A further thought – make yourself aware of any covenants that might be in place.  e.g. the building might need to comply with certain stated conditions so as to “fit in” with the rest of the properties surrounding it.   Those conditions might add extra costs to your build that you were not contemplating.

Also, do compare the land cost with ot…[Read more]

Hi Natni,

In my Welcome PM to you, I posted the link to the “Big Picture for New Investors” topic.  Spending some time trawling through that may well yield some good answers for you.   In particular, page 3 of that link has several subjects that seem appropriate for you at this time.  Here’s that page 3:-…[Read more]

Whoopee – another 0.25% down.  Hard to raise a cheer, but it is better than the alternative.

Well, they did it again – a 95% prediction of a rate cut, and the RBA said “No”!!

I have been hearing that the economy has been on life support for almost 3 years now (just ask anyone whose discretionary income has become quite depleted as non-discretionary costs have soared – mortgage interest being a prime contender).

But the RBA has chosen to…[Read more]

Well, they did it again – a 95% prediction of a rate cut, and the RBA said “No”!!

I have been hearing that the economy has been on life support for almost 3 years now (just ask anyone whose discretionary income has become quite depleted as non-discretionary costs have soared – mortgage interest being a prime contender).

But the RBA has chosen to…[Read more]

Hi Fooko,

A further point – re ” the experience may well provide answers to questions you didn’t know you had !!”

Another tool that will likely provide you with the same, is to read that “Big Picture” topic that I messaged you earlier.  There is a wealth of “nuts and bolts” info hidden in there.   It can help to prepare you for the seminar by f…[Read more]

Hi Fooko,

Great words from Steve – and I wanted to throw out a couple of other thoughts.

First, you mentioned you had recently refinanced – was that a Fixed Interest loan at all?  ‘cos if it was, BEWARE.  Find out just how much it would cost to break that agreement and close the loan.  Fixed loans can have VERY nasty consequences.

Second, do go…[Read more]

Hi Jenny,

Wow – quite a post there !!   Some good news in it, but also some areas that would depend on other answers to questions asked of you.  I’ll have a crack at sharing my thoughts – some may help you to focus more on “where to next” that suits you.

I’ll attack each of the 4 points you mentioned – with comments, and sometimes qu…[Read more]

Woohoo – they did it !!  Another 0.25%.  Be still my heart….

‘scuse the dripping sarcasm.   Opinions still seem to be mixed about whether there will be more drops or not.  Many say 3 more this year (and our re-elected Treasurer is one of them) and yet others say “Not so fast” – tariffs could impact inflation yet !!!

I’ve heard the average savi…[Read more]

And a bump to bring it fresh after adding a photo !!

Hi Owen,

“Never ask a barber if you need a haircut!” is my comment re the concreter.   He would be looking for work 24/7, so is likely to guide you toward his point of view re the cracks in the driveway.

Re the uneven patio, it depends just how uneven you are talking.   You could check to see if the work ever had Council Approval or not.  If n…[Read more]

Good one Stu – well caught !!!

Benny