Melanie Hearse
Aussie home renovations stay on the boil – as does our love for kitchens
A recent report reveals Australian’s home renovation spend has grown 5% in the last year to a median $21,000 – up from $20,000 in 2019.
Melanie Hearse23 Dec 2021 | 4 min read
10 essentials for your next picnic
As social restrictions ease across Australia, picnics are set to be the hot ticket item on our social calendars. Here’s what to pack for a perfect day out.
Melanie Hearse13 Dec 2021 | 5 min read
Saving for a deposit even harder for first home buyers
Saving for a deposit is a challenge. Especially for first time homeowners given that housing prices have soared in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
Melanie Hearse09 Dec 2021 | 4 min read
RBA will hold the official cash rate for the final month of 2021
As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announces the official cash rate will be on hold for the 13th consecutive month, we look at what is predicted in 2022.
Melanie Hearse07 Dec 2021 | 4 min read
Our top 10 favourites from The Iconic homewares collection
No longer just a go-to for a wardrobe refresh, fashion giant The Iconic is now delivering a wide range of quality homewares to your door.
Melanie Hearse02 Dec 2021 | 4 min read
Inflation stays above 3%, but RBA cash rate won’t change until 2024
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will hold the November cash rate at 0.10% and not increase the cash rate until inflation is within the 2% to 3% range.
Melanie Hearse02 Nov 2021 | 4 min read
WA’s capital city has been rated the 6th most liveable city on the Global Liveability Index.
Perth has been ranked the 6th most liveable city in the world according to the Global Liveability Index. Read on to see the reason behind it!
Melanie Hearse28 Jun 2021 | 4 min read
First home buyers drive property market through government stimulus
Demand for housing is high, and first home buyers are leading the charge. We look at incentives available.
Melanie Hearse22 Jun 2021 | 8 min read
Single parents set to receive assistance buying a home
The Australian Government has set out a lending hand to single parents to receive assistance when buying a home, according to the 2021-22 Federal Budget.
Melanie Hearse11 May 2021 | 4 min read
From flat to family home – buying your first house
Buying your first house is a big 'life moment' - especially when you have a family in tow. We list the things to consider before signing the dotted line.
Melanie Hearse03 May 2021 | 7 min read
The pros and cons of buying a display home
What are the pros and cons of buying a display home? Is it better to build your own home instead? We discuss what to watch out for.
Melanie Hearse27 Apr 2021 | 6 min read
Home loan approvals fall slightly in February 2021 but remain high
Home loan approvals for Aussies have fell slightly in February 2021, but still remain high compared to previous years as shown by ABS data.
Melanie Hearse26 Apr 2021 | 3 min read
Home-buyers stretch their budgets to avoid asking for more cash
Some Aussie homebuyers are trying to stretch out their budgets so they would avoid asking the bank for more money when buying a property.
Melanie Hearse15 Apr 2021 | 4 min read
Have we reached the end of low mortgage rates?
With the RBA cash rate still at an all time low, will mortgage rates stay low or have we reached the end? Australia's rates are changing so read up!
Melanie Hearse08 Apr 2021 | 4 min read
How to get rid of mould naturally
A pesky occurrence in many a home, left unchecked mould can quickly grow out of control. How to get rid of mould without jumping to harsh chemicals.
Melanie Hearse23 Mar 2021 | 7 min read
15 castile soap uses you’ve never thought of before
Ever heard of a cleaning product that can be used on your hair and face as well as around the house? Castile soap, the ultimate cleaning hack.
Melanie Hearse16 Mar 2021 | 6 min read
Should you sell before you buy your next home?
Many homeowners looking to move often ask themselves if they should buy before selling. To answer this question, you need to consider financial conditions and market settings, as well as the benefits ...
Melanie Hearse10 Mar 2021 | 7 min read
What’s happening to stamp duty for Australian housing?
NSW is considering stamp duty reforms which could see buyers choose between paying the cost outright or as an annual tax.
Melanie Hearse08 Mar 2021 | 7 min read
Morrison’s ‘gas-led recovery’ – will it really save households money?
The Morrison government says it's willing to fund a new gas infrastructure project if the private sector won't. But will it increase household savings?
Melanie Hearse13 Nov 2020 | 6 min read
What does Victoria’s eviction ban extension mean for tenants and landlords?
The Victorian Government has extended its moratorium on evictions to 28 March 2021. Here's everything landlords and investors need to know.
Melanie Hearse12 Nov 2020 | 6 min read
Home loan questions to ask before buying your first investment property
Looking into buying your first investment property? Everything you need to know about financing and home loan options for investment properties.
Melanie Hearse19 Oct 2020 | 12 min read
How COVID-19 is changing Australian home ownership goals
This years lockdown as well as a new work and study from home lifestyle has radically changed what we want in our homes and where we want to live.
Melanie Hearse16 Sep 2020 | 7 min read
Can casual employees get a home loan?
Want a home loan but worried your casual employee status will get in the way? We explain the ins and outs of home loan approval for casuals.
Melanie Hearse08 Jul 2020 | 8 min read
How to protect your assets as a sole trader
Being a sole trader can be both freeing but also financially challenging. The low-down on strategies to protect your assets as a sole trader.
Melanie Hearse06 Jul 2020 | 6 min read
Do Zip Pay and Afterpay affect your credit score?
Referred to as interest-free payment providers, Zip Pay and Afterpay are not classed as credit cards or loans, but can they affect your chances of mortgage approval?
Melanie Hearse03 Jul 2020 | 6 min read
COVID-19 may cost expats thousands if they can’t sell their home by end of financial year
The combination of a change to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption rules and COVID-19 restrictions could cause a headache for expats trying to sell.
Melanie Hearse13 May 2020 | 8 min read
Here’s how to create a great garden with those extra iso-hours
Get back to nature and make the most of those extra iso-hours with some potted good: how to create your very own garden escape.
Melanie Hearse09 May 2020 | 7 min read
What is a dual income property?
Looking to earn more money from the one property? Here's what you need to know about dual income properties.
Melanie Hearse09 Apr 2020 | 4 min read
Work-out from home: Don’t miss out on getting that killer body
Desperate to ward off any extra isolation-related weight? The news is good on the fitness front - there are limitless options out there to meet all tastes.
Melanie Hearse04 Apr 2020 | 5 min read
How to help your go-to businesses and services survive the COVID-19 shutdown
Small business is adapting in creative ways to ride-out the Covid-19 shutdown, so it's only fitting we do our part too. Here's to supporting your local.
Melanie Hearse01 Apr 2020 | 6 min read
Is Sydney Airport in debt? Fingers are pointing to coronavirus and climate change
While coronavirus and climate change vie to sink our tourism and travel industries, lending has found an interesting way to create the change we need to see in the world.
Melanie Hearse27 Mar 2020 | 6 min read
The car designed for millennials
Both fuel-efficient and not costing the earth, while admitting less CO2 than a petrol engine, a hybrid could be the vehicle solution you've been looking for.
Melanie Hearse15 Mar 2020 | 5 min read
How to protect your credit score during the Coronavirus shutdown
While the Covid-19 pandemic has led the banks to expand their hardship criteria, open communication with your lender remains the most sage financial advice.
Melanie Hearse09 Mar 2020 | 4 min read
Smarter ways to budget on your home loan (and still have fun)
A way to budget your spending while still having fun? Sounds impossible. Whether you're saving for a deposit or to meet repayments you can still have fun - just follow these tips!
Melanie Hearse21 Feb 2020 | 5 min read
How is climate change affecting property investment?
Australians have always yearned for an investment property by the beach, but according to science-backed analysis, climate change will leave 1 in 19 properties uninsurable by the end of the decade.
Melanie Hearse20 Feb 2020 | 5 min read
Good versus bad debt
While debt is often talked of in a negative fashion, it's not all bad. But in this big wide world, what determines good versus bad debt?
Melanie Hearse02 Jan 2020 | 5 min read
Hacks to make your rental feel like home
Make your new rental feel more like home with these tips to personalise the space to your style - without breaking your bond.
Melanie Hearse13 Nov 2019 | 4 min read
Should I refinance my mortgage to buy an investment property?
Got a mortgage but want to take advantage of the low rates and nab an investment property? According to PGA, now's a good time so join us as we tell you how - including all the dos and don'ts.
Melanie Hearse23 Oct 2019 | 4 min read
We’re spending more money on our kitchen revamps
A recent widescale study found kitchens top our to-do list when it comes to home renovations. Here’s what else it reveals about Australian reno habits.
Melanie Hearse01 Oct 2019 | 3 min read
Understanding conveyancing and how it works
Conveyancing: What is it and why is it necessary? And, is it possible to do it yourself? Join us as we talk to OpenAget's Ellen Orton.
Melanie Hearse21 Aug 2019 | 6 min read
Tradey VS DIY home maintenance: When to call in the expert?
What jobs are DIY-able and what should be left to the professionals?
Melanie Hearse06 Aug 2019 | 6 min read
What to do if your house isn’t selling
House been on the market, but failing to move? Here's some real estate agent approved tips and tricks to improve your chances.
Melanie Hearse15 Jul 2019 | 4 min read
What is overcapitalisation?
All homes have a maximum value they'll achieve based on location and size. So, if your purchase price and renovation costs exceed this amount, you've overcapitalised. Here's how to avoid doing it.
Melanie Hearse09 Jul 2019 | 4 min read
How to take the emotion out of buying your first home
A buyers' agent shares her top tips for keeping your emotions at arm's length when picking and purchasing your first home.
Melanie Hearse09 Jul 2019 | 4 min read
Is it worth seeing a financial advisor?
Whether you're feeling on top of your finances or tend to fly by the seat of your pants, a financial planner may offer more than you thought.
Melanie Hearse08 Jul 2019 | 5 min read
“We’ll save tens of thousands from refinancing our mortgage”
When one couple decided they wanted better service from their lender, they didn't realise they'd also be saving tens of thousands of dollars and shaving a decade off their loan by refinancing their mo...
Melanie Hearse20 Jun 2019 | 4 min read
Property jargon decoded
Buying or selling property? Keep our handy property jargon cheat sheet on hand to save you nodding along blankly during the proceedings!
Melanie Hearse11 Jun 2019 | 6 min read
A buyers’ agent’s tips on negotiating on property price
From practising the art of silence to making an offer with your pre-approvals in order, a buyers' agent shares their tips for negotiating the best possible price on your next property purchase.
Melanie Hearse29 Apr 2019 | 4 min read
How to teach your kids about the value of money
In an increasingly cashless society, it can be challenging to teach children to value and manage money. Here are some simple ways to help them grow up to be financially savvy.
Melanie Hearse01 Apr 2019 | 4 min read
How to spot and beat a scam
Scammers consistently change their methods to capitalise on current trends or events. Get to know the most common scams. Here's what to watch out for.
Melanie Hearse19 Mar 2019 | 5 min read
What is the KonMari Method?
Heard all the buzz about Marie Kondo’s revolutionary new way to declutter and keep your home tidy and want to know more? Here’s a quick guide to the basics of the KonMari Method.
Melanie Hearse06 Mar 2019 | 4 min read
What do lenders look for in a mortgage applicant?
There have been many recently changes to the lending environment, with lenders becoming more cautious. Here's how you could improve your 'lendability'.
Melanie Hearse01 Mar 2019 | 4 min read
4 easy-care plants to add style to your home
Tiffany Benn, Director of Hart Home Decor, shares her favourite easy-care indoor plants to add style and flair to any room.
Melanie Hearse10 Jan 2019 | 4 min read
How to keep your fencing up-to-date
Often overlooked during a renovation planning process, fences form a frame for your home and can make or break your home’s curb appeal. Here’s what’s hot for 2019 in fencing.
Melanie Hearse04 Jan 2019 | 4 min read
The 2019 paint colour trends that pass the ‘classic’ test
Here’s our pick of the year's paint colour trends, designed to remind us to unwind and log out daily. Best of all, they won’t look dated by 2020.
Melanie Hearse02 Jan 2019 | 5 min read
Pantone announces its Colour of the Year for 2019
This year's Pantone Colour of the Year - Living Coral - has been dubbed "an animating and life-affirming hue that energises and enlivens".
Melanie Hearse06 Dec 2018 | 4 min read
