i ‘m a believer in start small, and i disagree all the good deals are big deals.

Look for something that you can buy below market, If you can improve it and add a lot more value then that will be great for you.
By starting out small you will learn about the process etc. The idea is to make money and educate yourself, I’d encourage you…[Read more]

the others have answered the question for you.

One other thing to consider

when you are transfering money if its a larger amount say 10,000 or more consider using Ozforex, they are excellent , no charge and they make less on the currency than the banks. I’ve been using them for over 2 years , they have literally saved me…[Read more]

I want to support what worldchanger says, ozforex are excellent i’ve been using them for a couple of years and their rates and service are tops. They don’t even charge a fee if the amount is over $10,000 they make their commision off the currancy change which is always better than bank rates.
When bringing money from the USA you will…[Read more]

Even if the owner was prepared to Rent the properties and you were able to find people who wanted only 6 months accomodation.

i see the pitfalls for you. You do a heap of work to find tenants who will be preparted to live in a place for only 6 months and then they leave so you make a very small commission that lasts only 6 months for…[Read more]

You are living in NZ,

so do you think prices in NZ will continue to increase from the where they are at today ?

regards westan

http://www.iproperty.net.au
The leaders in USA Investing.
join out free database westan@iproperty.net.au

As Luke said if you are having problems still let me know. Property management in the US is one of the biggest issues.

If you are still having problems please email me and i will put you in touch with some people who will help.

regards westan

http://www.iproperty.net.au
The leaders in USA Investing.
join out free database westan@iproperty.net.au

Welcome back to the Forum.

WOW i haven’t see you here since 2003 !!!

Since then i went and lived in NZ in 2004-05 returning last December.

If you want to talk about where to live, feel free to call me on 0409 505 188

Hope your Share ventures were as successful as you planned.

regards westan

http://www.iproperty.net.au
The leaders in USA…[Read more]

in theory you are correct but where can you buy properties with cashflow with only 5% down ?

I’ve bought a lot of properties over the years showing 20% gross returns etc. (None like that in Aust since 2003),.

regards westan

http://www.iproperty.net.au

i just bought one 4 streets away. ita mortgage sale CIV $411 K, but not really worth that currently. its never been lived in and needs floor coverings curtains landscaping etc we bought in Friday for $335K need to spend $50K and it will be worth $435K. its a better home than the one i’m in so, i plan to live in it and sell my own place…[Read more]

i usually do the figures on 20% deposit. Lena i hate paying LMI so i usually put up the 20%. Sure if you can do 10% you end up with more properties but for most people that probalby means more negative geared properties.

regards westan

http://www.iproperty.net.au

i lived in NZ for 2 years 2004-05 and buoght for myself 20-25 properties. And for clients about 100 +.

I think Don has summed it up pretty well. If you want to buy in NZ, i’d encourage you to use the resources of Don.

Don and I have heated debates on this forum because i’m negative on NZ and have sold all but one property i own…[Read more]

how diod you guys go ?

i had one property which is fine but another property the power was cut and it cost $275 to get fixed. But there was a ton of trees down also and that cost about $500 to remove. Lisa (property manager)send photos through today).

I was talking with Dan about a week ago (worldchanger and Martin…[Read more]

I’ve been actively buying in those markets for nearly two years now. i think you have selected two good markets.
Nashville – I’ve only been active in Nashville recently the first time i went to nashville was in April and i think the market there is attractive. Some good things happening in the local economy etc. I’ve only bought one…[Read more]

just for the record its not just buffalo its the whole of the NE of the USA thats been hit by snow. New York city has 60 cm of Snow in Central Park. Well thats what the weather Channel says.

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing…[Read more]

i saw a story on the news about the BIG FREEZE , very early this year. Normally snow doesn’t fall till mid Nov. The news stated that trees haven’t even lost their leaves and when the snow came the weight became to unbearable for many branches. I have also received an email from my property manager advising me of the event and…[Read more]

wow, someone else shares my concern, thanks for your opinion. I often feel like i’m the only one raising some concerns, so i appreciate your comments.

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand Ltd
http://www.iproperty.net.au

couldn’t agree with you more.

As an investor with real estate in 4 countries the key is management. And some times it comes down to our management of the property managers.

Finding the right manager from the beginning will save many headaches and save you thousands.

Solomon all the best with the USA trip.

regards westan

USA deals,…[Read more]

kiwifella , how come i’m back on track, i haven’t changed what i’ve been saying for the past 8 month (have i ?)

Regarding the prices drop, down forget that prices have risen in country town largely to investor sentiment, supply and demand. What happens to the price when the investor pull their heads in ? Which will happen (is…[Read more]

it appears the point your missing in this report and the effect if it comes true is that the market will drop; Now is not the time to be buying !

As i’ve been saying for months why buy at the top of the cycle when you can come back in a year or two (or more) and buy the same house for cheaper. Personally i think the investor who…[Read more]

that guys got a great website. I’ll spend some time looking over the next few days.

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand Ltd
http://www.iproperty.net.au

good to see price rises in Sothland.

Regarding the first stories posted by Don

Lets read what they are really saying, I didn’t see to much to get excited about in those stories, It looks like NZ will still under perform the rest of the world.

0zi maybe you should read those stories again, when you make comments like Sounds like some…[Read more]

i spoke with Ben today, we are going to have a follow up meeting (phone) on Friday morning, i’ll give you all an update then

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand Ltd
http://www.iproperty.net.au

i suggest you read as much about investing as possible. Work out what strategy you feel is something that will work for you. For instance some people love creating wealth by renovating properties, others don’t.

Remember with the FHOG you need to live in the home.

what your asking is not possible to be answered in a forum, surround yourself…[Read more]

July in San Antonio, its going to be HOT !

Thomas i’ve just updated my Report on San Antonio, if you’d like to see why we are active there email me at westanjohnson@hotmail.com and i’ll forwrad ot to you
(anyone else is also welcome to it)

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one…[Read more]

sorry if i came across critical, i’m not intending to be. I was just giving you some info in case you didn’t know that. As far as being critical quite the contrary I’m in fact a real fan of San Antonio, and i believe you will do well by investing there.

Like your self i also own in San Antonio, my private clients know we have been…[Read more]

just be aware of one potential hick up with your startegy . When you go to do a “cash out” refinance the best you will get is 60 or 65% of the appraised value (can’t remember of the top of my head which it is, its midnight).

so a 85K valuation ot 65% cash out means a loan of 55,000 so you will still have 15 k in the deal. (on the 70k…[Read more]

when i moved to NZ in late 2003 i took my 2001 falcon there as Australian imported cars are a lot more expensive in NZ than here in Oz. At that time my car was worth about $16000 in Oz yet worth $26,000 in NZ. You might be better taking your car there and selling it !

If you decide to take a car to NZ let me know and i’ll pass on…[Read more]

Your will need to get Kelly details through me. Kelly works exclusively for us, and i’m very protective of her time. If you want to invest in Texas i suggest you contact me and i’ll expliain everything you need to know about investing in the USA. If you then decide investing in the US is something you want to pursue, i’m more than…[Read more]

yes i caught up with Lisa and was impressed with Nashville. Lisa has some good opportunities in front of her , i am doing a deal with her now (my own deal), will let you know how it goes. At this stage i want to work Nashville as a flip, But i think things work equally well as a buy and hold.

Have you meet Lisa ?

regards westan

USA…[Read more]

i’ve got properties and land in Texas, properties in New York state and about to get my first one in Nashville (doing aflip), Luke i’ll let you know how it goes. I arrived in Nashville in April the day a huge strom went through cousing Tornado’s (sorry thats another story) anyway i like Nashville it has tremendous opportunity (but i…[Read more]

i’m still waiting to see what i’ve said that is wrong ? either out of date or wrong ?

When you make comments like that it implies i don’t know what i’m talking about. i stand by what i’ve said. Would you like me to post what the governor of the NZ Reserved Bank says about things or perhaps what the NZ treasurer says about the state of…[Read more]

what your after is a “Apostille Seal” i think you can get them through the Dept of Trade & Foreign Affairs. If your in Sydney and they are only available between 9am and 1pm, i believe.

Definition – Apostille is a French word which means a certification. It is commonly used in English to refer to the legalisation of a document for…[Read more]

in most situations i would say you are right. Phone another real estae agent and ask them what price are homes selling for in comparision to the ratable valuation. Also find out when the valuations were done.

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting…[Read more]

About 9 years ago the CBA was happy to use the Council valuation. Haven’t used them for a long time so don’t know if that is the case.
Brahms councils usually have two figures Unimproved value (land value) and improved value.
As far as using this as a valuation, well usually they are below market value so it wouldn’t be in your interest…[Read more]

I’m not saying mums who work are doing the wrong thing but i am saying if a mum wants to stay home she should be encouraged. Having a stay home wife- its amazing how they can be treated as inferior to working mums.

Simon, re the team work – this guy appears to be running the show his wishes are being met but not hers, thats what needs…[Read more]

i also want to say i disagree with Simons comments, your “value” as a stay home mum can’t be understated.

Janine, my wife has been a stay home Mum and on one income we were able to successfully create financial independance. And I was working as a school chaplain on a reasonable low income (compared to what i make now from my own…[Read more]

i agree with Jenny

Your marriage should be a partnership, just because he makes the money doesn’t mean he has control over it. It should all be a “joint decision”. I’m sure i don’t need to tell you that, but you need to discuss it openly with him so that he can understand the importance of investing for the benifit of both of…[Read more]

there is a huge difference in prices expected by sellers,often depends who your buying from and there motivation. The same house could be nothing or could be 30K.

One strategy to enlarge the home is to leave a void when you put the home together and build this in. what i mean is place the 2 haves of the home (if you have to split it)…[Read more]

i relocated a home about 9 years ago. WE relocated a Farm house from Donald in country Victoria 100Km to Stawell.

Back then it was hard to get finance from the banks for this type of venture. I believe westpac did it but that was about all (things might have changed). The finance people we used would only give us money for the home…[Read more]

do you need fiance to build on the land ?

or finance to buy and Build ?

If you have titile to the land it will be a lot easier for you to get the money to develop.

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand Ltd
http://www.iproperty.net.au

if you want to see everything that is listed for sale through real estate agents (remember often the best deals don’t come through agents) then look at http://www.realtor.com

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand…[Read more]

thanks anyway.

I gather this money is for deals where people are paying full retail for properties through your business contacts and not open to people bringing deals to you ?

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand…[Read more]

we have a double tax treaty with the US so you will not have to pay tax twice, unless you buy it though a C corp. You might be better to set up an LLC to own the land. But every individual’s situation is different.

I’m buying land in the USA at the moment , i can share the way i’m structuring it but just because its the best…[Read more]

i know you have done a number of “subject to” deals, with your experience do you feel it is a good strategy ?

Regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand Ltd
http://www.iproperty.net.au

i’m suprised you are only able to get 70% loans ? We have many banks we are dealing with who are giving us 80% loans in Texas and New York State.

Property taxes are higher than here but this is more than offset against the gross returns of 13-14%, Watch out for Insurance its also a lot higher than Australia ,
Perhaps now you can…[Read more]

Nigel now you have discovered about the opportunities in Texas are you still buying in new zealand ?

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand Ltd
http://www.iproperty.net.au

great idea for a book, all the best with it.

Just one question is the book for the Australian market or New Zealand Market or both ?

regards westan

USA deals, cash flow equity and capital growth all in one property.
International Property Consulting Pty/Ltd.
Property Investing New Zealand Ltd
http://www.iproperty.net.au