Rachel Brett - Harcourts Team Taranaki

24/09/2026

Did you know that switching to fortnightly home loan repayments instead of the traditional monthly schedule could save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan? 💰
Here's how it works: Let’s say your monthly home loan repayment is $2,000. If you pay that once a month, you’ll pay $24,000 over the course of a year.

By switching to a fortnightly schedule, you’d pay half your monthly amount, $1,000, every fortnight. Because there are 26 fortnights in a year, you’ll make 26 payments of $1,000.
By the end of the year, you’ll have paid $26,000. That's $2,000 more than you would have paid on a monthly schedule, meaning you’ve essentially made an entire extra monthly repayment for the year without having to budget for a large lump sum!

While this strategy might not suit everyone's cash flow, aligning your repayments with your payday could help you pay down your principal faster and save a significant amount on interest in the long run. Let's chat to see if a fortnightly option works for you.

22/09/2026

Outdoor spaces can add so much value to the way you experience your home. ☀️🏡

Whether it’s a spacious backyard, balcony, courtyard, or small garden area, thoughtful design can turn an outdoor space into somewhere you genuinely want to spend time.

A few ways to create a more inviting outdoor retreat:

🌿 Layered greenery – Combine plants, pots, and garden beds to add texture, colour, and life to your space.
🛋️ Comfortable seating areas – Create a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy time outdoors with family and friends.
💡 Warm lighting – Add outdoor lighting to make the space feel welcoming well into the evening.
🪵 Natural textures – Materials like timber, stone, and woven finishes can bring warmth and character.
🪴 Personal touches – Statement planters, décor, and styling details can make the area feel uniquely yours.
🔥 Seasonal comforts – Consider features that suit your climate, such as shade, outdoor heating, or a fire pit.

Even small improvements can make a big difference, creating an outdoor area that feels like an extension of your home.

What’s one feature you’d love to have in your dream outdoor space?

17/09/2026

📚School holidays are here! 📚

And while the kids are celebrating… parents everywhere are asking: “How do we keep them busy?” 😂
Here are some fun (and budget-friendly) ideas to make the most of the September holiday period:

🎨 DIY craft day – cardboard castles, homemade slime, or painting rocks for the garden.
🌳 Nature scavenger hunt – take a walk in the park and make a list of things to spot.
🍿 Backyard movie night – grab some blankets, popcorn, and a projector (or laptop).
🏖️ Beach or park day trip – spring sunshine = perfect excuse for fresh air and play.
👨‍🍳 Little chefs in the kitchen – get the kids involved with baking or making their own pizzas.

School holidays don’t have to be stressful — a little creativity goes a long way. 🌟

👉 What’s your go-to school holiday activity?

15/09/2026

Life changes can be scary, but think of all the missed opportunities that could happen if we stayed the same?

🌟 New relationships, new cities, new jobs, and many new endeavours. This is your reminder to take a chance and trust your gut. Change can be a great thing!

10/09/2026

✨ Imagine a Fully Organised Kitchen! 🏡

Here are 4 simple ways to get started:

1️⃣ Deep Clean the Fridge: Empty out the fridge and freezer, clean each shelf, and toss expired or unused items.
2️⃣ Clean Appliances: Give your toaster, microwave, dishwasher, oven, and coffee maker some TLC, don’t forget the garbage disposal!
3️⃣ Declutter Drawers & Cabinets: Tackle one drawer or cabinet at a time, wipe them down, and donate or toss what you don’t use.
4️⃣ Organise the Pantry: Toss expired food, categorize items (like baking supplies, spices, or snacks), and create designated spaces for easy access.

It might take some time, but the satisfaction of a sparkling, organised kitchen is worth it!
Save this post as a reminder and share it with friends who love an organised space! 🧹

08/09/2026

Spring is here, time to wake up your garden!

Here are 3 easy ways to get started:
🌿 Clear out weeds and winter debris
🌱 Enrich your soil with compost
🌼 Plant cool-season veggies like spinach and carrots

Follow for more tips like this!

02/09/2026

Embrace the spirit of adventure! There’s a world of endless possibilities when you dare to try something new. Whether it's exploring new hobbies, chasing dreams, or stepping outside your comfort zone, remember that every new experience holds limitless potential!

31/08/2026

🌸 Spring is here and I'm feeling the energy of fresh starts and new possibilities! Let's soak in the beauty of blooming flowers and let it inspire us to think about making moves, finding that perfect home sweet home. 🏡

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

Artificial plants vs. natural elements: Which is your preference when it comes to home decor? Whether you're drawn to the low-maintenance charm of artificial greenery or the organic beauty of natural elements, both options offer unique ways to enhance your space.

Share your thoughts below!