Renovating while expecting: canny timing or a serious case of total insanity? Understand the pros and cons and then decide if is this the right move for you. It’s all in the timing Your timeline is crucial – both of them. What’s the deadline for delivery of your reno and what’s your other delivery date? Before you choose your reno dates, take into account what you’ll need to work around. For instance, it’s easier to live without a kitchen in summer – think salads, barbecues a

While it might seem intimidating, restumping your house doesn’t need to be a nightmare. Keep your cool and understand what you need to know to find a good contractor, and you can get the job done with a minimum of stress. Does your house need restumping? Are there cracks in your plaster walls? Is your floor uneven? Do your doors and windows stick? Does your glassware clink merrily on the shelf every time someone walks past? Your house may need some stump love, so it’s time to

When you’re house hunting, it’s easy to get distracted by aesthetics. This checklist will help you focus on what’s really important at a property inspection. Is it right for you? Is a spare bedroom, second bathroom or ensuite a must? Will everyone be safe or comfortable climbing stairs? Does your dog need space to roam? Be realistic about the features you can’t live without. Floor plan and room sizes Walk around the property to get a sense of how one room flows into the next.

High-quality tenants make renting your investment property both easier and more lucrative, but how do you actually find them? Along with well-written rental ads, we look at some other ways to get high quality people into your investment property. There are several ways to finding your dream tenants: you can reach out to your personal networks, arrange a long-term rental through a reputable agent, or opt for shorter-term but higher-paying corporate rental arrangements. Tap int

Loans are by no means ‘one size fits all.’ Different loan types suit different age groups, different living situations and even different attitudes to money. A common trap some home-owners fall into is to consider a mortgage ‘set and forget’. You did your research, shopped around, found the right option and now you’re reluctant to revisit the process – even if your personal circumstances have dramatically changed. Before you start shopping around for a new loan, or an upgrade