How to Secure Your Lowest Home Loan Interest Rate
How to Secure Your Lowest Home Loan Interest Rate Everyone wants a lower interest rate on their home loan—it can make a huge difference and save you thousands over the life of your mortgage. By securing the lowest possible rate, you can also shave years off your repayment period. Here’s how to ensure you get the best deal. Research is Your Best Friend Do substantial research to f...
Positive Cash Flow Strategy 101
Positive Cash Flow Strategy 101 Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we believe in making property investment strategies as simple and family-friendly as possible. Let’s dive into the world of positive cash flow properties and how they can benefit you. What is Positive Cash Flow? Simply put, a positive cash flow property is one that generates more income than it costs to maintain. This means...
How to Work Through Contingencies When Selling Your Home
Work Through Contingencies When Selling Your Home When selling your home, you'll often encounter buyers including contingencies in their offers. Any contingency can potentially delay your sale, so it’s important to discuss these in detail with your agent. Here are some common contingencies that buyers often include in purchase agreements: Inspection Contingency A building and pest insp...
Conveyancing 101
Conveyancing 101 Conveyancing is the transfer of legal title of property from one person to another. Both the seller and buyer will engage a conveyancer to act on their behalf, ensuring that the property transaction flows smoothly and that any misunderstandings are addressed. What Your Conveyancer Will Do Your conveyancer will manage most of the transaction steps and paperwork for you, inclu...
How Long Does It Take to Buy A House?
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House? There are many steps to buying a house, and each one takes time. The overall duration often depends on how long you spend looking for the right home. Once you have a signed contract, it typically takes 30-50 days to close. Step-by-step preparation is key to preventing delays. Research: 1-14 Days Start with some critical research to figure out what you wa...
Home Loan Pre-Approval Explained
Home Loan Pre-Approval Explained If you can't get the money, you can't buy the home. Before you start looking for a home, you need to know if you have a lender or bank that will lend you the money. This is where getting a "Pre-Approval" comes in. First Things First FACT: Pre-approval is not a guarantee that you will get the loan you need for the property you want. A mortgage pre-approval me...
What to Do If Your Home Sale Falls Through
What to Do If Your Home Sale Falls Through Having an offer does not necessarily mean you have sold the property—the deal is not complete until the money is in the bank. Patience is Key You’ve received a good offer, everything has been accepted and signed, and you think it’s done and dusted. Unfortunately, plenty of things can happen after making an offer that can trigger a ...
How To Get Your Home Ready For Sale
Transform Your Space: Boost Buyer Interest and Value with These Easy Tips! Putting effort into your home before placing it on the market can give it a winning edge, boost buyer interest, and ultimately increase its value. Here's how you can make your home shine: Remove the Clutter We all have clutter, but potential buyers don’t want to see it. Rooms look larger and more inviting with l...
The Basic Legal Steps to Selling Your Home
The Basic Legal Steps to Selling Your Home Selling your home involves several legal processes after you’ve accepted an offer. Most of this is handled by your agent and conveyancer during the “settlement period,” which usually takes around 60-90 days. Here’s a friendly guide to help you understand the steps involved. Get Professional Legal Advice Each state has its own...
What is L.V.R and Why is it Important?
Understanding L.V.R. and Its Importance Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we believe in making complicated financial terms simple and friendly for our extended family. So, let's chat about L.V.R. – Loan-to-Value Ratio – and why it’s a big deal when you're looking to buy a home. What is L.V.R.? L.V.R. stands for Loan-to-Value Ratio. It’s one of the key factors lenders con...
Buy or Sell - Which One First
Buy or Sell – Which One First? When it comes to moving home, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s a bit like the classic “chicken or egg” conundrum! Both buying first and selling first have their perks and pitfalls. The best choice depends on your unique situation, and we’re here to help guide you through it. Your Real Estate Family Choosing the right...
Why Use An Agent to Sell Your Home
Why Use an Agent to Sell Your Home Selling your home is a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming. At JKL Real Estate, we understand that this process is not just about transactions—it's about transitions, and we're here to support you every step of the way, just like family. Here’s why using an agent from JKL could be the best decision you make: Maximize Your Price, Minimize Y...
Comparative Market Analysis (For Buyers)
Researching The Comps: Comparative Market Analysis (for Buyers) One of the most important tasks when purchasing a home is determining a fair price. This requires researching comparables, or "comps." What is a CMA? CMA stands for “Comparative Market Analysis.” It’s a detailed report that compares a home to similar homes in the same area to help ascertain a fair market value....
Factors That Can Affect the Value of Your Property
Factors That Can Affect the Value of Your Property Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know that a variety of factors can influence the value of your property. Understanding these can help you maximize your investment. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that can affect property prices. Position, Position, Position Location is the most significant factor influencing a property’s...
How to Stage Your Dining Room
How to Stage Your Dining Room This room is often neglected when it comes to presentation, but it is absolutely worth some attention if you’re serious about your sale. A dining room needs to be presented as a “Dining Room” - not a half home office where you occasionally eat. Set the Stage Your goal here is to make the room look like it’s used regularly. Do this by sett...
How to Stage Your Living Room Areas
How to Stage Your Living Room Areas Your living room tells buyers a lot about your lifestyle. Many buyers automatically assume your standard of living will become theirs if they buy your house. Let’s make sure they see the best version of that lifestyle. Clear the Clutter To create a calm, well-ordered room, start with a thorough clear out. Pack away everything that isn’t essenti...
Tips To buying at Auctions
Auction Day: Tips for Staying Cool and Winning Big Auction day is both exciting and stressful. It’s a day when you need to be cool, calm, and rational. Having a well-researched plan and setting a strict financial limit is essential. If staying unemotional is a challenge, consider having someone else do the bidding for you. What Are You Bidding On? Before heading to an auction, make sur...
To Sell by Auction, Private Treaty or Tender?
To Sell by Auction, Private Treaty, or Tender? Every house is unique, and the best method of sale can vary depending on the property and location. To achieve the highest sales price, it’s essential to talk to your real estate agent and do your research. Here’s a breakdown of the different methods to help you decide the best approach for your home. By Auction Selling by auction me...
Why Isn't My House Selling?
Why Isn’t My House Selling? You were hoping for a quick sale, but a few months have passed, and your house is still on the market. Let’s look at some of the possible reasons. Lack of Street Appeal? One of the most important factors in presenting your house is its street appeal. Buyers make up their minds about a house within minutes. If the outside of your home isn’t lookin...
How To Stage Your Bathrooms
How to Stage Your Bathrooms Just like kitchens, bathrooms can make or break a sale. If the fundamentals are right (i.e., all your fittings are in good order), your goal should be to make the room fresh, clean, and relaxing—even luxurious. Get the Fundamentals Right Because you’ll recoup your costs and improve the saleability of your home, it’s worth spending some money on u...
Investment Property Depreciation Basics
Investment Property Depreciation Basics Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we’re all about helping our family of property investors make the most of their investments. Depreciation is one of those areas that can often be overlooked, but understanding it can help you save significantly on your taxes. Let's break down the basics of investment property depreciation. What is Rental Property Dep...
Should You Stage Your Home?
Should You Stage Your Home? More and more homeowners are embracing staging as an effective sales strategy. It's estimated that nine out of ten buyers begin their property search online, so your property’s first impression is crucial. To attract physical viewings, you must capture attention both online and offline. Even with a limited budget, staging can significantly enhance the success...
Pricing Strategies That Will Help You Sell Your Home
Pricing Strategies That Will Help You Sell Your Home Setting the right price is a major part of selling your home. To market your house competitively, it’s crucial to base your pricing on solid facts and tangible factors. Let’s explore the key strategies to ensure your home is priced just right. Pricing is a Balancing Act Your asking price is pivotal in determining how long your ...
Simple Tips to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster
Simple Tips to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster Your mortgage is likely the largest burden on your budget. It’s a debt that most people want to eliminate as quickly as possible. The less time you spend paying off your mortgage, the more money you save, and the quicker your path to financial freedom. While it may seem like an uphill battle, following some simple tips can help you pay off your...
Genuine Savings Explained
Genuine Savings Explained When applying for a home loan, one of the key criteria a lender will look for is a history of “Genuine Savings.” These are funds that you have gradually saved on your own, proving to the lender that you have the self-discipline to save a certain amount over time. This helps them assess your ability to make monthly loan repayments. What Are Genuine Savings...
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House? Selling your home is a big decision, and having a clear understanding of the costs involved is crucial. Let’s walk through the various expenses so you can plan accordingly. Marketing Costs Every property is unique and deserves its own tailored marketing approach. Setting a marketing budget is essential, and typically, the vendor covers these costs...
Make your Rental Property Listing Stand Out
Make Your Rental Property Listing Stand Out Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we understand that as a landlord, you want to attract quality, long-term tenants to your investment property. With many options available to prospective renters, your property needs to stand out. Here’s how you can make your rental property listing shine. Make Sure Your Online Listing is Compelling Most tenants ...
Real Estate Advertising Schedules Explained
Boost Your Home’s Market Appeal: Your Essential Advertising Schedule Guide Welcome to JKL’s guide on creating an effective advertising schedule for selling your home. We’re here to make the process smooth and family-oriented. Here’s what you need to know: What is an Advertising Schedule? An advertising schedule outlines your marketing plan, including strategies, timin...
Fixed or Variable Rate Home Loan
Fixed or Variable Rate Home Loan? Deciding on your mortgage type and options is one of the most important—and sometimes confusing—tasks when purchasing a home. One critical decision is choosing between a fixed or variable rate loan. Both offer unique advantages and disadvantages depending on your circumstances. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of each. Fixed Rate Home L...
How to Stage Your Kitchen
How to Stage Your Kitchen Kitchens are often the focal point of most houses. It’s where families spend much of their time. A kitchen can sell a house or be a deal breaker! Match the style of your kitchen to the style you’re creating in your house to what your target buyers are looking for and you’ll be sure to sell quickly. Hygiene is King A dirty, messy, greasy kitchen is ...
Buying Investment Property in a Trust
Buying Investment Property in a Trust Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know that navigating the world of property investment can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the right ownership structure. More and more Australian property investors are turning to trusts, and we’re here to help you understand why this might be a great option for you. Why Trusts are Gainin...
How Cooling Off Periods Work
How Cooling Off Periods Work A cooling off period begins the day you sign the contract and typically lasts for five business days. Here’s what you need to know: What is a Cooling Off Period? A cooling off period gives buyers time to ensure they want to proceed with the purchase. If you change your mind about buying a property during this period, you can cancel the contract. However, pu...
Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home
Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent When Selling Your Home A great real estate agent is worth their weight in gold. They can help find buyers and sell your home fast for more money. Here are some important questions to ask to ensure you’re choosing the best partner for your selling journey: How Many Sales Did They Close Last Year? Experience and a proven track record in your local are...
Property settlement tips for buyers
Property Settlement Tips for Buyers Property settlement is the legal process that transfers ownership of a property from one owner to another. This involves a lot of legal paperwork, which will be handled by your conveyancer. It’s the final step where you take legal possession of your new home. Here are some tips to help you navigate the settlement process smoothly. Getting Started Nom...
Understanding Supply & Demand in Real Estate
Understanding Supply and Demand in Real Estate Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know that understanding the basic principles of supply and demand can have a major impact on your property investment success. Let's dive into how these principles work and what you should consider when looking to buy. The Basics of Supply and Demand Real estate prices move in response to changes in local demand...
What to Consider When Buying a Home with Children
What to Consider When Buying a Home with Children Buying a home can be a complex process, and adding children’s needs into the mix makes it even more so. It’s not just about you anymore; you also need to consider your children’s needs and wants. Here’s how to make the best decision for your family. Kids Love to be Included It’s a good idea to involve and engage ...
How to Determine What to Offer on a House
How to Determine What to Offer on a House Finding the home you want is just the beginning. The next step is crafting an offer that secures the home at a price you’re happy with. Before you submit an offer, it’s crucial to do some research to determine how much you should offer. You want to get the home at the best price possible, while the vendor wants to achieve the highest price...
Real Estate Photography Tips
Real Estate Photography Tips When it comes to selling or leasing a property, one of your most important assets is high-quality photos. We recommend employing the services of a professional photographer, but we understand that not everyone has the budget for that. Here are some great tips to help you take fantastic photos that will help sell or lease your property. Take Practice Photos Even p...
What is Negative Gearing
What is Negative Gearing? Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know that understanding the ins and outs of negative gearing can be a game-changer for property investors. Let’s break it down so you can see if this strategy works for you. What is Negative Gearing? Gearing is when you borrow money to invest in a property. Your property is negatively geared when your rental return is le...
Making the Transition from Rent to Mortgage
Making the Transition from Rent to Mortgage Homeownership is often referred to as the “Great Australian Dream.” It’s a major goal for many renters and, with hard work and discipline, it’s achievable. But, let’s be clear: purchasing a house costs far more than just your deposit and monthly mortgage payments. Here’s a look at some of the extra costs you need t...
How to Work Well With A Real Estate Agent
How to Work Well With A Real Estate Agent You know what you want from your ideal agent. To get the best results, there are responsibilities and actions that can help your agent help you. Here’s how to make the most of your partnership with your real estate agent: Determining What Your HouseIss Worth One of the biggest challenges for agents is that home sellers rarely agree with their a...
Simple Street Appeal Tricks To Attract Buyers
Simple Street Appeal Tricks to Attract Buyers Street appeal is a major influencer in attracting potential buyers. Does your exterior view entice people to take a closer look, or does it turn potential buyers off? Your Front Lawn and Garden Your front lawn is one of the first things buyers notice, and it’s one of the easiest and cheapest things to maintain. Take the time to keep it pris...
How to Stage Your Bedrooms
How to Stage Your Bedrooms Bedrooms need to feel comfortable, calm, spacious, and luxurious. Good storage is essential, and the bed must be the centre of attention. Get the Basics Right As with the living and dining rooms: Clear the Clutter: Remove any TVs, computers, or clothes that are not hung in wardrobes. Neutral Wall Colors: Keep bedroom walls neutral and add character with artwork...
A Guide to Body Corporate
A Guide to Body Corporate Simply put, a “Body Corporate” is the organization that manages an apartment or unit building or townhouse complex, handling all common area maintenance, setting budgets, managing issues, and creating by-laws. It is a legal entity created when land is subdivided and registered. What Happens When You Buy a Lot? When you purchase a lot (unit/apartment &...
Tips to Make Auction Day a Success
Tips to Make Auction Day a Success Auctions don’t just happen overnight. A lot of hard work and effort goes into presenting a home for auction and aiming for a fantastic result on the big day. Here's how you can ensure your auction day is a success: Preparing for Auction Day You’ve put in a lot of work to get your home ready for auction. You’ve: Presented your home beaut...
Bank Valuation vs Market Value
Bank Valuation vs Market Value A property can have two different valuations: a market valuation, which indicates what the property may sell for, and a bank valuation, which is done by a lender to help determine its risks. About Bank Valuations More often than not, the bank valuation will be more conservative and does not reflect the market value of the property. The bank valuation is designe...
How Important is Employment Status in Applying for A Mortgage?
How Important is Employment Status in Applying for a Mortgage? Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know navigating the mortgage application process can be daunting. One of the key factors that lenders consider is your employment status. Let’s break it down to understand just how important it is. The Bottom Line “Very Important” is the best answer to this question. Each ...
What to Do if Your Home Passes In at Auction
What to Do if Your Home Passes In at Auction Having your home not reach your reserve and get passed in can be a very stressful event. You've put months of work and lots of money into achieving a good auction result, only to come up short. Although disappointing, it’s not the end of the world. With a good agent and a plan, you have a great chance of selling in the days after the auction....
What Is A Mortgage Broker & Should You Use One?
What Is A Mortgage Broker & Should You Use One? Navigating the world of home loans can be overwhelming, but that’s where a mortgage broker comes in. At JKL Real Estate, we believe in making your home buying journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Let's dive into what a mortgage broker does and why using one might be the best decision for your home loan needs. Why Consider a M...
Questions to Ask Before Buying an Investment Property
Questions to Ask Before Buying an Investment Property Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we understand that buying an investment property is a big decision. It’s exciting, complex, and yes, a bit stressful. We’re here to help you navigate this journey with confidence. Here’s a checklist of essential questions to consider before making your investment, designed to help you make in...
The Costs of Becoming A Property Investor
The Costs of Becoming A Property Investor Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we understand that jumping into property investment is a big step, full of exciting possibilities and, yes, a few unexpected expenses. To help you navigate this journey smoothly, we’ve put together a guide on the various costs you might encounter. Let’s dive in! Upfront and Ongoing Fees Starting with the pur...
What to look for in an investment property
What to Look for in an Investment Property Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know that investing in property is all about building your wealth and securing your financial future. Unlike buying a family home, this process is purely a financial decision. Here’s our guide to help you navigate the journey of finding the perfect investment property. Define Your Goals First things first, und...
Pre Screening Questions to Ask Potential Tenants
Pre-Screening Questions to Ask Potential Tenants Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know that finding the best possible tenant for your investment property is crucial. You’ve put in a lot of work to secure a quality property, and it’s important to ensure your tenants will take good care of it and pay rent on time. Pre-screening can save you a lot of stress and time by filtering out ...
What Investment Property Costs are Tax Deductible?
What Investment Property Costs are Tax Deductible? Hey there! At JKL Real Estate, we know that understanding the tax benefits of your investment property can save you a lot of money. Many landlords aren't fully aware of all the deductions they can claim, so let's break it down and make sure you’re not missing out on any opportunities. General Rule for Tax Deductions You can only ...
How Home Loan Applications Are Assessed
How Home Loan Applications Are Assessed Understanding how home loans are assessed will give you an advantage in preparing yourself and your finances for a home loan. Here are the 3 C's of lending you need to consider: Capacity, Character, and Collateral. Yes, your credit score and employment are vitally important, but there’s more to your loan application than just these factors. Your f...
How to Sell Your House in a Buyer's Market
How to Sell Your House in a Buyer’s Market The housing market constantly fluctuates between being a seller’s market and a buyer’s market. In a buyer’s market, standing out and being strategic is key. Here’s how to make your home irresistible to potential buyers. Stand Out From The Crowd To stand out in the marketplace, turn any unique features of your property i...
A Checklist for Staging Your Home
A Checklist for Staging Your Home Staging your home to present it at its very best is crucial. Buyers notice the smallest details, and the better your property looks and feels, the more money you are likely to get, and the faster it will sell. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you make your home irresistible to potential buyers. Boost Your Street Appeal Checklist Make sure your ...
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (L.M.I.) - Explained
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (L.M.I.) – Explained Lenders Mortgage Insurance (L.M.I.) is an insurance policy your home loan lender takes out to protect themselves if you default on the loan. L.M.I. is usually dependent on your “loan to value” (LTV) ratio. What is LTV Ratio? Put simply, it’s your deposit amount in relation to the property value. You can easily calculate ...
How to Ask When Touring a House on Video-Chat
What to Ask When Touring a House on Video Chat Video chat home tours have surged in popularity and are set to continue as a valuable home vetting tool. Here’s how to make the most of your video-chat home tour and the questions you should ask to ensure you get a clear picture of the property. Questions to Ask Before a Video-Chat Home Tour Is there a floor plan you can use as a referen...
Tips on Saving for a House Deposit
Tips on Saving for a House Deposit The Great Australian Dream! With rising house prices and the cost of living, having a well-thought-out deposit strategy is essential. Here are some tips to help you save effectively for your dream home. Get Started NOW To buy a $500,000 house, a 20% deposit means you’ll need $100,000. If you qualify for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, you may be a...
Home Equity Explained
Home Equity Explained If you’ve been paying off your mortgage for a few years, you’ve likely built up some equity. Equity is the difference between the current value of your home and how much you owe on it. Your equity is probably your greatest asset. Refinancing is a common strategy to access this valuable equity, enabling you to fund renovations, invest in property, or achieve ot...
Creating Romantic Evenings Amidst Parenting Chaos
Because Love is Messy, but Oh So Worth It! Hello, lovely families of Forster Tuncurry! Parenting is a wild, chaotic, but utterly rewarding ride. Between the school runs, soccer practices, and impromptu living room dance parties, finding time for romance can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! We’ve got the secret sauce to help you rekindle the flame without lea...
Tips for Organizing a Family-Friendly Kitchen:
Because We Can't All Be Marie Kondo Ah, the kitchen. The heart of the home, the realm of culinary wonders, and the place where you're pretty sure that one Tupperware lid vanished into another dimension. Organizing a kitchen can be a challenge, especially when you've got a bustling family throwing in their two cents (or their two toys, snacks, and art projects). But fear no...
Quick Family Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Because No One Has Time for a 5-course Meal! Hey there, Forster family! Ever had one of those days where you've been running around like a headless chook and suddenly it's dinner time? Yep, we've all been there. And while we at JKL can't magically make dinner appear (we're still working on that), we can share some quick and tasty recipes that even your pickiest eater won't turn their nose up ...
Should you buy or sell first?
There is no one ‘right way’ to move home There are advantages and disadvantages to each way you look at doing it. Real ‘chicken or egg’ stuff - You need to carefully consider your unique set of circumstances. Your choice of real estate agent and conveyancer will have a direct impact on how successful your move is. Do You: Buy first (if you have the means) and h...
What is rental yield and how is it calculated?
What is Rental Yield & How do you Calculate it As part of assessing the investment potential of a property, it is important to determine the “Rental Yield”. This is one of the best financial indicators of an investment property. Rental Yield is a quick calculation of what you will make on your investment property, shown as a percentage figure . The basic premise is to calculat...