I’m so sorry I didn’t respond to your offer (not just because of the resulting problems).
The property is in Stuart Park. Coincidentally, I know the family of one of the property managers at Raine & Horne at Palmerston but was advised that they couldn’t take it on because of the location.
The Darwin unit was my PPOR before I moved to Tassie. I didn’t know anything about property investment when I left (some would say I still don’t!), didn’t know how to go about selling it so just hung onto it – hey presto the beginning of my portfolio!!!
UPDATE: Just sent a strongly worded email expressing my disappointment at their treatment of me and the tenants, ending with if they can’t contact me today I will be seeking other management arrangements. Hope it helps.
Two days after arriving home, I try to contact PM to confirm new tenants in and happy.
Response = SHE’S LEFT
Instead I get Property Manager Two (hereforth referred to as PMT and that’s not because they’re the initials…) who doesn’t know the property, hasn’t read the file, doesn’t know about the ongoing works or the insurance claim in place… NOTHING!
We discussed outstanding issues and I followed up with an email covering what the last PM said would be done (eg. new property inspection after works completed, photos taken etc). This was three weeks ago.
Yesterday I got a phone call from the tenant. The PM is yet to return their phone calls (made over the last three days), they reported a blocked pipe in the bathroom which has not been addressed since made two weeks ago and they got a note from the PM that they need to get a key cut for the post box (something I asked the PM to do four weeks ago..)
I thanked the tenant and called the PM. I left a message at 2.30 Darwin time for her to call me ‘urgently’. It is now midday the next day and nothing…. NOTHING!
After all that… I’m speechless.
(I’m just letting my anger build before I ring again… just in case the PM finds the time in her busy schedule to take my call)
So.. spent two weeks in Darwin juggling tilers, painters, plumbers, electricians etc., and proceeded to turn worn and weary unit into funky, modern and clean unit. In between organising and sweating I found a new property manager. Big real estate, met the worman in person and explained past problems, importance of good communication (as much for the tenants as myself) and so on. On top of that, before the paperwork was even signed, I had a young couple walk into the unit mid-destruction, fall in love with it and agree to take it when complete.
Paperwork was done, new PM signed up, two weeks holiday on the Gold Coast for me to recover and celebrate then home.
There is no logic. Had the ‘pest controller’ opened the front door and been confronted by the owner is full get-up and with angry-eyes in place, I could believe that his life may seem over. Or, perhaps a verbal threat of some kind…
The fact is, if this owner was truly going to be a threat to the ‘pest controller’ (black or otherwise) surely he would have dressed for the occasion. The fact that the suit was in the cupboard suggests to me that perhaps he was symbolically expressing his wish to change his way. “Closing the door on his past”!! Perhaps he purposefully chose the euro-challenged pest controller as a gesture – expressing his evolutionary embracement of all man-kind.
Imagine if this pest-controller reacted to his fear and instead maimed, or even killed, the owner who innocently was rejoicing in the good-will he believed he had bestowed on his fellow human being.
1. Are there clothes in the cupboard?
2. Is there a weapon in the cupboard?
3. Is there a crystal ball in the cupboard?
4. Is there ANYTHING in the cupboard????
I don’t know about the Launceston area (living in Hobart) but recent conversations would suggest avoiding housing commission areas (Rokeby, Warrane, etc) because of ongoing tenant problems and lack of enthusiasm from property managers and insurers.
Rental return would more likely be sought in the better or up and coming areas such as Sandy Bay, New Town or South Hobart. There are still “renovator’s delights” to be found if you have the time and tolerance. Otherwise, Moonah, Glenorchy and Claremont for extensions and upgrades.
Probably one of the very few responsible things I’ve done in my life… yes, I do have landlord’s insurance.
There’s been a bit of confusion though. I thought it was designed to help me out at the time of the problem. ie. pay the rental amount to ensure that loans are repayed etc. However, I’m told by PM that (she thinks!!!) that if I put in a claim now for loss of rent, I can’t put another one in if the place stays empty for another month or two (up to 15 weeks she tells me).
Once I’m on the ground, following my stern talking to, the insurance business is the next topic to be addressed.
As Westan found out there really are some suburbs in Tassie that you would be best to steer clear.
I’ve lived in Hobart now for six years and would be happy to share an opinion on the area you are looking if you choose to tell.
Just from personal observation and local media, things really do seem to have ground to halt as far as properties being sold as soon as the sign is up but, more importantly, prices aren’t being dropped yet.
Equity is no problem (about $200,000) and neither is a credit rating. I have also kept a record of every $ spent over the last 6 weeks to attempt a budget and cut out a few unnecessaries.
The outstanding bills are more a seasonal problem ie. rego, car service/maintenance, new aircon for IP etc… and an accumulation of rates (yep… angry with myself about that one).
I guess it’s time to do a bit less thinking, reading and asking – and do a bit more acting!!!
Baby Mikey was eventually dragged out at 9.33pm on June 26 so you do share a birthday.
I think because it all went on so long, no one midwife stands out in my memory. The nurses after the birth however were great and made me feel so comfortable in the hospital and as a new mum.