News

<div class="rich-text"><p>No matter how bitterly cold it may be outside, there’s just something about a roaring open fire that makes Canberra’s winters just that little bit more tolerable. If you’re looking to upgrade to a place where you can enjoy cosy nights snuggled up in front of the fire with your partner, family or even just the cat, here are five homes with fireplaces for sale on Zango right now.</p><h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/8642-kings-highway-manar-nsw-2622-27381/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>8642 Kings Highway, Manar NSW</b></a></h4><p>It can get chilly in Manar New South Wales, out past Bungendore, but you can keep nice and toasty in this five bedroom home thanks to the slow combustion wood fire in the spacious living room. The huge solar passive home also has an open plan gourmet kitchen, an entertaining deck, a salt water pool, and panoramic views. The 195 acres property also includes a two-bedroom studio, while there’s lots of space for animals across more than a dozen paddocks. And future winters could become quite lucrative with seven truffle trees planted over 12 months ago.</p><p></p><img alt="3 Tennyson Crescent FORREST.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="495" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/3_Tennyson_Crescent_FORREST.width-800.png" width="800"><h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/3-tennyson-crescent-forrest-act-2603-22018/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>3 Tennyson Crescent, Forrest</b></a></h4><p>There’s plenty of room in front of the fire at this five bedroom estate in Forrest, with three fireplaces throughout: a marble fireplace in the large formal living room, an original 1930s fireplace in the spacious private dining room, and one more in the family room. If you need some extra warming up, you can even retreat to your own personal sauna, or pop down to the wine cellar and find a warming bottle of red.</p><p></p><p></p><img alt="12 Roebuck Street RED HILL.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="402" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/12_Roebuck_Street_RED_HILL.width-800.png" width="800"><h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/12-roebuck-street-red-hill-act-2603-23123/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>12 Roebuck Street, Red Hill</b></a></h4><p>Love good books and a cosy read? In the light-filled family room at this Red Hill property, you can line the built-in bookshelves with hundreds of books, perfectly position your couch in front of the fireplace and settle in. The four bedroom home also has a cellar, a large alfresco entertaining area, and beautifully manicured gardens.  </p><p></p><p></p><img alt="167 West Lynne Road JINDABYNE.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="419" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/167_West_Lynne_Road_JINDABYNE.width-800.png" width="800"><h4><a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/167-west-lynne-road-jindabyne-nsw-2627-24344/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>167 West Lynne Road, Jindabyne</b></a></h4><p>You could invite all your friends and family to stay at this 10 bedroom, 10 bathroom home in Jindabyne - when social distancing is relaxed of course. With mountain vistas and sweeping views of the Moonbah Valley, the estate has plenty of room for everyone, and you can all come together in front of the large open, wetback fireplace in the main lounge area. The whole place is centrally heated, and everyone can also warm up with a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool or a stint in the sauna.</p></div>

Snuggle up in these four homes with cosy fireplaces

<div class="rich-text"><p>Buying and selling homes in the ACT will be able to return to some level of normalcy from this weekend, with the ACT Government today announcing a range of relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.</p><p>ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced that from Saturday May 9, real estate open houses and auctions in the ACT will be able to go ahead once again, with a maximum of 10 people.</p><p>All auctions and open homes were forced to be cancelled from March 25 as part of social distancing measures put in place by the federal government to stop the spread of COVID-19. Since then, agents have been restricted to inspections via private appointments or video chat, and online auctions.</p><p>And Canberrans will also get to enjoy a range of other relaxed measures from this weekend, just in time for Mother’s Day, including:</p><p>- all indoor and outdoor gatherings can have a maximum of 10 people (including children).</p><p>- weddings can now have up to 10 people attend, excluding those conducting the ceremony.</p><p>- indoor funerals can have up to 20 people attend, excluding those conducting the service, or outdoor funerals can have up to 30 people attend.</p><p>- religious ceremonies and places of worship can have up to 10 people attend, excluding those conducting the service.</p><p>- outdoor boot camps and other non-contact fitness activities can be held with a maximum of 10 people and no sharing of equipment.</p><p>- public schools will return to on-campus learning in stages over four weeks from Monday 18 May.</p></div>

Open homes and live auctions allowed in the ACT from this weekend

<div class="rich-text"><p>House prices have remained stable in Canberra during April, despite restrictions on inspections and in-person auctions combined with uncertain economic conditions.</p><p>Data from the CoreLogic Home Value Index results released this week shows that while there has been a sharp drop in real estate market activity across the country, Australian housing values did not see a material decline in April.</p><p>Canberra house prices recorded a slight rise of 0.1% over the month of April, while Canberra apartment prices saw a reversal in growth, down 0.4% in the same period. </p><p>Rent prices weren’t as resilient, and just like almost every other capital city, Canberra’s rental market showed a weakening in April, with rents down 0.7%. This was echoed in other states with falls in Hobart (-1.1%), Sydney (-0.7%) and Melbourne (-0.5%).</p><p>Stephen Bunday from LJ Hooker Dickson said he’s been surprised with how well house prices have stayed stable, despite the effects of COVID-19 on the real estate industry.</p><p>“I thought there would be a lot of panic selling, which often happens at this sort of time, and the buyers would have no urgency and more to choose from, but it&#x27;s almost been the other way around,” he said.</p><p>“A lot of people have been holding off listing, and I’ve definitely seen a decrease in listings coming onto the market, but the buyers are still there, so that has kept prices stable.”</p><p>Jess Smith from McGrath agrees Canberra house prices have remained stable over the past month.</p><p>“Everything&#x27;s fuelled by supply and demand, and at the moment while stock levels of properties for sale are a little bit lower, the buyers who are out there are still competing, and we&#x27;re still getting multiple offers on properties,” she said.</p><p>CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said that in the context of rapidly weakening economic conditions and the broader COVID-19 related disruption, the April housing market result looks remarkably resilient.</p><p>“The Australian version of this global health and economic crisis is only a month-and-a-half old, and it looks inevitable that there will be some downwards pressure on housing values over the coming months. The magnitude of housing value falls depends on a broad range of factors with</p><p>most hinging on the timing and extent of social distancing policies being lifted,” he said.</p><p>“The good news is that Australia has managed to flatten the spread of the virus more effectively and efficiently than expected and we are already seeing a subtle easing of social distancing policies in some states. An early return of economic activity should support a lift in consumer spirits which in turn should see housing market activity sparking back to life.”</p><p>The NSW Government this week announced that restrictions will be relaxed to allow open inspections and on-site auctions throughout the state from May 9, and Ms Smith said she expects to see more properties come onto the market once restrictions are also eased in the ACT. </p><p>“I’ve noticed a lot of people holding off listing their property, and I think it’s not necessarily a fear of COVID-19, but more about convenience. For a family with kids, I think an open home is more convenient for them than having 15 one-on-one inspections during the week,” she said.</p><p>“I do think traditionally [vendors] feel an open inspection is going to get them the best result, the more people they can get through, so we’re hoping for some good news about inspections in the ACT soon.”</p></div>

Canberra house prices remain stable during April despite restrictions

<div class="rich-text"><p>With many people now entering their second month of working from home, you’re probably getting better at finding the best angle to aim your camera for all those virtual work meetings/family catch ups/happy hours via video chat. But sitting in front of a blank wall can be less than inspiring, while if you aim the camera elsewhere, you run the risk of showing off that pile of washing, the never-ending clutter, or the dirty cups and plates you keep meaning to take to the sink. Some even less lucky people have had semi-clothed family members make a cameo appearance in the background. </p><p>But there’s an easier way to spruce up your space (and block out unwanted background intruders) by only lifting one finger - the one you control your mouse with. Programs like Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams all have the option to choose your own background, so a whole range of companies have released free backgrounds to help us all get through the pandemic (a quick Google can show you how to change your background on your chosen app). Instantly update your home decor by downloading one of these free video chat backgrounds:</p><h4><a href="https://www.westelm.com/pages/features/zoom-virtual-backgrounds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>West Elm</b></a></h4><p>Wish your home was a little bit less Weston Creek, and a bit more West Elm? You can make your home look like something straight out of the stylish American furniture, homewares and home decor store thanks to their <a href="https://www.westelm.com/pages/features/zoom-virtual-backgrounds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">range of free video conference backgrounds</a>. From a brassy, light-filled Brooklyn pad, to a mid-century living room, or even the Fab 5’s loft from Queen Eye, they’ve got a background to suit your mood.</p><h4><a href="https://blog.modsy.com/2020/03/how-to-work-from-your-favorite-pop-culture-interiors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Modsy</b></a></h4><p>Want to dial in from somewhere a bit famous? Interior design startup Modsy has released a range of video chat backgrounds inspired by pop culture-famous homes. You could move into Monica Geller’s rent-controlled New York apartment, Frasier Crane’s Seattle pad, Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment, Carrie Bradshaw’s stylish abode, or even living rooms inspired by Gilmore Girls and Golden Girls. <a href="https://blog.modsy.com/2020/03/how-to-work-from-your-favorite-pop-culture-interiors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Check them all out here.</a></p><h4><a href="https://news.airbnb.com/inside-looking-out-10-views-to-transport-you-outdoors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Dream getaways</b></a></h4><p>You may not be able to physically travel to a dream holiday home right now but you can still look like you’re visiting one, without even packing your bags. Airbnb homes can virtually transport you there with their selection of free backgrounds of places you’d rather be, <a href="https://news.airbnb.com/inside-looking-out-10-views-to-transport-you-outdoors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">from a real-life Balian treehouse to a calming oceanfront cottage in Havana</a>.</p><h4><b>Superheroes and other galaxies</b></h4><p>Are you calling in from a galaxy far, far away? Or want to look like you’re attending your next meeting seated in the driver’s seat of The Millennium Falcon? You could very well be, with these <a href="https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-backgrounds" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free Star Wars backgrounds</a>. If enchanted forests and magical places are more your thing, you could go with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DisneyAnimation/posts/10157901207376855" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">one of these free backgrounds released by Disney</a> or <a href="https://news.disney.com/pixar-video-backgrounds-available" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">these from Pixar</a>. While Disneyland itself is closed, <a href="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/04/disneymagicmoments-add-disney-magic-to-online-video-chats-with-virtual-backgrounds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you can look like you’re there with these</a>. And <a href="http://www.ghibli.jp/info/013251/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli</a>, known for stunning movies like <i>Spirited Away</i>, has also released 12 backgrounds.</p><h4><a href="https://www.canva.com/templates/search/zoom-virtual-backgrounds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Canva</b></a></h4><p>Feeling a bit creative? Make your own background on Canva. The online design program has released a range of <a href="https://www.canva.com/templates/search/zoom-virtual-backgrounds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free video chat background templates</a>, which you can use as is or customise yourself - and some are even animated! For real pandemic-vibes, try their very cute toilet paper themed background. </p><h4><b>Free Stock Image Sites</b></h4><p>For even more choice, try a free stock image site like <a href="https://www.pexels.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pexels</a>, <a href="https://unsplash.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Unsplash</a> or <a href="https://kaboompics.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaboompics</a>. They not only have hundreds of options of stylishly designed interiors to choose from, but pictures of just about anything. So you could be calling in from a tropical beach, inside a museum, sitting on top of a mountain - you’re really limited only by your search terms.</p></div>

Instantly update your home decor with these free video chat backgrounds

<div class="rich-text"><p>COVID-19 has changed a lot about how we buy, sell and rent homes. But with plenty of people still in the market, it can be a great time to sell or rent out your property - you just may need to do things a little differently. Here are three things you need to help sell or rent your home while social distancing measures are in place, plus two more that may help give you the edge:</p><h4><b>Private inspections and video walk-throughs</b></h4><p>With open inspections no longer allowed, agents are now restricted to private inspections to show through prospective buyers or tenants, and some may also offer inspections via video chat. Some are even doing Facebook Live inspections, to make it as easy as possible for people to look through. Chat to your agent about what they’re doing and make sure they’re offering at least one of these services. When you list your property on Zango, prospective buyers or renters can click straight through to make a private appointment right from the listing, which helps make the process easier.</p><h4><b>Online auctions</b></h4><p>You may already be working from home, and these days you can even buy a house from home. While the pandemic measures are in place, in-person auctions have been swapped for virtual auctions, and if you choose to sell via auction, you’ll need to make sure you work with an agent who has this technology in place. Some agencies do auctions via a video stream of the auctioneer and registered bidders call in their bids over the phone, while others use dedicated auction programs where you can bid online. Ask your agent about what they are able to offer. Listings on Zango can also include direct links through to virtual auctions, and even a countdown to ensure nobody misses out on the big day.</p><h4><b>A great agent</b></h4><p>Engaging a great real estate agent has always been important when it comes to selling or renting a property, but with all the uncertainty at the moment, it’s never been more important. As you always would, do your homework before deciding on an agent, but also ask how they’ve adapted to suit the new measures and what they’re offering to ensure you can still get the best outcome for your property.</p><h4><b>If you really want to make your property listing stand out, you could also add one of the following:</b></h4><h4><b>Virtual staging</b></h4><p>There’s no doubt about it, professionally styling can be the difference between someone clicking on your listing or just keep scrolling past. There are plenty of talented professional styling and home staging experts out there, but if you’re looking for a no-contact option where nobody even has to set foot in the property, try virtual styling. By using your property photography, companies like <a href="https://www.living-media.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Living Media</a>, <a href="https://www.boxbrownie.com/au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Box Brownie</a> and others can digitally add furniture and decorations in a style that suits the space, or even just remove clutter so everything looks neat and tidy. It not only shows off your home in its very best light and can get many more people clicking on your listing, but also means zero interruptions to the occupants, whether that’s yourself or a tenant.</p><h4><b>A video or 3D walkthrough</b></h4><p>Before deciding on a property to live in, people usually want to have more than one look. And while scrolling through photography is helpful, a video or 3D walkthrough can add another dimension to this, and help the prospective renter or buyer get a real feel for the place without physically having to visit.</p></div>

The three things you need to sell or rent your home during COVID-19 (and two that may help)

<div class="rich-text"><p>With most of us spending a lot more time at home than usual, we’re likely to be staring down a higher electricity bill than usual. But add Canberra’s unforgiving winter to the mix, and it could add up to some scary isolation electricity bills. Here are some tips on how to save on your energy bill during Canberra’s winter, without shivering through it:</p><h4><b>Turn down the heater</b></h4><p>With ANZAC Day now behind us, you’re well and truly allowed to turn that heater on with no guilt, but just keep in mind that heating your property can be one of the biggest uses of energy. To keep your energy usage down, watch your temperature. The sweet spot is to try and keep it set somewhere between 18-20 degrees, which will still keep you nice and toasty, and every degree you lower that thermostat will also further reduce your heating bill. Also make sure you only heat the spaces you’re using, and seal any gaps around doors and windows to keep the warmth in and the chill out. </p><h4><b>Watch the hot water</b></h4><p>Whether it’s a frosty morning or a chilly evening, when the temperature plummets it gets harder and harder to drag yourself out of a hot shower, but the hot water can significantly add to your energy bill. Make sure you’ve got a water efficient shower head, and try not to keep the showers on the shorter end of the spectrum. Another way to reduce your hot water usage is to wash your clothes in cold water. In many cases, it’s actually better for your clothes, and it sure beats facing a cold shower yourself.</p><h4><b>High and dry</b></h4><p>One of the other biggest users of energy in the home are clothes dryers. The combination of shorter days, icy air and frosty mornings can make it a lot harder to avoid using your dryer altogether, but there are still things you can do to decrease how long you need to use it. Try and partially dry your clothes and just use the dryer to finish them off, which will drastically cut down your usage time. Adding something that’s already dry to a load, like a small towel, can also significantly decrease your drying time. </p><h4><b>Oven baked</b></h4><p>Have you managed to actually get your hands on some flour and are jumping on the bandwagon of iso baking? Once you’ve turned the oven off, leave the door open and it’ll help warm the space. It might sound silly, but it works, and it uses no additional energy at all.</p><h4><b>Seal it in</b></h4><p>If some of your windows manage to capture the sun during those gorgeous winter blue sky days, make sure you make the most of it. The sun is after all the cheapest heater there is. Open your blinds and curtains when the sun is shining in, and it’ll help warm inside the home. Once the sun goes down, close them all to help seal it in, and enjoy that free, toasty warmth. </p><h4><b>Power down</b></h4><p>If you’re working from home and the kids are schooling from home for the time being, don’t forget about all those extra devices you’re powering. Switch everything off when it’s not in use - for an even bigger saving, switch it off at the wall - and don’t leave laptops, phones or other devices attached to chargers. Just charge everything as you need. Let’s face it, it’s not like you’re going anywhere, so that charger will still be close by when you need it.</p></div>

How to save on your winter electricity bill now that we’re home all the time

Featured Agents

<div class="rich-text"><p>In Canberra, the name Maria Selleck is synonymous with property, but that very nearly wasn’t the case.</p><p>“I had never had any intention of becoming involved in real estate,” says Maria.  </p><p>“I was always interested and had been involved in property. We loved buying a house, renovating it and then selling it. But that&#x27;s the extent of what we were involved in. Then I had a bad real estate experience which set me on the path of wanting to do it myself, and perhaps not wanting other people to go through what I went through.”</p><p>Maria started working in real estate in 2002, then in 2009 Maria Selleck Properties was born when she set out to build an agency under her own banner with a total focus on customer service and giving her clients value for money.</p><p>A decade on and the business is regarded as one of Canberra’s top agencies, boasting an impressive 95% repeat and referral business rate. Maria has worked hard and earned her reputation as one of Canberra&#x27;s leading professional agents achieving great sale experiences and outcomes for clients.</p><p>Throughout her career, she’s received a number of local and national real estate awards, including the prestigious Real Estate Institute ACT Small Residential Agency Award of the Year 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016 plus the national REIA title in 2013.</p><p>It’s a career that’s included plenty of highlights, but she says one in particular always sticks in her mind.</p><p>&quot;It was a very large house which was being taken over by the banks,” says Maria.</p><p>“When I became involved, the banks were actually looking at selling it at a sale price of $1.5 million. I ended up selling it for nearly double that at about $2.8 million. Can you imagine the look of delight on my clients’ faces? It’s moments like these, that really make me happy and feed my passion for real estate.”</p><h4><b>What is your favourite part of Canberra?</b></h4><p>Well I live in Yarralumla, so I love that area. But that doesn&#x27;t mean I don&#x27;t love other suburbs as well. There are areas of Gungahlin and Tuggeranong that I really feel all have so much to offer. </p><h4><b>What are your three homes must-haves?</b></h4><p>The first thing is the orientation of the house. The next thing is actually ensuring that you have a very good floor plan, especially if you have a double storey house, for example you need to make sure that the master bedroom is on the lower level. And the third is a great entertaining area. Afterall, it is your family and friends that make the difference between a house and a home!</p><h4><b>Where would we usually find you in Canberra?</b></h4><p>Probably Manuka, because that’s where my office is as well. But I do love the water so generally you see me around Lake Ginninderra or around the Yarralumla area which is where I live.</p><div style="padding-bottom: 56.25%;" class="responsive-object">
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<p></p><h2><b><div class="d-block text-center">Talk To Maria Selleck?</div></b></h2><p><b><div class="d-block text-center">Maria Selleck - Maria Selleck Properties</div></b></p><p><b><div class="d-block text-center">enquiries@mariaselleck.com.au</div></b></p><p><b><div class="d-block text-center">(02) 6162 1234 / 0417 258 803</div></b></p><p><b><div class="d-block text-center">See the hottest properties at</div></b></p><p><b><div class="d-block text-center">zango.com.au</div></b></p></div>

Meet a Zango agent - Maria Selleck, Maria Selleck Properties

<div class="rich-text"><p>The ACT Government has this week introduced temporary regulations to help renters affected by COVID-19.</p><p>Supporting the Federal Government’s announcement of a moratorium on evictions, any tenants in the ACT who are unable to pay their rent will not be able to be evicted by their landlord, provided they can show they’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This means tenants will need to prove they have stopped earning income or had a reduction in income of at least 25% due to the COVID-19 pandemic to qualify.</p><p>A rental freeze also applies to these COVID-19 impacted households, so any tenants who fit under the above criteria cannot be given a rental increase during the relevant period.</p><p>In cases where a tenant is affected by COVID-19, they can instead negotiate a rental reduction with their landlord, which will be put in writing for a designated period of time.</p><p>The temporary regulations also touch on issues including non-urgent repairs and inspections. During the relevant period, landlords or agents will only be able to access a residence with the tenant’s consent, or for urgent repairs or matters. Instead, inspections of the property have to be done by video chat or other electronic means.</p><p><b>Want to know more? </b><a href="https://legislation.act.gov.au/View/di/2020-46/current/PDF/2020-46.PDF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>You can read the full regulations here</b></a><b>.</b></p></div>

Here’s how the ACT’s new COVID-19 tenancy rules will affect renters and landlords

<div class="rich-text"><p>The Tuggeranong suburb of Bonython has recorded its first million dollar property sale, and a brand new suburb record, with the sale of <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/66-don-dunstan-drive-bonython-act-2905-25490/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">66 Don Dunstan Drive</a> this week.</p><p>The award-winning, architecturally designed property sold for $1.023 million via private negotiations by listing agents Michael Martin and Melissa Von Der Burg from Luton Properties Tuggeranong.</p><p>Michael said the previous suburb record was set in 2018 by the sale of 23 Helpmann Street at $965,000, and he was confident 66 Don Dunstan Drive would beat it.</p><p>“I haven&#x27;t really seen anything quite like this home in the suburb before. It’s architecturally designed, plenty of open living spaces, huge high ceilings, perfectly facing west,” he said.</p><p>“The home also won an award for Best Custom Build back in 2010 through the Master Builders Association, so it&#x27;s certainly a stand out home.”</p><img alt="66 Don Dunstan Drive BONYTHON 2.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="478" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/66_Don_Dunstan_Drive_BONYTHON_2.width-800.png" width="800"><p>Sitting just across from Pine Island Reserve,<a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/66-don-dunstan-drive-bonython-act-2905-25490/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> the four bedroom, two bathroom home</a> features an abundance of indoor and outdoor living options, including an upstairs parents retreat with exceptional panoramic views.</p><p>Despite being restricted to private inspections due to the cancellation of open homes, Michael said they had a strong response in the short campaign.</p><p>“Inspections were by appointment only and we had just over 30 private inspections in two weeks, so it was quite busy. We dealt with some very serious buyers but someone was particularly interested to move quickly,” he said.</p><p>Michael said the vendors were looking to downsize ahead of a move interstate, while the new owners are an elderly couple that wanted to move closer to their family who live in Gordon. </p><img alt="66 Don Dunstan Drive BONYTHON 3.png" class="richtext-image full-width" height="486" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/66_Don_Dunstan_Drive_BONYTHON_3.width-800.png" width="800"><p>He also believes the strong response shows there’s still confidence in the market, despite the uncertain times.</p><p>“We are dealing with plenty of buyers, there&#x27;s no doubt about it,” he said. </p><p>“The buyers that we&#x27;re dealing with are serious buyers, and they have a genuine reason to be looking and a genuine reason to buy. There&#x27;s properties that are going in one or two weeks.”</p></div>

Bonython has had its first million dollar property sale

<div class="rich-text"><p>‘I’ll get around to it one day’. Whether it’s repainting, repairing or upgrading something around the house, it’s likely you’ve used this excuse at some point. Well thanks to a certain global pandemic, we’ve never spent so much time inside our homes - and may never again in our lifetimes - so now’s the time to tackle those long overdue projects. Even if you’re the least handy person out there with zero DIY experience, here are some home upgrades you could easily have completed by the time we’re all released from iso.</p><h4><b>Paint</b></h4><p>It may seem like an obvious one, but a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. There may already be a room that’s been needing a fresh lick for a while, otherwise, why not experiment with a bold colour in a hallway or bathroom?</p><h4><b>Bathroom refresh</b></h4><p>If you’re looking to do a full bathroom remodel, you’re probably best to call a professional, but there’s plenty you can upgrade with limited skills. A modern faucet can give your bathroom new life. Just make sure you find a new fixture that fits the existing hole, and it’s an easy switch over with impressive results.</p><h4><b>Handle it</b></h4><p>One of the easiest ways to do an upgrade? Replace the handles on the cabinetry in the kitchen or bathroom. Even just adding interesting knobs and handles to a flatpack set of drawers or cabinets can completely reinvent it. And while you’re at it, painting the kitchen cabinetry can make it feel like new again without any major renovations (and it’s cost effective too).</p><h4><b>Easy tiling</b></h4><p>If you’ve got the skills, tiling is something you can do yourself at home, but if you’re looking for something a touch less involved, pick up some tile paint. It’s a simple and cost effective way to freshen up the bathroom tiles or even the kitchen splashback, without needing to rip them out and start again. And for those uncleanable lines between the tiles, grab some grout paint. For easy precision, try a grout pen. Getting that grout just right can be quite a mesmerising way to while away your days in iso.</p><h4><b>Give a piece new life</b></h4><p>Have you got a piece of furniture around the house that you can’t bear to part with but you’re not a big fan of as it is? If you’re a DIY newbie or even just looking for an easy fix, chalk paint is your friend. Just choose your colour, and paint straight onto the piece, no sanding required, for a velvety smooth, matte finish.</p><h4><b>Freshen things up</b></h4><p>Getting a bit sick of your living quarters and want something quick and easy to upgrade your space? Try moving things around. Even without buying anything new at all, don’t underestimate the power of switching things up. Reposition your furniture, switch around your art or rugs, or even just find new homes for trinkets and decorative pieces. Check the cupboards too for items you’d love to display but never quite found a good home for them before.</p><h4><b>Looking for a new home to decorate?</b> <a href="https://zango.com.au/sale/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>You’ll find it on Zango</b></a><b>.</b></h4></div>

Easy home renovations you can tackle yourself while you’re stuck at home

<div class="rich-text"><p>Trying to entertain the kids during the school holidays can already be a bit of an uphill battle, but being all confined to our own homes takes it to the next level. If you’ve got a backyard at your disposal, here are a few upgrades that could mean hours of entertainment for the kids (and keeping them out of your hair for a bit longer):</p><h4><b>Just swinging around</b></h4><p>The easiest upgrade you can make? Install a swing. Whether it’s a simple rope hanging from the tree with a knot on the end, an old tyre fashioned repurposed as a seat, or anything they can sit on and swing, it’s bound to be entertainment for hours. If you’ve got a bit more technical know-how (or can engage a professional), a zipline is the ultimate backyard addition for the more adrenaline-loving kids.</p><h4><b>Install a hammock</b></h4><p>The king of the swings is the hammock. The kids will find plenty of ways to entertain themselves with it, and love lying in it when they’ve worn themselves out. And you don’t even need to have anything existing in the yard to hang it from - there are plenty of stands which are quick and easy to assemble. The bonus with this one is you get to enjoy relaxing in it yourself - when you manage to get a turn that is.</p><h4><b>Chalk it up</b></h4><p>Got a spare bit of wall or fence? Pop up an oversized chalkboard, get a box of coloured chalk and let the kids go to town and let their creativity flow. For something a bit more adventurous, you could turn the wall or fence space into a climbing or bouldering wall.</p><h4><b>Bring the sand</b></h4><p>Canberra’s a very long way from the nearest beach, which makes the addition of a backyard sandpit even more exciting. For the little ones, a bookshelf laid down on its back and filled with sand makes for a simple sandpit.</p><h4><b>Backyard mini golf</b></h4><p>If those golf clubs are feeling a bit neglected, set up a mini golf course and the kids can give the clubs a run. Set up nine holes around the yard with an obstacle for each - rocks, twigs and other things from around the yard can set the boundaries and add extra difficulty, a pipe makes a great tunnel, or for a more challenging hole, use something sturdy to create an up-hill ramp into a bucket.</p><h4><b>Create an obstacle course</b></h4><p>Calling all backyard Ninja Warriors. Let the kids burn off some serious energy by creating an obstacle course. Use objects from around the yard and the house to create the obstacles: a long, narrow object as a balance beam, a cardboard box can be a tunnel to crawl through, a bunch of string hung between trees or objects could be a maze to climb through, swing across “lava” on that rope swing you installed, or find sturdy objects they can jump between.</p><h4><b>Be bowled over</b></h4><p>Got some empty tin cans and a ball? Welcome to tin can bowling. This is a great way to use your recycling to entertain the kids for a while. All they need to do is stack them up, choose their distance, and try to bowl them all over in one go.</p><h4><b><i>Looking for a house with a bigger backyard?</i></b> <a href="/"><b><i>Search for homes of all sizes on Zango</i></b></a><b><i>.</i></b></h4></div>

Turn your backyard into the ultimate adventure playground for the school holidays

<div class="rich-text"><p>Zango’s the new kid on the block in real estate in Canberra. So what’s it like to actually sell your home with Zango? Plenty of people are finding that by listing their property only on Zango, it’s not only saving them money, but they’re attracting more serious buyers - and fast.</p><p>All listings on Zango are free until April 30, and plenty of buyers have made the most of the deal by listing only on Zango, and have been blown away by the results. Like Emma, who decided to list her Kambah property for sale exclusively on Zango.</p><p>“Zango came highly recommended from my agent, and I trusted her,” says Emma.</p><p>“As the site is emerging and as people start to know that&#x27;s the place to go for property, I wanted to make sure I was a part of that.” </p><p>After just one open home, Emma accepted an offer within three days. While that offer ended up falling through, she had another offer within two days, and sold her house at a price much higher than she expected.</p><p>“I think from the first open, we had about 70% of people ask for contracts, so that indicates to me that we got the market that we needed to, and we got serious buyers through,” she says.</p><p>“It far exceeded the price that I was hoping to get, and the whole process far exceeded our expectations. So we&#x27;re very happy.”</p><p>Emma is now on the hunt for her next property to buy, and says she’s enjoying using Zango from the other side as a buyer.</p><p>Another vendor who decided to make the most of the free listing period is Richard, who recently sold his Theodore property. While he expected to need to list on multiple sites, his agent ensured Richard and his wife that they could sell just by listing on Zango alone. </p><p>They had additional concerns about how long the property would take to sell as it was listed just as open homes were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, and prospective buyers were only able to inspect by private appointment.</p><p>But not only did they sell it after listing only on Zango - they sold in just four days.</p><p>“We were very surprised because it was listed on a Thursday, then a few people looked through the house over the weekend, and on the Tuesday we got a call to say someone had already put in an offer, and we accepted,” says Richard.</p><p>“I was not expecting it to happen that quickly.”</p><p>Jane was also blown away by the quick sale of her Oxley property, which she chose to list only on Zango. After just one open home, Jane received an offer which she accepted.</p><p>&quot;I expected it would probably take six to 12 weeks to sell, so I was very pleased with the quick result,&quot; she says.</p><p>&quot;I would definitely recommend Zango and use it again. I think it&#x27;s good that it can go up against the big guns on real estate websites. And I think it&#x27;s good there&#x27;s a bit of a shake up in the industry.&quot;</p><p><b>Zango listings are currently free until April 30, and even then they’ll only be a fraction of the cost of other real estate listings sites.</b></p></div>

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