t use your credit card to avoid the interest rates. Don’t take out a loan unless it’s for your dream house. Of course, if you have any debt right now, pay it off slowly so that you can put that money towards your dream home in the future. 

 

Are you ready to finally work on that goal? These tips will surely help you get started in achieving your dream home.

The Hidden Costs of Building a House

Are you planning on building a house? There are several hidden costs that need to know about. These are fees that aren’t included in the quote that your building company will give you, so you must factor them into the equation. 

Keep reading to uncover the hidden costs of building a house today.

 

1. Soil and Contour Tests

Before you begin to build your house, you’ll need to have soil and contour tests completed. These are done by the building company that’s constructing your house. They are two tests: the soil test, and then the contour test.

Before both of these tests are taken place, you’ll need to deposit a fee with your building company. The soil test will take place first; surveyors will arrive at the construction site and determine the soil quality of the lot. 

The quality of the soil will determine your costs. If the soil is of poor quality, it makes it harder to build your house. Naturally, that’ll cost you more money. Rocky soil can present significant problems for your house’s building company.

The contour test will determine if your property is on flat or sloping land. Flatter land is easier to build on; if your house is on sloped land, it presents your construction company with problems. If this is the case, you might need to seek the services of a custom builder. It’ll cost more money.

 

2. Site Preparation Costs

To begin the construction of your home, the site will need to be prepared, which could include a number of things. For instance, trees might need to be cut down and cleared; retaining walls might need to be built. Anything that involves potential excavation and demolition really.

How much your site preparation will cost will depend on your unique situation. The results of your soil and contour tests will have a large influence on this expense. Also, consider that preparation of your site could interrupt traffic on the street or even close a road.

 

3. Flooring

Oftentimes, you’ll come to discover that the quote from your builder doesn’t include certain things, like flooring. Typically, your flooring is a separate cost; the builder will simply construct a house on a slab of concrete. 

Make sure you investigate the cost of flooring with your builder. This can include tiling, carpets, or perhaps floorboarding.

 

4. Landscaping

The quote from your builder won’t include your property driveway, only the building of the house structure. How much your driveway will cost you depends on its layout and geography. The design and materials you use for it also will influence the price.

 

5. Land Registration

You’ll have to register your block of land, which does cost money. You should get in contact with your building company to see if the lot has been registered already. This price will vary, as each piece of land is unique.

 

6. Design Modifications and Add-ons

It’s very likely that you’ll decide to change things as you go along. This is an additional price that you must factor into the equation. These modifications and add-ons aren’t included in your initial building contract; they require more labour and material costs, among other things.

The 5 Best Communities on the Sunshine Coast to Invest In

Are you considering buying an investment property? It’s one of the best ways to make passive income. One of the best regions in Queensland to buy one is the Sunshine Coast. It’s a part urban, part rural area that’s rapidly growing, with population steadily rising.

So, what specific suburbs are the best to buy an investment property in? Vacancy rates are low across most of the region, but there are golden nuggets to be found. Below, we’ve listed the 5 best communities on the Sunshine Coast to invest in.

Enjoy!

 

1. Caloundra 

Caloundra is a coastal town that’s close to white sandy beaches, fantastic shopping centres, and great community facilities. It’s one of the main spots on the Sunshine Coast expected to blow up over the next few decades.

The town has great public transportation, high-quality primary schools and high schools, making it ideal for families. A hub for tourism, Caloundra has several tourist attractions that make it a holiday destination.

If you’re looking for an investment property that’ll return on investment, Caloundra is a great community to look at. However, the relaxed coastal town is rapidly growing, so you need to act fast before it’s too late.

 

2. Buderim

Buderim is a bustling urban centre that’s right in the middle of the Sunshine Coast, elevated on the top of a 180-metre mountain. From it, you can see the coastal beaches of Mooloolaba, and Maroochydore further north. 

Local schools make it an ideal spot for families, and there’s lots of vegetation, making it environmentally friendly. Not to mention because of its elevated position nature trails for hiking, running, and biking exist. It’s currently growing rapidly, so you need to get in fast.

This is a community you need to keep an eye on for a potential investment property. Land for sale Buderim Sunshine Coast is a little bit rural, a little bit urban; its rainforest aesthetic makes it a scenic spot.

 

3. Coolum Beach

Coolum Beach is a beachside town that is a hotspot for investors because it’s a popular tourist and holiday destination. The beach, which is patrolled by lifesavers from Coolum Beach Surf Life Saving Club, provides some of the best waves to surf.

There are plenty of parks in Coolum Beach, a boardwalk, and many shops. New retail developments are always being built, as well as apartments. The town is projected to have a rapidly growing population, so you must get in before it’s too late.

There’s also a quality primary school and high school, so it’s a suitable spot for families. In the distance, you can see Mount Coolum. Mooloolaba and Maroochydore are only a short drive to the south, while Noosa is to the north.

 

4. Mountain Creek

Mountain Creek is a specific suburb within Buderim that’s an ideal location for a Sunshine Coast investment property. Named for the creek that runs through it, Mountain Creek features scenic parks and adventurous bike paths. There’s also plenty of local shops.

Families will be looking to move into the neighbourhood, as there are several schools in the location. Not only are there primary schools and high schools, but also a TAFE, as well as a university within close driving distance.

Like the other communities in this article, Mountain Creek is expected to grow. If you’re thinking about purchasing an investment property on the Sunshine Coast, this would be an ideal location. Don’t take too long though, the opportunities won’t be there forever.

How Exactly Can You Prepare for Retirement? Here’s Your Guide

For most of us, retirement is still a long way away. When you are young and enjoying life, you try not to imagine the years when you’re older and already retired. But if there is a perfect time to prepare for retirement, it is now. Here are some tips to help you get started on the right track towards ensuring that you enjoy a stable and comfortable retirement:

 

  • Build your savings now. The advantage of saving up when you’re still young is that you have a lot of time to build your savings even if you start small. You also have the benefit of compounding interest, which allows your money to grow more, so you already have enough when you retire. Prioritize saving for retirement, come up with a realistic plan and stick to them, so you can achieve your goals. 

 

  • Define your retirement needs. It’s already a known fact that retirement is expensive. Studies suggest that you’ll need at least 70% of your pre-retirement income if you want to live a comfortable life when you stop working. This is why it’s crucial to take charge of your financial future now by making sure that you define your retirement needs and allocate the right funds for them in the future.

 

  • Create a balance between investment goals and risk tolerance. Investing is one of the best ways to build your wealth for your retirement years, but it can also get a bit tricky if you don’t know how to manage your investments well. This is where you can benefit from working with a personal financial planner who can help you choose the right investments, manage your portfolio properly, and guide you in making the right decisions when it comes to your finances. A professional can also help you mitigate risks and protect your investment.

 

  • Learn about investments. Even if you choose to work with a professional financial planner, it’s still vital to learn all about the basic principles of investing, including inflation, risks, and the different types of investments that will allow you to save enough to enjoy when you retire. You should also learn about how your savings and pension plan are invested so you can manage them properly. 

 

  • Never touch your retirement savings. When you have money in the bank, it’s so easy to get tempted to spend it even if you don’t need to. But you have to remember that every time you withdraw from your retirement savings, you’re also losing principal and interest. Some banks may even charge you withdrawal penalties and make you lose some tax benefits. This is where you could use your emergency fund so that you don’t need to touch your retirement savings.

 

Gearing up for retirement may not be on your mind right now, but there is no earlier time to save up for your financial future than now. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring the habits you can implement, and begin planning your retirement now.