Hi Bear,

I would see myself in the specialist mentoring role rather than the provider of specialist knowledge – leave that to the experts.

Given I have nearly 20 years experience as a school principal with much time spent talking to people for a whole variety of reasons I believe that I am well placed to help people establish their goals and…[Read more]

Heller rugby and others,

what I decided finally go out and buy package as you can see we are still getting used to each other from sure that overtime will understand each other perfectly well.

I have left this passage under edited so that people can see the level at which this software is currently operating.

by the way for those who…[Read more]

Hi Patrick,

Is it the maths, or the understanding of what numbers to include that causes difficulties Patrick?

As a school principal I have access to a number of maths texts that you may find useful. If you would like I can get copies of the appropriate parts and email them to you.

Happy to exchange PM if you would prefer to take this…[Read more]

Hi Bear,

I am currently in the process of developing a very rudimentary idea along the lines of a personal coach (mentor) which would include a full day workshop and a 12 month follow up program to help people fulfil their aspirations.

My role would be to listen and challenge people to achieve their goals as distinct from giving advice and much…[Read more]

Hi Ben,

I recommend you get in touch with one of the mortgage brokers who regularly post here as they are in a better positon to provide accurate comment.

Having said that, as a rule of thumb, there is a lender out there who will loan you the money, but sometimes at a cost of increased interest rates. Often, however these can revert back once…[Read more]

Hi Gina,

My take on the situation is as follows.

Initially the poorly informed people will endeavour to sell up before the new stamp duty is imposed and as such there may be some semblance of a buyers market in parts of NSW.

Little do these people realise the long term fundamental reasons for initially buying ‘that’ property still largly remain…[Read more]

Hi Kay,

DCF = Derek’s Cash Flow

Sorry can’t help – but I couldn’t resist [biggrin]

Derek
derekjones1@bigpond.com

Read my comments? Think I can help you? PM or email me.

Hi all,

A bit more information on travel claims and apportioning costs.

The ATO travel guide in some detail.

The Hitchmans also owned another rental property in a resort town on the north coast of Queensland. They spent $1,000 on airfares and $1,500 on accommodation when they travelled from their home in Perth to the resort town, mainly for…[Read more]

Hi all,

Regular rent reviews does not mean the rent always goes up – I know of peole who have had their rents reduced in line with market rents.

Agreeing with Tasman – property management fees are around 16%.

Derek
derekjones1@bigpond.com

Read my comments? Think I can help you? PM or email me.

Hi Mencevski,

There was no mocking involved – it is one thing to say ‘I’ll offer $X for the property” and yet another to write the same message on a contract with deposit attached.

All of a sudden you move into a different dimension as far as the REA and vendor are concerned.

Derek
derekjones1@bigpond.com

Read my comments? Think I can help…[Read more]

Hi Stevie,

Show the agent and vendor you are serious (if you are) and present the offer in writing.

Derek
derekjones1@bigpond.com

Read my comments? Think I can help you? PM or email me.

Hi Ghoti,

In my opinion – the current trend for state and federal governments is to ‘outsource’ as many services as possible – in some respects public housing falls into this category.

I understand private landlords (investors) provide the great bulk of housing for non-homeowners and as such bean counters will need to be sure of any flow on…[Read more]

Hi Dannads,

Hmmmmm – well that depends on oh so many factors.

It sounds as if your Dad is more focussed on potential growat and as a growth focussed investor I would seriously look at the Gold Coast but not a high rise unit – there are so many of them being built there on a continuous basis it is staggering – construction is everywhere, in one…[Read more]

Hi Ghoti,

Negative gearing on newly purchased investment properties was abolished in mid July 1985. For those of us lucky enough to own a property at the time the deductibility of interest remained in place.

Negative gearing was reintroduced as an allowable deduction in middish 1987.

Interestingly enough – depreciation as an allowable claim was…[Read more]

Hi Sarah,

First of all welcome to the forum – you wil find there are a number of people who will take the time to provide comment and advice to help you.

Initially you will need to determine your borrowing capacity as you may with the assistance of a good/creative broker be able to borrow more than you think.

Initially banks will lend based on…[Read more]

Hi Stevie,

You wil also need to find out what your lender thinks of them – depending upon the size of the units some will require more than the typical 20% from you.

Derek
derekjones1@bigpond.com

Read my comments? Think I can help you? PM or email me.

Hi Drinksbunny,

You will need to check out your lenders policy with respect to resort units – some like more than the standard 20% equity if the unit is smaller than 50sqm.

In some respects these types of investments can eat up more than their share of your valuable equity.

A discussion with a broker will also help you get a definitive answer…[Read more]

Hi Delboy,

For me the cut off point is 500 000, but then I am a growth focussed investor who likes the increased certainty of large cities.

Derek
derekjones1@bigpond.com

Read my comments? Think I can help you? PM or email me.

Hi Bendon,

The ‘first trip’ is not a considered as a deductible expense, rather it is considered a capital cost and will be written off against any future capital gains tax liabilities should you sell.

However should you be considering a trip to do an inspection, some maintenance or possibly a strata management meeting – then a diary with…[Read more]

Hi Rebecca,

Originally posted by Rebecca B:
We have been told we could easily get $200 a week if we rented it out.

We also live next door to a bad Co Op House and was told if we could buy that then the property value in our area would increase also. Is this true?

A few pointers from your post.

Be wary of the potential problems misuse of a…[Read more]