thanks so much for posting all of that info GFC2007.  I have posted my outcome in the help needed forum (i double posted).  If you click on my name and click see all posts you should be able to find the link for my outcome. (it was good) .  A very interesting situation to be in indeed!cheers,

LOL, ooops i was a little stressed when i wrote it all.  IT IS DECEMBER 2006 WHEN WE AGREED TO BUY IT.Update is, (and thanks for replies), we were buying it from a council and i guess they just didn't seem to take personal ownership of the settlement or following things up (even with us faxing and asking). we even had a letter from their…[Read more]

I'm in a similar situation with buying from a local council… settlement hasn't taken place yet and it's been 15mths! We are happy because we agreed on a price and that we could move a tenant in if settlement took longer than 30 days and we claim the rent and pay any outgoings.  We have not yet received any council rates or water rates… unless…[Read more]

I can't tell you how many times i've submitted offers on 'stale' properties, only to find all of a sudden 'WOW' what are the odds another interested investor came out of no where and is suddenly interested and submitted an offer.. and as soon as i stand my ground on price, the 'investor' found another property elsewhere!I think sometimes it does…[Read more]

Okay, i don't know the legalities of squatters… but is there a local real estate property manager that could offer any advice.  Does anyone here know if you would be able to hand over management to an agent and increase the rent from $0 to say $100pw? Can you even do that? just a thought.If the property is half yours, then aren't you entitled…[Read more]

If you have driven around the refinery 'theheath' you will find it is NOT Altona at all.  It borders on Altona North and is closer to Williamstown North than Altona.  It may be near Seaholme, but not the heart of Altona.  It's a bit like 'Altona Gate shopping centre' – it isn't Altona at all, but Altona North once again.  It's a bit like peop…[Read more]

lol 'theheath' well i have a cold at the moment so can't smell much, but the council spend i think (don't quote me) around $40k per year cleaning it up every morning with a tractor so i honestly don't smell it.I'd rather that than the attractive high rise commission flats in williamstown (they make for a lovely view).  oh and lets not forget…[Read more]

i agree with you blogs about peoples perception on the west being quite way off the truth.  I love the one where 'Altona' smells like a refinery!  Well i've been there for over 3yrs now and although i'm not near the refinery i'm a few blocks from the beach and i have never smelt it ever!!!!!  we get the bay breezes and it blows the smell to al…[Read more]

AN UPDATE….. i sent an email outlining what i expect and got an email back at 11pm!!! bit odd. NOW… i am informed the other property i have with them is more than 14 days in arrears (not sure exactly how many and when this happened) and that an order to vacate has been sent. no other details given.  how appalling.  i have an email i sent to t…[Read more]

It's very hard to answer as it would depend on the market conditions and the area and whether you were buying in a lower/medium or high value area.  I have properties in regional victoria and I bought 4 of them with a 10-15% discount even though some were advertised as 'negotiable above only'.  I have found 30 day settlements work for most peo…[Read more]

Oh Oneplumber, don't forget to add into your list 'stay at home mothers versus working mothers (by choice), lol. The comparisons are everywhere and everyone has their own opinion and agenda. I may be only 31 but i have learnt along the way not to judge anyone until i have walked in their shoes.  I use to frown at mothers who told their kids off i…[Read more]

I have a sad storey.  A year ago we were looking to rent out our current house and build a new house.  We found a block 800sqm 2 blocks from the beach in Altona.  The owner wanted to sell asap as he had moved out.  The house was pretty bad and small so perfect for us to knock down.  We offered 370k, he would of taken $380k.  So we refused based…[Read more]

Not true in all cases devo76, we were on friendly chatting terms with our neighbours and asked them 5 times to turn down the amplifier and play at a reasonable time / day.  it fell on deaf ears and we now don't talk to them and are more than happy to seek legal advice if they do it again.  If you want good neighbours….. be a good neighbour i r…[Read more]

ooh one more very important thing…. keep a diary of dates and times. duration and how often will play a big part if council are to say send a letter.

You should be able to go to the local council and fill out a quick form and straight away they should be able to give you the name and address of the owners (as long as you are the person listed on the rates).  or ring a few real estate agents and ask if they ever managed that property in the past they may have some details.  I would think it is…[Read more]

Okay I'll tell you…. lol, Maryborough!!!!! Yep, most people will be thinking WHERE?  It's 45mins to Bendigo and 45 Mins to Ballarat.  It's right in the heart of the Goldfields and i didn't primarily invest there because i knew the area.. but it helped a lot.  I missed the boom in 2003, but since then a new 20mill dollar Prep-Y12 school has op…[Read more]

Hi Andy,I have several investments in Regional Victoria.  It depends what YOU mean by "Regional",  Some people would consider only regional cities of 40,000 or more people, some consider regional 10,000.  I grew up in a town of about 14,000 people and for 13yrs i have lived in Melbourne.  All of my friends in Melbourne would never invest in reg…[Read more]

My 2 cents worth… I am currently extending my home.  It's been 13wks and we get several quotes for all work thats needs doing.  My stress isn't about being ripped off but about not telling the truth and not turning up.  My carpenter is great, found him in the local paper (not the cheapest but i liked him and he had 20yrs experience) – he has wo…[Read more]

Have a deal for $175k (25k below asking price & 80k under council valuation).  Offered before xmas on a 30day sale, it still hasn't settled and we added one clause that if after 30 days the titles (as it was a subdivision) have not gone through, we could put a tenant in and pay all rates etc…  It's been 8mths and we are still collecting $17…[Read more]

Hi Sonny, i'll start with what basics i know.  You will need to speak with the planning department at the local council and if you tell them the address they may be able to tell you straight away if you can do it firstly.  Maybe they will not allow a subdivision on a 600sqm block (maybe only single storey) depending on where it is located. (…[Read more]