I agree with Myydral, I find the new posts with highlighted words a little annoying to read.
Cheers,
Sue [blush2]

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

That’s a good point Byronet, something that now needs to be looked at more thoroughly when purchasing for positive cashflow.
Obviously its going to make a big impact.
And to backdate 2 years, thats really nasty!

Sue

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

hi Jules,
I heard similar discussions on radio. A gentlemen who owned a pub in Gippsland said three of four years ago his land tax was $4000 and he thought that was hefty….this year it is $44000!!! He estimates it will be $65000 in two years and he’ll have to sell up. I think I’d just move into the pub myself….
Sorry I don’t know what the…[Read more]

Hi Rossolot,
I don’t know anyone who HASN’T had a problem building through those types of companies…..good luck with it.
Personally, I’d do it myself. (Project manage)
Cheers,
Sue [biggrin]

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Hi Mike,
Firstly, I’d speak to someone at the local council and see what they will allow you to do with a block that size.
As bordering suburbs can have different “development conditions” your question is a little too difficult to answer.
Good luck,
Sue [biggrin]

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Hi Misty,
Do you have a bunnings store near you? They have some workshops for DIY projects and I think they’re free. I haven’t been but my sister went to one for laying floor tiles and she thought it was great.
Good luck,
Sue [biggrin]

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Hi Geo,
A good laugh…..I’ve been watching a show on TV that investigates air craft crashes, so I wasn’t planning on flying any time soon.[biggrin]
Sue

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Hi Brooke,
I would start by calling the person who sold you the house and asking them if they open to the idea. I would think they would want some sort of fee for their time, as I don’t see why would do it for nothing as they have already secured their commission.
I would try to negotiate a fee for period of time, say 1-2 months…rather than a…[Read more]

Hi Steve,
20% discount sounds pretty good…I have an ABN and I sure don’t get that kind of discount!
You may find that if you frequent the same store often, you can haggle them for a discount. Get a quote from another business and ask them to better it…..
If you’re planning to do a few renos you might want to get an ABN anyway, as you may need…[Read more]

Hi jay,
There are a few great mortgage brokers on this forum, whom I’m sure will answer your question shortly.
Have you spoken to a mortgage broker? As it seems you are only looking at the major banks, not a good move, as you’ve found out.
I empathise with you as we are self-employed also.
I’ve found macquarie to be very helpful, although I do…[Read more]

Hi treasure,
Not sure about how to arrange a swap, but what about renting out the house? Is that possible?
Maybe she has some relatives in Brazil to help her out with this.
Cheers,
Sue [biggrin]

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Nice one propguru!!!
Well worth a look…..[cap]
sue

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Hi,
I agree council will offer some great info, I think you will get a more realistic figure if you ask the local plumber.
Cheers,
Sue [biggrin]

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Hi Jenny,
Most people who buy to renovate and on-sell, take the option of a long settlement to gain (pre-arranged) early access to do the renovation ASAP.
As the prop you refer to is occupied it may be subject to a lease with some time left to run. This can make renovation difficult, though not impossible. (For instance you could offer reduced…[Read more]

Hi Wylie,
Before I went any further, I would first check with the local council whether they would allow the two Queenslanders on the one block.
Then get some rough estimates of costs involved.
Compare what the two Queenslanders would be worth, against the old one with a new one.
Or for cashflow what each scenario will provide in rental…[Read more]

Hi Ambo,
What tools says is right.
Does the agent have a set of plans that are “stamped” by council and thereby approved?
Or is the agent just confident that you would be able to extend if you wanted to? (Sounds most likely)
Check with the local council concerned, they are usually very helpful and can offer a lot of information on what you are…[Read more]

Hi Guys,
A small suggestion re buying props to subdivide, you should really check the prop for sewer and stormwater easements. These can present their own problems on where you can build. At the same time, you can find out where the sewer and stormwater “points” are that you need to connect to.
Cheers,
Sue [biggrin]

“Be careful not to step on the…[Read more]

Yes, to Steve and all the hidden workers behind the scenes, we appreciate your efforts in all that you do on this site. I’ve learn’t so much, that sometimes I can give a semi-intelligent response to posts…..[biggrin]
Cheers,
Sue

“Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

Hi Chris,
How long have you had the properties? Is it possible that one or both have increased in value since purchase?
If so, one option could be to sell one and use the gain to pay some debt off the other. Depending on the figures, you may come close to a positive return or at least, take some of the pressure off your finances.
The first person…[Read more]

Hi guys,
Used to live a commission area, did it up, sold for nice price, and quickly got out of there!
Just kidding, I was there for 11 years!

Anyway, a small point I want to make.
My husband and I are self-employed and when we first started in business, we tried to target the more “affluent” suburbs for work, definately no commission areas. We…[Read more]