Hi Freckle,

Geez – you have excelled yourself again.

Thanks for your feedback, on all fronts.

A lot of information which I will print off and digest. Always willing to listen.

Cheers

Hi Doug,

Buying at the bottom of the market is a nice theory and it is relatively easy to say. The trouble is the bottom and top of a market are only really revealed after the event when statistics can be analysed in some detail. Sure there are some 'experts'' who claim that they can tell where the market is at any given time – trouble is seen…[Read more]

We have a FB page but use it mainly as a keeping in touch strategy. Nothing more.

Mind you our product is, in my opinion, not FB suitable.

If the funds come from your offset you can withdraw them and use them as you see fit without affecting the deductibility of your core loan.

If you pay down your core loan and then REDRAW funds from the surplus you do compromise deductibility.

From a flexibility point of view an offset account is far better. I would also add an offset account is…[Read more]

If you have some cash to throw at your loan then throw it into an offset account as this will save you interest on your loan and provide you with flexibility of your funds moving forward.

If you pay down the loan and then need to claw back the money for medical emergency (as an example) then the redraw component is not deductible. If the same…[Read more]

I don't know the group so what I am about to say is more of a general nature.

Whenever I see 'negative gearing' in bright lights I get nervous. In my opinion any negative gearing tax benefits you gain should be seen as a by-product of any investment decisions you make.

Clearly the goal of a property investor is to make money either through…[Read more]

LC888 wrote:
Looks like I might as well enjoy my holiday and not bother about inspecting any properties!

This comment wins on so many fronts it ain't funny. Mind you, as a holiday destination I don't think the GC is that great either.

Leave the cheque book at home and do your research from home. Sometimes the euphoria of a holiday clouds…[Read more]

Hi Neil,

After have a quick look at their website it would appear is if your description "property management group" is not quite accurate. For me I read your original comment as asking about a property management company which manages the rental of an existing property.

McCarthy seems more like a marketing group to me.

I don't know this group…[Read more]

Hi TheBigO,

OTP valuations are often problematical.

Certainly explore the possibility of seeking out and using a different bank in conjunction with a broker who can work the pre-val process. Success on this pathway will solve the 'problem'

If I now come back to the current low valuation issue.

1. Reading your posts and comments it appears as…[Read more]

Hi BH,

What do you actually want to learn?

What do you see your current 'shortfalls' as being?

How much are you prepared to give? ($, time, energy) – in otherwords what is your intended level of commitment?

A course is a course is a course.

You need to follow it and take action. Without this action, on your part, all courses are an absolute…[Read more]

Being built in 1986 there isn't, in general terms, much left to depreciate.

Properties built between July 18 1985 & Sept 15 1987 attracted a 4%/annum rate of building depreciation over 25 years. As we have now entered the 27th year of this property your capital allowance will probably be zero.

Having said that any renovations may have kicked…[Read more]

Hi Bella,

Don't know the area and have tried to get a picture of what is considered 'normal' from the otherside of the country.

But reading between the lines it would seems as if a slightly larger shed with, maybe 3 phase power & water might be the go. 

I now look at normal sized shed and think, "Is that it?"

Now I must admit I don't know…[Read more]

Hi Bella,

Most financial planners don't advise in direct property investments – in fact there is little in the way of recognizable property advice qualifications in Australia. Having said that I do know of a couple of organisations trying to rectify that anomaly at the moment.

Given you are looking at adding to your family make sure the…[Read more]

Agree with Jamie – sort the equity release first then look forward.

While this may take a little time to get sorted properly you'll be grateful you did over the long term.

A question on an entirely different tack – do you really want to live next door to your IP?

For me this is toooooo close.

I would also wonder about the logic of having your…[Read more]

Using a BA may address the 'other issue' you have – perceived lack of time and loss of weekends.

Hi Homemade,

If you do a search on Buyers Agents in WA you'll see names like Momentum, Property Wizards and Hegneys. While I haven't used any of their services they all seem to receive positive feedback.

If you are seriously looking at Perth I would start conversations with those three companies and see how you go.

As an aside I noticed…[Read more]

Hi Fantomas

It doesn't really matter what we think – we don't know the block, the area or the relevant council. All of this is up to you.

I'll try and break it down into steps for you.

1. Contact councils planning department and talk to them about your grand plans. Ask them the sorts of questions I proposed in an earlier post.
2. If they give…[Read more]

Hi Heath,

Sounds like to me you aren't prepared to make things happen and are prepared to use the councils apparent lack of movement as your excuse.

Now I know that sounds harsh but this is your future we are talking about. You either want it and are prepared to chase it or you aren't.  Now I know council planning departments can be a little…[Read more]

Hi Janice,

Momentum Wealth do a similar thing. Haven't used them but might be worth a call.

Not sure where Terry is up to with this sort of stuff.

Last time I looked he was off learning a foreign language and learning how to pole dance but his posts reflect a comprehensive understanding of structures. I reckon he would be worth a PM at the very least.

PS – hope that didn't do irreparable damage to your reputation Terry