Richard,I can see that we are looking at the equation from different sides of the fence, You as a developer quoting your cost to build and Me as an investor having to pay a builder to build.   So from my side of the fence the builders marginis a real expense unless I can convince you to build for me at cost. (which would  sure give me a better bo…[Read more]

Thanks GJon

Hi Mat,   When you say committee meeting, I'm assuming that you mean Body Corporate Committee and if so is it your annual general meeting?   If it is I would definately put your idea forward for discussion.   This should be done by way of a motion and needs to be in writing prior to the meeting so that other owners have a chance to think and talk…[Read more]

V8ghia said Wow Jon – you must have had a bad week selling those units to all those property investors who judging by some of your other recent posts have a major gripe with.No, not a bad week at all but thanks for the concern.   Ken asked an honest question and I gave an honest answer, however, having been blasted previously by people on this si…[Read more]

Richard please contact me, my last block of three bedroom townhouses (just completed) came in at $205,000 each.   Yours at $85,000 means that the extra 15m2 for the third bedroom cost me  over $100,000.   I have as much work as you can do.Jon

Richards estimate of  $90,000 to $100,000 is OK for a single story building but would be lite on for two story – you can almost double it.Jon

The real answer would be, Commission  $7,950.00 plus GST at 10% which would be $795.00 or a total of $8745.00.   Legals on sale would be approx $375 and then you may have to do some advertising to sell the property. (after all you can't sell a secret)The answer from this site however will be screw the agent don't pay any advertising and do your ow…[Read more]

I have been reading this post with interest since it was first started and from what I can see there is one group of people that seem to have been totally ignored during this hate session on Tradies.WHAT ABOUT THE MONGREL INVESTORS WHO WANT – AND EXPECT – EVERYTHING FOR NOTHING.   WHAT A PACK OF VULTURES.

KA010,  In order to answer your question, there is more information required.  Are the units on one level or are they two story? or are all of the units on the ground floor?   If the complex is two story or more then I would suggest that the exercise is really not worth persuing as from past experience of this concept, I have found that the cou…[Read more]

KingB saysFrom what i have learnt so far you can gamble and buy an investment property by cost and return alone. or you can look at all the information, like average rent for the area, % of rentals in the area, growth in area, zoning ect ect.  which is what i want to do!I probably would have advised trhat you employ a Buyers agent who would ha…[Read more]

I really can't believe the wingers and tightwads on this site.   The difference of one percent on a $300 a week property is $156 a year or $3 a week.   Now before everyone jumps on me and reminds me about the  "look after the cents and the Dollars will look after themselves" adage, I can't help wondering just how many uncers some of you are getti…[Read more]

Hi Eternit,While it is an obvious mistake on behalf of the agent (or who ever typed the contract), I don't believe that it gives you the right to pay at settlement.   I am assuming that this $5,000 is the balance of deposit for the contract and the agents duty if it is not paid on time is to get the permission from the seller to accept it.  Th…[Read more]

Just a thought for all you guys that want to save the 8% or 9% by doing your own rental management and yet want all of the benefits (like TICA) that wouldn't exist without the dilligent work done by the Property Managers that you are now trying to do without.   Talk about want your cake and eat it too.   Do your own checks, that's the res…[Read more]

Wow!!!   What an interesting topic and one which is close to my heart.   Given the experience that has been expressed here, perhaps now some people may now understand the plight of the  (Mungrel Millionaire) Developers.   When I began selling development sites in the early 90's my Developer clients could obtain a DA (Development Approval) in 90…[Read more]

I always respect Marcs comments although we will have to agree to dissagree on his comments regarding units.I would agree with Marc in relation to keeping you PPOR.   Depending on how long you have had it and how much equity you have built into it.  Selling costs will take away profit that is difficult to earn and you will never be able to re…[Read more]

Hutch says – Ohhh DucksterSun in your eyes?Is that how you invest, or live your life?Gee that is very lame. (a lame duck ster).Hutch,you seem very quick to belittle other peoples opinions.  I happen to completly agree with Duckster on his point of view.  I lived at Brookfield a western suburb of Brisbane for a period of time and my main reason f…[Read more]

Good on you Milly,  While I do not know Richard personally, I have always found his posts to be thoughtful and helpful.While Crashy may be knowledgeable about the Share market, I feel that he has a lot to learn about purchasing property.The subject to sale clause is the week point in his contract.   If the Seller has in fact got 3 new offers on th…[Read more]

Hi Eternit,The current pace of the market in Brisbane makes Real Estate.com almost useless as properties under $300K are mostly sold by the time that they are uplifted to the site.   There are and I have sold in Yeronga for under $300K.As to your question – Is it possible to find a old lowset brick house in the area for around 300K?  I would no…[Read more]

Hi Nicole,As your post is about Suburbs in Brisbane, I can't see why you would be stepping on any toes.   There is one area that I would add to your list and that is Houses and Units in Yeronga/Fairfield.   The reason for this statement is that $70 million is being spent on the development of the new tennis centre at Tennison right next doo…[Read more]

Crashy,Apart from the legal interpritations of the contract, my main concern is your statement to install another kitchen in the property.   Are you aware that it is not legal to just install another kitchen in a house in Queensland? (one kitchen per dwelling).   You would have to make application to council to convert the existing dwelling int…[Read more]