Best Christmas Gift ideas FOR 2023

by Jo Lindo | Nov 14, 2023 | Blog

Choosing the best Christmas gift ideas for 2023 can be significantly affected by the interests and preferences of the receiver. Just as promised in our previous blog, which is about the 10 Best Christmas Shopping Essentials, here are some popular and thoughtful gift suggestions for this season

Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts are personalized items with a special message, such as a person’s name or date, to make the recipient feel special and valued. Examples of personalized gifts are:

Engraved Jewelry
Monogrammed Clothing
Artwork
Photo Albums

These demonstrate thoughtfulness and consideration for the recipient’s individual tastes and preferences.

Tech Gadgets

Tech gadgets are popular gifts due to their practicality, entertainment, connectivity, productivity, personalization, innovation, versatility, longevity, trendiness, and thoughtfulness. Examples of tech gadgets that you can give are:

Laptop
Tablets
Mobile Phones
Smart Watch
Game Console

They offer entertainment value, stay connected, enhance productivity, cater to various interests, and have a relatively long lifespan. Personalization and thoughtfulness are also important, as tech gadgets can be customized to the recipient’s needs and preferences.

Subscription services

Subscription services make excellent gifts due to their variety of options, personalization, convenience, ongoing enjoyment, discovery of new things, budget-friendly options, sustainability, flexibility, no clutter, and surprises. It’s important to consider the recipient’s interests and check for terms and conditions to ensure flexibility.

Home Decorating books
Women’s magazine with recipes
Arts & Crafts
Photography
Overseas Hello magazine
Fashion Magines
Oldies – pay for a monthly pool cleaner or gardener

Home & Kitchen Supplies

Home and kitchen supplies make thoughtful and practical gifts for various occasions. Popular items include:

Cookware
Kitchen Appliances
Cutting Boards
Knives
Utensils
Kitchen Storage
Cookbooks
Coffee Accessories

When selecting these types of gifts, consider the recipient’s preferences, needs, dietary restrictions, and lifestyle choices. Personalizing the gift with the recipient’s name or message can make it more special.

Books & Learning Materials

Books and learning-related gifts are perfect for individuals with a love for knowledge, reading, or exploring new subjects. These gifts can foster personal growth and enrichment. Examples include:

Books
E-Readers
Magazine Subscriptions
Audiobooks
Online Courses
Educational Games
Language Learning Tools
Craft Kits
Educational Toys
Art Supplies
Journals
Science Kits
Music Lessons
Historical Maps
Educational Subscription Services

These gifts are mostly common and thoughtful, especially if someone you know gave this to you while matching your preference.

Food Baskets & Beverages

Fruit baskets are popular choices for gifting during the holiday season. These baskets are filled with

Gourmet Snacks
Chocolates
Cheeses
Wine
Craft Beer
Coffee
Tea
Specialty Chocolates

Gift sets with pre-measured ingredients and recipes are also popular. Food subscription boxes, customized cookies, cookbooks, and gift certificates are also popular choices. they offer the opportunity to provide both pleasure and nourishment and they can be a warm and heartfelt way to express care and consideration for those you are gifting to.

Plants & Gardening

Plants and gardening-related gifts are thoughtful and meaningful choices for various occasions. They symbolize growth, renewal, and the enduring nature of relationships, making them suitable for housewarmings, weddings, or anniversaries. Indoor plants promote health and well-being, add aesthetic appeal, and show a personal touch. Gifting plants encourages learning, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment. They align with sustainability and eco-conscious lifestyles, promoting a connection with nature and the environment.

Gardening can be a relaxing and stress-reducing hobby, making it suitable for individuals seeking peace and balance. Plants can also serve as educational tools for children, teaching them about biology, ecology, and responsibility. They can be customized, have a wide variety, and last for a long time. Gifting plants can inspire thoughtful care, create a memorable experience, and spark conversations about gardening and nature.

Clothes

Clothes can be a thoughtful and practical choice, especially when considering the recipient’s personal style, preferences, and needs. Some popular clothing gift ideas include

Dresses
Activewear
T-shirts
Jeans
Hoodies
Pajamas

A cozy sweater is a classic and popular choice for the winter season, while scarves, shawls, and wraps provide stylish and versatile accessories. Winter jackets or coats are practical for colder climates, while pajamas and loungewear are perfect for relaxation. Accessories like belts, ties, bowties, or pocket squares can complement the recipient’s wardrobe.

Staycation

A staycation offers a vacation-like experience without the need for travel, providing convenience, cost-effectiveness, customization, relaxation, exploration of local attractions, quality time, support for local businesses, reduced environmental impact, flexibility, adventure at home, and a variety of options. Staycations can be a thoughtful and cherished gift, allowing our loved ones to make lasting memories and enjoy the comforts of home or their local surroundings.

You can always look for exciting deals especially around Perth. Don’t forget to enjoy it with your loved ones!

ENJOY THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WITH PWC REALTY

When it comes to gifting your loved ones, I’m sure you can think of a lot more possibilities. Knowing the recipient’s preferences, hobbies, interests, and lifestyle is a vital factor to consider while choosing the best gift you can offer this holiday season.

Don’t forget that the message of thoughtfulness, care, and love that you put into gift-giving is the most important thing that will matter, especially this time of year.

We would like to know your thoughts. Please give a comment below and connect with us!

10 Best Christmas Shopping Essentials

by Jo Lindo | Oct 17, 2023 | Blog

When it comes to Christmas shopping, there are a few things that could help the whole thing work more smoothly and enjoyably.

Here are 10 best Christmas shopping essentials by PWC Realty to help you get through the holiday season.

1. Shopping List

Make a detailed shopping list to keep track of the gifts and groceries you must buy. This will help you in being organized and prevent last-minute stress.

You can use various methods, such as pen and paper, smartphone apps, notes apps, or a whiteboard or chalkboard. It should be organized by categories like:

Groceries
Household Items
Personal Items
Gifts

To save money on shopping, create a list of items you need, group similar items together, increase quantity, and evaluate before going to the store. Keep the list handy, tick items off while shopping, and review it periodically to account for changing needs. This method ensures you only buy what you need, avoids impulsive purchases, and keeps you organized, saving time on shopping trips. Regularly updating your list can help stay on schedule. Keeping a shopping list is a simple yet effective method for organizing and ensuring you don’t forget anything during your shopping trip.

2. Budget

Set a holiday-buying budget and stick to it. This can help you with handling your finances while preventing overspending. It is essential to create a holiday budget all through the holiday season. This includes a budget for gifts, decorations, travel, food and drink, charitable donations, and wrapping paper.

To avoid overspending, do the following:

Prioritize where you spend and Set gift limitations.
Track your Christmas expenses, may it be in a spreadsheet, budgeting tool, or journal.
Look for deals and discounts
Consider alternative present ideas
Minimize non-essential spending
Plan and save ahead of time
Avoid credit card debt
Frequently assess and adjust your budget

Remember that spending quality time with loved ones, rather than lavish gifts or parties, is the actual spirit of the holidays. You may enjoy the holiday season without the stress of overspending and financial pressure if you follow these guidelines and are careful with your budget.

3. Gift Ideas

Choosing the ideal Christmas gift can be a fun nevertheless, a difficult pursuit. The perfect gift may be defined by the recipient’s interests, age, and personality. Here are some Christmas gift suggestions for different people in your life:

Tech Gadgets
Personalized Gifts
Fashion and Accessories
Gourmet Gifts
Home and Kitchen
Books and Subscriptions
Beauty and Self-Care
Experiences
Hobby-Related Gifts
Subscription Boxes
DIY Gifts
Charitable Donations

When picking a gift, keep in mind the receiver’s hobbies and tastes, and don’t forget that the thought and effort you put into choosing a meaningful gift can be as important as the gift itself.

Detailed suggestions for gifts will be revealed in our next blog. So don’t forget us and stay tuned when that happens.

4. Reusable Shopping Bags

Another essential tip is to bring reusable shopping bags with you because this also offers several environmental, economic, and practical benefits. Here are some compelling reasons to make the switch to reusable bags:

This is a sustainable solution to the growing issue of plastic pollution, as it reduces single-use plastic waste and conserves resources.
They are made from materials like cloth, jute, or recycled plastics, which are more durable and can withstand multiple shopping trips and heavy loads.
Despite initial costs, reusable bags often pay for themselves over time, as stores often offer discounts for customers who bring their reusable bags.
Reusable bags also have a lower carbon footprint due to reduced energy and emissions associated with production, transportation, and disposal.
They also pose less harm to wildlife, as plastic bags can be harmful to them.
Reusable bags are more convenient and can be sturdy for carrying groceries and other items, with reinforced handles and larger capacities.
They come in a wide range of designs and styles, allowing individuals to express their personality and support causes they care about. Using reusable bags also supports sustainable practices and can help comply with local laws.

5. Store Apps

In today’s generation, store apps are vital for the convenience they provide, and they also help with keeping us organized especially if you are planning ahead of time, or if for instance you would somehow forget a number of goods last-minute when preparing for the holidays.

Download the apps of your favourite stores for exclusive discounts and deals. Many retailers offer app-exclusive promotions at the time, knowing that the holiday season will be filled with shopping trips and people will be literally all around for Christmas shopping.

6. Discounts and Coupons

During the holiday season, you can look for discounts and coupons and you can explore a variety of sources, both online and offline that might help you save money on your shopping. Here are some places to look for holiday discounts and coupons specific to the Perth area:

Local Newspapers and Magazines – Look for advertisements and coupons from Perth-based merchants, restaurants, and service providers in local newspapers and periodicals.
Shopping Centres and Malls – Visit the websites of Perth’s biggest retail malls, such as Westfield Carousel, Garden City, and Lakeside Joondalup.
Retailer Websites – Look for holiday promos and special discounts on the official websites of your favourite Perth-based retailers.
Many retailers will have current discounts and coupons available online. Local Deal Websites and Apps – Scoopon, Groupon Australia, and All The Deals are some Perth-specific bargain websites and apps to check out.
Coupon and Deal Aggregator Websites – Look for Perth-specific offers or coupons on websites like RetailMeNot or Coupons.com.Online

7. Shopping Tools

Using online shopping tools for Christmas shopping can greatly enhance your shopping experience and offer several benefits, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Here are some reasons why online shopping tools are important during the holiday season:

Price Comparison – You can compare costs from other merchants using online tools and websites.
Coupon and discount aggregators – Many online tools and websites collect coupons, promo codes, and discounts from multiple stores in one place, making it simple to find and apply savings to your purchases.
Wish lists and present Tracking – Many online programs allow you to establish wish lists, track present purchases, and organize your holiday shopping, which can help you keep organized and prevent making duplicate purchases.
Online Discounts and Promotions – Retailers frequently offer online-only discounts and promotions, and web tools make it easier to find and take advantage of these bargains.
Security and privacy – Reputable online shopping tools and websites frequently have secure payment methods and stringent privacy protection measures in place to keep your information safe.

These can help you obtain the best gifts for your loved ones while staying within your budget this Christmas.

8. Gift Wrapping Supplies

A simple way to improve the presentation, surprise, and sentiment of the gifts, is gift-wrapping products which are an essential component of holiday gift-giving. Stock up on the following for the upcoming holidays:

Gift Wrap
Tape
Ribbons
Gift Tags

These contribute to the preservation of cultural traditions and the creation of a cheerful and unforgettable holiday experience.

9. Comfortable Shoes and Clothing

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, especially if you will be doing a lot of shopping in-store. Long shopping trips require a high level of comfort.

It is critical to feel at ease while Christmas shopping for both your physical well-being and your entire shopping experience. It allows you to walk freely, withstand lengthy shopping hours, and make the most of your Christmas shopping while minimizing discomfort and weariness.

10. Patience and Kindness

The Christmas season is one of the biggest seasons for online and in-store shopping. When dealing with bigger crowds, longer lines, and busier traffic, patience is essential.

There may also be unforeseen delays or problems, such as supply shortages, technical malfunctions, or shipment delays. Patience enables you to handle these situations without undue stress.

During the holiday season, fostering a harmonious atmosphere through patience and kindness can enhance the overall experience and promote a positive and joyful atmosphere.

Get in the holiday spirit with PWC Realty

We would like to hear more of your thoughts, and if you have come this far, don’t forget that PWC Realty is here to make your property journey dreams happen.

Connect with us as we enter the most wonderful time of the year. We hope that we can celebrate this holiday season with joy and abundance.

SPRING IS HERE – AT LAST!

by Jo Lindo | Sep 8, 2023 | Blog

FINALLY! SPRING IS HERE

Have you checked your garden’s condition these past few weeks over winter?

When was the last time you strolled in your garden and let the plants speak to you while you pondered What would you do in your garden this Spring for the upcoming year?

Will you be an artist with colour? Will you be more practical with kitchen herbs, vegetables, fruit, and salad plants? Or, will you be into studying and growing natural medicinal plants? You could combine all three ideas throughout your garden.

We can start with the basics…….

Here are some things to take into consideration to make your efforts successful.

Identify where are the shady spots and where are the sunny spots and at what time of the day.

What is the condition of your soil? Is it well-draining, or does it need some humus & manure dug in? Are you going to put mulch down to save water, if so what kind of mulch? And will you do it before or after you plant? (You could plant first then mulch when the plants are bigger later on.

How is your reticulation working and where is it positioned for maximum effect?

What kinds of flowers do you want this year – the same as before or something new? What colours?

What height of plants do you want? How big do the plants grow and how many do you want of a certain kind?

Would you like a perfumed garden this year with honeysuckle, jasmine, gardenias, and other such plants like Brunfelsia bonodora—commonly known as “yesterday, today, and tomorrow”? Some of these plants are shrubs and are long-term items for your garden.

Do you want to look into companionable planting—what is this? Well, it is planting plants together that take care of the pests and bugs. Lady birds for instance are wonderful for getting rid of thrips so encouraging them into your garden is a good idea. Frogs too provide a very valuable service for eating bugs and flies—they love moist shady areas to hide with a water feature to lay their eggs in. My friend has 5 different species of frogs in her backyard garden amongst the trees and shrubs.

EDIBLE PLANTS AND KITCHEN HERBS

Herbs—this is a varied family and often dual purpose with medicinal use. They are easy to grow and they attract pollinators. While you need to replant basil, coriander, and summer dill every spring, many herbs, like thyme, sage, and oregano, are perennials that grow back every year.

Gardeners nowadays, especially on social media like TikTok are always creating videos about eating vegetables from your garden and recipes to put them to good use. Various plants like asparagus, artichokes, basil, chives, and berry types have been said to be more common in gardening as they are both beautiful in appearance and delicious in taste—tempt yourself with this

MEDICINAL PLANTS

It is not a secret that these types of plants are essential and have been practiced in gardening for centuries. More and more people are getting into this because of its qualities and convenience, may it be for first aid, detox, vitamins, and a lot more that you can put into your garden. Plants such as chamomile—which can help aid sleep, and mint for a stomach ache are great examples of medicinal plants. Others are sage, rosemary, lavender, comfrey, bergamont……

GROUND COVER PLANTS

Flower carpet roses, aubretia, creeping herbs like creeping thyme or rosemary, and just some ideas.

In barren spots in your garden when it is difficult to grow a plant, ground-covering plants help fill up the area by covering the soil and covering the bare ground. They may also help in the soil’s preservation of nutrients and moisture, thereby decreasing the number of weeds that appear.

TRAILING PLANTS

Plants in this category are often underrated which I think is something they do not deserve. Who doesn’t want a little drama in their garden, right? Imagine a plant that creates a cascading or water-like effect—endless possibilities. Plus, they can be used as a ground cover, or maybe just hang them over a basket, or even cover up those hard-to-grow places in your garden. These plants can also be used indoors especially during winter since they’re perennials. Just don’t forget to put them back out when spring comes. Creeping jenny, calibrachoa, and vinca vine are the most recommended trailing plants.

VARIEGATED PLANTS

This is every gardener’s favourite one for sure.

Variegated leaved plants bring colour to the garden without the need for flowers – they come in a multitude of colours, shapes & sizes not just white/cream & green, but to get the best colour from them, you must make sure you have the right sun filter and soil for them. These types of plants can thrive even in the winter season.

SUCCULENTS

Other than the fact that they are easy to grow and maintain, these babies have hundreds of varieties that differ in every shape, size, and colour. Make sure to choose the perfect ones that fit your garden, like lemon coral, emerald empress hens, and chicks. Then you can be certain that you can picture a wonderful transformation from that.

ROSE

We all know that this romantic and lovely type of plant is perfect for any garden setting. May it be on special occasions like weddings, birthdays, engagement parties, or even just on a date night with your loved one. This plant is also used in gifts and for home décor. Many new types of roses are said to be long-blooming and because of that fact, it is easier to maintain however, it is the older types of roses that have the perfume, not the hybrids so you could mix them up as some of the hybrids are quite colourful— there is a red rose that is nearly black in colour and that is a beauty. They do require a bit of care with pruning pre-winter and thinning in the spring when they are shooting to make sure the centers do not become too dense.

FERTILIZERS

Providing your garden with the nutrients your plants need is a must. Bags of sheep manure, cow & chicken manure (use sparingly) are some suggestions as well as straw and fertilizer mix which provides a mulch that breaks down into your soil adding further water retention properties for the dry summers of Perth. Also, remember the microbes……… these are imperative to have a healthy garden and work wonders, speak to your gardening shop to get the rundown on what these can do to your garden.

These are just some basic suggestions to get you back into the garden after the winter to enjoy the sunshine, move the body, and get into your creative side.

ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR AND GET A SPRING BACK INTO YOUR STEP

Those of you who love your gardens, are well down this track as you have been itching to get in and pull everything out and start again. Your soils will be rich and just need tweaking to bring them back to their best, the retic will be working and your days prowling through Bunnings and other nursery shops will be top of your shopping list. I have a friend that is a garden addict plus a wonderful chef so I know not to interrupt or visit her for the next 4 weeks, her son and son-in-law will be pulled in to do the manual work and they will turn up as they love her cooking – bribery at play, she is no fool. Food is the bonding tool of families!!!!!

Tips and hacks to step up in the game of saving

by Jo Lindo | Aug 30, 2023 | Blog

Looking to make your money work harder for you?

Our blog is here to guide you through the art of saving and achieving your financial goals.

There are many ways that come to mind whenever we talk about saving money, however, the reality is this can be harder to do than we think, especially these days with rising inflation which has struck worldwide not just in Australia…. Funny isn’t it that the word inflation came on the news and the next day everything in the shops became more expensive – I did not know that you could plough, plant, fertilize, grow, and harvest vegetables in 24 hours to cover the increase in costs!!!!!

Does this mean that we should be worried? Is this an indication of something much bigger, or is this merely a wake-up call for us to be more strategic and think of ways to save and stop to think about how and where we are spending our money? It is so easy to spend money with a card vs cash in your wallet which makes it more tangible to your brain.

Saving money doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice the weekly catch-up with friends or that favorite drink you buy every payday. There are a lot of alternatives to uncontrolled spending, so a little preparation may be one of your money-saving solutions.

Separate your accounts

Separate your money into multiple accounts for expenses like mortgage payments and savings. This helps you understand your spending and avoid unnecessary expenses. Set up automatic direct debits from your pay to your savings accounts, ensuring you don’t miss any payments and you have allocated them aside in your budget

Undertake savings challenges

Money is frequently spent on tiny pleasures such as new clothes, sneakers, or maybe going to the movies. However, even the most insignificant wants can soon add up and cost hundreds of dollars per year. Set reasonable savings objectives, or maybe try to take money saving challenges, or do activities such as making coffee at home for a week, not buying clothes for a month, or buying used instead of new to save money. Remember however, to put the money that you would have been spending in a jar and deposit the money into your savings account….. otherwise you are not saving money but spending it more slowly!!!!

Give yourself an allowance

To save money, set a budget and commit to it, but remember to factor in some ‘treat money’ to reward yourself or your family for going without for other items but make sure it is less that you would have been spending. This will help you stay motivated and save effectively.

Setting aside your money for essentials like rent, groceries, and bills, as well as personal expenses, can help you create a budget that allows you to get clarity on where and how you spend your money when temptation is not right in front of you, but rather you are looking at reaching your money saving goal – this keeps you focused and motivated.

Evaluate your insurance or investments

To build your pension and ensure you have more in retirement, it’s critical for you to evaluate the foundations of your account, such as fees, insurance, and investing possibilities, as this allows you to compare funds and select those that offer the best value. Monthly payments should be considered, and insurance coverage should be carefully considered to what is absolutely necessary for your family to recover & be protected in the event of an emergency.

Adjusting the investments you make to meet your financial goals and tolerance for risk, can result in improved long-term results. Choosing the right investment option at the right time might have a big impact on your financial standing. Most funds have professionals on hand to assist you in making the best pension choices, but do retain your responsibility by educating yourself about investing and keep an eye on the market for adjustments to minimize risk and the performance – sit and forget is not a good idea because the market outlook changes and you may need to take preventative action.

Plan grocery shopping in advanceed

Have you ever gone to the grocery store to get some household items and come home with a tub of ice cream? To avoid impulse purchases, make a list & be disciplined so you are spending to your budget for the week or shop online. Meal planning helps maintain a budget by using budget-friendly recipes and choosing meals with similar components. Minimizing unnecessary purchases while offering a healthy diet saves waste and increases savings. The less times you go to the grocery store the less you will be tempted to buy on impulse.

PWC Realty - Plan grocery shopping in advance

Check your pantry and fridge for fresh supplies while creating a shopping list of what you’ll need. Avoid doubling up on goods and go to the supermarket at the end of the day for meat and bread discounts. This will help you save money on unnecessary purchases. If you have a large panty or storage buying by the carton or multiple items when the food items you regularly use are on special will also save money in the long run as well.

Borrow or rent

Garage sales and Market Place local suburb pages on Facebook can provide good quality items at bargain prices or even free from people downsizing and these items can be kitchen utensils, pans or appliances, or tools like drills and ladders. Second hand stores are also good places to go shopping for quality clothes in good areas, books and a wide assortment of items including toys.

Rent various products like campervans, tents, bicycles, children’s equipment, lawnmowers, computers, and apparel from online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, instead of purchasing them.

Get energy smart

Starting basic home routines and replacing fixtures and fittings with sustainable options is a great opportunity to save money and improve the environment.

Lower your environmental impact and save money by turning off appliances, using energy-saving LED bulbs, washing clothes in cold water, and stocking up on door snakes and seals. Use government websites to get the best energy and gas discounts, and consider turning off appliances at the wall and using cold water instead of hot water for better indoor air quality.

Once you become determined to save money to meet a target, you will be surprised where you find you can save dollars here and there – the trick is if you save yourself $5.00 by not having a coffee then put that $5.00 in a jar; you will be surprised how quickly, cents become dollars and dollars become fifty dollars and fifty dollars become hundreds.

We hope this blog will get you thinking about what to you are doing when you are spending your money – you will now have a filter “do I need this or do I want it” – if you need it you buy it but you would be surprised how many things you think you need you actually in fact can do without and it is a want… this takes self-discipline I grant you, but the reward is greater than the pain. By the way, do not forget to spoil yourself every now and again just to keep yourself out of scarcity thinking, at all times be grateful for what you have and visualize the goal you are aiming for and how you will feel when you achieve it.

Here at PWC Realty

We also value our clients who are looking for their dream home while keeping a tight budget. We will make sure to make your dreams happen!

Call us today at 0429 092 110 or leave us a message in the comment box below.

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Corelogic Changes in Australian Housing Value data to July 2023 & What Does It Mean

by Jo Lindo | Aug 18, 2023 | Blog, PWC Realty

CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) rose 0.7% in July marking a fifth consecutive month of housing value recovery.

We all know that making informed decisions in the always-changing real estate market requires knowledgeable and adaptable information. As we go through this article recently published by Corelogic’s news & research campaign, we will analyze significant trends, understand complex market dynamics, and identify feasible solutions.

Beginning with the national housing value index (HVI) which is up to 4.1% since February, following a -9.1% decline from April 2022.

Nationally, home values remain -5.3% below the peak, with only Perth, Adelaide, and Regional South Australia recording new cyclical highs.

Perth, in particular, recorded a substantial pull back in house values across most suburbs from 2014 to December 2021. Now, demand and low supply is pushing these prices back up however some suburbs are still below the 2014 highs.

Suburbs that have strong fundamentals for demand ie good schools, close to train and main arterial roads and close to the CBD did not pull back as much and so now are showing these cyclical highs.

Here is a Corelogic graph showing the movement of prices across the states on a monthly basis up to July, a quarterly, and annual basis. Looking at these graphs gives some indication of what parts of Australia are showing growth or pull back on these time frames…..

This data is what serious investors look at for opportunities and home owners if they are looking to capitalize on growth especially if they are mobile for jobs……

PWC Realty HVI Monthly Change 2023.31.07

PWC Realty HVI Quarterly Change 2023.31.07

PWC Realty HVI Annual Change 2023.31.07 .

However with increasing interest rates, growth has lost some of its momentum, slowing from 1.2% in May.

The slowdown in value growth is mainly due to easing gains in the upper quartile of the market.

The lower quartile and broad middle of the market remained resilient in July, following a smaller but more consistent rate of growth over previous months.

This resilience aligns with housing finance data showing a stronger bounce back in lending to first-home buyers and investors.

Regional values continued to lag behind the capitals, with the combined regionals index rising 0.2% in July compared to a 0.8% increase across the combined capitals index.

The largest rise in regional housing values has been in the Gold Coast, the Southeast region of Tasmania, and the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region.

PWC Realty HVI Capitals 2023.31.07

PWC Realty HVI Regionals 2023.31.07

PWC Realty HVI National 2023.31.07 .

With the rapid increase in interest rates, mortgage pain and fear is beginning to bite with an increase of listings in most capital cities resulting in an national increase of 3.9% In the last 4 weeks to the end of July 2023.

Many are choosing to take the opportunity of the current low supply and high demand for housing across Australia as a good time to sell – better now than later when there maybe less buyers due to financial constraints.

Overall, the capital city advertised stock levels remain low compared to historical levels, but prices are holding their own, suggesting demand is keeping up with the increased flow of new listings.

PWC Realty

Would love to hear more of your thoughts! Leave a comment below to connect with us and share your awesome and heartfelt experiences.

Father’s Day 2023 – What To Do On Father’s Day?

by Yvonne Babol | Aug 1, 2023 | Blog

It’s not a secret that fathers are certainly the family’s pillar of strength and the source of unwavering love and support.
He is the one who conveys essential life lessons to his children, teaching them the value of integrity, diligence, and tenacity. He is also the one responsible for molding their personalities under his direction and inspiring them to pursue their goals whilst supporting their mother.

First of all, why is the role of a father very important?

Fathers are incredibly important in influencing the lives of their children. They offer not only material assistance but also emotional security and a solid framework for personal development. Fathers often are the ones teaching their children practical life skills – how to fix things, create things and do things.

This role when done in a supportive manner, goes a long way to helping their children develop self-esteem and a sense of capability which assists them to develop character and self-confidence.

When is it going to happen?

Father’s Day takes place this year on the first Sunday in September.

What, as a family, will you do different this year for the fathers within your family circle or community. Community is the backbone of our society, more so today when we are all so busy, these occasions offer us time to bond & connect with others around us who are not in our family but render us valuable support in times of trouble.

Types of Event

These are not what you would like but what he would like and enjoy, enrolling the children in this decision helps to bond the family as well…..

Family or community BBQ

If the sun is shining and you have a large family, an extended family BBQ in a centralized spot is one idea; a street or local area gathering of neighbors in the nearby park is another, thereby creating a ‘fathers’ gathering’ that can offer the men an opportunity to create a support group for each other.

Tickets to his favourite event

An important game of footy or a concert

Organise a dinner or a small get-together

Organizing the date and time early is an essential factor in getting the diary sorted & the event locked in for the event to be successful, especially if the family is organizing other family members ie in-laws.

Planning

Decide on a location that will fit the occasion. Take an outdoor party, for instance. A fun idea would be to prepare a picnic. To make it memorable, finding a location that offers a breathtaking view or in an area that supports a hobby that the men enjoy.

Set a budget as well for the occasion. This will assist you in choosing the kinds of foods, drinks, decorations, and other components you can use. It doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive but well thought out with the men’s interests and likes taken into account. Be resourceful and make the best out of the things you can and have! The ladies together can come up with some fun and engaging ideas for sure.

Will you be self-catering or will you be outsourcing the catering ie a spit pig roast.

Will there be a cricket match, or a footy game or shooting some hoops on a basket ball court. Will there be swimming races or just fun child-like games – some dads get a real kick at being young at heart again.

If you are organizing a family or community event, make sure that the invites go out early and the RSVP’s are gathered to know the numbers.

Digital invitations, social media events, and conventional paper invitations are all options, but if possible excluding the fathers from receiving the invites would be a very thrilling surprise too! Single dads of course would have to be included and I am sure would feel very much appreciated – they are the unsung heros in our community and are single mums.

Decorate the space to fit the theme or the event to improve the ambiance. Flowers, candles, and fairy lights can all help to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere to make our fathers feel very important on that special day,

Make plans for your guests’ entertainment, such as games, music, or a movie showing — compiling memorable photos and video recordings will surely touch our father’s heart! This will increase the event’s enjoyment and keep everyone interested.

It is also important to relax and take pleasure in our father’s company throughout the celebration. Participate in discussions, take part in activities, and make sure everyone is having a good time – this is the secret of being a good host and in these events everyone needs to pull their weight to make it a success.

And lastly, don’t forget to thank the guests, the ones who organized the event, and of course, the star of the occasion — the loved fathers.

Profoundly thank and express your gratitude for their contribution to the life of the family and also by reminiscing the most impactful memories you have had with them. There have been some lovely songs and poems written about fatherhood as well that can say what we sometimes find hard to say.

To the fathers who are no longer with us

For many who have lost their fathers, Father’s Day can also be an emotional time. In remembrance of the cherished memories and the influence they had on our lives, we pay respect to the fathers who are no longer with us.

Whether they are our biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, or father figures, Father’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate all the fathers in our lives. It’s a chance for us to say thank you for their support, love, and the profound impact they’ve had on us. Make this Father’s Day one to remember by showing love and gratitude to the unsung heroes who have influenced our lives.

Father’s Day gift ideas

Here are some unique and mindful Father’s Day gift recommendations:

1. PERSONALIZED GIFTS:

Add your dad’s name, initials, or a sentimental message to products like a wallet, keychain, mug, or picture frame.

2. PRODUCTS FOR PERSONAL CARE AND GROOMING:

Buy your dad some exceptional skincare, shaving, or grooming equipment, such as a kit.

3. HOBBY-RELATED GIFTS:

Think about getting your dad a gift that is in line with his hobbies, such as a new set of golf balls, fishing equipment, painting supplies, or kitchen gadgets.

4. BOOKS:

If your dad enjoys reading, pick a title from his favorite genre or written by a favorite author.

5. SUBSCRIPTION BOX:

Whether it’s a monthly book delivery, a coffee subscription, or a hobby-related subscription box, enroll your father in one that reflects his interests.

6. TECH GADGETS:

Add wireless headphones, a phone stand, or a wristwatch to your dad’s collection of tech gadgets.

7. GRILLING ACCESSORIES:

This can include a set of BBQ rubs, a custom apron, or some upscale grilling gear for the dad who enjoys cooking.

8. EXPERIENCE GIFTS:

Give the gift of experience by purchasing tickets to a sporting event, concert, cooking class, or weekend trip.

9. CUSTOMIZED PHOTO BOOK:

Make a photo album with special photos and text that honors your bond with your father.

10. DIY present:

Make a handmade card, a scrapbook, or a piece of art as a DIY present using your creativity.

11. FITNESS EQUIPMENT:

If your father enjoys working out, give him new workout attire, a fitness tracker, or a set of dumbbells.

12. MEMORY JAR:

Fill a jar with letters or little cards conveying precious recollections and justifications for your admiration of your dad.

13. ENROLL IN A CLASS:

Enroll your dad in a class in something he’s always wanted to learn, like dance, cooking, or photography.

14. Personalised Whiskey glasses or beer mugs

Engrave whiskey glasses or beer mugs with his name or a heartfelt message.

15. GIFTS FOR RELAXATION

Surprise your dad with a spa day, a massage, or a comfortable bathrobe and slippers for some downtime.
The best Father’s Day presents are ones that are heartfelt expressions of your love and gratitude for your father. When selecting the ideal present to make the day memorable for him, take into account his preferences, hobbies, and personality.

We hope that these ideas are of help, for you to create a Father’s Day that he will remember.

We’d love to hear more of your thoughts! Leave a comment below to connect with us and share your awesome and heartfelt experiences.