Saving for a House

If you are working towards buying a home, but are not even close to footing the removalists’ fees to move in, there are a few things you can do to speed-up the saving process.
Purchasing a new home is not an off-the-cuff-decision. It’s something that, for most people, is several years in the making. You don’t simply walk into a store and sign-up to repaying a kit home do you? Well, most people don’t. Most people plan ahead – working to save the biggest down payment they can.

Not good at saving? Live by these tips.

Savings tip # 1: Consolidate, consolidate, consolidate!
Get on the phone and on the internet to find the best possible deal for all your debt, whether it be credit cards or personal loans. There are great deals to be had including balance transfers or long-term repayment options. In some cases, simply putting all of your debt into one place and creating a repayment plan is all you need to give you the kickstart your finances need.

Savings tip # 2: Your junk could be someone else’s treasure.
Ever perused through the racks at St Vincent de Paul’s and found a steal? Someone might feel the same about your pre-loved items so why not put on your own garage sale or sell your items over eBay. You will be surprised by how much money you can earn by simply decluttering your lifestyle and your home.

Savings tip #3: Apply for a high-yield savings account.
Boost your savings and reach your goals faster by putting all of your savings into a high interest-incurring bank account.

Savings tip # 4: Supplement your income.
If you need more money, why not find it in a new job – consider ways that you can make more money so that you put more towards your down payment. It may mean finding a part-time job in addition to your current position, but it will be worth it if you can reach your goal faster.

Savings tip # 5: Watch what you spend.
Achieving your goal may mean that you need to change your lifestyle temporarily. You may need to eat in more, stop shopping so much or limit your partying. Whatever the sacrifices are, remember that you are working towards strengthening your financial position and your personal equity.

In addition to this, one of the most important things you can do to get your finances in order is to write a personal budget and incorporate your financial goals into it. When incorporating your goals into your budget you should figure out how many months you will need to save to reach that goal. In the case of a home, it might be better to set yourself small wins i.e. a small treat for every $5,000 you save. With these tips you should be well on your way to reach your goal of a buying a new home.

The Importance of Having a Security Door on Your Home

It is very important that you have security doors and security screens fitted in your home. Not only will your home be more secure but it is less likely that your home will be a target for intruders. It is likely that a potential intruder won't bother with trying to get into your house because of the security door and the fact it is much harder or even impossible to break in.

Protect your assets and your family

By having a security door on your entrance way you are making it harder for an intruder to break into your home. You are less likely to have your home broken in to if it looks difficult to do so, so by having a security door you are also providing a deterrent. Your home will look a lot less inviting to intruders if you have a security door, and even security screens on your windows. You can have a security door installed right at your front gate, if you happen to have a wall around your property. Otherwise have it right at your front door. You need to feel secure in your own home and with a security door you can be happy knowing that your family is safe. A security door is an easy way to protect your family and possessions.

Value add

Anything you add to your home in terms of improvements is going to increase the value of your property. It might be a new kitchen or bathroom, a patio or outdoor kitchen or even solar panels added to your roof. By adding a proper security door to your home you will also be adding value to your home. You can even buy doors that look great as well as being functional. There are great security doors that have fancy iron work with scrolls and even coloured glass embedded in them. You don't have to choose a plain door made of simple bars.

Keep your home cool

If you have a security door you can also keep your home cooler without having to automatically turn on the air conditioner. If you have a security door you can open up your front door to let the cool summer breeze through your house but still keep your home secure by keeping the security door shut. Create a cross breeze through your home by opening the back door and your windows. The breeze will blow through your house, with the movement of air significantly reducing the temperature inside your home.

Reduction in insurance rates

You also may find that the rates you pay on your home and contents insurance may be reduced if you can prove you have made additions to make your home more secure. If your home is more secure and harder to break into then it is less of a risk for the insurance company. As well as having a security door install a security alarm and a camera and even have a high wall built around your property.

How to Buy a Home in another State

If you are buying a home in another state, it can be quite a stressful experience if you aren't prepared or organised for a lot of complicated manoeuvring. As an out-of-state buyer, you may be at somewhat of a disadvantage because you may not know the best neighbourhoods, local real estate agents or the state laws. It can be overwhelming to embark on a new direction without a map, so here are a few tips to help you stay organised while making your moving plans.

Know Your Budget 
Moving states isn't going to happen overnight, and you still have to take care of all the necessary paperwork that you would if you were merely moving across the street. First things first: have a careful look at your budget and make a trip to your bank. Having a clear idea of how much you are able to borrow, will put into perspective what you can buy. Finding out how much your existing home is worth is necessary as well, however remember that this could change depending on when you sell and what offers you get.

Get Some Help 
You will need someone to be your eyes and ears in the state you are moving to so hiring help is key to finding property when you aren't there. Avoid contacting the listing agent as they generally do what is in the best interest of the seller. To protect yourself and have someone who is on your side, the wisest move is to contact a buyers agent. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and all the major centres have great buyers agents who are willing to stick with you every step of the way. If you are serious about buying at the right time, then you can also purchase property valuation software that will help you keep track of what the markets are doing.

Start Looking 
When you start looking for property in earnest, your agent will give you multiple listing sheets of homes in your preferred area. Additionally, you will probably be spending lots of time reading classified ads and surfing the Internet for homes. Eventually, however, you will have to take the time to visit the area yourself to look at some properties. You need to get a feel for the lifestyle of the new area so that you know for sure you are making the right decision.

Put Your House on the Market 
When selling your home while planning to buy a home in another state, a simultaneous closing is very difficult, if not impossible. Most banks won't give you a loan for a home in another state until they receive notice of the sale of your existing home. Timing is key; you obviously need to sell your home before you make any big moves, so that is why it is so important to be up to date on the situation where you are moving to, and be ready to move fast.

Make the Move
 Unless you are lucky, the chances are good you will have a transitional phase where you don't have a home. This is nothing to be too concerned about, just make sure you have comfortable accommodation lined up in your new area such as at a hotel, temporary rental unit or with friends/family.

Goat Head's Curry

Happy Monday, every one. If you're feeling cold there, perhaps this hot curry can warm your body.

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Safe and Secure

Regardless of whether you have home insurance, you want to know that your home is a safe and protected place. Knowing this means that you can feel easy when heading away for a weekend, or feel safe when you live there alone or are left alone for a week while your partner or roommates head out of town.

Maybe you just want to make sure your investment property in Sydney is well looked after, in addition to having tenants who live there. Here are 5 steps you can take towards having a safer, more secure home.

1.Home Security Systems

One of the most obvious and effective ways you can protect your home is through using a home security system. These can be set for the entire house before you leave for your vacation, and if triggered, a security person will head to the property as soon as possible – especially if you have advised them that you will be out of town.

Place the alarm system stickers on the front doors and all windows that are at easy access, so as to deter someone attempting to break in in the first place.

They are also great if you are home alone for the weekend because there is usually an option to set the alarm for certain zones only – meaning you can still sleep in a safely alarmed house.

2.Deadlocks

Having deadlocks, particularly for your front door, is a great option in addition to an alarm system, and absolutely essential if you can’t afford to install a security system. It will also save you from that annoying feeling of wondering whether or not you locked the door as you drive away after a busy morning.

If your home is in an area particularly prone to break-ins, you may like to consider bars across the windows as well. Include a screen and then you get the added bonus of keeping out the mosquitos during summer as well!

3.Know Your Neighbours

Being friendly with your neighbours is a great idea for a number of reasons, not only for the safety of your home.

Letting them know you are headed out of town and having them keep an eye on the property for you, maybe even feeding your pets or collecting your mail, is one way to keep the home from looking empty or deserted.

4.Housesitters

Ask a few of your friends if they wouldn’t mind staying in the home for a week while you are away: having someone in the house and a car in the garage will mean opportunists won’t even realise you have gone out of town.

If you are home alone, don’t feel embarrassed to ask a friend to come and stay with you – make the most of it and embrace the time you have the home to yourself – it is probably very rare!

5.Choose a Safe Area

If you really do feel anxious about leaving the house unoccupied, so much so that you struggle to sleep or tend never to go away: then perhaps you need to think about moving to a safer neighbourhood.

There is no reason you should feel anxious about leaving the house late at night, and the extra amount you pay in rent, or the sacrifices you have to make in terms of size, will all be worth it for your peace of mind.

Portraits of a Girl Photographer

My niece, Hana, loves to take pictures. Her father let Hana to use his camera. I like seeing her style while holding the camera and making shots.

The Weekend in Black and White