Congratulations……so what are you waitng for.! g….o for it……..  Here are a couple of suggestions…..1) Do the 'buy one, two or three' cheaper properties, (don't have to be in Melbourne) spread the risk, (ie maybe buy in different areas) and you will have a few tax concessions and probably not even know you have them…until you enjoy…[Read more]

Hey alotti,Good on you. Michael's comments ring out oh so true. It is terrific that you are keen to invest (rather than spend) some of the money on your future. I must agree with the comments on some of the chepaer properties. So many people feel yo have to have a $400k or more property to be an 'investment'…….many of these people are the guys…[Read more]

Hi Get rich,I guess you could ask how long is a piece of string?Here is a few questions that should make a difference to your choice of lender. (oh, by the way, brokers don't recommend NAB unless it suits them, sorry to say. (usaully use Homeside – the Nab owned 'competitor' that pays more – Why? Because it is better for you? No….they are the…[Read more]

Not sure Richard – I was feeling maybe I missed out on some important revelation, but it sounds more like a conspiracy theory – or drugs!

They surely will – but their are two things to watch for that will make it interesting (for want of a better word)1) Will they use it as an excuse to 'even' their rates again? It is a first for me to have seen the major banks with different rates!2) While they will likely all be up Friday if not before, keep an eye on the fixed rates. There was…[Read more]

Maybe – I have noticed with a couple of the banks now you have to do a fair few clicks of the button just to find the interest rates. While ANZ do not mention it, the likes of CBA, NAB, StGorge all allude to it or name their take on the products on their rates page.A word of warning – with refinancing at the moment most lenders are playing 'we'll…[Read more]

You just gotta wonder……

You just gotta wonder……

Not the type od posts I'm used to here……but while we are at it….if I can address Ed Chan – Ed, I really enjoyed reading your profile in API not that long ago. Just thought you might like to know. (and yes, a very tactful, dare I say professional first forum post under the circumstances    )CheersV8GHia

Not personally AdoubleU, although am / have done a bit of research. WIll buy a cheapy there soon however. Many are sceptical of regional areas, and true, you have to be sure that the place is not dying. That said, anywhere with a reasonable population, schools, and shops that has a bit of industry and is not too far off the beaten track that has…[Read more]

I agree with both above comments – when saying 'were' I was referring to the 'old rams' (now defunct as rhg, and a seperate entity to the reborn rams under westpac ownership) which I imagine is where the current loan would be with, thus the stiff exit penalty of around 2% unless the couple of special loans mentioned. There is plenty of choice…[Read more]

I think you will be in with more than a chance! (Did I mention welcome to the forum?) My 13c worth would be to offer the following points……remember 1) You don't have to buy a $300k plus property (there are reasonabel properties less than $180k in 'non mining' areas still worth buying – check out most of rural vic, some parts of SA, and there…[Read more]

How much is your loan amount? i assume you are with rams for a reason? They are (sorry were) very flexible with Lo-doc loans, and first home owner loans. other than the 'interest saver' or 'super interest saver' rams loan product, you will have up to a 2% charge to leave them within the first 3 years. Do the sums, and have a good long think – you…[Read more]

Hi Greg,Regardless of what lender they are currently with, there is a lot to be said for staying put and or  renegotiating.For example, staying with their current lender, will save them early loan repayment fees (all have some now on their current loan ranges) loan discharge fees etc etc. A good lender/banker (maybe even broker!) should be able…[Read more]

Some interesting thoughts here. True, and worth remembering, is that many FP's (ie Bank affiliated ones) are not licensed to advise on property investment – or even shares for that matter. As soon as you mention that it is either over to the banker or manager, or a patronising lecture on the evils and instability and 'high risk' of direct property…[Read more]

I can guarantee you that people like you are an absolute nightmare to bank/branch staff – probably why you find a lot of them have to 'harden themelves' – often coming across as rude. That said, ther is no excuse for poor service.For what it is worth, bank '13' numbers generally cannot do 'the whole thing' from go to whoa – you need a business or…[Read more]

Actually mcNorman is on the money…this package IS more 'competitive' than most if not all of the other majors, althought again it is horses for courses. If you use a credit card with rewards program, I think NAB may be the only lender that waives this fee as part of their 'choice package' (All lenders have a catchy name for their annual fee…[Read more]

wow. guy sounds like a real 'sharp pointy object'. I guess you want the house, but I would be talking to the guys employer – unless of course he is the owner. Reminds me of the time I had a Jenman agent (Professionals franchise) principal ring up the guy I paid to do a building inspection and blast him for being so critical and asking him to…[Read more]

Unfortuantely it is a sad fact that many good personal bankers, and even managers cannot do their job properly due to the high volume number of brain dead plebes and pressure internally to 'cross sell' that it prevents them form spendign the time that many customers really do deserve. THey do want to, but are often overworked doing 'admin' stuff…[Read more]

I have had quotes, but use AAMI, NRMA (goes against my grain, but need my IAG shares to stop plummeting   ) usually.  Terri Sheer appear to have thorough cover, but the premiums for property, landlord, and contents have been double the cost of the comapnie I mentioned.Compare the features and excess, and see what you think.