Resources to help you along your property journey.

 In the property world, online valuation websites have been a game-changer for information-starved buyers and sellers. But while these sites contain lots of useful property info, their estimates are still just one piece of the fair-market-value puzzle.Here are some key points to consider with online valuations...No one has physically looked at the property.It could be…

 Shelter. Aside from air and water, it's the most important human need. Where would we be without a place to call home? Whether it's an apartment, a townhouse, a quarter-acre block, a minivan, or a mansion, our home should be a safe space where we feel respite from the problems of the world.Yet familiarity breeds…

 Many of us have fallen in love with working from home over the last few years: the 5-second commute, attending 'meetings' in your track pants, no one stealing your snacks from the office fridge. The benefits are numerous.There is a catch though! Working from home can be difficult if you don't have the right space.…

 Ingredients 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil225g block haloumi cheese, grated420g can corn kernels, drained, rinsed2 eggs1/3 cup self-raising flour1 tsp finely grated lemon rind2 tbsp chopped fresh chives1 avocado, chopped1/4 cup plain Greek-style yoghurt1 tbsp lemon juice2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves, plus extra leaves to serve1 tsp garlic powderMethodPreheat oven to 220C/200C fan-forced. Place…

Buying a home is a monumental step in anyone's life. It's an emotionally charged process and with all the pressure and expectation involved, it can be a challenge to think clearly and make sound decisions.Avoid these five common mistakes to increase your chances of securing a good outcome from your home buying journey.Don't fall for…

 Before we get into the ins and outs of how to avoid overcapitalising, the first question you need to answer is:How long do you plan to own this home?If the answer is 1 - 5 years, then any renovation decisions should be made with future resale value in mind. On the flip side, if you…

 Interior designer Sarah Foote from Sarah Foote Design shares practical pointers for bathroom designA well-designed loo never goes unnoticed – it has a captive audience, after all. What else is there to do while frequenting the smallest room in the house but admire an exquisite tile choice, a beautiful basin or a sumptuous selection of…

 Ingredients 400g cream cheese, at room temperature3 eggs, lightly beaten150g pure icing sugar1 tsp vanilla extract200g frozen berries, thawed (such as blackberries, blueberries or raspberries)Pastry 100g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped11/3 cups (200g) plain flour1/3 cup (80ml) milkMethodFor the pastry, rub butter and flour together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in a pinch of salt, then, using…

Subdued greens and curvaceous, organic shapes create an understated natural Christmas style that is both relaxing and joyfulDeck the hallsFor a modern interpretation of the traditionally bright and bold garland, wind strands of delicate foliage (olive branches look lovely) around handrails or curtain rods. A trail of thoughtfully wrapped gifts tied with sumptuous ribbons will…

 If a real tree isn’t available to you this year, try one of these alternative Christmas trees to bring in the festive cheerAnother fantastic article by Your Home and Garden that was too good not to share1. Driftwood treeA driftwood tree is a great option for a Kiwi Christmas because we so often spend the…

 Ingredients500g Pasta of your choice3 tbsp butter500 g/1lb shrimp/prawns deveined and shelled4 garlic cloves crushed1 cup/250ml cream2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juicehandful fresh parsley finely choppedSalt and pepper to tasteYou can also serve with pesto!InstructionsCook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. In the meantime, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large…

 Is there anything more thrilling than the countdown to Christmas? The suspense is almost enough to rival the actual day – almost. This DIY advent calendar adds to the fun, so get your little ones involved and let them design the house exterior. Fill the inside shelves with little gifts, which when opened reveal fun…