August 2009
August Thomas Chin Report
NZPIF CONFERENCE - AGM Ministerial keynote During the month the Federation held its annual general meeting and conference in Auckland. AGM delegates were given an overview of political and regulatory settings confronting property investors and challenges for the coming 12 months. Delegates were also briefed on the ongoing task of maintaining effective working relationships with relevant key influencers. The conference was as usual, attended by a Minister of the crown. Minister of Housing...
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posted in: Finance, Landlord Rights and Obligations, Governmental & Regulatory, Residential Tenancies Act, Thomas Chin Report, Taxation
Have you got energy to burn?
Using power around the home is so much a part of our daily lives that we don't usually give it a moment's thought. But doing one new thing each week to save energy could create a strong savings habit and reduce your power/gas bill, which averages $150 a month in a typical New Zealand home.
Low-to-moderate cost ways to further cut your energy bills
1. Replace your four most used lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs Estimated yearly saving of $65-75
2. Use a low-flow sh...
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posted in: Budgeting, Building & Housing, Smart Heating and Cooling
Invest in energy and save
If you can afford it, an investment in energy efficiency for your home can deliver good returns. The cost of installing insulation, double-glazing or a heat pump can be made up over time through lower energy bills. And you get the bonus of a warmer, more comfortable, healthier home. It's also worth remembering that making your home more energy-efficient can increase its value. Potential buyers or tenants are more likely to want a cosier home that costs less to run.
Some good investments ...
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posted in: Budgeting, Landlord: Trick of the Trade, Building & Housing, Smart Heating and Cooling
What is next for mortgages?
OPINION: The Bank of New Zealand hasn’t done anything normal in the home loan market for many years; and it doesn’t seem to have changed its ways recently. The bank created headlines a number of years ago with its "Unbeatable" campaign. During this campaign it was the market leader pushing fixed rates, particularly in the two year space, down. Part of the driver for the campaign was its decision not to distribute its home loans through mortgage brokers, even though brokers grew to control 40...
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posted in: Finance
No need to shiver and shake to save power
Don't play cat and mouse with heat - close your curtains at night.
Don't pour money down the drain when it comes to power. There are simple things you can do to save money on your energy bills that won't cost you a cent.
Five simple no-cost steps to save you money
1. Turn appliances on stand-by off at the wall (microwaves, stereos televions, DVD players, computers) Estimated yearly saving of $100
2. If you have to use your heated towel rail, do so for a few hours each ...
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posted in: Budgeting, Landlord: Trick of the Trade, Smart Heating and Cooling