Hi Bernard,Whichever way they choose to go, make sure that everything is in writing as far as who has and will contribute what as far as cash and equity go as well as what will happen if one wishes to sell etc. This can get very messy if the two parties have different needs or plans both now and in the future. Good friendships can be ruined by not…[Read more]

Most Real Estate Agents are happy to give you an idea of what a property might rent for. You can also ask for written rental appraisals from these other agents. If you find a suitable property, give serious consideration to employing one of the more helpful R E as your property manager. Many banks want a written rental appraisal when assessing…[Read more]

Hi I some of the costs to consider are insurance, strata levies, agent letting fee if you have an agent manage the property as well as  what the occupancy rates for the property are. Sometimes these units can sit vacat for a long time frame over the long chrismas vacation, thus limitting your cashflow. You will also need to factor in water usage…[Read more]

I am also thinking about purchasing a property with an existing small older house, currently rented, with a huge block that would fit at leats two perhaps three townhouses behind the house. I am trying to decide whether to buy and hold and develop/ build the townhouses or to buy and subdivide and sell the large block to someone who has more…[Read more]

Thanks Mike for a quick reply and furnishing of a report, this information  is very useful when negotiating a sale price.CheersSonya

Jenny talk to the ato and centrlink as my friend has boarders (not family members) and she was told by centrelink that they did not see this as income that she recieves from them as she also provides meals. The best advice would be to talk to the authorities involved. good luck Sonya

HI Nit,  is this loan on an IP or a PPOR?There wouldn't be tax implications if it was your PPOR. cheersSonya

Hi i bought my first property with my twin brother when we were twenty three, we paid it off in eighteen months. We then bought another house which I lived in but paid the same amount as my brother in loan payments as well as an additional 'rental' payment. i also had a friend living with me who also paid 'rent'. Sold the first home when we were…[Read more]

Did you see on Today tonight this week that harcourts the real estate agency that he worked for have said that he is no longer welcome at their real estate, that he is not a suitable person to be a franchisee? However, they still ahve not repaid the money that was stolen from the vendors.Hopefully, there will be a happy ending for the vendors soon.Sonya

AS a person who has worked in the childcare industry, there are regulations that the operator of the business is required to meet and adhere to, these include having childproof fences around the whole property with childproof locks, safety glass, adequate parking provisions, covered outdoor play areas, certain outdoor and indoor learning spaces…[Read more]

I have bought all of my properties sight unseen. I rely on gaining information from the local councils with regards to areas to avoid as well as finding out what developments may be planned and what industries support the town. i also speak to a number of real estate agents to find what rental rates are and how long it takes to lease a property of…[Read more]

Hi Vitale,As others have previously stated the valuers and banks are being far more cautious now in their  property valuations. I have just refinanced loans on my two investment properties and the bank valuations were at or below what I bought the properties for nearly two years ago. I was looking at buying another property that I had Richard do…[Read more]

I have found Margaret Lomas' books quite helpful with an Australian specific approach to property investing. She doesn't espouse 'out there' results and writes in an easy to understand format. Neil Jenman also has some interesting books and takes a slightly different approach to Margaret. It comes down to what you  feel most comfortable with once…[Read more]

Hi Adski,As a landlord I would not consider the course of action that your landlord has taken. it doesn't appear to be ethical or fair and probbaly not legal either. Also i tend to value my tenants, if they are paying their rent on time and looking after my property then I want to keep them, not force them out and take the risk on the property…[Read more]

If you don't plan to sell your property then you may be in a great position to benefit from future generations who can't afford to buy into the housng market. They will more than likely then have to rent a home, perhaps one that you own.If you do your research  and buy well with the intention to buy and hold, I can't see how you can come out…[Read more]

Simon, I have been looking at property in general on Real estate.com.au and I occasionally see hotel/motel properties for sale. Often, if you choose to narrow the search to 'blocks of units' they will be listed in this area. cheersSonya

Simon, I have been looking at property in general on Real estate.com.au and I occasionally see hotel/motel properties for sale. Often, if you choose to narrow the search to 'blocks of units' they will be listed in this area. cheersSonya

Make sure that you don't get carried away with the hype and excitement of an auction, don't allow yourself to be pressured by the real estate agents. I generally don't open the bidding and I don't place a bid until the bidding slows down a little bit. Don't appear too enthusiastic as the agents use this enthusiasm to push you further than you may…[Read more]

Hi Sarah A few more questions you ,may like to investigate: What opportunities for employment are there in Sunbury? What is the current rental demand in the area? have you spoken with the local council to ascertain whether there is any planned infrastructure in the area that may impact on the local economy and/or the exact location of your…[Read more]

Hi drive a mazda mpv that is ten years old with 200,000. Want to upgrade, its not running very well at the moment and the mechanic said it will probably be expensive to fix. Maybe after my third IP settles next month. cheers  sonya