Board doesn't have to be declared. But this is supposed to be limited to money for reimbursement of expenses and food etc.

Duckster

He probably got the run around from the wrong staff. Are you saying this was intentional.

I don't think they stole his money either. Sounds like he was trying to transfer into his offset from another bank and they didn't accept it.

This is hardly fraud or stealing. To suggest it is is ridiculous!

It is hardly robbery either. Just a stuff up. These things happen.

Misguided loyalties cost a fortune.

I have a client in the same boat. His accountant is hopeless, but he can never leave because of the friendly relationship. The accountant is not even claiming one property which is an investment and is missing out on heaps of deductions, but my client does nothing. I point this out and he says he will check, and then comes back a year later with new tax returns with the same problems.

I would recommend http://www.guardianpartners.com.au

Vacant land can be an investment – even without the bill board. You should be able to claim all associated costs with the land if you intend to build an investment property on it, for example.

You could approach your current lender or use a broker to approach them or another bank

In today's paper they were saying  – or guessing – that rates are going to peak in 2011.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/interest-rates-tipped-to-peak-in-2011-20091208-kgxj.html

The estimate was 1% more than at the moment. so around 7%. But I would factor in much higher, say 10%, and see how the figures look then. Also assume you have a vacancy for 6 months and see if you could handle it.

Maybe try to keep at least 6 months worth of payments in cash (if offset) handy for an emergency and borrow a bit extra now if you can. I can't see things getting worse than that – but you never know.

I never fix any of my loans anymore. I want the flexibility to move from bank to bank or sell and avoid the exit fees.

Depends. If you use the option method then you are selling before settlement and you won't need a loan. If you need to settle you will need a loan and there will be entry fees and exit fees which vary from lender and between products.

An option is an agreement which give you the right, but not the obligation to purchase a property.

With the purchase you sign a call option agreement. The agreement will state that the owner must sell to you if you wish to buy at a later date. If you don't then you do not need to proceed. There is an option fee, and time limit etc.

The seller may not be too happy with this as there is a chance you will not buy the place. So to keep them happy you can enter into a put option agreement which is virtually the opposite. This agreement will bind you to purchasing the property.

The two options combined will lock you in and the seller in.

I beleive stamp duty is only payable on the option premium which may be as low as you can negoitate.