I would be concerned about the following things:

Does the local economy sustain itself?

It is prudent to be clear on the impact to an economy that is heavily reliant on the financial support of other nations. The flick of a pen in the parliament of another nation can change everything in an instant.

It is also important to understand what…[Read more]

Hi Suri

Firstly remember that you (i hope) have conditions of sale that offer you possible exits if needs be (eg finance, building & pest, due diligence).

Have you cut some numbers on what the house would be worth if resold on a smaller block of land? (ie if you put the yard on a separate title or titles?), and numbers on constructing…[Read more]

Hi Vern

Yes, however a valuer will value your house based on “comparible properties”. So he/she will compare your house to other properties that are in a similar condition, have a similar aesthetic, and a similar location. So if you want the valuer to put a high figure on your property, you want to make your property “similar to” the ones that…[Read more]

Hi Jo

Two things stand out to me in terms of potential reduction in your overheads.

1. Is your car on a separate loan and if so, what interest rate are you paying? Perhaps refinancing the house to pull out funds to pay out the car loan might be appropriate (if the house loan interest rate is less than the interest rate you are paying for the…[Read more]

Hi Vern

The simple response is “whatever adds the most value to the buyers IN YOUR AREA”. Chat to a few real estate agents and ask them to ponder the question of the likely sale value of your house as it is, compared to if you changed the windows. Pose a few scenarios and ask them which will offer the biggest resale difference in terms of $$.…[Read more]

Hi Vern

The simple response is “whatever adds the most value to the buyers IN YOUR AREA”. Chat to a few real estate agents and ask them to ponder the question of the likely sale value of your house as it is, compared to if you changed the windows. Pose a few scenarios and ask them which will offer the biggest resale difference in terms of $$.…[Read more]

Hi Vern

The simple response is “whatever adds the most value to the buyers IN YOUR AREA”. Chat to a few real estate agents and ask them to ponder the question of the likely sale value of your house as it is, compared to if you changed the windows. Pose a few scenarios and ask them which will offer the biggest resale difference in terms of $$.…[Read more]

Hi Peter

Nobody can guarantee you with absolute certainty what will happen in a given market. However reasonable assumptions can be made when considering a set of circumstances.

Your SMSF is going to need a reasonable yield in order to stand on its own two feet.

Your reliance on strong capital growth is somewhat dependent on your age and…[Read more]

Gidday Eric

That was indeed a weird week.

You may not have realised it, but Richard was literally on the phone to your lender for 4 days straight. Everything else was shelved to deal with this.

Things that made this possible?
* The processes your legal rep has had a lot to do with things as well. Steps they do not undertake until it is…[Read more]

Gidday Eric

That was indeed a weird week.

You may not have realised it, but Richard was literally on the phone to your lender for 4 days straight. Everything else was shelved to deal with this.

Things that made this possible?
* The processes your legal rep has had a lot to do with things as well. Steps they do not undertake until it is…[Read more]

Gidday Eric

That was indeed a weird week.

You may not have realised it, but Richard was literally on the phone to your lender for 4 days straight. Everything else was shelved to deal with this.

Things that made this possible?
* The processes your legal rep has had a lot to do with things as well. Steps they do not undertake until it is…[Read more]

I’m not convinced this would be a fair trade for the other person.

Any other fees charged by the property managers are also claimable, such as letting fees and advertising fees.

You’ll be stuck with the service charge portion of the water bill. As to the water usage, it depends both on the state, and whether the dwelling has its own water meter. eg in Victoria, if the dwelling has its own water meter, the…[Read more]

Any other fees charged by the property managers are also claimable, such as letting fees and advertising fees.

You’ll be stuck with the service charge portion of the water bill. As to the water usage, it depends both on the state, and whether the dwelling has its own water meter. eg in Victoria, if the dwelling has its own water meter, the…[Read more]

Any other fees charged by the property managers are also claimable, such as letting fees and advertising fees.

You’ll be stuck with the service charge portion of the water bill. As to the water usage, it depends both on the state, and whether the dwelling has its own water meter. eg in Victoria, if the dwelling has its own water meter, the…[Read more]

How much do you have saved so far, and how much more do you suppose you can save during the next 6mths?

As Terry indicates, if they are pushing hard then what’s in it for them is probably substantial, and not necessarily in a strategy that is best for you.

If you are able to comment more on your overall position, we might be able to say something more useful.

Hi Trina

Great job being able to fund deposit etc on a property in this day an age. It is a tough gig. Even tougher with a family to support.

I’d tread with extreme caution in the studio city apartment category. I don’t know which city you are referring to, however a lot of these types of apartments are leased to students or serviced apartment…[Read more]

Hi Trina

Great job being able to fund deposit etc on a property in this day an age. It is a tough gig. Even tougher with a family to support.

I’d tread with extreme caution in the studio city apartment category. I don’t know which city you are referring to, however a lot of these types of apartments are leased to students or serviced apartment…[Read more]

As Terry and Richard have said, there isn’t sound logic to this advice. An income-producing asset that produces only 3% per annum is very low return. Perhaps the property will grow in value, perhaps it won’t. If it does then in theory if you need to sell it one day you could crystalize your gain by selling it and live off the cash pile till it…[Read more]