Still waiting to hear back. Will follow up again when I can. Have hurt my back though and am resting up for a few days. Sitting is super painful.- Steve

Golly, could any more have happened in a single day? Our market falls nearly 6%, then a massive rally to end up 1%. Who can explain that?It seems to me that in times like this, the ones who are most affected are those without a strategy and therefore have no benchmark against which to decide how they should act.Thanks for the robust discussion.…[Read more]

Good morning team!Seems like there is a diverse range of opinions here, and that makes for good discussion.In regards to my thoughts on interest rates, it seems to be a difficult call. I would err on the side that our economy is under rather than over performing at present. A weak property market, manufacturing confidence is low, as is consumer…[Read more]

Hi,In respect to the AUD, take a look at the link below in the section under 'How Bond Rates Could Rise'.When you look at the alternatives, AAA rated Aussie Bonds at 4.9% looks like a very good option compared to others. I think that is a reason why our AUD is quite…[Read more]

Stephen,Perhaps if you asked a few specific questions you might get some more answers. The more general the question, the harder it is to answer.- Steve

Just an update – have put in a call to HSBC and am waiting to hear back from their international banking division.The person I spoke to (help line) did say they still have an US account option, and that there is a $200 set up fee.I'll report back when I know more.- Steve

Hi,Derek has put forward some really sensible tips, and I echo them.Student accom is often shunned because it is seen as more cumbersome in management and because the property depreciates with the higher density use.The return looks okay on the numbers you have presented. How much are you planning on borrowing. It's hard to be exact with the…[Read more]

Thanks for the post, and well done on being diligent in managing the expenses.It seems like this is an extra way to claw some money for essentially doing their job, but it is not uncommon.The first thing I would do is get an accurate understanding of what the cost relates to… i.e. what postage and what supervision.You can look to renegotiate if…[Read more]

Okay okay… I've seen the post and will put it on the wish list!

I have to agree that land in the US has a different value than land in Australia. A parcel may look cheap by our standards, but if there is no scarcity then it's unlikely to appreciate much in value.In regards to Fort Myers, Leehigh etc… values have dropped massively after speculation drove them artificially high.Remember too that vacant land…[Read more]

The ATO goes through phases… sometimes they are lenient, other times they come across heavy handed.The old rule used to be that when there was an argument that something should / should not be included in your tax return then you were safe from penalties so long as you had a reasonably arguable position. I can't see this applying to shoddy…[Read more]

G'day Swampy,2% seems reasonable to me.In regards to some quick pointers:a) Get an undertstanding of the 'extra costs' not in the 2%. For instance: marketing fees, advertising costs, etcb) Does the quoted commission include GSTc) How long is the listing period. 60 days should be sufficient. Be careful not to lock yourself in for long periods.d)…[Read more]

Hey Paul,Welcome to the forum!I don't know of anyone on the Peninsula as such who can guide you. Normally, you'll need to approach a number of advisers and piece the puzzle together for yourself.For example:a) An accountant for structuring adviceb) Real estate agents for local knowledgec) Mortgage brokers for finance helpd) Investors for the…[Read more]

Hey Stephen,You must be a nice block with a name like that .Many people comment that starting out is the hardest part – not only is knowledge an issue, but so too is confidence.I could go on an on about this topic (in fact… I will be at the upcoming seminars I have just announced), but for a quick answer that I hope points you in the right…[Read more]

This is an interesting post, but outside of my expertise to answer.I have been approached a couple of times over the years by people with either disabled children, or else from organisations representing them, inquiring about the validity of special purpose housing that can be converted back to standard residential property after a period of time.…[Read more]

Hi,I understand that HSBC has changed their policy due to the US Patriot Act, or something. In short, they've made it harder to open a US bank account from Australia. I will attempt to verify this with them tomorrow as I have a contact who gave helpful advice a few months back. I'll write an update when I get confirmation.I'm not sure about…[Read more]

Got a tax lien redemption today, in fact. $700ish in interest over four redemptions (in one cheque).I can't fault it thus far, but I do have about 30 liens I have to start foreclosure on. It will be interesting to see what happens.- Steve

I've had a go at buying a few in SW Florida over the past few years.Things seem a heck of a lot better now than my first visit in Nov 08. Prices are firmer and inventory is moving in days (sometimes hours) rather than weeks.It will be interesting to see if the momentum can be sustained.- Steve

Hi Margaret,Thanks for the post. It's wise to seek referrals, especially when dealing in a foregin investment market.I have not personally heard of either group. Perhaps if I could ask you a couple of questions:a) What are you looking for (by way of service)?b) What are you prepared to pay for it?I am not solicitoring business, just interested to…[Read more]

Hi and sorry for the delay in replying,The team and PropertyInvesting.com and I have been working on a nationally recognised property investor training course for nearly three years now. It's been a heck of a journey, but I am pleased to say we have received the necessary ticks and will soon have a course ready to market.So, please hang on for a…[Read more]