Author: Belle Maison Realty

With many real estate brands reporting record growth in recent months, coupled with interest rate lows, flexible lending and working arrangements, pioneering practices are rising to the challenges of pandemic-driven consumer behaviour.    Embracing new technologies reaps results Digital marketing, advances in augmented reality and virtual auction platforms have all played a part in the upsurge...

If you read any auction stories in the Sunday papers or online, the words “clearance rates” will inevitably be mentioned. They indicate the strength of the selling market by measuring the percentage of homes sold at an auction or beforehand. The higher the clearance rate, the greater the buyer demand on that particular weekend. Choose...

Augmented-reality technology and pandemic restrictions are quickly changing the way we buy, sell and rent property.  But for an initial property inspection, wherever and whenever possible, it pays to adopt a hands-on approach.  In addition to the areas that should be covered in every home inspection, we also recommend a grab bag of useful tools...

Lockdown realities are not only changing the way we live and work, but also the environment in which we do so.  Given our close proximity to and focus on our homes, many householders are looking to redecorate. Those seeking to make a change or replace outdated furniture and continue to improve their decorating style, are...

If you’re planning to put your property on the market, the importance of presentation cannot be overemphasised — and never more so than in the garden.  An appealing outdoor zone and landscaped gardens can hugely increase the value of a home, which is why prospective sellers should start putting their green thumbs to good use...

Homes built for the future encompass increasingly popular passive design principles. From green ratings and solar energy to orientation, insulation and glazing, constructing a certified passive-design property is not only an exercise in cost-cutting and energy efficiency, but it can also add resale value.  Passive principles Buildings built in accordance with the Passive House (Passivhaus,...

Reverse mortgages are an increasingly popular way to boost the bank balance for those approaching their twilight years. Aimed primarily at cash-strapped seniors who own their home – or a substantial portion of it – a reverse mortgage operates as it sounds. The opposite of a standard loan and principal loan, a reverse mortgage allows property...

The extended lockdown periods of COVID restrict many employees to their inner sanctums: i.e. the home base. This comes as a welcome relief to some, who relish the avoidance of a crowded commute or being confined to an uninspiring office environment. But for those who prefer to work from a structured place of employment, the...

Damage to your property caused by flash flooding and rain-related issues is a mood dampener, whether you own, rent or invest. Depending on your state and regional location, the rainy season can have a significant effect on many properties throughout the year.  Whatever the weather, insurance companies and real estate agents strongly advise thorough preparation...

Rich, fertile and attractive land is a desirable commodity in Australia and New Zealand.  Regulators and developers in both countries have seen the light with the formation of the Australia-New Zealand Partnership for Development Co-operation in the Pacific.  The partnership seeks to address economic, social and sustainable measures to address regional housing and build a...