So true Ros.

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

Thanks guys for all your words of encouragement. We all have good times (see my post “My turn to Brag !”) but its often harder to admit the low points.
Best wishes to everyone driving to achieve their personal mission in life.

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

Hi Guys,
In my opinion the house was not rentable when we bought it. The stumps, although concrete had moved in the black soil and the place was like a ship with doors not closing. Not to mention the leaking roof and how dirty it was.
This is our second job for the 2006 tax year and we sold the other for a $60K profit with only a 6 week…[Read more]

Friends and money don’t mix, thats my opinion.
If you must go down this road I’d make sure you see a Solicitor and have a Joint Venture agreement drawn up which covers the following points;
Purpose
Role of each party
Capital contributions
Share of ownership
Management
Duration
Exit strategy and dispute resolution

Amanda
“It is better to be…[Read more]

We usually get around this question by first telling the agent what we’re looking for.
That is , mid priced basic family 2or 3 bedroom home, in average area, requiring some reno work, close to schools, shops and transport. Must be on a block of at least 800m etc…..Then give them a wide price range, say $200k – $300k and say it depends on the…[Read more]

Hi Foundation,
I often read about others getting in contractors to do the work but I just don’t see how we could have made a profit from it and where’s the fun in that ! Nothing like the smell of paint on a cold morning !
Motivation is really hard when I’m on my own most days but I take a TV on site to keep me company, and on the weekend we have 4…[Read more]

Hi Mat,
Not sure on the exact hours but basically every chance we had between Feb and May. This is my “job” so I drop off the kids and then go to work onsite, then back by 3pm for school pickup. So for me its around 5 hours a day plus 16 hours on weekends. My husband works full time (so we get the loans approved) and does all the construction…[Read more]

Thanks Simon. It was only a basic makeover For those of you interested here goes;
Stumper to level and fix $3650
Plasterer $550
Tree lopper $750
New double carport kit $1486
New Laminex kitchen bench top $220
Bobcat $372
Pest Control $187
Skip bins 2 @ 190 = $380
Electrician $1204
New glass shower screen $829
New Security grills $774
Roof repair…[Read more]

Often the big outlets have an end of financial year sale soming up soon, and perhaps offer cash for a better deal. Otherwise the auction rooms are good, but I’ve also bought products that are excess to builders needs off http://www.xsstock.com.au.

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

I’m afraid there is no easy formula for this one as it depends on so many issues. How many lots in subdivision ? Water, sewerage, phone, electricity, Site conditions, Noise, Surveyor, Engineer and Council Fees etc…not to mention the interest !!
If this is your first time at subdivision may I suggest you try your hand at a small 1 into 2 first,…[Read more]

I have read before that adding furniture gives a good impression and allows a potential buyer to see themselves living in the house. We received a quote of $3400 for a 3 bed house for 1 month. However when we spoke to the agent they felt that as the place was renovated so nice it would be better to leave it open rather than clutter with…[Read more]

Hi Alison,
We did a removal house 3 years ago in Qld.
If you do a search on this forum you’ll also find that other’s have asked the same question so you might find some useful information. Otherwise I’d first suggest you visit your local council to determine what fees, charges and restrictions apply as they all vary. Most homes will require the…[Read more]

Can we please stick to the topic.[offtopic]
When does the new rebate come in Terry ?

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

This subject has been covered many times over so try doing a “Search” on this forum.

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

“He was only 19” Isn’t that a song or am I just showing my age ?
I would have to agree with the other posts here to keep saving, stay at home and keep reading. Read the paper daily, read stories about other succcessful people, read investment books and magazines and best of all keep reading and posting on this forum. This way you’ll gain the…[Read more]

In addition to double glazing you could also consider having the house air conditioned, and that way closed windows would reduce the noise, and has the added plus of making it more comfortable in summer.

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

He could probably also get a job at Citibank Call Centre.

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

Being close to public transport is great but not if it affect your quality of life, so stay away from houses backing onto major roads and rail lines. Also air traffic noise is considered a problem in some areas. I’d also watch for site contamination, mining and any foul odours that could come from tips. I’d also avoid high tension cable lines…[Read more]

Shops, transport and schools.

Amanda
“It is better to be inconspicuously wealthy, than to be ostentatiously poor…”

Hi Dave,
I’ve developed our own “Property Evaluation” checklist and covers points such as :

Zoning
What is the size of land, current zoning, Heritage issues, Council restrictions on land size, building heights, setback & fees
Topography
Description of site, slopes, flat, gully, corner site, undermining, contamination, cut & fill. Any…[Read more]