Yep, API is a good read. A few forum members have graced its pages.

Another excellent read is the Herron Todd White month in review – here’s the latest edition http://www.htw.com.au/Month_in_Review/Month-In-Review-July-2011.pdf

Cheers

Jamie

Grab them from the library…or just loiter around Dymocks reading CheersJamie

Derek makes a good point, it's important to read widely – each author will have a different point of view from the next. I'd also check out some Margaret Lomas books as well. I think Nathan Birch will have a book out soon as well – that will be one to add to the list.CheersJamie

I would have thought so.CheersJamie

Hi slowachiever We have a number of handy IP related research links on our website – http://www.passgo.com.au/property-data-websitesHope that helps.Jamie

Haha – we should have just skyped For me, I have every intention of leaving my IP loans as IO until I sell up – which will be many, many years away. The idea is that by that point, the properties have gone up in value whilst the loan has remained at the same level (which in 20 or 30 years time should be a relatively insignificant amount).CheersJamie

You're welcome Chris – any time.With those books, scope out ebay and your local library. No point paying retail when you've got a deposit to save for CheersJamie

If it's going to become an investment property in the future then (and again, my opinion) I'd take out a high LVR loan – either 90% or 95% with IO and offset. When converted to an IP, take all of the cash out of the offset and move it onto your home.With a P&I loan, the interest repayments will reduce as the principle slowly erodes. However, if…[Read more]

Yep good point. It's not just the sales costs that you need to incur – the purchasing costs can also be a killer.CheersJamie

Hi againA 5% deposit means you spend less time saving for a deposit – which means you can enter the market sooner. It will cost more in lenders mortgage insurance, but some lenders will allow you to add it to the loan. Personally, I don't have an issue with paying mortgage insurance. It allows me to use more of the banks money rather than my own.…[Read more]

Chris89 wrote:
Thankyou for your time Jamie, much appreciated . I have a few more questions if thats ok?

No worries at all.

Chris89 wrote:
For my first property (PPOR) would a PI or IO loan be better? Should I look to shave as much as I can off the principal before buying an investment property? Or would it be better to pay the repayments and…[Read more]

Haha, nice one – I'd love to be in the room when you're pleading that one with the ATO auditors CheersJamie

Chris89 wrote:
Hi Everyone!I am very new to the world of property investing, so new infact I haven't started nor bought a house, or even have the deposit. I am however, very keen to buy into the market as a PPOR within the next few years and then start an investment portfolio as soon as possible there after. I have started reading a book (I Buy…[Read more]

Yep, agree with above. Boarding house.However, you have a fair bit of equity which brings the LVR down quite a bit.If they're having trouble selling it now, you'll probably experience the same issues down the track.CheersJamie

Hmmm……I can't see these lazy buggers gaurding anything. Might have to stick with appreciating instead.CheersJamie

wisepearl wrote:
Jamie – do you have techniques you'd like to share about how you manage such low vacancies?

Hi WisepearlIt helps that most of them have been in (or near) Canberra where vacancy rates are quite low.We also allow pets – this seems to generate quite a bit of interest.Also, simple things like returning phone calls/emails assist…[Read more]

Terryw wrote:
I once depreciated my dog.

Brilliant! Mine were bloody expensive and are still relatively young…should be able to claim quite a bit then CheersJamie

Qlds007 wrote:
Locky's final game you have no chance especially when it could be 25 degrees up here at 8pm.

I think we've finally got those Queenslanders worked out – 2011 is NSW's year CheersJamie

Catalyst wrote:
It is a good idea to get insurance (on a house) in case the owner doesn't have any. If they don't and something happens before settlement you can approach your insurer. Not sure about claiming (I assume so) but you are worrying about less than $20. Your accountant will let you know. 

Agree with Catalyst. It's a huge peace of…[Read more]

Some people do make it work but it's certainly not an easy feat (not as easy as the home reno shows will have you believe).As mentioned above, it can be dependent on the location and the demands of the demographic within that particular location. It also helps if the market is rising – at the moment, most markets are stagnant or going…[Read more]