Merry Xmas everyone! This is our last newsletter for 2017 – we’ll be back in the new year after a few weeks break. I hope you’ve enjoyed the weekly updates on what’s happening in Australian property news. I’m looking to update the format and content next year, so please let me know if there’s anything you would like me to include.
www.realestate.com.au have released their data on the most sought-after suburbs of the year. An amazing seven out of the top ten are in Victoria! You can also check out your own suburb to see how sought after it has been this year, or any potential suburbs you are looking to buy into. As you know I love data, so play around with it and make your own lists.
Greville Pabst of The Block fame gives us his tips this week on selling your home. For those about to put their home on the market, it’s worth a read to make sure you tick all the boxes.
Another study released this week shows that 38% of homeowners do not know their current interest rate. Hands up if this is you! I work in the industry and I don’t know mine either – however, I do know where to find it if needed. It’s interesting to see the study claim this is a lack of financial savviness. If you chat to one of our team you’ll note that while the interest rate is important, critically there are other factors such as the structure of the loan that in our view are more important – there’s no point getting the cheapest rate if you can’t access the features you need or interact with the loan in the way you require. In my mind, this understanding shows more financial savviness than knowing the interest rate. However, if your hand went up, go check what your interest rate is right now – and if it’s higher than what’s currently being advertised in the market, use the summer break to have your loan reviewed and see if you can start the new year with some savings in your pocket.
If you’ve been reading my newsletter this year, you’ll know I’m a big fan of Three Birds Renovations. They do amazing renovations and then flip the homes. Well, guess what?! They are launching The Reno School in the new year. I am so excited! A six-week course all online that will show you how to renovate your home, with all their tips thrown in. Sign me up now!
Thinking of building a cubby house over the break? Look no further than this article for your inspiration. They are amazing! And if you haven’t seen it already, there’s a great hack out there for the Kmart cubby house (of course!).
And lastly, so not house or mortgage-related, I’ve included a recipe for a Choc Jaffa Mousse Slice that I made this week. It is incredible (and gluten, dairy, and refined sugar-free) and is now on our Xmas menu. In the spirit of all things family and home, what better way than to end the year with dessert! Yum!
Merry Xmas!
Leanne
