[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 30, 2008 - 3:07 am

don't forget to add to our list: batteries for our torches

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 30, 2008 - 3:02 am

Real Estate is a long term investment. But if your position has changed since purchase – then the only out maybe to sell at a loss sadly?
Have you considered a rent to buy option?
Regards,
Maree

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 25, 2008 - 6:26 am

I grew up in Bendigo but haven't been back for a decade. Big regional city – not an easy commute to Melbourne though for work. Ballarat is closer (but colder). Water is a big issue. Not too many bargains to be had in either though compared to Traralgon – plus Traralgon is getting/has got? fast rail.

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 25, 2008 - 2:58 am

I think Bairnsdale is worth a consideration, high demand for rental properties there

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 22, 2008 - 11:12 pm

Hi Rhys – well that is a pretty easy offer, you could just propose unviable figures. Are you proposing a standard rent to buy deal? Regards Maree

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 21, 2008 - 10:11 am

I think rent to buy has merits for both parties. Sadly I am in Melbourne Paul.

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 21, 2008 - 6:27 am

Yeh – imho I would buy in South Frankston, there is good infrastructure, public transport & commuting distance to CBD. Especially with the new eastlink just opening up. The coastline is beautiful, I would buy there Seaford or even Bonbeach.

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 19, 2008 - 11:40 pm

Hi – thanks for the lead Banjo, I had a look at the property on the weekend from the outside. Sadly, it isn't what we are looking for. Cheers

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 13, 2008 - 10:22 am

Thanks Dave, I have contacted the agent acting on behalf of the home owner. It all sounds very fair and agreeable. It is for 2 years. I am going to have a drive by tomorrow. I keep you posted.

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 13, 2008 - 12:53 am

Wow – great point Maria. I really appreciate you bringing it to my attention – thank you. Defiantely food for thought.
Our property was only PPOR for just over a year. We still have 18 months left on our fixed term contract, so when that expires will change loan to interest only and I am sure there will be another valuation done then. We locked in at 7.1% and looking at rates and figures I am of the opinion we are better off leaving that arrangement be.
Cheers

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 13, 2008 - 12:15 am

For sure Duckster. Only wanting to claim one night in the motel though, the other trips we have done a return trip in the one day. It is all fair and reasonable imho

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 11, 2008 - 10:44 am

thanks so much duckster. Seems there is no limit on trips? We privately manage the property, and have had 3 trips during this period – all justified for contract/key exchange, inspection and maintenace.

Poking around the ATO website is the vehicle rate .69cents a kilometre? It is a 600km round trip.

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

June 11, 2008 - 5:02 am

Have you been to Ouyen? I haven't been there for many a year – but it is very dry wheat country. Could be worth a trip?

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

May 12, 2008 - 6:37 am

Hi – is building up the floor in the lower room an option? Maree

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

April 23, 2008 - 1:01 am

Hi JNM – could you email me please about your purchase. [email protected]

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

April 23, 2008 - 12:52 am

Hi – another option maybe to use the pool as a water tank and hook it up for garden watering or for use in laundry/toilets. You would probably be eligible for a rebate as well. Make you feel good about the environment. Plus reducing water rates costs for you or your tenant. Cheers

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

March 20, 2008 - 3:01 am

Update – just got a reply from Agent and have also spoken to them on the phone. I have agreed to pay a break lease fee of one weeks rent plus gst = $ 231.00 and the re advertising cost of $49.50, as I have given over a months notice.

The agent said they have a copy of the Bond Board Receipt on file – I have advised the agent that they can deduct these expenses from my bond.

Basically I still think is totally unethical but I am glad to walk away from it!!

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

March 20, 2008 - 1:44 am

Sorry – I may not have explained it correctly. Yes I have signed a lease with a real estate agent. The agent believes the landlord of the property is Mr X. Mr X is in fact the previous tenant. Mr X has a verbal agreement with MR Y. Mr Y is in fact the landlord. Mr Y has always rented the property privately on verbal agreements. Mr X has not informed MR Y that he has "sub letted". Mr X is still paying his rent to Mr Y and pocketing the difference.

Funny that you mention the bond. I did pay bond and have the yellow form from the agent. When I checked it the other day it says on the back I should of received something in the mail from the Bond Board – which I haven't, but as I mentioned there is a mail delivery problem.

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

March 19, 2008 - 10:13 pm

Thanks for your thoughts Scott.

Basically in a nutshell the property has always been privately rented. with no lease, just week by week verbal contract.  The previous tenant has approached the real estate as the landlord (not as a sub-letter) with no knowledge from the owner. The owner is none the wiser as the previous tenant is still paying the rent (obviously less than what I am paying). He wanted to keep his safety net in case moving in with his girlfriend didn't work out.

There are other issues as well no mail delivery (Bayside Melbourne), noise problems, access problems, reported gas leak – I could go on lol.

A plannig permit has gone in to demolish the dwelling and construct 2 townhouses.

I have spoken to consumer affairs victoria and they have advised I have grounds to break the lease.

I have signed another lease on another property on Tuesday. I was assured by the agency I would have a reply on Monday and I couldn't risk delaying,

I just don't need the hassle of a VCAT hearing – but will if I have to.

In light of the above I don't think I can source another tenant – basically I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

[maree_bradrossMember@maree_bradrossJoin Date: 2007Post Count: 401]

March 19, 2008 - 8:15 pm

Update: still no response from Real Estate Agent PM.