Michael.Lee wrote:
A traditional broker works for commission and has no agency/loyalty contract with anyone. Traditional brokers are a significantly more expensive option for the consumer.

Hi MichaelI'm a tad confused. Who pays you for your services?  I assume you don't work for free.If you're not being paid a commission from a lender (ie -…[Read more]

dw8998 wrote:
Hi everyone I am interested in becoming a mortgage broker myself, I have worked under one as an assistant for 6 months but wish to start my own business as I have a couple of potential clients already and felt it would be better to start up my own business rather than providing their details to my boss who would then make all…[Read more]

I've organised access to properties post exchange to carry out renovations before settlement. That way, all my renos are complete in time for the tenant to move in at settlement. There's an element of risk (there's a slim chance settlement might not occur) but it's worked out well for me in the past.CheersJamie

Shape wrote:
In 2 years time…go to Doman.com.au and i can be 100% sure if it's a massive development ( over 40 units) then there will be at least 3 up for sale! 3 month before completion and after…and it may be cheaper too ! lol Regards Michael

Yep, that's when it's time to snag a bargain CheersJamie

Totally agree on the strata report. Spend some time going through the minutes, repairs invoices, correspondence, etc. The last time I looked through strata docs for a NSW purchase it only cost $40 and I spent an hour in their office going over everything in detail…..problem is I should have spent only 30 minutes because during that time an offer…[Read more]

joeandchels wrote:
will the pre approval last from now until settlement in 2013, or will we need to do another pre approval 3 months or so before exchange,

Correct. You won't be able to obtain formal approval until closer to settlement – generally 3 months out.

joeandchels wrote:
– How does guarantor work, if we used parents equity $650k…[Read more]

I'm not aware of the company or how they operate.If you have the time and willingness to learn about property investing then you can probably do without these "paid" services.This will sound bias – but utilising a decent IP savvy broker and accountant might help with answering most of the questions that you're paying the IP consultant guys…[Read more]

Jameswood wrote:
From my understanding he has been advised to buy brand new property by custodian wealth builders  ( I can only assume for tax benefits and it being "safe" with a builders warranty)….

……probably because there's money in selling properties. CheersJamie

Derek wrote:
I reckon I'd be knocking on Terry's door.

Same – the guy clearly knows his stuff.CheersJamie

Shape wrote:
For a simple question + request as yours i would say it is… It's not like it;s a complex question. But my feeling is the Fin adviser don;t see the $$$ benefit in doing this deal so he/she is dragging it along till he has nothing else better to do ( as they make more money from advising and selling life insurance and super…[Read more]

Principle Place of Residency (your home)

I agree with Richard – Ron's left me a little baffled as well. CheersJamie

Tim@Tick wrote:
ING can be a little anal at times. However on borrowings of $750k, the potential LMI savings for the customer might be  too significant to ignore.Tim could use his Offset account cash for a deposit (negotiate with real estate agent for <10% deposit), provide a Contract of Sale to ING and all would be good. Tim McGrathTick Mo…[Read more]

Not sure if I'd be refinancing to ING – accessing equity can be a painful exercise….that's just me though.CheersJamie

95% lends never really left.As Richard said though – they are scrutinized a lot more heavier.Being an existing client with a good banking history can help quite a bit with 95% lends.CheersJamie

Hi TimNo – what you've described sounds good.Keep in mind, you could stick with STG and still keep both properties uncrossed.It's when you get to around the $1 million mark with one lender it's time to start diversifying. I think a couple of uncrossed properties with one lender doesn't normally cause any dramas – and is a good way to organise a…[Read more]

You would need to pay for Microsoft Office.But you can download "open office" for free – it's a similar spreadsheet so will do the trick as well.CheersJamie

Real insurance, Terri Scheer, Onepath….there's heaps. Get a few quotes and make sure that they cover what you need.CheersJamie

No worries at all – I'm sure they'll be plenty available next year as well.CheersJamie

I must admit, I haven't sussed out the competition but I couldn't imagine life without my iPhone and iPad – especially for business. I'm heading into Optus tomorrow to pick up a 4S – I might have to check out the Galaxy while I'm there.CheersJamie