How big is the balcony, Leigh?

I’m asking this because although I love a balcony, some people might prefer to close in the balcony and use it as an extra small living area, such as a study, or a sunroom, or guestroom, or something. SO perhaps if you could get a council permit or something that allows the buyer to close in the balcony with…[Read more]

Hi Pepper, I didn’t see the program, but I’ve had only good experiences with ebay.

Sedraash, if you’re not sure whether you should spend money on a seminar, maybe you could read a few different books by different authors first.

Different authors have different viewpoints and strategies. Do a search on here, there is a list with recommendable…[Read more]

Thanks Scott and Jeff.

Jeff, could you give an example of chattels that tend to appreciate rather than depreciate? [blush2]

Celivia

As I still have a lot to learn, as many others do, I was hoping to follow an interesting conversation in this thread about taxes and negative gearing. WHat a shame that some people on here are turning a topic like this into some personal battle.

I think when people feel they have to resort to using smilies in a way to try to ridicule one of the…[Read more]

Hi SHane, you may have seen it already, but there is a recent thread on Retirement villages in the General Property Forum, that you might find of some help.

Celivia

Hi Flanno,
try to do a search on this topic, it has been discussed a few times in the past as well.
About a year or so ago I did some research on these retirement units.

I agree with Derek:
Most, if not, all lenders will treat it as a commercial loan and will only do 60% lends and at a higher interest rate.

And read the contract carefully and…[Read more]

Phew, luckily it’s not too late yet to wish you a happy birthday, Simon!
Are you having a [party] [upsidedown]?
I hope you won’t feel like [sick3] [tired] tomorrow.

Celivia

As far as I know, bennido, one can only claim building depreciation for properties built post 1985.

Having a depreciation schedule done might still be worth it if there have been renovations done recently.

Celivia

Yes Newgen, I received my year-to-date statement free of charge, but my pm let me know that next year there will be a fee for this service.

Celivia

Originally posted by kay henry:
I’m assuming that a line of credit is basically an account where you can access your equity without the fuss of having to officially do it by mortgage redraw. So basically, you have a card and can just go on a big equity spending spree?

Yes, we could go to the casino and blow it all, if we wanted that!
We were…[Read more]

SOnja, I am just a bit concerned about the health hazards of utelising an unclean evaporative airconditioner.
I remember some time ago, reading an article in some health magazine about bacteria and mould growing in evaporative airconditioners.
These mould gases and spread of bacteria throughout the living areas can lead to infections and even…[Read more]

Sonja, how frequently do evaporative airconditioners need servicing?
And is that a job that has to be done professionally or would it be quite easy to do that yourself?

Celivia

Yeah I like many of the movies mentioned, but what about the old Blues Brothers movie- it cracks me up!
Especially the scene where they have this gig on a stage where they are protected by some wire gate, and people keep throwing bottles and crap at them… awww funny![lmao]

Celivia

I pay 8% plus GST, (Dubbo NSW) and it includes:
2-3 condition reports p/a (2 is standard, but you can ask for one more if necessary),
monthly drive-bys,
an annual (value)appraisal,
monthly rental statements and
a year-to-date statement.
Re-letting fee is one weeks rent.
Not included is postage.

So far, I’m happy with their service. They do expect…[Read more]

I agree, Wilf and Noreen. Once a buyer’s offer has been accepted, that buyer often will proceed to have pest/building/bodycorp inspections organised, before the contract is signed, to speed things up.
To be gazumped causes hassle and upsets.[confused2]

Celivia

Yes I would buy ‘sight unseen’ if a good opportunity came up.

About 6 months ago we almost bought a property (house/land) unseen, but the pest inspection report I had ordered told me termites had recently entered the house and that there were lots around in the garden and fences as well.
I didn’t want to go ahead and pulled out before signing the…[Read more]

Yes, exercise.
It gives me more energy so I can do other things quicker and create more free time hehe.

Sonja, I know what you mean. With young children you can only think of one thing…sleep![sleepy2]
Sheesh it’s hard when the adorable anklebiters wake zombie up every 3 hours for milk, milk, and more milk![sleepy2]
Babies are cute and fun, but…[Read more]

Mine has just been.[party]
July 3rd.

Celivia

Exactly, petersemail, that can happen.
The same can also happen with a prize-range.

I know of vendors who were selling and the RE agent used a price range, but there was no way the vendor would have wanted to sell at the lower 2/3 of this range. I think in this case the lower part of the price range was merely set up to attract potential buyers.

Celivia

Agreed, Melbear. I was told by several agents that this is the minimum prize the vendor will accept.
But one agent told me: Ignore the +, it sometimes means what the vendor wants, not what the market value is.

Celivia