So,You are prepared to let go of your two properties that give you income, how will you service the oustanding amount of $230K. Also you will need to both factor in the legal side of things such as stamp duty and any other sales 'duties'. As far as I am aware you cannot swap ownership between people unless you are related.Just something for you to…[Read more]

Hi Kuradji,i am about to google Roubini, so i may find the answer there, but does he talk about Australia or just he US's financial state?cheersSonya

Hi i am in almost the sme position with termites discovered in the ceiling of one of my properties that i had an inspection carried out on prior to purchase. i too got another inspector to look at the property and he said that the termites would ahve been present for a long time due to the fact that they had migrated to the ceiling. He said…[Read more]

I have bought all of my properties in rural areas, only one required 40% deposit and when I refinanced this month my new lender was happy to do a 20% deposit. As long as the town is a reasonable size, above about 15,000 you should be able to find a lender to do finance especially if you can show them paperwork such as rental agreements etc that…[Read more]

I have bought both of my properties sight unseen and have realised good rental returns on both since the day that I purchased them. I carry out research via the web as well as speaking to the local council to find out what developments are happening in the area as well as talking to a number of real estate agents. I choose to speak to the property…[Read more]

Hi ShaneOne of my agents charges half a week's rent to prepare a renewed lease on my property and of course no advertising fees that you may be charged when first letting or seeking new tenantscheersSonya

Hi I have seen $1million in property at my local library, if you are wanting to read the book as opposed to keeping a copy you may find it at your local library. i like to read a number of different authors and if I find their information of benefit to my style of investing or mindset then I try to buy a copy either thru a regular bookstore or, if…[Read more]

I think that you are giving your son too much. i don't know your culture and whether this type of support is the norm, however, as previous posts have said, perhaps he is not ready to see the opportunity that you are providing. Perhaps if he is actually interested you could suggest that he look at this and other investment websites that don't cost…[Read more]

Hi trickyif you are planning to divide upu the properties after a certain time I would suggest that you get some sound financial advice with regards to payment of capital gains because even though you may all jointly share the properties if there is a transfer of ownership you may face Capital gains. perhaps one of the more experienced investors…[Read more]

Hi Sue,I wasn't the original post on this thread, simply someone replying like yourself. However, i agree that this real estate agent is someone to get rid of quickly, they are certainly not fulfilling their professional obligations.CheersSonya

HI I have also found margaret Lomas' books to be very helpful and include calculations for determining land tax and other assoicated purchasing expenses.good luck Sonya

As a person who has been thru a divorce that was supposed to be amicable I know how things can go sour and the other person can take you for a ride emotionally and financially .Also get legal advice because custody arrangements can also affect the division of assets. On a positive note or approach, are you comfortable having a border living with…[Read more]

apologies for the typos in the previous postsonya

I have also received a copy of the lease agreement when my houses have been leased. I agree with on eof the previous posts, write  a letter to your tenants advising them of your decision to change agents, if you are happy with your tenants give them the details of the new property manager and invite them to stay on in the property. Make it clear…[Read more]

Thanks speedyg,There were a few comments in the archived posts, however I was hoping to get some up to date info.cheersSonya

hi D,My property is in the northern region of New South Wales, incidentally I haven't actually seen my property, i bought it and another property 'sight unseen' other than what i had seen via the internet. i relied on professional building and pest inspections and doing the reasearch on the rental market of the area. i am currently in the process…[Read more]

hi Dwolfe, I bought a house at auction in a large regional area of nsw for $120,500 at the beginning of 2008 and rented it for $165 per week and that has now increased to $175 per week with a great tenant, I am very happy with this purchase.  cheers Sonya

Hi, i would get on the realestate.com.au site and have a look at what is currently available for sale at the moment as well as what current rental returns are. You may also like to google the town where you are looking to purchase to find out what the current and expected growth for the area is and what development or businesses are in the area…[Read more]

Hi,I bought my first Ip when I was still living at home, there was no FHOG then. Be as disciplined as you can with regards to paying off your 'luxuries' as soon as possible. Do you have an offset account against your home loan? This will allow all of your income to go into this account and thus reduce the amount of interest you are paying on your…[Read more]

There is a huge long thread regarding Park Trent Properties, the advice appears to be stay as far away from them as possiblecheersSonya