Latest Blogs
Time for a loan check?
![carolyn boyd](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2010/05/04/1407972/cboyd-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd With interest rates across lenders varying by nearly 3 per cent, it's a task well worth undertaking.
Talking Property
The market in your city – now and next year
![January 2013](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/12/10/4996534/jan-320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd After the pre-Christmas sales rush, it's a mixed-bag expected for 2014.
Talking Property
Vendor rush good news for buyers
![auction](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2012/10/05/3691155/auction-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd A surge in the number of properties up for auction and a slight cooling of clearance rates could tip the balance to bidders this weekend.
Blog
Deck the streets with tinsel – and red tape
![Christmas](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/11/19/4936223/christmas-lights_320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd Some councils require at least eight weeks notice for a street closure, even for a community Christmas party.
Blog
It's written on the walls
![Blackboard](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/11/12/4917346/kid-blackboard-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd When we sent our oldest child to his brand new school in his full uniform last month on dress-up day, we decided something had to give.
Blog
Signs of more new homes on the way
![Photographer: Glenn Hunt.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/29/4869705/generic-housing_320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd A long-awaited pick-up in the home building sector might finally be happening – albeit in a small way and confined to specific regions, mostly Perth, regional Western Australia and parts of NSW.
Uninsured could take years to recover
![carolyn boyd](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2010/05/04/1407972/cboyd-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd A high proportion of households are not covered for loss.
Time to broaden your options?
![carolyn boyd](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2010/05/04/1407972/cboyd-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd There is a world out there where the median house price isn't nearly $700,000.
Spring brings out the scammers
![Tradies.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/08/4812994/tradie-thumbnail-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd From roof repairers to tree loppers, householders are being warned not to be taken for a ride.
Have room, will let
![Tourist Map](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/01/4792918/toursit-map-2_320-90x60.jpg)
Tanya Ryan-Segger and Carolyn Boyd Got a spare room you want to rent out? If you can get past the hurdles of council, strata and the tax man, it could prove a lucrative move.
Talking Property
Auction numbers to soar
![Auction sign](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/17/4754678/another-auction-sign_320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd After the October long weekend there will be a surge in properties selling via auction.
Post-Election Test for Market
![auction](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2012/10/05/3691155/auction-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd It will be the second-biggest auction day of the year so far.
Investors warned not to follow the herd
![Money Money](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/03/4715960/money-two_320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd Is there really such a thing as a hotspot? Or is the hotspot just a place where investors get their fingers burnt?
Budgeting just got easier
![carolyn boyd](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2010/05/04/1407972/cboyd-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd A tech revolution is taking place that could completely change the way you manage your money.
Green
Fibro a surprise energy hero
![Illawarra Flame House - complete.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/08/13/4657867/Team-UOW-Illawarra-Flame-House-Complete---10_320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd Retrofitted '60s home could change the way we think about our houses.
Talking Property
Historic reprieve for borrowers
![Interest rates](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/02/19/4044842/interest-rates_320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd Standard variable rates headed for 1960s levels.
Styling for sale – on a budget
![Styling](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129190418im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/07/30/4614673/IMG_320-90x60.jpg)
Carolyn Boyd Paying attention to the small details can make all the difference.