I agree with Baloo.

As a victorian I had never had an understanding of rugby or league.

But having spent some time in the UK with some kiwis I came to learn and understand both rugby and league.

From a spectator point of view, I have never played either, I prefer rugby but the boundary throw ins still have me stuffed.

<<<<<does this look like a good deal or am i missing something?>>>>>

I was just asking if the rent was accuruate. Thats what may be missing. I am not interested. I have other projects I am working on. But thanks for the offer.

Sounds like you a little over geared. Why dont you sell an investment property or two. Get the dream home under control then try and cash up for the opportunities that will exist in 2-3 yrs time.

Here are some interest rate forecasts from the US.

http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7BF064C132%2D54B9%2D41F5%2D9810%2D114C4E9E0573%7D&siteid=mktw

WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) — The Federal Reserve will move cautiously to raise interest rates despite signs that inflation has picked up, the American Bankers Association’s economic advisory…[Read more]

How sure are you that it gets $300 per week? Sounds too good to me. I cant get that in the surburbs of Melbourne.

Andrew Who??????

Just do what you believe is fair and complies with the law. Dont worry about gifts. Just charge market rent.

Borrowing further money will depend on your other income. I would expect the rent from the investment property would be added to your other income in working out how much you can borrow from the bank.

Oh well – Time will tell. As always just be cautious. Thats all I am saying. At some time in the future people will assess whether investing in those towns is worth all the effort.

As for Jenman, sure he has his own barrow to push. But I believe some people will regret investing in these smaller rural towns.

Yes we have and I maybe agree with you, but I am more getting at the areas outside the regional areas. The article i suppose is referring to those. Its like a pyramid scheme. The last ones holding the properties may loose and end up selling to the locals. Time will tell. All I am getting at is be CAUTIOUS.

I also posted this in the creative finance section. Its a tough one. Was wrapping involved – I dont know.

I suppose a free market economy expects a person to be rewarded for his efforts. But at the same time we dont expect people to be ripped off at their expense so someone can gain a very good profit.

Really what value did that company add…[Read more]

Well its good to share success stories and it keeps us motivated and makes the sacrifices worth it.

I sold a property last week. A 2 bed unit in bayside surburb of Melbourne.

Bought 2002 $220k
Other costs $10k
Minor Renos $8k
Holding costs after tax $8k.

Total costs $246k

Sold $286k less costs $6k

Profit $34k

Not bad when you consider only…[Read more]

I only increase rent when the market rent has gone up in the area.

I dont waste my time trying to offer air conditioning and dishwasher etc. to increase the rent.

I only consider that if the tenant requests it. I am yet to see a tenant request it.

I only enhance a property if I consider it necessary and only between tenants.

Why dont you check out what ikea has to offer in the way of kitchens. They even have a planning tool on their web site.

Kay said

>>>That area is not looking good, from a driveby point of view. Also, there are lots of social problems (hoons) in the southbank area. Slums of the future is my call on them.>>>

I tend to disagree. You get hoons in all different inner city areas. As Melbourne matures more people will move into inner melbourne. I work near Southbank,…[Read more]

<<<<this seems rather difficult in the fact of getting a house for half the price of the actual value.>>>>>

I am not sure what makes you think you can ever buy a property for half price. You may make an offer below market value and it gets accepted, but as far as the bank is concerned that is all you can borrow. Maybe a year down the track you…[Read more]

Go see an accountant. Take with you all income/agents statements, all expenses on the property, loan statements etc.

Do a listing of depreciable assets in the property and preferably get a quantity survey of your property. If your not sure do a search for depreciation reports or quantity survey.

Then maybe after a few years you may have the…[Read more]

I prefer to invest for growth because that is how you increase your wealth.

As for finding areas that will grow – population growth is what drives real estate prices.

But as Jan Somers says – its time in the market that is important. The longer you hold a property the greater the return.

As she says – when is the best time to buy a property?…[Read more]

You may end up with two Books in the top ten.

I was in Myers the other day to get a ticket to see the Sainters and noticed your Book is still in the Top Ten at number 6.

All agents are almost the same to me. I notice that any State Trustees auction in my area is always done by the same agent.

They are no different from the others in the area. They have probably been around the longest.

And thats also the case in another area where I have a property.

It seems to me that State Trustees dont change their agents often.