Thanks for the valuable input. No it doesnt have to be the GC, but we wouldnt move just yet and uproot ourselves. The only reason we were looking locally is so we could utitlise the FHOG because we'd have to live in it first. Further afield is definitley an option though, and we have found many duplex's but not cheap enough to pass the 11 second solution.
Another silly question, but if we did buy say in Cairns first as an investment and we didn't live in it, could we then utilize the FHOG for the second house if it was to be 'ours' and we lived in it?
I was under the impression that you could only claim the FHOG if it is the first property you have purchased. One way to get around this would be if you bought the first property solely in your name and the second in your partners name.
To qualify for the FHOG you don’t have to move into the property immediately – as long as you move in within 12 months and stay for a minimum of 6 months (I’m not sure if the 6 month thing is an actual rule or just a guideline that indicates that if you stayed there shorter than that time is might be looked at)
I’d double check this though, just in case the rules are different in Queensland
“[M]y thoughts on staging are that you are attempting to have the potential purchaser create an emotional bond to your property, ie they can see themselves living in your house and therefore will be prepared to pay a premium to do that” – I completely agree with this comment j.w
I work in a residential real estate office and staging a property well, makes all the difference. You would be surprised how little imagination most people have when they go and inspect homes, if they get that far. In my experience the photos on the internet can greatly impact how many people will inspect your property, if the photos don’t show your home in it’s best light some people won’t even bother going to an inspection.
In my opinion paying the extra to stage your property is well worth it.
From personal experience I can recommend Christine Mostaki from Brock Harcourts Mile End Ph: 8352 8111. At 9.9% management fee (+admin +letting/reletting fees) she is slightly more expensive than most (average around 8.8% + admin fee + letting/reletting fees) but she achieves great rental returns & a better service than most.
Slightly cheaper (I’m not sure of the exact rates she charges) but still an excellent Property Manager with a huge amount of experience is Jenny Drake from Arthur Dimitrak Real Estate Ph: 8268 2400 based at Findon.