Commute Times

There was an interesting article in this weekend’s Courier Mail about Brisbane residents and commuting to work. According to the article, the majority of people are willing to travel up to 30 minutes to get to work, but usually not more.

There are naturally exceptions to the rule, and this is definitely true for those who want to live near the beach or acreage and are willing to trade the extra travel cost for those all important lifestyle choices.

In terms of real estate, this 30 minute barrier is great for growth and sales. Currently, RP Data figures are showing that buying a price below median in with 10km of the city are very small and only 13.4% of suburbs in this area are priced below $406,500.

It is also looking good for the future with Generation Y generally placing greater value on their time which may reduce the short commute even more.

For more information:
Original Article

Interest Rates

Although the cash rate remained steady for this month, there is talk that this may change in the near future with the strength of the Australian dollar. Its strength has been shown this week with the dollar achieving parity with the US dollar for the first time since it was floated in 1983.

While families will enjoy the strength of the dollar with cheaper consumer goods, this will be countered by more expensive home loans with several increases expected in the coming year.

For more information:
RBA interest hikes may be inevitable – IB TIMES

Local flooding

Everyone should be careful today with rain continuing to cause havok around the city. Locally, Schultz Cannal has flooded Widdop street & the suburb of Deagon is experiencing flooding.

For commuters, be aware that there are delays to both rail and buses. Many roads in the North of Brisbane have been cut off due to localised flooding.

To keep up to date as the day continues, visit:
Bureau of Meteorology
Translink

And remember to stay safe out there.

Weather Warning

A weather warning has just been released for severe weather in SouthEast Qld with damaging winds and flash flooding to be expected. The coast district is at risk overnight and Sunday of increasing winds and rainfall.

For more information, visit the Bureau of Meteorology website. You can also get SMS notifications sent to your phone by registering with the Australian Early Warning Network.

Money Saving Tips

We’d like to take a moment out to recognise the work of one of our recent vendors, Esta Hammond who has written a book and hosts a blog that should be important to us all, especially if you’re saving for your first home deposit.

Visit Easy Ways to Save Money for great tips on how to save money on bills, babies and children, clothing and acessories, holidays, and entertainment.

Esta had tried selling her property through a budget real estate, but unfortunately the auction was not a success. It just goes to show that by choosing the best, you’ll save in the long term.