Home & Lifestyle June 25

FIVE TIPS TO BOOST YOUR HOME’S VALUE

Selling your home can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially in a competitive market. While many homeowners focus on simply putting up a “For Sale” sign, a little preparation beforehand can make a huge difference to the final result. Here are five important things to do before listing your property for sale.

First impressions matter, so start by improving your home’s street appeal. Mow the lawn, trim hedges, tidy gardens and pressure clean driveways or pathways. A fresh coat of paint on the front door or updating tired outdoor lighting can also help create a welcoming feel for buyers before they even step inside.

Next, declutter and depersonalise your home. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the property, which can be difficult if

“PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP”

rooms are crowded with personal items, excess furniture or clutter. Clear benchtops, tidy wardrobes and remove unnecessary items to make spaces feel larger, cleaner and more inviting.

It’s also worth taking care of minor repairs before going to market. Small issues like dripping taps, cracked tiles, damaged flyscreens or peeling paint may seem insignificant, but buyers often notice these details. Fixing them early can help present the property as well maintained and prevent buyers from looking for reasons to negotiate down the price.

Professional presentation is another important step. Many sellers are now investing in professional photography and home styling because quality presentation can dramatically improve online interest and inspection numbers. Bright, clean and well-styled homes

often attract stronger buyer competition.

Finally, make sure you choose the right local real estate agent. A reputable agent understands the local market, knows how to market your property effectively and can guide you through pricing, negotiations and the sales process. Homeowners should consider speaking with experienced local agencies such as RE/ MAX Lifestyle Marketing, Faico & Co, Merrick Property Group or Property Central when preparing to sell.

Taking the time to prepare your property properly before listing can help reduce stress, attract more buyers and ultimately deliver a stronger sale result.

CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

Upcoming releases in Marian’s Mana, Oran Park

CONTACT:

Oran Park Sales Office

Trevor Homes • 9043 7500

What is so great about this property?

Marian’s Mana is a prestigious master-planned community offering architecturally designed residences in one of south-west Sydney’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Nestled between the Oran Park Town Centre and its many amenities and the proposed Lake Pondicherry precinct, with its

ORAN PARK

foreshores, boardwalks, cafés and activity spaces, this family-friendly neighbourhood brings the best of both worlds to your every day.

With easy access to Brooking Park, Whiteman Park, DawsonDamer Park and the proposed 10-hectare lake, you’ll always find the perfect spot for a walk, picnic or quiet reading spot, moments from your front door.

Who does this property suit?

Anyone who’s wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, up-market living without many of the chores that comes with premium homes.

Tell us about the suburb this property is in?

Oran Park Town is a master planned development, designed and being built for a thriving community.

Greenfields Development Company began Oran Park in 2010 and its projected to complete the Town in the early 2040s. The Oran Park Town Centre is at the heart of the master-planned development offering residential, commercial and retail offerings as well as substantial civic and community amenities for residents and daily workers. Visit today!

Discover exclusive townhome

living in Oran Pa rk .

Inviting you to enjoy the best of both worlds, Oran Park townhomes combine the space of a house with a back yard and the low-maintenance qualities of apar tment living

You can choose from an exceptional selection of architecturally designed townhomes located near all the town’s popular amenities and most loved at tractions.

Ideal for growing families, downsizers and couples, these distinctive residences of fer excellent value-for-money.

• Spacious, designer interiors

• Landscaped grounds

• Two to five-bedroom layouts

• Private porches and cour tyards

• Family-friendly living areas

• Premium finishes and inclusions

• Tranquil locations

Ready for you to move in, these elegant townhomes are curated for comfor t and practicality. A beautiful lifest yle in one of Au stralia’s fastest growing suburbs awaits

COULD REFINANCING SAVE

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to squeeze household budgets, a growing number of Australians are turning to home loan refinancing as a way to claw back some breathing room. For many, the savings can be substantial – but the decision isn’t right for everyone.

What is refinancing?

Refinancing simply means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different bank.

Borrowers do this for a range of reasons, but the most common is to secure a lower interest rate and reduce their monthly repayments.

The potential benefits

Lower repayments and interest savings. Even a small reduction in your interest rate can translate to significant savings over the life of a loan. On a $600,000 mortgage, shaving 0.5 per cent off your rate could save tens of thousands of dollars over a 30-year term and reduce your monthly outgoings noticeably.

Accessing equity. As property values have climbed in many parts of Australia, homeowners have built up equity in their properties. Refinancing can allow borrowers to tap into that equity to fund renovations, invest or consolidate other debts.

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Switching loan features. Refinancing offers an opportunity to move to a loan with features that better suit your circumstances, such as an offset account, a redraw facility, or the flexibility to make extra repayments without penalty. Some borrowers also switch between variable and fixed rates depending on their outlook on interest rates.

Debt consolidation. Rolling high-interest debts, such as credit cards or personal loans, into a home loan at a lower rate can simplify finances and reduce overall interest costs –though it’s worth remembering that stretching short-term debt over a longer mortgage term can increase the total interest paid.

Lender incentives. Competition between lenders means many offer cashback deals, fee waivers, or other incentives to win new business, which can sweeten the deal for those willing to shop around.

The costs to watch

Refinancing isn’t free. Borrowers should factor in potential discharge fees from their existing lender, application and valuation fees with the new lender, and for those with fixed-rate loans break costs, which can be considerable. Lenders Mortgage Insurance may also apply if you’re borrowing more than 80 per cent of your property’s value.

It’s also worth being aware that refinancing involves a fresh credit assessment, and lending criteria have tightened in recent years. Your borrowing capacity, income stability, and credit history will all be scrutinised.

Is it worth it?

A common rule of thumb is to review your home loan every couple of years to ensure you’re still getting a competitive rate. Many borrowers find their lender’s advertised rates for new customers are lower than what existing customers are paying. Financial experts generally recommend calculating whether the savings outweigh the switching costs before making the move. Mortgage brokers can help compare options across the market.

The bottom line

For Australians feeling the pinch, refinancing can be a powerful tool to reduce repayments, access equity, or restructure debt. But it pays to do your homework, read the fine print, and seek independent financial advice tailored to your situation before signing on the dotted line.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should consult a licensed financial adviser or mortgage broker before making decisions.

The Experts

KELLIE TICKNER

Orchard

WHY DOES MY DOG HAVE A SWOLLEN EAR?

One day your dog seems perfectly fine, and the next you notice one of their ears has suddenly become swollen, thick and floppy. If it looks like your dog has a pillow attached to their ear flap, they may be suffering from an aural haematoma.

An aural haematoma is a collection of blood that forms within the ear flap (known as the pinna). Blood vessels run just beneath the skin of the ear, and when one of these vessels’ ruptures, blood leaks into the space between the skin and cartilage. The result is a swollen, often painful ear that feels soft, warm and spongy to the touch.

In most cases, an aural haematoma is not the primary problem. Instead, it is usually the result of an underlying ear irritation. Dogs experiencing itchy, painful ears will often shake their heads vigorously or scratch excessively. This repeated trauma can cause blood vessels in the ear flap to burst.

Common causes of ear irri-

tation include ear infections, allergies, grass seeds, ear mites, or other foreign material lodged within the ear canal. Some dogs are more prone to developing aural haematomas than others, particularly those with long, floppy ears. If left untreated, an aural haematoma may slowly reabsorb over time. However, this is rarely the best option. The ongoing inflammation can cause significant pain and permanent damage

to the ear tissues. As the ear heals, scar tissue forms, often resulting in a thickened, wrinkled, “cauliflower ear” appearance. In severe cases, the distorted ear shape can even narrow the ear canal and increase the risk of future ear problems. Treatment aims to remove the accumulated blood and address the underlying cause of the irritation. Depending on the size and severity, treatment may involve draining the fluid, or performing

surgery to prevent the blood from reaccumulating. At the same time, your veterinarian will investigate and treat the reason your dog was shaking or scratching their ears in the first place. Unfortunately, if the underlying cause is not identified and managed, dogs may continue to experience ear irritation, putting them at risk of another haematoma. This is why treating the ear disease itself is just as important as treating the swelling.

If you notice your dog’s ear suddenly becoming swollen or they are shaking their head more than usual, don’t delay. Aural haematomas are painful and require prompt veterinary attention. Early treatment can help relieve discomfort, prevent permanent ear damage, and get your dog back to feeling comfortable again.

If you are concerned about your dog’s ears, you can phone the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027 to book an appointment.

FOOT CHECKS IN DIABETES

Reduced circulation

For people living with diabetes, regular foot assessments are an essential part of maintaining long-term health and mobility. While a small blister, cut or area of pressure may seem insignificant, these issues can quickly develop into serious complications if left

At OnePointHealth, we know that early detection is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and avoidable hospitalisations.

How diabetes affects the

Diabetes can impact foot health in two major ways.

Peripheral neuropathy

Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can damage the nerves in the feet, reducing sensation. This can make it difficult to feel:

Cuts and blisters

Pressure from footwear

• Burns and injuries

• Developing wounds

Without pain acting as a warning sign, problems can progress unnoticed.

Diabetes can also affect blood flow to the lower limbs. Reduced circulation slows healing and increases the risk of infection, making even minor wounds more difficult to manage.

When poor circulation and reduced sensation occur together, the risk of serious foot complications increases significantly. Why regular foot checks matter

Many diabetic foot problems develop gradually and without pain. Regular podiatry assessments allow potential issues to be identified before they become serious.

A diabetic foot assessment may include:

• Circulation and vascular screening

• Nerve sensation testing

• Skin and nail assessment

• Identification of pressure areas and calluses

• Footwear evaluation

• Assessment of foot deformities and ulcer risk

Early intervention remains one of the most important

factors in preventing diabetic foot ulcers. How podiatrists help prevent complications

Podiatrists play a key role in diabetic foot care through:

• Routine foot and nail care

• Callus reduction to decrease pressure

• Footwear recommendations

• Custom orthotics to improve foot mechanics and redistribute pressure

• Wound management and pressure offloading

• Education on daily foot monitoring

For higher-risk patients, ongoing monitoring allows small changes to be detected and managed before complications arise. Visit the clinic for more.

Relax & Unwind

JOANNE

MADELINE MOORE

Boho Astro

@JoMadelineMoore

© Joanne Madeline Moore 2026

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

Expect the unexpected this week –especially involving children, teenagers, friends or lovers. Hasty Mars hooks up with unruly Uranus (your patron planet) on Saturday, when you’re inclined to unpredictable behaviour like starting a radical new project or falling in love very fast. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater though! Your mantra is from birthday great Princess Diana, “I don’t go by the rule book … I lead from the heart, not the head.”

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

On Tuesday, prosperity planet Jupiter transits into your domestic zone. So –sometime over the next 12 months – you could redecorate, renovate, build an extension, sell property, buy a new home, relocate or start a home-based business. Good fortune could also come via a loved one, distant relative or family friend. Plus Mercury reverses through your communication and transport zone, until July 24. So take extra care when talking, writing and driving.

LEO

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Mercury Retrograde season starts on Tuesday. So – if you stir up grievances with an old adversary – you could find you’ve bitten off more than you can comfortably chew! When it comes to relationship problems, avoid quick fixes (especially with relatives). You’ll come up with a satisfactory solution if you think things through and act on your hunches. With peaceful Venus and generous Jupiter visiting your sign, learn to smile sweetly, forgive and forget.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

The week starts with Mercury reversing through your travel and adventure zone. If you are going away in the next three weeks (especially interstate or overseas) make sure you double-check your itinerary. And (if possible) avoid signing important contracts and legal documents (and making expensive purchases) until after July 24. Then Jupiter jumps into your career zone on Tuesday, so make the most of any professional good fortune that comes your way.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

Mercury turns retrograde early on Tuesday. It’s the planet of clear thinking, communication (talking, texting and writing), transport, travel, commuting, commerce, computers, media and the Internet. So it’s not a good time to gossip; sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; launch a website; install new software; go on an important business trip or embark on a big holiday. Instead, be patient and wait until after July 24.

GEMINI

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Expect a rather chaotic and disruptive week, as Mercury (your ruling planet) turns retrograde on Tuesday. And then impulsive Mars and reckless Uranus link up in your sign on Saturday. The good news? On Tuesday, Jupiter jumps into your neighbourhood and local travel zone. So – over the coming year – you’ll make some exciting new connections within your local community. Short trips (especially interstate) are also likely in the months ahead.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Are people aware of the substantial amount of work you’re doing behind the scenes? Don’t be disappointed if others aren’t showing their appreciation at the moment. Your efforts will be applauded (and rewarded) further down the track. In the meantime, focus your attention on helping others (family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances) in creative ways. As birthday great Princess Diana said, “Everyone has the potential to give something back.”

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Mercury begins reversing through your secrets and joint finances zone on Tuesday morning. So keep your lips zipped and be very clear when making financial transactions with others. Then Jupiter (planet of expansion and exploration) transits into your travel zone on Tuesday afternoon, so foreign shores beckon over the next 12 months. Smart Sagittarians will start planning your itinerary now –and make sure you keep up to date with your international contacts.

HOROSCOPES

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

This week Mercury reverses through your home zone, from Tuesday morning until July 24. So expect some domestic disruptions (like plumbing problems or appliances breaking down) and/ or family friction (like arguments or misunderstandings). But you can still have an enjoyable week, as Mars (your boss planet) makes positive aspects to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. Slow down Rams! An innovative, creative and patient approach will get you through.

CANCER

22 TO JULY 22

With Mercury reversing through your sign (from Tuesday until July 24) resist the urge to over-analyse, over-worry, over-stress and over-react. Especially involving personal matters, close relationships (romantic and platonic) plus joint ventures. Think things through, but avoid getting caught up in an endless, obsessive loop. Try to relax and go with the flow. Jupiter jumps into your financial zone, which is good for money matters over the coming year.

LIBRA

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Communication planet Mercury reverses through your career zone (until July 24) so relations with a boss, business partner, work colleague, client or customer could be challenging. So do your best to pick your battles very carefully, choose your words very wisely, plus check all meetings and appointment times thoroughly. The next three weeks is a good time to do things with an ‘re’ in front … revise, remember, rehearse, revisit, rethink and reboot.

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Conscientious Capricorns can easily become preoccupied with the busy distractions of daily life, full of noisy notifications and endless work. This week Venus and Jupiter light up your intuition and secrets zone (in the creative sign of Leo) so aim to spend some quality time on your own. Slow down, meditate, contemplate, ruminate, and listen to the quiet voice within. Your motto is from birthday great Princess Diana, “I work on instinct. It’s my best advisor.”

LOCAL NEWS YOU CAN TRUST

Relax & Unwind

KING-SIZED NIGHT AWAY

When my mum and I book a girls’ weekend away it normally centres around a pool or an ocean. But recently we decided to change things up and head into the Sydney CBD for a change and it did not disappoint.

We stayed at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney, right in the heart of the city. We stepped off the train at Central Station, got directly onto a Light Rail and got off at the next stop where Caption by Hyatt was just metres away.

We were booked in for Caption’s ‘Lion King’ package which provides an overnight stay, two tickets to ‘The Lion King’ at the nearby Capitol Theatre, and a pre-theatre dinner for two at the hotel’s restaurant Talk Shop. It takes away all the fuss of organising different activities and deciding where to go for dinner – one click and you have a whole evening booked.

“IT IS AN UNMISSABLE SHOW”

Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney offers 174 rooms all full of character and charm. We stayed in the one-bedroom deluxe suite. The room was decorated with a colourful feature wall but the thing that caught my attention right away was the floor to ceiling windows that offered a perfect glimpse of the awaiting city below. I could see the Capitol Theatre across the road which made me excited for the show I was going to see later. The bathroom was large and easily fit two of us in there as we

were doing our makeup and fixing our hair.

The pre-theatre dinner at Caption’s in house restaurant Talk Shop was divine. When my mum and I went down to have a glass of wine and dinner we were treated to an intimate seating area where we could have stayed chatting for hours. The mood lighting and ambient music were the perfect backdrop as other guests filtered in and out livening the room with chatter. There was an array of board games for guests to use, making the experience even more personal. The dinner package gives you two options to choose from, so we got one of each. I had the cheeseburger, which was more gourmet than

any cheeseburger I’ve had before. The chips were perfectly crispy as well. My mum had the Me So Salmon and after every bite kept telling me to try some – it was that good! After dinner, we walked around the block to the Capitol Theatre to see Disney’s ‘The Lion King’. All tickets bought in the package are in Stall G, which gives a perfect view of the show. Without giving too much away, the musical heightens the beloved story we all know and love with incredible performances and costumes that don’t seem real. It is an unmissable show for when you are in the city. During intermission mum and I noted that it was so nice to not have to worry about getting the train home after. The theatre package at Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney made our night out so much better than we could have imagined.

We had our alarms set early the next day despite not having to check out until 11am because we couldn’t pass up the chance to go shopping on George Street when we were so close, so back on the Light Rail we went. The location is so convenient to many things that next time I’m in the city I’ll book the Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney again.

For your next girls’ weekend away you can’t go past Caption by Hyatt Central Sydney’s ‘The Lion King’ stay package – it is completely worth it. Trust me!

Maddie’s Meals

Focaccia

This recipe is an easy, time-saving alternative to waiting for dough to prove overnight. Although it still takes some time, it’s worth it.

What You’ll Need:

- Large bowl

- Whisk

- Spatula

- 2 forks

- Plastic wrap

- Oven safe dish x 2

- Small bowl (to fill with water)

Ingredients:

- 4 cups plain or bread flour

- 3 teaspoons of salt

- 1 packet of dry instant yeast

- 2 cups of lukewarm water (made by mixing 1 cup of cold water with one cup of boiling water)

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- Flakey sea salt (optional)

- A herb to top (eg, rosemary, thyme, sage)

- Butter, for greasing the pan

Method:

1. In the bowl, whisk the flour, yeast and salt together. Add the water and use the spatula to

combine the mixture until it is a sticky dough ball.

2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for 30 minutes out of the fridge.

3. Once 30 minutes has past, take a small bowl filled with water, and dipping one hand into the water, stretch and fold over the sides of the dough. Repeat this until the ball starts to feel more smooth instead of sticky. Cover the surface of the ball with oil and re-cover with plastic.

4. Boil some water and place it in one of the oven proof dishes (not the dish you’ll be cooking the focaccia in). Place the water dish on the bottom rack of your oven, and place the bowl of dough on the rack above it. Close the oven door (do not turn the oven on!) and let the dough sit for two hours.

5. After two hours, take the dough out and discard the water dish.

Using two forks, deflate the dough by poking holes in it and stretching it, folding it in on itself. Take the other oven dish, greased, and place a tbsp or so of oil on the bottom. Transfer the dough into the dish, coat ing again in oil and covering. Leave this out of the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 220°C.

6. Uncover the dough and deflate using your fingers. Top with the herb of your choice and lots of salt. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

35.

38.

68.

Word Search

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

THEME: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

STRING

WOODWIND

BRASS

PERCUSSION

KEYBOARD

ELECTRIC GUITAR

CELLO

DOUBLE BASS

HARP

SAXOPHONE

CLARINET

FLUTE

FRENCH HORN

TRUMPET

CYMBALS

DRUM KIT

ORGAN

Last week’s solution

Trivia Quiz

Test your knowledge about money in this week’s special trivia quiz...

1. When is the end of the financial year?

2. Where is the Royal Australian Mint?

3. When were Australia’s one and two cent coins taken out of circulation?

4. When was the $1 coin introduced?

5. What shape was the 50c coin

before its now iconic dodecagonal shape?

6. When did Australia introduce plastic notes?

7. What is the nickname of the yellow $50 note?

8. What other nations use the Australian currency?

9. What Australian animal is on the $1 coin?

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Like Sudoku, no single number can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

COLOUR ME PENRITH!