The US gig is…[Read more]

They have branches across Melbourne. Been with them for over 15 years.

They specialise in investment property.

Homepage

Cheers.

Peter

–There are several subtle differences. The main advantages are low entry costs (no stamp duty), low holding costs (no land tax), low exit costs (0% CGT if not trading properties).

Do properties have rates, water costs?

–Yes

what are the averages there?

–Depends on the area, similar to…[Read more]

Try talking to your attorney as they will have many investors on their own books that they can pass the details on, assuming of course that the deal is attractive to other investors. The attorney will get the business from the transfer of the title deed as their payment.

This has worked well for me in the past.

I’ve been using HSBC for some 5 years now, without any hassles or complaints. I set this account up through a branch in Melbourne.

To get around the ‘check’ issue, my attorneys have a limited power of attorney to act on my behalf for Real Estate transactions and have banked checks on my behalf also. They both hold ‘operating funds’ in…[Read more]

Sorry, I just do WNY.

Hi allIt's been a while since…[Read more]

pwinneGo to the link below and it has the details and photos.  I'm throwing in the furniture also, if desired, as once I leave I won't be taking it back to my house in Melbourne.I live in the studio for one week out of four, when I'm on call in Gippsland, and as required,…[Read more]

I’m more than happy to give you the details of the agency that I am currently using to prepare a couple of duplexes for sale, also managing the properties, as well as some other recommendations from people I have used.

The previous company I was dealing with has gone out of property management and these guys now manage the portfolio. They…[Read more]

Those that do otherwise and end up with a windfall are hardly investors but greedy…[Read more]

In 10 years time, how often will you be using the crash pad? Even just keeping it once it has been paid for may be expensive. Expenses such as insurance, body corporate fees, rates etc may make the strategy unfeasible. It may be cheaper to just stop over in a motel.

Another option may be to purchase one or two IPs in a different area…[Read more]

Sorry, should read “to avoid inconveniencing us” but probably should read “to avoid an inconvenience to us”. My grammar is not the bestest.

All the best…aussie

(formerly giraffe…New Year, New Nick, New Opportunities)

“Real Estate – The Foundations of Wealth”

Many would be frightened off by the purpose of the signature on the paper but hey, we sign things every day so the opportunity to forge a signature exists anyway.

Electronic signatures (PINs etc) are more of a concern for fraud these days.

It appears from some of the posts above that…[Read more]

I was left in a bit of a pickle with my (now ex) Australian broker. I needed finance and very quickly. I was referred to Wizard Homeloans in Hamilton NZ. I appraised him of my situation and with some urgency and creative accounting he had approval for $650K in just four working days. They will also go as…[Read more]

Like Millionaire, I also choose to rent for the same reasons. I am actually paying about $50 pw under market rent for this place.

It gives me flexibility, less debt servicing and DSR impact and with my current place (have been here for 8 years) I am paying a song as the landlord has only given me a total of $15 pw rent rise for the…[Read more]

All the best…aussie

(formerly giraffe…New Year, New Nick, New Opportunities)

“Real Estate – The Foundations of Wealth”

I’m sure that when you start at LJ Hooker, you will be in contact and building relationships with many investors and developers alike.

If you build and nurture those relationships you should learn a lot from those people and most importantly build some good rapport.

In good time, when you are doing deals together and they see that you…[Read more]

We live in one of the most fire-prone areas of the world and should not become complacent.

Major fires in four states, several houses and numerous outbuildings lost and major stock losses in NSW and Victoria. Even in WA, where the weather patterns have been reported as unusual…[Read more]

Rather than post a long post on Traralgon, please PM me with your telephone number or I can give you mine. Please PM me in any case if you’re interested in discussing investing in Traralgon.

I used to live in Traralgon and recently served stints there as a Fire Brigade Officer and more recently as the Officer-in-Charge of the Fire…[Read more]

Did you have a ‘subject to satisfactory builder’s report’ clause?

Have you raised the issues with the agent?

I would pay the dollars and have a solicitor review your situation and advise you. It may save you a lot of money in the long run.

Good luck.

All the best…Giraffe

“Real Estate – The Foundations of Wealth”

I guess that the most concerning part of your post is the word ‘desperate’. There’s no reason to be desperate and I figure that this is merely a figure of speech. It pays to be patient and find the right deal so that you don’t act too hastily and make some decisions that you may regret further down the track.

The fact that there…[Read more]

I see that you have edited your last post and omitted some of the content, which is what some of my reply was based on. That’s fine but I will keep mine the same only to say that the word ‘arrogant’ was probably a bit strong and perhaps ‘lack of respect’ is more appropriate.

Also that paying someone for a service, whether it be buying…[Read more]

This forum is about expressing views and I guess opinions if we so desire, so I don’t necessarily apologise for my previous post. In relation to emailing first, I thought that the purpose of the forum was also to participate in and promote active discussion and free…[Read more]

This forum is about expressing views and I guess opinions if we so desire, so I don’t necessarily apologise for my previous post. In relation to emailing first, I thought that the purpose of the forum was also to participate in and promote active discussion and free…[Read more]

I see from the threads that you seem to have purchased in the States, well done.

At the risk of sounding negative and perhaps putting your nose out of joint, it is a no-brainer to buy and pay retail for turn-key properties from someone who has done the hard work before you and in turn profits from your lack of research or effort. I am…[Read more]

Great thread with interesting replies.

Magellan, I hope you don’t go into marriage counselling!!! lmao

I think that this is a very important topic. My partner is very much on the conservative side wheras I work in a very high risk occupation and have recently been investing in quite high risk investments in NZ and USA.

I have made the…[Read more]

I am selling my laptop if you are interested. It’s only 6 months old and will become surplus when I start my new posting at work.

PM me if you are interested.

Have a great trip and festive season.

All the best…Giraffe

“Real Estate – The Foundations of Wealth”

Richo, I am not in the mentor progam. Although I support the concept for those who want that guidance and education, I agree 100% with kiwiduvet’s…[Read more]

My USA Adventure by Peter Lockwood (aka Giraffe)

Hello all

You may have read my previous post titled USA Adventure. In that post I mentioned that I…[Read more]

Firstly, an apology to those who emailed me interested in progress reports. I have just been too busy on the ground to be able to commit time to writing an update that would be of any use.

Due to the fact that there are a number of people interested in the US and many will be travelling here in the next couple of months,…[Read more]

Thanks for providing such an interesting post, I’m sure it will be very popular.

If you are a regular poster on this forum, and/or subscribe to Steve McKnight’s newsletter, you will find that Steve is contemplating a similar style of program. In his last communication, Steve mentioned that he had not finalised any pricing structure,…[Read more]