If like many people you’ve bought real estate in the past few weeks, there’s every chance your attention will have turned to kitting out your new home. While the fixtures, fittings and furnishings can wait, there are some more important purchases you’ll need to move to the top of your wish list.
As Christmas approaches, there’s no better time to think about what you’re going to need in your new home. Who knows, Santa might even help you along the way if you drop hints to the right people!
OK, so it might not be as exciting as a new smartphone or a voucher for your favourite store, but home insurance is crucial when you move into your property. It will provide protection should the worst ever happen, or if your household items are lost or stolen. Not only this, most home loan providers will require you to have insurance in place before they’ll grant you a mortgage.
Moving in just after Christmas is a great excuse to ask for some help with making your house your home.
IBISWorld estimates that there are 98 home insurance businesses in Australia alone, so you’ll not be short of choice! However, be aware that every policy will be different, so make sure you read the small print to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Remember to keep any receipts for household items you buy, just in case you ever need to make a claim on your contents insurance policy. This includes any white goods, as well as appliances and sofas.
Most people can’t imagine themselves without a reliable internet connection, so it’s sure to be high on your wish list when you move into your new home. At the end of June 2015, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates there were around 12.8 million internet subscribers throughout the country, marking a two per cent rise from a year earlier.
While your attention might be on ensuring you have a comfortable mattress to sleep on or a decent fridge-freezer, you could think about asking Santa for a broadband package. With so many to choose from, the hard part will be letting him know exactly which one you want!
Whether you’re moving into a new build or an existing piece of real estate, it’s highly likely you’ll want to make it your own. After all, the previous owners’ choice of wallpaper or floor covering might not quite be to your taste.
Moving in just after Christmas is a great excuse to ask for some help with making your house your home. Why not ask friends and relatives for a gift card to spend at your favourite home furnishings store? Or point out a few select items that would look great in your new pad?
Home renovations activity has increased 147 per cent over the past five years, Westpac reveals, so you’re certainly not alone! Not only is it one way of putting your stamp on a property, but if done right, it can also help increase its value.
There’s no denying that moving is expensive, which is why a little extra cash could come in handy ahead of the big day. Figures from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) show that in 2012, households across the nation collectively spent $642billion on general living costs.
If you’re short of ideas on how your loved ones can help with the big move, a financial donation could be just what you need this Christmas. ASIC notes that the average person in New South Wales spends around $1,265 per week on living expenses, while the lowest amount was registered in South Australia at $1,044.
Emergency preparedness should be an important concern for both home owners and renters alike. Get Ready Queensland encourages all Queenslanders to follow their three-step plan to be prepared: make a plan, pack supplies and check your insurance. For more support resources and assistance, visit the Get Ready Queensland website. Remember, it’s not … Read more
Fixer-uppers are homes that require renovations or repairs. The extent of necessary work varies by property, but it can generally be expected that a fixer-upper will need at the very least some cosmetic work. In more serious cases, structural repairs may be necessary. Why do people buy fixer-uppers? The lower … Read more