Thanks for all responses so far.What I don't get with using a buyers' agent is if their payment's based on what you pay for a place, where's the incentive for them to get it for a good price? There's more incentive, with that charging system, to make you overpay.cheers,Carlin

Thanks for this info.Unfortunately I can't make that first meeting so if anyone has contact details for the organiser that would be much appreciated.Will try those Facebook contacts too….though I loathe Facebook.thanks again,Carlin

Many thanks for all the advice received here. I will be pursuing all the suggested avenues for getting solid financial advice on what to do here.Yes, Pully, I am in discussions with siblings and also yes, my Mum is still fully with it.So all decisions will be made in consultation with Mum and siblings to ensure we stay a happy family.cheers,Carlin

Thanks Keiko….very clearly explained and I will follow this advice and organise valuations before we rent it out…..which I think is the likely path we'll take.

We're planning to talk with someone next week.However, on the idea of getting a couple of valuations done…..I'm not clear how getting a valuation done can save us from having to pay CGT. If the property ceases to be Mum's PPOR and is instead rented out for a period then isn't CGT payable on its sale and – if so – how is it calculated?thanks for…[Read more]

Thanks for tips. Getting advice is where I get stuck…..I don't know who I should talk to for financial advice on this one. Centrelink won't give advice, understandably. Is there a particular kind of financial advisor I should see or do I just lookup the yellow pages, shut my eyes and poke a pin in to choose one??? We're in Adelaide so if anyone…[Read more]

You should definitely be making a formal complaint about this agent to the ACCC. She appears to have acted in contravention of the Trade Practises Act.She needs to be weeded out – this could be just the latest of other similar behaviour and will no doubt continue if she isn't taken to task.

Thanks for tips. Businessglobal – with the industrial vinyl you used, did it come as strips like timber strips? If so, it could be the same product as I'm thinking of using. The company salesman says it's used by the Smokemart chain, among others, and is tough and durable.Also – was the lounge also the dining area? Mine is lounge/dine open space…[Read more]

Just an update as we are now nearing end of renovating this 2br unit and plan to have it on market in two weeks.Bathroom wallpaper came off quite easily with the soaking-and-scraper method.Tiled over the floor tiles and it's come up a treat.Decided to stay with existing kitchen cupboards and just repainted and put new handles + put in Bunnings…[Read more]

Thanks for tips. About to start doing up a 2br upstairs unit. Concrete floors (currently covered in old vinyl and ripped carpet). Bunnings has solid oak for about $45/m – 19mm. But I'm thinking laminate wood will be cheaper and easier to lay. Solid wood would need to go on battens, wouldn't it? Whereas laminated floorboards go on insulation layer…[Read more]

Thanks Mike. I've just got back from Bunnings. I'm yet to cost it all. It's just a small kitchen so I won't be needing to buy much, but I will take your advice and see if I can find a cabinet-maker who's willing to put something together for me. Your unit sounds much more upmarket than mine. This is an upstairs, middle unit in 1970s block of six.…[Read more]

Thanks for that tip. I'll try your approach first and if it doesn't work then I'll hire a steamer.cheers,Carlin

Hi Garry,Thanks for taking the time to post such an informative review. Most people who get ripped off by dud deals like this feel so peeved they don't want to do a post mortem, so it was very generous of you.As for RK's wife's view that the greatest thing a married couple can do together is make money…….Wonder if she would feel the same way…[Read more]

Thanks everyone.Now tracking down a steamer to remove wallpaper because I doubt the soaked sponge is going to work.And no, Scotty, we are not relocating the kitchen in the bathroom!cheers,Carlin

An interesting counter argument can be found in the somersoft forum thread titled something like "what will fixed rates do?"checkout the recently posted views of moderator keithj, who's saying fixed rates will only head north.cheers,Carlin

Thanks for explaining all this Richard.Seems to suggest that many who've fixed in the last few months have acted too soon???cheers,Carlin

What's going to make competition "hot up". The Reserve Bank lowering rates hasn't. On the contrary, the fixed rates went up with the big banks and other lenders too.So what's going to suddenly spark some competitive fixed rates?cheers,Carlin

Firstmac's offer appeals if you have lots of $$$ to dump on the loan in that first year.We don't, so Bankwest's Rate Tracker Ultra home loan product appeals more.0.9% off the variable rate for three years, using an average of the big four banks variable rates to set the variable rate they deduct from. Currently 4.85% (real rate for $250,000 is…[Read more]

Dan 42 – thanks, that's what I thought (and hoped) was the case. But I read an article (which I now can't find) that had fuelled some doubts.Thanks for setting me straight.Carlin

Well done Karen! Thanks for sharing your success and the pics with us. I hope all your plans go well.Carlin