Showing the way on homes

There is lots to see at the Rotorua Daily Post Home and Leisure Show.

If you want to make the most of the rising property prices by selling up, a visit to the Rotorua Daily Post Home and Leisure Show over the next few days might make the difference between a good and a great outcome.

"Things are going a bit crazy out there and now is the time to sell," said First National real estate agent, Amelia Mills.

First impressions can make or break a buyer's decision, and she recommends a spruce up of the entrance to the property before anything.

De-cluttering and de-personalising the house was a quick way to create space inside it, she said.

"Too many photographs and knick-knacks can be claustrophobic."

Modernisation is also recommended and the solution might be as simple as the flick of the paintbrush and a couple of new cushions.

The home show is the perfect place to get a guide on styling tips, colour schemes and how to maximise your new look on a budget.

Likewise, if the fix is not simple and your property is in need of a major overhaul, everything you need is under one roof from kitchen and bathroom ideas to manchester, blinds and flooring.

Indoor-outdoor flow is still something people look for.

"We like the sun and a north-facing property is great to have," said Mills.

The home show has a great range of products on offer including the latest fence and gate styles, awnings, mowers and power tools.

As well as delicious food and innovative home products, visitors can enter the draw for exciting prizes including a dream holiday to Fiji's Treasure Island Resort, including airfares, accommodation and a cocktail party.

The show will feature more than 200 stands, cooking demonstrations, fun for the kids and the biggest pool of prizes and show specials to date.

There will be about $200,000 worth of prizes up for grabs at the show.

This year seminars will be conducted by Karen Parcell (Bay of Plenty Regional Council - air quality), Bruce Quedley (Neighbourhood Support Rotorua), Tim Senington (Rotorua Lakes Council - rubbish and recycling), Richard Marshall (Evita director) and the Rotorua Youth Centre.

Fact file:

* What: Rotorua Daily Post Home and Leisure Show

* When: Today and tomorrow 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am till 4pm.

* Where: Rotorua Energy Events Centre

* Cost: $5 per adult, under 12s free.