[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

August 11, 2010 - 12:52 pm

http://www.firsthome.gov.au
you can check your eligibility according to the state you are buying in / intend to live in.

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

August 6, 2010 - 9:45 am

Thanks for all the input It's a bit of a tricky one because I do really want a pool for myself but we are only looking to staying in the house for approx 2 yrs before moving on and either selling or renting it. Unfortunately we live in a very remote place so there is really not much choice in regards to going above ground, 2nd hand etc though on the up side it's hot all year round so no need for heating

I think this is one to decide on after the house gets built. If a pool was going to add value then it probably would have swayed me that way but it doesnt sound like it makes a difference and, from some of the insights, it sounds like it might even cut out some prospective buyers! (if we decide to sell.)

Thanks again the input has made me look at the idea a bit more rationally (as opposed to trying to justify simply wanting something for myself lol!)

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

August 2, 2010 - 10:33 am

Hi, try http://www.firsthome.gov.au for all the rules regarding claiming the grant

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

August 2, 2010 - 10:27 am

Hi:) Ive never done a reno bathroom so this is just a thought, but is there any possibility that you can do some of the work yourself to save on the labour cost – ie ripping out the old tiles /  fixtures, which might offset the cost of the more expensive fixtures?

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

August 2, 2010 - 7:08 am

I've only got the one property recently bought and I just ended up using the agency who the property was listed for sale through, lol no method to the madness there it was more convienience, but luckily the PM has turned out to be great so luck was on my side.

I agree with Karen word of mouth would surely have to be the best way. If I end up buying any more properties in the same area as the above IP I will defiantely use my current PM again.

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

July 31, 2010 - 2:46 pm

Thanks – that's kinda what I was thinking also. I remember when I was growing up my parents had a pool installed for 10g, now it's 30! guess it also doesn't help when there's only one supplier in town. lol.

Thanks for the advice.

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

July 31, 2010 - 1:44 pm

Wow how interesting – I had no idea you could get refunds on LMI premiums. Learn something new every day I guess It does say on the Genworth page that no refund is applicable where a separate agreement exists between Genworth and the lender, so maybe that's what CBA is referring to?
Have you tried contacting Genworth directly, or lodging a refund claim with them? That would be my next move.
Interested to see what eventuates, good luck!

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

July 30, 2010 - 1:02 pm

My partner and I are building in South Hedland WA  with a look to it being an IP in about 2 yrs. I'm not really sure about Newman – from reading the local papers seems to be a good market there too but I'm no expert. In my (limited) experience it seems like mining towns can prove very lucrative but you have to get in at the right time and know when to get out.
All the best

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

July 28, 2010 - 10:04 am

Falcon – not sure which gov department you spoke with but there is definately a minimum time you need to live in the property to qualify for the FHO grant. The FHO government website states: "must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of six months commencing within 12 months of settlement or construction of the home." thought i only looked up the NSW rules so maybe it's different for different states??

Bassham – this might help:   http://www.firsthome.gov.au/

good luck!

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

July 24, 2010 - 3:10 pm

South Hedland in Western Australia.

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

July 24, 2010 - 3:08 pm

– If property is tenanted you could ask how long the tenants have been in there for (eg if they have been there for some time gives you an indication they are happy with building, neighbours etc)
– Have any improvements been made to the house (and if yes ask to see council approvals for these- friends of mine learned this the hard way)
– Have the tenants requested any repairs that haven't been seen to yet by the current owner?
– What is the zoning and are there any building restrictions on the property
– will the owners negotiate on price

[bouncecfParticipant@bouncecfJoin Date: 2010Post Count: 14]

July 24, 2010 - 1:49 pm

Hi,

I've been reading these forums for some time and have finally decided to join to throw my 2 cents in

My partner and I have finally started on our IP journey this year having so far acquired a 2 bedroom house in NSW and currently building what will be our ppor then rent or sell after 1-2 yrs which is when we plan to move on from this town. Needless to say the property investing lessons have come thick and fast this year!!!

One mistake I would say is getting caught up emotionally in our first purchase. Had we not been so panicked about having to get in to the market (at the start of the year it felt like house prices were going to go up, up, up in 2010) I think we could have bought something a bit more substantial for a similar purchase price.

2nd mistake was to buy a property with no off street parking. As far as CG goes I think this will really limit the property in future.

The third is not so much a mistake as hindsight – we live in a mining town and have been here now for about 18 months, when we first moved here house prices were at about 500-550k  for a decent house. We had the capacity to get into the market then but having not owned property before it just seemed like too much money for something in a dusty town in the middle of nowhere! Now the same properties are selling like hot cakes for 7-800k or more! Oh well you live and learn…