Hi Zara! I love the idea of adding a vertical garden to your outdoor space.. and making it more convenient so you can take full advantage of your garden! This article show the different types of vertical gardens there are to choose from: http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/how-to-plant-a-vertical-garden#slide-1 Here are a couple vertical planter options for sale that could work well with your space: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/307991/?catalogId=8&sku=307991&bnrid=3120901&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Agrarian&cm_pla=Vertical_Gardening&cm_ite=Free_Standing_Vertical_Garden_%7C_Williams-Sonoma&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=27-280278456-2 http://www.monticelloshop.org/040342.html?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CMClmPOxwrwCFUhgMgodcRYA6Q

Hi Geonin, the first thing that I would do is go through your house and de-clutter everything then ensure that everything is spotless and in good condition (pay special attention to the things that you know buyers will look at and things that are touched/handled every day as well as things like appliances and doors - make sure that nothing screams "repair bill"). The second thing to think about is paint and flooring - if your carpet is in good condition have it cleaned otherwise think about replacing it (expensive but poor carpet is seen as a big expense to buyers - particularly if its their first property). Paint your walls a colour that is as light as you can to make your property bigger but remember to tone it in with the carpet and keep your trims neutral (white/black) that will compliment your walls and carpet. Remember lighting and soft furnishings can change the whole look of your home too. During the open house/inspection phase - touches of home will help: smells like fresh perked coffee or baking are always inviting (you can boil some water with a stick of cinnamon and orange slices - just hide the evidence before you leave the house); if your inspections are late in the afternoon, turn on table and floor lamps inside and outdoor lights that'll add warmth.

Hi Gerné - thought I could give you some ideas on how to maximise this kitchen on a low budget. You've added some great photos here to demonstrate the space! From what I can see you have a minimalistic style and lean more towards stainless and monochromatic materials, (love your tap by the way) - There are a number of ways you could add a little more storage and character without spending much.. In the photo there are numbers for reference; 1. I would investigate floating shelves - there are a number of different colours, widths, and lengths to suit the space accordingly. installing these on each side of your splash back would add a bit more storage for your favourite pieces i.e.; vases, baskets, soft accents.. this is more about proving a space to add individuality rather than practical storage. - bare in mind that these need to be installed on load bearing walls - from personal experience they can slant and sag if not completed correctly. 2. This space looks narrow from the photo - you can find a great range of shelving units from Freedom Furniture.. I would recommend a corner unit or a thin & long shelf, I would go with black to retain the scheme here. Kmart has also got some great pieces that I think would fit well into your scheme - check out their Urban Range! 3. Luckily there is storage space up here - I would utilise it for things that aren't used as often that you wouldn't mind getting on a step ladder to retrieve. I have added some photos of above cabinet storage for some inspiration. 4. I would also recommend utilising this space; from the photo this looks nice and wide and would accomodate a free standing shelf well. If you have heard of IKEA I would check out Urban Sales - unfortunately there is no IKEA in NZ - however this is a trusted retailer that supplies products from the store to NZ. Hope this helps! - Also I would recommend investing in additional cabinet space against this wall (5) it would add a huge amount of storage for your family and their needs. I have tried to find the most inexpensive options for you as I am aware of cost. Happy to come at this from another angle if this isn't what you were looking for!

Without looking it up , the new Credit Regulations came in on 1 Dec , and there is a fine of up to $200,000 for every instance of 'irresponsible lending' . The problem seems to be that it isn't defined . So a couple who have been together for 5 years , saved $100k , both on $100k plus , have $50k of cars that they are prepared to sell and drive $5k ones , plus 1 lot of parents has $50k to lend them . A house that is $1million they can afford . But what if the female gets pregnant ? What if he loses his job and takes 2 months to get a $50k job ? What if the parent dies and the lawyer wants the $50k back ( or $37.5k of it to distribute to other siblings ) ? Those clothes trucks that go around the lower income suburbs sell a pair of 'knock-off' designer jeans to a solo mum for her 14 year old daughter . They charge $5 a week for 20 weeks , mum and daughter are happy because it fits their budget . You and I can probably find them on-line for $40 , they might be able to too , but to get $40 might mean missing a couple of meals or not prepaying the power , so they don't . I am a director of more than 40 companies . Probably half of them I own 99% of shares , others I own 33% or 40% or 50% . Pre-Covid , combined turnover was well over $250k a day , my property holdings are well into 8 figures . In June/July when I bought the Lincoln Street property , the mortgage was almost a formality -- I've dealt with the same bank for 35 or more years , have good cashflow and own a reasonable whack of my properties . Almost all have mortgages , and the more valuable ones also have floating charges , but I doubt I am classed as a risky borrower . Tenders close on this place in just under a month , but as it is technically not livable ( a couple of walls have been taken out and additions started -- they have closed it in with building paper and ply and wrap ) , I cannot get a mortgage , even though my intention is make it better , spend up to $1.5mil , and live there for at least 15 years ( I will have turned 70 by then haha ) . So if I do get it , rather than a approx 3.5% mortgage , I will have to get it via Bridging Finance ( at 11% ) , then after a year or 18 months , when everything is complete and Lake Crescent ( my current place ) is hopefully sold , and hopefully the rules have been clarified , I then go the through process of getting registered valuations and applying for a mortgage etc . Assuming Lake Cres sells for around what everything thinks , even after spending $1.5M on alterations , the mortgage should be under $2M and valuation likely to be around $7.5M ( land and stables etc will make up about half that ) , but right now its harder to get that than it was to get funding for Lincoln Street , which depending on exactly how it all pans out , will be $15M plus when complete . Interesting couple of months . This is a picture taken from a spot towards the rear of the property -- a bit clearer than the other ones .