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LJ Hooker is Australia’s strongest real estate brand, and with more than 90 years experience we’ve been successfully selling Australian real estate for generations. We’re your dedicated selling partner, ready to work with you to sell your property today. We have an extensive library of articles, checklists, eBooks and online tools to help you find answers to all of your questions.

Latest real estate article

The Signs You’re Ready to Buy
Buy
| Katrina Creer | 5 mins
The Signs You’re Ready to Buy
We take a look at the five things you need to know before you take the plunge and buy that home - are you prepared to make a move?
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| Riley Howe | 4 mins
What Are Virtual Property Appraisals (And How Do They Work)?
Virtual Property Appraisals are a flexible, quick and easy way to know more about how much your home might be worth.
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Renovating Your Investment Property: How to Know the Right Time and Circumstances
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
Renovating Your Investment Property: How to Know the Right Time and Circumstances
Renovating an investment property can be tricky. However, understanding market demand and whether to renovate or repair can go a long way. LJ Hooker explains.
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How To Buy a Home as a Couple
Buy
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
How To Buy a Home as a Couple
To help you find your new love nest and make sure things run as smoothly as possible, we put together these five steps to buy a home as a couple.
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6 Questions to Consider Before Buying a House and Land Package
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
6 Questions to Consider Before Buying a House and Land Package
Buying a new home? This house and land package buying guide provides 6 essential questions to ask to ensure a successful new home or investment purchase.
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How to Declutter Your Home to Sell
| Katrina Creer | 4 mins
How to Declutter Your Home to Sell
Decluttering your home before selling is a great way to stack the odds in your favour and find the best buyer. Read on for tips to declutter and maximise your home's potential.
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Understanding the Buying Process
Buy
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
Understanding the Buying Process
Are you looking to buy but are finding the process overwhelming? Here is a simple view of the key steps you need to understand to ensure your buying journey is as smooth as possible.
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The 5 Benefits of Property Inspection Before Selling
| Katrina Creer | 4 mins
The 5 Benefits of Property Inspection Before Selling
Buyers routinely have property inspections performed for obvious reasons, but why are pre-sale property inspections also important for sellers?
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Renting Basics: How to Get Your Bond Back
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
Renting Basics: How to Get Your Bond Back
It's the end of the tenancy and you want to get your bond back. Here are some simple things to keep in mind to make reclaiming your bond a cinch.
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Moving Out? Here's a Guide to Buying Furniture
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
Moving Out? Here’s a Guide to Buying Furniture for Moving In
Moving and need to buy furniture? This furniture buying guide will help you choose furniture for your new house, with tips to help you make the right choice.
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Preparing Your House for an Open for Inspection
| Katrina Creer | 7 mins
Preparing Your House for an Open for Inspection
When selling, first impressions count. But where should you focus your attention? Here’s our checklist to guide you on how to prepare for the all-important open for inspections.
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A Guide To Selling a House With a Mortgage
| Katrina Creer | 6 mins
A Guide To Selling a House With a Mortgage
Even with a mortgage, you can still sell a home and allow yourself to upgrade, downsize or leave the market altogether.
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Are You a First-Time Tenant and Need a Reference?
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
Are You a First-Time Tenant and Need a Reference?
Many Australians rent before being able to buy a home. But if you have never rented a property before, you may feel a bit stuck without rental references.
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How to Help Sell Your Home as Fast as Possible
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
How to Help Sell Your Home as Fast as Possible
Looking to sell your home quickly? Discover LJ Hooker's fast home selling tips and quick house sale strategies to help you achieve a swift and successful sale.
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How to Invest in Property With Little Money
| Katrina Creer | 6 mins
How to Invest in Property With Little Money
Investing in property is considered one of the best ways to build wealth. And surprisingly, you don’t need to be super rich to get started! Read on to find out more.
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Making a Bobbin Frame with Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil
Making a Bobbin Frame with Geneva Vanderzeil
This bobbin frame is really easy to make and a great addition to any interior. Follow our tutorial to create your own with ambassador Geneva Vanderzeil.
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16 Benefits of Using a Property Manager
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
16 Benefits of Using a Property Manager
Deciding whether you will employ a property manager or manage your property yourself? Here is a look at 12 key benefits a property manager can offer you.
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How to Install a Smoke Alarm with Shannon Vos
| Shannon Vos
How to Install a Smoke Alarm with Shannon Vos
By law, you should have a smoke detector on each level of your home. Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows us how to install one.
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How to Sell a Tenanted Property
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
How to Sell a Tenanted Property
Selling an investment property with tenants often makes financial sense for investors. However, how can you keep your tenants happy at the same time?
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Buy
| Mathew Tiller | 3 mins
What the NSW Stamp Duty Reform Means for First Home Buyers
The NSW Government has expanded the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme by increasing the transfer duty exemption threshold for purchases by first home buyers.
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Hang to Hang Accessories on Tiles With Shannon Vos
| Shannon Vos
Hang to Hang Accessories on Tiles With Shannon Vos
Hanging items onto brick walls is fairly straightforward, but how do you hang something onto tiles? Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows us how.
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Making a Leather Tissue Box Cover With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 3 mins
Making a Leather Tissue Box Cover With Geneva Vanderzeil
It can be the little things that can make a home feel styled. Follow our tutorial to create your own tissue box cover with ambassador Geneva Vanderzeil.
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17 Ways to Increase Rental Returns
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
17 Ways to Increase Rental Returns
Maximise rental income with the right property presentation. Explore cost-effective strategies to attract better tenants and increase investment returns.
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How to Pour Concrete With Shannon Vos
| Shannon Vos
How to Pour Concrete With Shannon Vos
Mixing and pouring concrete at home really is as easy as making a cake! Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows us how create a strip of concrete.
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How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill All Year Round
| Katrina Creer | 5 mins
How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill All Year Round
How to save money on your electricity bill all year round? We share 5 tips to keep your home warm without breaking the bank.
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Buying Off The Plan? Consider These Essential Pointers
Buy
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
Buying Off The Plan? Consider These Essential Pointers
Weighing up property options? Explore the advantages of buying off the plan, from personalised design to cutting-edge home tech.
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A Guide to Weather Proofing Your Property for Tenants
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
A Guide to Weather Proofing Your Property for Tenants
Protect your rental property from unpredictable weather. Get insights on essential upkeep to meet standards and keep your investment asset in top form.
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Hanging a Dryer With Shannon Vos
| Shannon Vos
How to Hang a Dryer With Shannon Vos
Your laundry needs to be as functional as possible and that means maximising your bench space. Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows us how to hang a dryer.
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Making Book Ends With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil
Making Book Ends With Geneva Vanderzeil
Bookends are great for styling or as functional pieces on your shelves. Follow our tutorial to create your own with ambassador Geneva Vanderzeil.
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10 Tips For Selling Your Home in Winter
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
10 Tips For Selling Your Home in Winter
Explore how seasonal factors can both positively and negatively influence the home-selling process, and learn how to adapt your strategy to attract motivated buyers all year round.
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How to Replace a Door Handle With Shannon Vos
| Shannon Vos
How to Replace a Door Handle With Shannon Vos
Updating the old door knobs with sleek new ones is a simple way to give your interiors a face-lift. Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows you how to do it.
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Making Upcycled Art with Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil
Making Upcycled Art with Geneva Vanderzeil
Breathe new life into an old canvas and brighten up the walls of your home following our tutorial with ambassador Geneva Vanderzeil.
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A Complete Guide to the Ins and Outs of Rental Increases
| Katrina Creer
A Complete Guide to the Ins and Outs of Rental Increases
This guide to rental increases covers all you need to know about rental increase laws and how much landlords can rise rent in Australia. Learn more here.
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A Guide To Getting Ready To Buy a House
Buy
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
A Guide To Getting Ready To Buy a House
When is the right time to buy a house? For some, that is the million-dollar question.
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10 Best Ways To Add Equity To Your Home
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
10 Best Ways To Add Equity To Your Home
Have you looked at improvements that could boost the value of your home? Here are some ways you can do this for your entire home.
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| Katrina Creer | 6 mins
Your Guide to Selling a House After a Divorce
It is easy to feel overwhelmed during the early weeks of a break-up, let alone when you have to sell your home. In this blog, we guide you through the process.
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The 8 Life Events That Influence Real Estate
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
The 8 Life Events That Influence Real Estate
Unexpected and expected life events influence many aspects of real estate. Read our article for how to navigate them, and how we can help.
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| Shannon Vos | 4 mins
How to Paint a Door Like a Pro With Shannon Vos
Updating your doors with a new coat of paint is easy, once you know a few tricks of the trade. Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows you how to do it.
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| Geneva Vanderzeil
Making a Hanging Pendant Light With Geneva Vanderzeil
This retro-inspired pendant light is fun, versatile and practical. It's super easy to make and it will add a little colour to a lounge room, kitchen or bedroom.
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| Riley Howe | 4 mins
A Guide to Breaking a Lease Early
You can break a lease early but it may be costly to do so. This guide offers advice on how to break a lease early and what happens when you do.
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| Katrina Creer | 4 mins
Top 5 Smells That Sell Houses
Our brains are wired to react to smells, so what scents should you be using when selling your house? Find out and help potential buyers fell in love with your home.
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Buy
| Katrina Creer | 5 mins
What to Do If I Can't Pay My Mortgage
If you're struggling to manage your mortgage, don't panic! There are many options available to you. In this blog, we explore what they are. Read on.
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How To Stage Your Home To Sell (With Tips)
| Katrina Creer | 7 mins
How To Stage Your Home To Sell (With Tips)
Whether you are listing a small apartment or a stately mansion, knowing how to stage your home to sell is essential to win over prospective buyers.
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| Geneva Vanderzeil | 3 mins
How to Make a Ball-Foot Coffee Table With Geneva Vanderzeil
Ball shapes are super trendy in home decor, so our ambassador Geneva Vanderzeil got inspired and created this ball-foot coffee table using serving bowls!
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Your Guide To Selling a House in Autumn
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Your Guide to Selling a House in Autumn
Timing the sale of your property can make all the difference, but it has to suit you, the seller. Often people believe the warmer months are the best time to sell, but in truth, all seasons have their advantages.
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How to Prepare Your Home for Autumn
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
How to Prepare Your Home for Autumn
Find out how to prepare your home for autumn with LJ Hooker's easy to follow steps.
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Comparing home loans to refinance
| Katrina Creer | 6 mins
How to Refinance Your Home Loan
Thinking about switching home loans? Read our guide to know what to look for and how to make the most of the competition to get the best deal.
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| Shannon Vos | 3 mins
How to Create a Feature Wall With Shannon Vos
Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows you how to easily bring character to a room with a feature wall.
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| Geneva Vanderzeil
How to Make a Tiled-Leg Console With Geneva Vanderzeil
Create a beautiful and unique console table, which is also versatile and functional. Perfect for your living room or entryway! Click for the project step by step.
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| Katrina Creer | 4 mins
Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Can Offer Better Returns
By allowing pets in your investment property, you will stand out, widen your pool of potential renters, and, in turn, maximise returns. Click to know how.
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7 New Year’s Resolutions That Can Help You Buy a Home in 2021
Buy
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
7 New Year’s Resolutions to Help You Buy a Home in 2023
Are you hoping to buy a property in 2023? Here are seven new year’s resolutions to keep your financial resume in shape and make it happen.
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Sellers discussing the sale of their home with their real estate agent.
| Katrina Creer | 3 mins
6 New Year’s Resolutions for Sellers
Are you thinking about selling your home this year? We share 6 resolutions to set you off on the right track and help you achieve a successful sale.
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How to Tile a Splashback With Shannon Vos
| Shannon Vos | 3 mins
How to Tile a Splashback With Shannon Vos
If you are willing to have a go, there are plenty of jobs you can do yourself, like tiling a splashback. Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows you how.
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Design an eco-friendly house
| Katrina Creer | 4 mins
How to Make Your Home an Eco-Friendly House
Homeowners who invest in 'green' living are not just helping to save the planet but also boosting their property's value. Read on to know how to do it.
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| Geneva Vanderzeil
How to Style your Home to Sell With Geneva Vanderzeil
The goal when styling your house to sell is to create a space that will connect with as many buyers as possible. Any money you spend should be focused on making it neutral, clean and fresh.
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| Shannon Vos
How to Build Your Own Veggie Garden With Shannon Vos
Ready to save money and live a simpler life? Shannon Vos, former The Block winner, shows you how to create a veggie patch so you can start growing your own fruits and vegetables. Read on.
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| Katrina Creer | 4 mins
Top 5 Renovation Tips For Your Home
Wanting to renovate your home but unsure where to start? Learn from those who have lived through multiple projects to create your dream space.
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F
| Mathew Tiller | 6 mins
Federal Budget 2022: New Government, New Challenges, New Priorities
The latest 2022/23 Federal Budget focuses on tackling costs of living pressures with spending commitments on families, health and aged care, and housing.
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8 Ways to Decorate Your Rental Without Breaking the Rules
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
8 Ways to Decorate Your Rental Without Breaking the Rules
Decorating a rental property can be tricky. But here are 8 ideas to help you personalise your home and make it feel like your own...
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Top 5 tips for selling your home
| Katrina Creer | 6 mins
Top 5 Tips for Selling Your Home
Ready to sell your home? To help make the sales process quick and easy, we put together the top 5 tips for selling your home. Click to find out more.
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| Katrina Creer | 5 mins
5 Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid (With Pro Tips)
Renovating your home is exciting, but it can be fraught with tears, heartache and costly mistakes. Want to avoid the top 5 renovation mistakes? Read on.
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natural-lighting-in-living-room-looking-outside
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
How to Maximise Natural Light in Your Home
Natural lighting has many benefits for your home and health. Click here to find out how to bring light into a house using sources of natural lighting.
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| Shannon Vos | 3 mins
The Ultimate Guide to Painting With Shannon Vos
Painting can be one of the simplest jobs, but it can also cause the biggest headaches. Our ambassador Shannon Vos shows us how to paint like a pro.
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| Geneva Vanderzeil
How to Make an Upcycled Ottoman With Geneva Vanderzeil
Our ambassador Geneva Vanderzeil shows you how to give a side table a whole new purpose and upcycle it to make the perfect ottoman.
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| Riley Howe | 4 mins
The 7 Property Investment Mistakes To Avoid
There are many mistakes to be made when looking to invest in a property. Read our article to understand how to avoid them to best prepare for investment.
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Shannon Vos, former Block winner and LJ Hooker's new ambassador
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
Shannon Vos: "Start Small, Be Creative and Build Your Way Up"
Meet former Block winner and LJ Hooker's new ambassador, Shannon Vos. The tradie turned interior design consultant shares his expertise with our community.
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How to make a terrazzo mirror with Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 2 mins
How to Make a Terrazzo Mirror With Geneva Vanderzeil
Using some leftover terrazzo pieces from a previous project, our ambassador Geneva Vanderzeil created a colourful and on-trend mirror. See the project here.
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Apartment owners must pay strata fees so the building and its surrounds can be maintained.
| Katrina Creer | 5 mins
The Ultimate Guide to Strata Fees
With more Australians tipped to be living in apartments, we’ve put together a guide to understanding what strata fees do and don’t cover. Click to find out.
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How to style a living room
| Katrina Creer | 5 mins
How To Style a Living Room
The living room is the perfect spot to create a haven of relaxation in your home. So how do you style it to make it cosy and functional? Read on to find out.
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15 Eco-Friendly Ways To Spring Clean Your Home
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
15 Eco-Friendly Ways To Spring Clean Your Home
Time to spring clean and give your home a fresh feel? Here are 15 eco-friendly cleaning jobs that won't cost you anything but your time.
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How to Make a Kids Wooden Beaded Shelf With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 2 mins
How to Make a Kids Wooden Beaded Shelf With Geneva Vanderzeil
Our ambassador takes you through every step of this project, a kids wooden beaded shelf.
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A Guide to Preparing Your Home For a Spring Sale
| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
A Guide to Preparing Your Home For a Spring Sale
Spring is an excellent time to sell your property. In this guide, we explain why and we explore specific strategies for getting your house ready.
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The 8 Qualities of a Good Tenant
| Riley Howe | 2 mins
The 8 Qualities of a Good Tenant
Need help finding the right tenant to sign your lease? Find out what eight qualities we think every good tenant should have.
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A New Financial Year and Changing Property Market
| Mathew Tiller | 4 mins
A New Financial Year and Changing Property Market
There are a number of key areas to look out for over the coming financial year, which are outlined in this article.
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What Rooms Add Value to Your Home?
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
What Rooms Add Value to Your Home?
We look at what renovations or improvements you should do to some of the key rooms in the home and what return on investment you can expect.
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A new kitchen can instantly add value to your home
| Katrina Creer | 5 mins
How Much Value Does a Renovated Kitchen Add to Your Home
A sleek new kitchen can instantly improve the saleability of a property. But it is important to do your research if you are looking to add value. Read on.
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A Guide to Investment Property Tax Deductions
| Katrina Creer | 6 mins
A Guide to Investment Property Tax Deductions
Buying a rental property is an exciting investment, but to make the most of it, you also need to understand how to maximise the tax benefits.
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How To Make a Tiled Side Table With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 4 mins
How To Make a Tiled Side Table With Geneva Vanderzeil
Some DIY most beautiful projects come from making things out of unexpected materials, like this tiled side table that is the perfect example of repurposing items.
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6 Things You Wish You Knew Before Renting
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
6 Things You Wish You Knew Before Renting
If you are ready to rent, you are likely to be super excited about moving into your own space but also a bit wary as to what to expect.
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What Is Landlord Insurance and Why Is It Important?
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
What Is Landlord Insurance and Why Is It Important?
One in 5 Australian’s own an investment property, but according to the Landlords Advisory Service only around 40% of landlords have the right insurance to protect their asset. 
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How To Best Negotiate a Private Treaty Sale
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
How To Best Negotiate a Private Treaty Sale
A private treaty sale occurs when a house is listed for sale with an asking price or price range and a potential purchaser presents an offer to an agent.
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How To Create Flower Coasters With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 3 mins
How To Create Flower Coasters With Geneva Vanderzeil
Crafting a gift doesn't have to stop when you leave primary school, and nothing says 'I love you' more than a present you have made yourself.
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How Much Value Does a Renovated Bathroom Add To Your Home
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
How Much Value Does a Renovated Bathroom Add To Your Home
The bathroom is one of the most profitable rooms to renovate. Yet, as one of the most expensive renovation projects, those on a budget need to spend strategically to see the return.
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How To Make Your Rental Property Stand Out
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
How To Make Your Rental Property Stand Out
Landlords have had a challenging couple of years. Within a housing market where demand is being driven upwards, renting out a property has become highly competitive.
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A Short Guide To Property Co-Ownership
Buy
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
A Short Guide To Property Co-Ownership
Joint ownership of a property is a big milestone for any couple. It is also a common way that people enter the property market, especially if they’re buying to occupy.
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575,000 Reasons To Book a Property Appraisal in 2022
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
575,000 Reasons To Book a Property Appraisal in 2022
2021 was a monumental year for the property markets around Australia. Houses sold for record prices, days on the market were reduced, and even settlement periods were slashed.
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How To Reupholster a Dining Chair With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 4 mins
How To Reupholster a Dining Chair With Geneva Vanderzeil
It may sound tricky, but reupholstering a dining chair can be a very fun upcycling project.
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A Guide To Adding Plants To Your Home
| Katrina Creer | 4 mins
A Guide To Adding Plants To Your Home
Bringing greenery to an interior has many health benefits, such as lifting moods and reducing stress. And they look fabulous too!
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How To Design A Nursery
| Katrina Creer | 6 mins
How To Design A Nursery
Setting up a beautiful nursery is one of the highlights of pregnancy, but how to do it? We share tips and advice to create the perfect space.
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How To Create a Smart Home and Why (With Tips)
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
How To Create a Smart Home and Why (With Tips)
If you're unsure where to start, here is a complete guide to making your property a smart home.
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Easy DIY Bench Project With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 5 mins
Easy DIY Bench Project With Geneva Vanderzeil
Our ambassador takes you through every step of this project, a piece of furniture perfect for an entryway.
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The Simple Ways You Can Improve The Curb Appeal of Your House
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
The Simple Ways You Can Improve The Curb Appeal Of Your Home
When it comes to selling a house, there are many things to consider. With so many tasks on the agenda, sellers can forget a major component: curb appeal.
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Preparing Your Property For a Summer Sale
| Sarah Dickson | 6 mins
Preparing Your Property For a Summer Sale
Generally speaking, summer sales are all about showcasing the exterior of your property. Here are practical ways to prepare your property for a summer sale.
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How To Get The Most Value When Selling Your Home
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
How To Get The Most Value When Selling Your Home
Selling a home is an emotional time. However, these emotions can cloud the selling process. To learn how to get the most value when selling your home, read on.
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Two Easy DIY Artworks To Try With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 5 mins
Two Easy DIY Artworks To Try With Geneva Vanderzeil
Our ambassador takes you through every step of this easy project, perfect to style any room of your home.
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| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
7 Tips for Keeping Cool This Summer
Keep your home cool this summer with these easy low-tech and environmentally friendly cooling tips.
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How to Find a Neighbourhood to Call Home
| Lauren Horky | 8 mins
How to Find a Neighbourhood to Call Home
How can you make sure that your future home is located in an area that suits you? We list the most common criteria to help you find your perfect match.
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The 5 Considerations You Need To Make When Upsizing Your Home
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
The 5 Considerations You Need To Make When Upsizing Your Home
If you have outgrown your current home, are planning to expand your family or simply want more room to accommodate guests, then it might be time to upsize.
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How Not to Over Capitalise on Your Home Renovation
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
How Not to Over Capitalise on Your Home Renovation
Advice to ensure you don’t spend thousands on your property and then lose money when you go to sell it.
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How to Create a Bedside Table With Geneva Vanderzeil
| Geneva Vanderzeil | 4 mins
How to Create a Bedside Table With Geneva Vanderzeil
I love a quick and easy project, and that’s why I’m super excited to be sharing with you a really simple, upcycled bedside table.
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Buying or Selling: 10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Agent
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Buying or Selling: 10 Essential Questions to Ask Your Agent
Selling or buying a property, whether it is your home or an investment property, likely involves one of the biggest assets you will own.
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Geneva Vanderzeil:
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
Geneva Vanderzeil: "For Me, DIY Is All About Easy Projects With Wow Factor"
Meet Australia's favourite DIY enthusiast and LJ Hooker's new ambassador, Geneva Vanderzeil.
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Top 10 Moving House Tips
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Top 10 Moving House Tips
Here’s a look at what you should be doing a few weeks out from the move to ensure you are as organised as possible for the big day.
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How To Get Your Home Ready To Sell
| Katrina Creer | 7 mins
How To Get Your Home Ready To Sell
When selling a home, preparation is key. We’ve come up with a checklist to help ensure your home is snapped up quickly, and even more importantly, for the best price.
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How to Win a Rental Application
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
How to Win a Rental Application
Looking to rent a property? Follow our tips to give yourself the best chance of being the successful applicant.
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How to Find Good Tenants (And Keep Them)
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
How to Find Good Tenants (And Keep Them)
Attracting high-quality tenants to your property involves a delicate balance between first preparing your property, and then attracting the best tenants.
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Everything to Know About Making an Offer on a Property
Buy
| Sarah Dickson | 8 mins
Everything to Know About Making an Offer on a Property
Having a solid understanding of the buying process, including what steps you need to take, can boost your confidence and your bargaining power before you make an offer.
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5 Benefits of Downsizing
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
5 Benefits of Downsizing
Downsizing a home sounds like an inherently stressful task. However, downsizing can actually be an incredibly beneficial process.
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5 Considerations When Downsizing From a House to an Apartment
| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
5 Considerations When Downsizing From a House to an Apartment
Downsizing from a house to an apartment is a big step as it involves a lifestyle change. In order to make the right decision, it is important to do some research.
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5 Things to Look For to Find the Right Real Estate Agent
| Lauren Horky | 6 mins
5 Things to Look For to Find the Right Real Estate Agent
How to know if you found the right real estate agent to sell your home? Look for these 5 signs to make sure you pick the best one for you.
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One Week to Moving Day Checklist
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
One Week to Moving Day Checklist
Here’s a look at what you should be doing a few weeks out from the move to ensure you are as organised as possible for the big day.
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What to Expect in the New Financial Year?
| Mathew Tiller | 5 mins
What to Expect in the New Financial Year?
Confidence, combined with a shortage of housing stock and continuous high demand, has produced stellar results in the 2020 financial year. A similar market is forecast in FY21.
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How Will the 2021/22 Federal Budget Impact Real Estate
| Mathew Tiller | 8 mins
How Will the 2021/22 Federal Budget Impact Real Estate
The premise of the 2021/22 Federal Budget is about getting more people back into work and strengthening the Australian economy in response to the global challenges caused by Covid.
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Why Rentvest and How to Do It
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Why Rentvest and How to Do It
Who are renvestors and what are the benefits of rentvesting? Read on to know if you should rentvest yourself.
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Are Apartments a Good Investment?
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
Are Apartments a Good Investment?
Find out how to make the most of your funds when investing in an apartment. Get high returns on your property.
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Pre-settlement Inspections: Everything You’re Asking, Answered
Buy
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Pre-settlement Inspections: Everything You’re Asking, Answered
Pre-settlement inspections give purchasers the chance to make sure a property is in the same condition as it was when contracts were exchanged. Find answers here!
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The Best Ways for Renters to Save for a Home Deposit
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
The Best Ways for Renters to Save for a Home Deposit
Get tips on how you could save for a while while renting in as little as 18 months. Whether it’s a couple or a single saving, you can buy your dream home.
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What’s in Store for Real Estate in 2021?
| Mathew Tiller | 6 mins
What’s in Store for Real Estate in 2021?
Three major trends will drive the property market this year, with more and more people working from home.
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6 New Year’s Resolutions for Property Investors
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
6 New Year’s Resolutions for Property Investors
The new year is a good time to re-think and refine your role as a landlord. Here are 6 resolutions we think should be on all landlords to do lists in 2021.
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Your Property Investment Summer Checklist
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
Your Property Investment Summer Checklist
If you own a rental property or many, it is important to keep them in good condition. Here are some jobs to do over the warmer months.  
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How to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays
| Sarah Dickson | 4 mins
How to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays
Pets, security and the garden all need to be taken care of while you are away. Here is an outline of how to prepare before you log off and take off.
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How to Create a Zen Home
| Lauren Horky | 6 mins
How to Create a Zen Home
How to create a zen home? In this guide, we share tips and inspiration for a peaceful haven where you will be able to both work well and relax.
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How Will the 2020/21 Federal Budget Impact Real Estate
| Mathew Tiller | 7 mins
How Will the 2020/21 Federal Budget Impact Real Estate
The federal government has released its 2020/21 Federal Budget. But how will it impact the real estate market?
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How to Sell, Buy and Rent in a COVID-19 Environment
| Lauren Horky | 10 mins
How to Sell, Buy and Rent in a COVID-19 Environment
Real estate agents have shown agility in the face of COVID-19 measures and economic changes. We answer all your questions on buying, selling and renting.
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How to Prepare Your Home for Bushfires
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
How to Prepare Your Home for Bushfires
We share 7 precautionary measures you can take to prevent a fire from spreading to your home.
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How to Add Value to Your Home on a Budget
| Lauren Horky | 6 mins
How to Add Value to Your Home on a Budget
A few quick and easy renovations can significantly increase your home's selling price. We share tips to get the best return on investment on a budget.
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How to Style Your Outdoor Space to Sell in Spring
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
How to Style Your Outdoor Space to Sell in Spring
How do you give your home the advantage and make it stand out to discerning buyers? Here are some tips on how to make the most of your outdoor space.
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4 Questions to Ask at Open for Inspections
Buy
| Sarah Dickson | 3 mins
4 Questions to Ask at Open for Inspections
If you are on the search for a new home, here are four essential questions to ask real estate agents at open inspections.
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How to Make Your Home for Sale Photogenic
| Riley Howe | 2 mins
How to Make Your Home for Sale Photogenic
When selling a property, it is critical to capture and showcase photos of its best features. So here is how to prepare your home for a successful photo shoot.
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To Renovate or Not to Renovate When Selling
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
To Renovate or Not to Renovate When Selling
Is it better to renovate your property before selling or just put it on the market as is? Here is what to consider before making any decisions.
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What Will the New Financial Year Look Like for Property Markets?
| Mathew Tiller | 3 mins
What Will the New Financial Year Look Like for Property Markets?
If ever there was a need for a case study about property market cycles, the past 18 months would pose as a great demonstration.
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5 Benefits of Using Virtual Staging to Sell Your Home
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
5 Benefits of Using Virtual Staging to Sell Your Home
Virtual staging can help your property for sale stand out from the crowd. Moreover, it can help boost the selling price of your home.
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How COVID-19 Is Accelerating the Digital Transformation of the Real Estate Industry
| Lauren Horky | 5 mins
How COVID-19 Is Accelerating the Digital Transformation of the Real Estate Industry
With COVID-19, the real estate industry has picked up its digital pace. Virtual inspections, 3D tours, virtual staging or virtual auctions are now commonplace.
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How Do Online Real Estate Auctions Work
| Lauren Horky | 6 mins
How Do Online Real Estate Auctions Work
In a COVID-19 environment, online real estate auctions have become the norm. But how do they work exactly? We tell you everything.
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10 Rules for Share House Harmony
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
10 Rules for Share House Harmony
Creating a happy share house takes good communication, trust and tolerance between flatmates. Read our tips on how to achieve it.
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How to Know You Found the One (Property You Want to Buy)
Buy
| Lauren Horky | 4 mins
How to Know You Found the One (Property You Want to Buy)
Buying a home is a big commitment. To make sure you make an offer on the right property for you, look for these 6 signs.
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How to Set Up an Office at Home
| Lauren Horky | 4 mins
How to Set Up an Office at Home
When working from home, it is essential to arrange a dedicated space conducive to concentration that will help you remain focused and productive.
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Why New Retiree Geoff Greenway Chose Lifestyle Over Location
| Lauren Horky | 4 mins
Why New Retiree Geoff Greenway Chose Lifestyle Over Location
When you can’t afford to buy a home where you live, leaving the city becomes an option. That’s how new retiree Geoff Greenway chose lifestyle over location.
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Why Regional Markets Will Be On Buyers’ Radar in 2020
| Mathew Tiller | 4 mins
Why Regional Markets Will Be On Buyers’ Radar in 2020
Buyers wanting to get more for their money will look at purchasing a home beyond the city limits. Find out why regional markets are set to become popular.
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| Mathew Tiller | 4 mins
Why 2020 Will See the Rise of First Home Buyers
With mortgage repayments averaging rents and prices still below the 2017 peak, there's an opportunity for first-time home buyers to take the plunge.
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How Changes to Credit Scoring Will Benefit First Home Buyers (And Owners)
| Mathew Tiller | 3 mins
How Changes to Credit Scoring Will Benefit First Home Buyers (And Owners)
The introduction of Comprehensive Credit Reporting could give you more leverage to better negotiate a home loan.
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Buy
| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
What’s Your Insurance Responsibility When Buying a Home?
Here’s a look at when you assume responsibility for a property you’re buying, what insurance policies you need and other policies you may consider.
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Questions to Ask a Home Loan Consultant
Buy
| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
Questions to Ask a Home Loan Consultant
Here are 10 important questions to ask home loan lenders to ensure you are choosing the right partner for you.
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Buying a Property - The Hidden Extras
Buy
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
Buying a Property - The Hidden Extras
Buying a home means you need to factor in the added costs of buying property. Here is a list of expenses you need to prepare for.
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How Local Agents Provide Value and What Questions You Should Ask
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
How Local Agents Provide Value and What Questions You Should Ask
One of the most important criteria to consider when choosing an agent is whether they are active in your local area.
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Property Investing Basics: Understanding Property Investor Taxes
| Sarah Dickson | 4 mins
Property Investing Basics: Understanding Property Investor Taxes
Are you thinking about entering the property market as an investor? If so, it's a good idea to get clued up to the various taxes you will inevitably face.
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Where to Buy: Country or City?
| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
Where to Buy: Country or City?
LJ Hooker real estate agents offer specialist property services to buy, sell, rent and manage real estate Australia.
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Property Management FAQs
| Ryan Ellem | 3 mins
Property Management FAQs
We've put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions people have around investment properties.
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A Case Study of a First Time Property Investor
| Sarah Dickson | 4 mins
A Case Study of a First Time Property Investor
Ricky Briggs talks us through how he went about buying his first property at 23!
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Investing in Commercial Property - What You Should Know
| Ryan Ellem | 5 mins
Investing in Commercial Property - What You Should Know
Investing in commercial property is different to residential property. We explore the key differences between commercial and residential investment.
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Suburban Offices Are in Hot-Demand
| Mathew Tiller | 5 mins
Suburban Offices Are in Hot-Demand
Investor interest in strata and freehold office investments in city fringe suburbs is gathering pace.
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Stress Reduction Strategies for Rental Inspections
| Sarah Dickson | 6 mins
Stress Reduction Strategies for Rental Inspections
Rental inspections can prove to be an invaluable opportunity. Realising the benefits of inspections can remove stress from the equation.
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Expert Advice - Does Styling Boost Your Sale Price?
| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
Expert Advice - Does Styling Boost Your Sale Price?
Learn what styling means, if it does really pay to style your home, what the benefits are and where you can get expert advice.
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10 Mistakes First Home Buyers Make - And How to Avoid Them
Buy
| Sarah Dickson | 6 mins
10 Mistakes First Home Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
First home buyer? Whilst you’ll receive loads of advice on what to do, we wanted to share some of the things you should avoid.
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Auction Strategies - Bid With Confidence
Buy
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
Auction Strategies - Bid With Confidence
There’s a lot to be said for buying at auction, but being prepared is important as property auctions can be adrenalin-charged affairs.
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Different Ways to Buy Real Estate
Buy
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
Different Ways to Buy Real Estate
There are a number of different methods you can use to purchase a property. With the help of a real estate agent to guide you, you’ll be just fine.
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Steps to Take When Tenants Give Notice to Vacate
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Steps to Take When Tenants Give Notice to Vacate
So your tenant has given notice to vacate your property. If you are managing your own property, here are some important steps to consider.
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How to Set a Reserve Price for Auction
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
How to Set a Reserve Price for Auction
Selling by auctions? We look at how to set a reserve price and what factors you should consider.
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Top Reasons to Change Your Property Manager
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Top Reasons to Change Your Property Manager
Property managers are in integral part of your investment team.  Here are seven signs it may be time to change property managers.
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Do You Need a Property Manager?
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
Do You Need a Property Manager?
If you would rather not deal with the responsibility of renting out a residential investment property, you may want to consider using a property manager.
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Furnished vs Unfurnished Rental
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Furnished vs Unfurnished Rental
Should lease your property out furnished or unfurnished?  It comes down to who are your target tenants, how you want to use the property, the location and the current demand for properties in your area.
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Wear and Tear vs Accidental Damage Explained
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
Wear and Tear vs Accidental Damage Explained
Accidents can happen. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, knowing what your home insurance will cover before an accident occurs can save a lot of time and grief.
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10 Best Qualities of a High Performing Property Manager and What to Ask Them
| Riley Howe | 7 mins
10 Best Qualities of a High Performing Property Manager and What to Ask Them
Property managers are key to investment success. Knowing the best qualities of a property manager goes a long way in forming a mutually beneficial relationship.
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What Are Your Legal Obligations as a Self-Managing Landlord?
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
What Are Your Legal Obligations as a Self-Managing Landlord?
As a landlord, you are obliged to follow the regulations set out in the Landlord-Tenant Law. Look through this with LJ Hooker.
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How to Comprehensively Screen Your Tenants
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
How to Comprehensively Screen Your Tenants
When deciding on the tenants to take residence in your rental property you want the right match. Read on below to find out the 7 key steps to screening tenants.
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How to Encourage Tenants to Renew Their Lease
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
How to Encourage Tenants to Renew Their Lease
Finding new tenants can be a time consuming and costly exercise. That is why landlords should make an effort to keep their existing tenants happy.
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8 Signs of Poor Property Management (and How to Make a Change)
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
8 Signs of Poor Property Management (and How to Make a Change)
A good property manager can be the difference between a seamless rental property investment and a terrible one. Here are the signs of poor property management.
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Tips on How to Research the Real Estate Market
Buy
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
Tips on How to Research the Real Estate Market
Here are resources that you can explore to help with purchasing a new property.
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| Riley Howe | 2 mins
How We Turned a Nightmare Tenancy Into a Profitable Investment
LJ Hooker real estate agents offer specialist property services to buy, sell, rent and manage real estate Australia.
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Property Investment Performance Review
| Sarah Dickson | 5 mins
Property Investment Performance Review
Here are 5 ways to help you review your property’s current performance, to ensure the foundations are in place to create a high performing strategy.
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Complete Guide for First Time Renters
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
Complete Guide for First Time Renters
Here's a summary of what you need to know before you sign your first residential tenancy agreement.
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Step by Step Guide to Selling Your Property
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
Step by Step Guide to Selling Your Property
To help you navigate the sales process, here is an easy to understand infographic that will walk you through the 14 key steps to selling your home.
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The Impact of Changing Negative Gearing
| Mathew Tiller | 4 mins
The Impact of Changing Negative Gearing
Property investors bring many benefits to the real estate market, which is a point that should be considered during the debate about negative gearing.
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Steps to Buying Real Estate
Buy
| Riley Howe | 8 mins
Steps to Buying Real Estate
We look at the steps involved in buying, the different ways to buy, where to search for a property and understanding contracts and the settlement process.
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How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted on a Rental Database
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted on a Rental Database
The fear of ending up on the national database of tenants that future landlords use to screen tenant applications is a real concern for many renters.
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Polls, ‘Proptech’ and Property Hotspots
| Mathew Tiller | 6 mins
Polls, ‘Proptech’ and Property Hotspots
Within a country of the size and breadth of Australia, it’s no surprise that real estate is a dynamic industry.
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Selling Real Estate Glossary
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
Selling Real Estate Glossary
Here' s our glossary on the key terms you may hear when selling your property.
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Benefits of Passive Building Design
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Benefits of Passive Building Design
Passive building design is an aspect of good building design. There are seven key elements which can be used to design homes that are naturally heated and cooled.
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10 Unique Christmas Decorating Ideas
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
10 Unique Christmas Decorating Ideas
Bring joy to your home and to your wallet by taking a different approach to the way you adorn your home this festive season.
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Open for Inspection Day Checklist
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
Open for Inspection Day Checklist
We look at all the finishing touches you can do to prepare your property for the first open for inspection.
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7 Habits of Tax Smart Property Investors
| Ryan Ellem | 2 mins
7 Habits of Tax Smart Property Investors
Are you doing all seven of these tax smart initiatives?
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What Not to Do on Auction Day
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
What Not to Do on Auction Day
Understanding what not to do on auction day. Auctions are by nature emotionally charged but avoiding these pitfalls will help you navigate auction day.
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Investor Value of Walkability
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
Investor Value of Walkability
What makes a good location?  One key element that can make a significant difference is the walkability of the property.
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Preparing Your Home to Maximise Photo Potential
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Preparing Your Home to Maximise Photo Potential
To ensure your property is shoot ready when the photographer arrives, here’s our room by room photo styling checklist.
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The Power of a Floor Plan
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
The Power of a Floor Plan
One of the most effective sales tools and one that is highly sought after by buyers is a floor plan of your property.
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Preparing Your Investment Property for Summer
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
Preparing Your Investment Property for Summer
If you own an investment property, it's important to keep it in good condition, so you attract and retain good tenants and to ensure it is looked after.
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What to Compromise on and What Not to When Buying
Buy
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
What to Compromise on and What Not to When Buying
Here’s a look at what you should and shouldn’t compromise on when buying a home.
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What Is a Property Appraisal?
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
What Is a Property Appraisal?
Understanding how your property's worth is determined is critical. Learn how to use competitive properties to work out how much your property is worth with LJ Hooker.
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Essential Elements of a Great Sales Campaign
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Essential Elements of a Great Sales Campaign
With over 90 years experience selling homes, we’ve found there are four key elements that underpin all great real estate sales campaigns.
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6 Ways to Review Your Property Investments
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
6 Ways to Review Your Property Investments
When did you last review your investment property?  Here are 6 ways to help you review whether you are maximising your property investment.
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Advantages of House and Land Packages
Buy
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
Advantages of House and Land Packages
House and land packages offer a good solution to the housing affordability crisis, look at why that is with LJ Hooker.
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Expert Advice - Andrew Winter’s Top Tips to Sell Your Renovation Project
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Expert Advice - Andrew Winter’s Top Tips to Sell Your Renovation Project
Classic designs and quality fittings have what real estate agents call 'mass appeal'.
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8 Insider Tips to Achieve Property Investing Goals
| Riley Howe | 6 mins
8 Insider Tips to Achieve Property Investing Goals
These tips will help you set your property investing goals for this year and ensure you don't lose sight of them until they have been achieved.
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Sale of Rented Premises - FAQ for Tenants
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
Sale of Rented Premises - FAQ for Tenants
If you're landlord is selling, what are your rights as a tenant, what are you obliged to do and what does it mean to you when the property is sold?
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9 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster to a Younger Buyer
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
9 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster to a Younger Buyer
When you put your home on the market to sell, the next owner will most likely to be younger than you.  What would make them fall in love with your home?
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Selling? Do You Understand the Key Auction Terms?
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
Selling? Do You Understand the Key Auction Terms?
You may have heard many of the auction terms, but you many not know what they mean. Look at an overview of the main auction phrases with LJ Hooker.
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The Auctioneers Job and Rules of Auction
Buy
| Riley Howe | 3 mins
The Auctioneers Job and Rules of Auction
Essentially the role of the auctioneer is to control a public negotiation process where potential buyers are competing to buy a property.
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First Time Property Investor FAQs
| Riley Howe | 4 mins
First Time Property Investor FAQs
Here is a look at the some most commonly asked questions we receive from first time property investors.
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4 Key Reasons Why Your Home Isn’t Selling
| Riley Howe | 5 mins
4 Key Reasons Why Your Home Isn’t Selling
Here’s a look at four of the most common reasons why properties don’t sell.
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