Hi Queenstowner,

A friend of mine is an REA in Caloundra and she told me that the commission charge in sunny Qld is 5% for the first $18,000 and then 2.5% thereafter, and that most times, the REAs won’t negotiate below 2.5 on the thereafter bit.

I find this type of commission is way too high, but not having dealt with interstate property for so…[Read more]

I’m more of a Diet Coke addict, does that warning go for me too????????????[blink][blink]

I drink that much of the stuff, my husband reckons if they tried to get blood out of my veins, all they’d get is DC !!!!!
[blush2][blush2]

Jo

Hi lil_man,

Let me just start by saying “you’re never too young” to start saving/investing”. I personally started buying property when I was 18 (trust me, a long long time ago now!!)

Alot will depend on how well you can save (or alternatively if you were to borrow, your ability to service the loan) and how much you gave managed to put together…[Read more]

Thanks G7, Redwing, Gatsby, Steve, SIS (and to those posters who initally posted to congratulate me, thank you all again too).

It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy [blush2]reading your best wishes, I am really flattered, your posts mean a great deal to me.

I look forward to a long and harmonious association with each and everyone you.

Cheers,

Jo

Thanks agent smith,

I haven’t read the book, but it is good to have the author’s definition.
As for that kind of criteria, I would imagine, in that case, that there are quite a few “sophisticated investors” among us!!!!! Although frankly IMO, any investor who does his/her homework, invests wisely and is generally happy (financially and…[Read more]

Hi petersmail,

It kind of reminds me of when the word “entrepreneur’ first started getting bandied around, no-one (not even the dictionaries) had a clear cut definition of its meaning, and yet everyone wanted to be one, and tafes/universities adopted the word, offering it as a specialised form of training.

Sophisticated???? Hmmmmmmmm, grown up,…[Read more]

Hi Misty,

As already stated, repairing the driveway is a tax deductible expense, and if you wanted to justify the repairs (not that should have to) you could argue that it was necessary for public safety (tenants and visitors alike). As such it may be worth mentioning the need for the repair to your insurance company.

Cheers,

Jo

Hi Melbear,

Just curious that group Tap Doctors, were you being sarcastic about what they claim to do, or are you saying they actually do do those things???

One tradie I called, a sparky actually, found him in the yellow pages, and his ad won me because he advertised:

We won’t muck you about…..
If we’re going to be late we call

Yeah…[Read more]

Hi wilandel,

That is a tough question to answer simply because you have said you only plan to hold onto the IP for 2-3 years, and as such, locking the interest in for that time might be a worthwhile option.

But don’t take my thoughts as gospel, the real consideration is the length of time you plan to keep the property as you’ve stated, and the…[Read more]

Congratulations foston!!!!!

That’s great stuff!!!! [drummer]

They say that the first one is the hardest, but once you’ve done it, the rest are a piece of cake!!!! [biggrin][biggrin][biggrin]

Cheers,

Jo

Hi Derek,

Not sure, but my hubby works for the Age, and they often do a “swap” with the guys from the Herald-Sun, so I will ask him if he can get me a back copy of today’s paper, or at least tell me what was on the front cover. He may know, or if not, I’m sure the others who work in his building will be talking about it tomorrow morning.

Will…[Read more]

Originally posted by freedomfinder:
that is the question. how much is enough? what are you all trying to achieve ?
Let me ask another.
Once achieved will it make you a happier person?
why ?
interested in your replys
regards

Wow freedomfinder,

You got me – that is really quite thought-provoking! [blush2]

It is a real toughie I guess, because…[Read more]

Awwwwwwwww [blush2][blush2][blush2]

Thank you so much; I am still stoked at Steve’s choice of moderator, especially for the “Finance” forum!!! [blink][blink]

I was always under the impression, that moderators were assigned to their areas of expertise, and as such, when it comes to being financially savvy in comparison to some of the others (no,…[Read more]

Hi K & R
(is it okay if I abbreviate??)

Someone mentioned the possibility of a chat room once before, but I don’t think (at this stage) that it is envisaged for the near future.

Once upon a time, I would have welcomed the opportunity, now I’m not so sure it’s such a good idea.

But who knows, if enough people request this facility,…[Read more]

Whewwwwwww (sigh of relief)………..[blush2]

Sorry Pisces, was petrified of another attack. I seem to be a good target at the moment, and I was really worried I had upset you in some way.

Thanks for the reassurance.

BTW, I am in the same boat, I am on the look out for another IP, but am sitting back a little at the moment to see how things…[Read more]

Hi Lizzy,

And thank you for your kind words; you are far too modest.

Anyway, just as a point of interest, please email me re your wanting to form an association for women who seek financial freedom. Many many years ago, when I was doing Honours degree, my thesis was on the networking process and effectiveness of women’s groups (or some such…[Read more]

Originally posted by Lizzy:

It’s an interesting point you make Jo, I have found women are more likely to be the investor of the couple, and in my opinion, women communicate better with women. I have a long standing partner and I still find myself talking to a brick wall sometimes!![laughing]

Sorry guys, it’s just as much our fault as it is…[Read more]

Hi Pisces,

I didn’t mean to make it sound like a perfect time to rub one’s hands together in glee, and be opportunistic in trying to gain from others misfortunes (i.e. decline in house price, thus losing money on the sale of their properties).

I just felt that, with the market being what it is, it would give those who normally could not enter…[Read more]

Hi Tinkerbell,

Lizzy is a Mortgage Broker and I believe on your side of town.

I think you will find her very helpful, and thought I’d mention her as my recommendation just in case you wanted to deal with a female (not that there is anything wrong with males….so calm down all you fellas out there) [biggrin]

Cheers,

Jo

Speaking for myself only; ofcourse it will vary from one person to the next.

My targets are in $$$$ terms, i.e. passive income of X. This is important to me, simply because I know, that I will never qualify (nor do I want to ever depend on) the pension.

So far, my goals are up to speed, and I am able to pick and choose what I can and cannot do.

Jo