10 Reason To Get Out of Renting

Ever noticed how, these days, there seems to be a Top Ten list for literally everything?
Your Top Ten movies.
Your Top Ten songs.
Your Top Ten reasons for despising one-eyed Collingwood fans. (That last one, of course, is just a joke; the real list would stretch to Top Twenty.)

But if you’re in a rental property, there is a Top Ten list that you really should give a lot of serious thought to.
And that’s your Top Ten list to getting out of the rental trap and into a home of your own.
To be honest, there’s way, way more than ten reasons. But to help you get started, here’s the ones that would be top of our list.

#1: Landlords love you paying off their mortgage

You work hard all week. You scrimp and you save. And then you give a big chunk of the money you’ve earned to your landlord who, more than likely, then uses it to pay off the mortgage on their home. Ever heard the saying ‘smiling all the way to the bank’? That’s exactly what your landlord is doing right now.

#2: Hands up who loves rent inspections?

The answer? Your landlord. Because (as you probably already know) they can choose to see exactly what you’re up to by running inspections whenever they like. Sure, it’s their right to do so. But even if you keep the place in pristine condition – which we’re sure you do – having that regular invasion of your privacy really can be a pain.

#3: That flowered wallpaper is doing your head in

Not to mention those brown and yellow mosaic tiles in the bathroom. Really? Were those colours ever in? Problem is, when it comes to decorating your rental just as you’d like it, you generally can’t. (You might get away with moving those gnomes in the garden, though.)

#4: The name is Bond: Rent Bond

Oh, now this really will hit a nerve. Because no matter how pristine you keep your rental, no matter how many Magic Sponges you use on the walls, those extremely keen-eyed inspectors will always do their best to withhold some of that very expensive bond you forked out on at the start.

#5: Sorry, no pets allowed

To be fair, this isn’t always the case. Many landlords, however, do forbid pets in their homes. And if yours is one of them, then uploading your favourite Instagram cat photos will just have to wait… for now.

#6: Rent’s up, again!

Just imagine this scenario. Your landlord has his eyes on a fancy new car. He could save extra hard to afford it. Then again, he could just put up your rent. What do you reckon he’ll do?

#7: Nothing to see here

Unfortunately, renting a house really is dead money as far as your future is concerned. That’s because you are contributing towards your landlord’s property… and not your own. So when it comes to having an asset for you and your family, there literally is nothing to see here.

#8: Instead of being for lease, your place is now for sale

There’s absolutely nothing to stop your landlord deciding to sell the house you are living in. Which is fair enough – they do own the property after all. And if that does happen, you’ll be facing the whole process of finding a new property, new bond, new everything, all over again. With sales comes home opens, meaning you need to keep the place tidy and clean at a moment’s notice!

A stress you don’t need on top of everything else.
Plus, the fact that some landlords will have a ‘home open’ every day of the week, and you need to keep the house tidy and clean for when that happens!

#9: That leak still needs fixing

How long has it been since you reported it? Two weeks or more? Even the best landlords can take ages to fix repairs. Sounds like another night putting up with the sound of that dripping tap.

#10: It’s yours, all yours

Yep, you guessed it… we saved the best reason till last. When you build your own place, instead of renting, it really is yours. Yours to decorate just how you want it. Yours to hang your favourite pictures on the walls. Yours to have as many pets running around in as you wish. Yours to take pride in. And ultimately, yours to call home.

Has this given you enough reasons to talk to WA Housing Centre? We hope so.

Click here to contact a member of our friendly team about getting you into a home of your own right now!

Article Source: 10 Reason To Get Out of Renting

Top Suburbs for First Home Buyers in Perth

Looking to purchase your first property? We’ve made choosing your location easy.

So you’re ready to pick your block of land – your finance is in place, but where to go to from here…

To help you get a better understanding of where to begin your land hunt, and what to expect from certain Perth suburbs, we’ve put together a handy list. With so many factors to take into consideration, it’s time to let us do some of the legwork for you!

Perth CBD and surrounds

Whether you’ve lived in Perth your whole life, or you’ve recently moved, choosing a suburb isn’t always the easiest thing. Spending your weekends driving around and selecting an area that not only has all the amenities you need, but is also within your budget can become very time consuming. That’s why we’ve researched all over the Perth CBD and surrounds to see where you’ll get the most from your money and your new lifestyle!

Future plans and how they effect your investment

It’s important to remember that areas, as well as your needs, change over time. What might not be important to you now, could be in a couple of years time, and if you’re planning on building your forever home, then these elements are worth considering. For example, schools, doctors and other amenities might not be on your radar, but five years from now, they may be essential.

What do you want to achieve from your home and what is important to you?

Do you want a short commute, a big backyard, to be close to the beach? You need to think realistically – it might not be possible for you to tick all the boxes, so make sure you have your priorities set before wasting your time. Having a key list of essentials will also really help with whether you choose inland, north or south of Perth, as each have their own offerings.

Does the area have potential for growth?

When it comes to re-sale value, or if you plan on starting small and expanding, you want a home you can gain from, either financially, lifestyle, or both. So picking a place that has potential to increase in value due to planned infrastructure, additional transport links, employment opportunities and other elements can make a huge difference. Before viewing a block of land, if you like a suburb, do your research first. Take a look at the government website and see if there are any plans in the near, or distant future that you might benefit from.

The suburbs that are hot right now!

With the current Perth economy, many suburbs have a lot to offer, and if you know where to start, you could bag yourself a bargain! Take a look at our top picks for investment areas below and why…

Hilbert:

With a wide selection of local amenities including schools, shops, medical centres, entertainment, community and sporting facilities, plus easy access to the Tonkin Highway and Kwinana Freeway – Hilbert is already a great option. The future plans include a town centre, new schools and improved parklands, so why not ask our experts about available house and land packages in Hilbert?

Gosnells:

This area offers lots of opportunity for subdivision, which has enabled new homes to be built at a reasonable cost, on a decent sized piece of land.

Forrestfield:

With the new train line to the airport, Forrestfield is soon becoming a place to be considered.  Again, with lots of subdivision opportunities, it’s becoming possible to build new homes at a reasonable price.

Wellard:

Easy public transport straight into the city, this rather new suburb gives young families exactly what they’ve been searching for, and at great value for their money.

Bullsbrook:

The building of the new Perth-Darwin Highway has increased interest in this soon to be sought after area. Less than an hour from Perth, it offers a huge variety of lifestyles, with an influx in commercial property, many opportunities have risen.

Brabham:

For first home buyers looking to purchase near the northern coastal corridor, Brabham is a brilliant choice – within the Swan Valley and all it has to offer, just 20kms from Perth!

Baldivis:

Hugely growing in population, Baldivis is set in a natural environment, just 40mins south of Perth and 10mins to the coast. With numerous schools and more planned in the future, large shopping facilities with extensions currently underway and great access to the Kwinana Freeway – it’s a smart place to purchase, just take a look at our packages.

Byford:

Looking for the perfect mix of country and city – Byford in just 33km from Perth CBD and 15 minutes from the freeway, but sits in a tranquil setting at the base of the Darling Scarp. It has many local amenities, with schools, shopping centres and medical services all close to hand.

We offer house and land packages in many of the above suburbs – to find out more, why not talk to one of our expertsand see what they can do for you?

Found a suburb you love, but out of your price range?

It’s a great idea to look slightly outside the box, or outside your boarder in this case. If you have the opportunity to ‘live off your richer relatives’ then take it. Choosing a plot next door to your favourite suburb, within walking distance from the cafe strip you love, or your chosen school is a brilliant option. Neighbouring suburbs often have lots to offer, but at a fraction of the cost, so don’t get your heart set on one spot, expand slightly and you could find the perfect match!

During this market, instead of getting a flashier home, you’re best using your hard earned dollars to upgrade your location!

Buying in a sought-after suburb is always a wise move, and in this current economy, it could be a realistic possibility for you. Find out where to build and why…

Article Source: Top Suburbs for First Home Buyers in Perth

5 Tips For A Warmer Home This Winter

The winter chill is slowly creeping in and it’s fast becoming that time of year where we rug up, get out the pumpkin soup recipes and update our home décor to suit!

Everyone loves a warm and comfy space for winter, so we’ve listed a few simple yet effective ways to transform your home into a cosy haven while the cool wind whips outside.

1. Add some fuzz!

This is all about softening the room and creating a comfy zone for winter months. Simply lay a rug under your coffee table – cold tiles are not the way forward! Add cushions and a throw to your furnishings… time to turn your couch into a bed. It doesn’t take much, and with some great, wallet-friendly shops full of contemporary home decor selections, you don’t have to spend a fortune. If you’re really committed, sheer curtains are a great way to keep the warmth in and add texture – plus there are plenty of stunning, yet savvy options out there.

2. Use colours to create your mood

Colours are more important than you may think. They influence our mood and feelings subliminally. Using natural coloured tones, like beige, latte-browns, and apricot shades will create more of a warm and cosy environment. It’s time to avoid blues, greys, and too much white, as they have the opposite effect. So keep these colours in mind while picking out your new pallet for winter. If you think you have everything else on point, why not give your walls a new lease of life with a lick of paint? You don’t need to go all-out, a feature wall could be the perfect solution.

3. Lighting

If creating a relaxing ambience is your ambition, you’ll want to have a look at your lighting. The ideal lighting temperature for a warm feel is around 2000-3000K (Kelvin). This means the light produces more of an orange light rather than a blue light – so swap out those bulbs and add some fairy lights! Next, candles! Not only do candles set a relaxing mood, and even add warmth, you can also choose your favourite scent. Even if it’s just one or two candles burning away on a buffet table, a little goes a long way.

4. Make a fire

Whether you’re inside or outside, lighting a fire is a great way to keep warm and get that real cosy feeling, rather than just switching on the reverse cycle. So either light up your fireplace or look into investing in an electric one.

Still love entertaining outdoors despite the chill? Why not add a couple of patio heaters to ease that breeze, or better yet a fire pit? There’s nothing quite like watching the flames and hearing the fire crackle.

5. Bring the entertainment to you.

No one wants to get caught in the rain out at dinner, but with your new irresistible winter setting, why not bring your friends and family to you? It’s the perfect time to have family and friends over for a roast, or toasted marshmallows. The only problem is, they might never want to leave… good thing you turned your couch into a bed!

For some home decor inspiration, why not visit one of our stunning display homes, or ask our helpful team for some tips – they’re always keen to get creative!

You’re now ready to beat the winter chill without breaking the bank!

Article Source: 5 Tips For A Warmer Home This Winter