Outlook for property prices remains strong
30-07-2010 
Robust demand for properties in Australia’s more affordable capital city suburbs has driven solid house price growth in the June quarter, according to the Australian Property Monitors (APM) Quarterly Housing Report

Major banks toughen up with first homebuyers
21-04-2010 
The major banks have recently made it harder for first homebuyers to enter the market, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) president David Airey.

Co-ownership Equals Home Ownership
15-04-2010 
Rising property prices and ever increasing rental costs continue to push home ownership into 'unaffordable' territory for many people.  As a result many people are finding that co-ownership is the way to go in order to meet borrowing criteria which can be difficult when trying to purchase a home on your own.

Calls to ease development costs
29-03-2010 
Queensland has been revealed as one of the worst performing states in supplying housing to the market, according to a recent report released by Access Economics.

Positive gearing: a better option?
26-01-2010 
Negative gearing is a concept familiar to most property investors. But perhaps it’s better to forget about tax breaks and go for bigger rental returns. This is called “positive gearing”. Chris Walker explains.

Fixing Cork Flooring
 
 
 

Fixing Cork Flooring

If you are looking for a softer feel from the floor cork flooring is a terrific choice. Cork is a very soft material and has a nice sponge like effect when walking or standing on it. Cork also has a nice bounce back effect when something is dropped on it such as kids toys. Another property that makes cork a terrific flooring choice is its capability to provide very good sound insulation. This makes cork an excellent choice for upstairs rooms in two story homes as well as specialized rooms such as home gyms and kids play rooms.
 
However, because cork is a softer material it is easily scratched & we have a few quick tips on how to rejuvenate or repair your floors back to their former glory:
 
 

Tools

  • Wood putty: match your colours to your floors.  You will need a couple tubs
  • Linseed oil 
  • 300 grit light sandpaper
  • Mineral turpentine
  • Satin finish estapol NOT GLOSS
  • Green masking tape
  • Couple of clean rags
  • Paint brush
  • Paint roller with long handle
  • Couple of good friends

Method

  1.  Use the green masking tape to protect your skirts & bottom of any appliances that can't be moved i.e oven, dishwasher etc
  2. Sand floors back lightly & then vacum DO NOT SWEEP.
  3. Get 2 rags.  Use 1 to soak with turpentine & apply to floor, the other is to wipe off the floor at the same time.  Think wax on wax off!
  4. mix your putty with linseed oil to make it pliant.  Apply the putty to any little divets that may be in the floor due to wear & tear (make a mental note to NEVER allow anyone to wear high heels in your house again)
  5. Once the putty is dry (takes approx 2 hrs) sand it back to your floors are smooth & even.
  6. Vacum - it is imperative that you have a clean floor
  7. Get back on your hand & knees & repeat step 3
  8. Once the floors are dry you need to seal your floors make sure of the following:
  • Use your brush to apply estapol along the skirts & around doors  - you need to keep a wet edge which is why you need to utilise friends to help out with the job
  • Ensure you coat your roller sufficiently but not saturate.  You do not need ripples or excess
  • Have someone get low to the floor to check that there is no "blank spots"-it's hard to see from a high angle if you have missed areas
  • Make sure you work towards an exit.  Your floors will need 72hrs to dry before they will be up for heavy traffic.