Forum Replies Created
Hi PurpleKiss,
you noted:
I usually call the council for the area I’m thinking of investing and see what info they will send out too. Often this is a bit more current.Specifically what information do you request? [blink]
Regarding the free data through ABS — what items do you research?[blink]
Regards,
Helen[biggrin]Hey Geo,
doesn’t your world extend beyond property.[biggrin]
You need to get a life[oneeyed2] (Just kidding!!!)
Regards,
HelenHi Domo,
agree with you totally that you need to match tenants with the property.[biggrin]
But the balance of your argument has some holes. Just because someone has children or pets doesn’t automatically mean increased damage. It really comes down to being especially careful when selecting tenants for your property. The other thing is regular inspections to catch any potential problems before they escalate. Also I don’t believe you are allowed to discriminate on the basis of children. Could be a legal issue (one to be aware of). Finally, make sure your insurance policy covers all possible areas of damage.
Regards,[cap]
HelenHi All,
just a thought. Sunday brunch would be the best way to get together — somewhere where you can just kick back, enjoy good company, wine, food and at the same time share property experiences.[
] An evening might not be the answer. Too rushed, too tired at the end of the day!![sleepyanim]Regards,
Helen[biggrin]Hi Peter,
thanks for the link to the thread noted in your post. It contains so much detail[thumbsup2]. I have printed off the entire thread — almost makes a book.Your new book “$10 million property portfolio in 10 years” arrived in the mail today.
A stack of new reading awaits.[upsidedown]
Regards,
HelenThanks Brenda,
for the link to the somersoft thread. Lots of wonderful information to take on board.
Congratulations — onto the next 20 properties[biggrin]
Regards,
HelenHi All,
posted by emcdonald
what a great idea, the only conlflict is the choice of charity. Everyone has certain causes closer to their heart than others (mine’s children) but the idea’s sound. No idea how you would go about setting it up though…There are so many worthwhile charities that gaining agreement shouldn’t be that difficult[blink]. I think the problem is in how to set it up, manage it and I guess set in place some audit guidelines. Perhaps there is someone out there with either a legal or accounting background who could provide some advice.
But I suppose the first step is to gauge the potential response from forum members before proceeding too far.
Regards,
Helen[cap]Geo,
Nice try[biggrin]
Regards,
HelenThanks TheCrest,
useful information. [biggrin]
Helen
Hi,
I would agree with Kay’s comments.[biggrin]
Regards,
HelenHi All,
this post is directed to Geo. You noted:
The difference is that I can either give it to World Vision who will end up giving 70% to Sudanese ppl or I can just give 100% to the Sudanese ppl – see the difference.I agree with you. But how can you give direct so that 100% of your contribution finds it’s way to the people who need it most.[blink]
Just a thought. Why don’t we as a community select one or two charities and support them as a group. eg. every time you buy or sell a property — donate a small amount (say $100); every time you get a new tenant — donate say $10 to the fund. I don’t know how this could be set up. eg bpay or other method. If anyone out there has some experience in setting up a fund, please share your knowledge. Any other thoughts????[biggrin]
Helen
Hi,
regarding the condition report — I don’t receive a copy. But if its important to you, then ask your PM to provide a copy.
Photos — haven’t ever given any thought to photos. Might be useful if the property has something valuable which could be costly to replace. eg. inbuilt furniture.
In my experience, the condition report is prepared a day or so before the tenant moves in or on the day the tenant takes possession. Your PM might have a different opinion.
Regards,
HelenHi All,
in my opinion, Latham doesn’t have the acumen or political clout to take over as Prime Minister.[huh] Australia has had solid economic growth in recent years, stemming from responsible policy and financial management. I feel that Howard has the experience and exposure in international matters; in the current climate (terrorism) we need tested leadership. The issue of Howard versus Costello is all smoke and mirrors. Costello has proved himself time and time again. I feel that he could step into the role of Prime Minister and we as a community wouldn’t see or experience any change to policy, direction or government intent.I’d better step down off my soap box. [blush2][blush2] Your opinion????????????
Helen
Hi jhighlo2001
If I have understood your post both your solicitor and the solitictor on the other side don’t believe a discrepancy of 20% is a matter of concern[blink].
Just a few thoughts.
1. has your solicitor reviewed the contact — and can she confirm where it states that the unit can be one fifth smaller than originally indicated, without compromising the contract.[sneaky]
2. can you arrange for an estimator to check and confirm in writing the actual size of the unit. I think you need to know exactly the extent of the discrepancy you are looking at.
3. Ask you solicitor to send a letter to CE and get them to detail how they measured the property.[angry2] I am aware that you tried to get them to provide this information before. Perhaps a letter from your solicitor might help. Ask CE to provide a copy of the surveyor’s report. If they have nothing to hide, then they shouldn’t be too concerned giving you a copy of this document[ohno]
4. Can you get another legal opinion. Does your solicitor have previous experience in this type of case. Maybe there are some solicitors on this forum who might be willing to provide an offline response direct to you.
5. I don’t know if this could assist — is your solicitor with a large firm. If she isn’t then maybe referring the matter to one of the major legal firms might give you some clout. Perhaps others on the forum could provide further opinion in this regard.
6. In your post you noted:
I received a valuation back from one of the banks and they put the flat size exactly as the measurements that CE had told them (so I guess they got the figures direct from CE and did not measure it).Contact the bank and ask them how they calculated the size of the unit. If they don’t respond, have a chat with the bank ombudsman. Get them to deal with the bank on your behalf.
7. Contact the property council of australia. Ask them if there is a building ombudsman or some other entity who would be willing to look into this case.
8. Is there a chance of taking this matter to “A Current Affair” or “Today Tonight”. Even if you don’t get anywhere, the publicity would be negative for CE.[fart]
9. Finally, if you don’t have the law on your side, then do the figures. Is it better to lose your deposit, have substantial legal fees — versus completing the sale and then look at ways to make your unit attractive to tenants, to maximise rental income.
If nothing else, then you have been on a sharp learning curve, which should make you a more astute investor in the future.[rambo]
Wishing you all the very best in your battle with CE. Keep us updated.
Regards,[cap]
HelenHi All,
I think Bart Simpson put it most eloquently when he said “Share the wealth”[biggrin] although I think Bart might have had something else in mind.
I really do believe in supporting worthwhile causes. In my case, I contribute to a broad range of charities, and every time I write a cheque I feel that perhaps in some very small way I may make a difference.
Main charities — 2 children via World Vision, 1 child via Unicef; Lost Dogs Home, RSPCA, World Society for the Protection of Animals; World Wildlife Fund; Smith Family, Scope, St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army; Guide Dogs for the Blind, MS Society — and others (too numerous to mention).
Regards,
Helen[cap]Hi All,
Jenman’s book was great in that it exposed a number of myths and brought to the average Jo’s attention some of the tricks, smoke and mirrors[devil] Agents use to control the sales process.I am no fan of Agents — don’t really like to have any dealings with individuals I don’t trust. Having said that, I also do treat Agents with respect, knowing full well that their “mission” is to get the sale, sometimes “at all costs”.[grrr] If you know what the “side game” is; you complete all necessary research; you understand the market — then really an agent is no match for you.[biggrin]
So I certainly wouldn’t get a high from dumping on Agents. I’d prefer to spend my time in the market looking for my next investment.[rambo2]
Anyway, just my thoughts.
Each to their own.
Helen
Hi Geo,
originally posted by GeoI tend to disagree. My first purchse in NZ was through Westan and I’d never seen the property till day except through photos.
In reality we do tend to agree. In my post I noted:
If you absolutely can’t make the journey, then see if you can secure the services of a buyers agent to provide a report for you — this should be a fraction of the cost of a buyer’s agent sourcing a property for you.Geo, you were fortunate to secure the services of Westan (either as a friend or buyers agent). The key issue is — simply to get someone you trust on the ground to inspect the property for you.[angel]
Otherwise you are taking a risk.[blink]
Regards,
HelenHi,
in my opinion you should physically check out a property. Even with all inspection reports coming back as OK, and even with complete photos (inside and outside) — walking through a property gives you a different perspective and highlights potential problems. eg. sufficient storage space.[blink]Also you need to check out the surrounding area. eg Is the property located on a busy road (consider noise, pollution). An agent is not going to tell you any negatives.[comp]
If you absolutely can’t make the journey, then see if you can secure the services of a buyers agent to provide a report for you — this should be a fraction of the cost of a buyer’s agent sourcing a property for you.
It seems to me that if you are going to spend quite a sum of money on an investment, then perhaps a few hundred dollars to make an on site inspection might be money well spent. Anyway, I know there will be opposing views on this forum.
Hope this helps.[cap]
Helen
Hi,
at a recent seminar, the presenter (an experienced property manager) mentioned that her company had undertaken research to find out what tenants want. Their preference was for polished floor boards, not carpet.
Just one problem with floor boards — while they look great, they can be slippery (eg in socks) — so I would be somewhat concerned about my liability in terms of an accident.[blink]
Why not approach a few property managers in your area and ask their opinion.
Regards,
Helen[biggrin]Hi,
if I could just add to the previous comments — consider selecting an agent in the area where your property is located. Often intending tenants leave their details with an agent in the area they are interesting in renting in.
A good property manager should be able to provide you with information (hard data) regarding time taken to fill rental vacancies. Don’t just take their word for it.[angry2]
Don’t assume that once your property manager is in place, all you have to do is bank a cheque. You really do need to manage the process.
Regards,
Helen [biggrin]
] An evening might not be the answer. Too rushed, too tired at the end of the day!![sleepyanim]
