Hi Leigh,
I guess each situation is individual.

We bought a 30+ year old house and our accountant who had previously explained to us about QS and their benefits, advised us against it. It is a very basic house and we replaced the air-con and stove, and the HWS is working ok, so we noted it’s age. It is 2-3 hours drive from the city -also a factor.

So, I guess it depends on a variety of things.
I’m only new but hope this helps.
Diane

Perhaps there should be a means of assessing the quality of work that individual teachers do. Some I know are very dedicated and work very hard. others are being “carried” by them, arriving late, minimum preparation etc. I guess the addage ” there are many willing workers here – some are willing to work and others are willing to let them” applies to all employment spheres. However I think where children’s education and care is concerned, accountability should be a prime concern.

That’s my thoughts anyway,
Diane

Hi Bear,
not as far as I know.
cheers, diane

Hi nchattaway and welcome[]. It’s Diane Schmidtke and I assume there’s only one of you in SA and that I’m not embarrassing myself?? 20+ years older than you and we are only just learning this stuff and just got our first IP (in Sa) – so you are already in front and I expect to read great reports from you on here soon.
If you want to talk phone Adam and he can let you know where we are now. Have fun and wishing you great success, Diane and Tony

Hi all, we were travelling for a few months and one Sunday after church were invited to a young couple’s home for lunch. During the course of the afteroon we learned this young father of 3 only worked part time, and the passive income from his investment properties paid his mortgage on his PPOR… WOW… We were 20 or so years older what were we doing wrong?
After a while we saw Steve on TV, got the book, joined the forum and were most surprised when Steve phoned us to tell us our email address wasn’t responding. We had a house full at the time and hadn’t spoken to anyone famous before so it made quite an impact!! We work in customer service so we really appreciated receiving some for a change. Thanks Steve[]
We spent months researching and learning. We have learned so much from this site along the way it is invaluable and much appreciated.
We have purchased our first IP which we are busy renovating at present. We bought at $15,000 under market value and are spending $5,000 tops. One other valuable tool was the Buyer Beware material which we purchased.
We have a son and an accountant brother frowning at us as they are on much higher incomes than us and are into negative gearing.
However we are really happy with our decisions and are planning to buy and hold this property.
It’s great to read what others are doing.
Happy New Year
Diane

Hi Redwing,
Thanks for all that great information.
Nice to read, lots of positive points to ponder, and encouragement we are on the right path!!
We have been flat out renovating our first IP on days off over the last 4 weeks. It’s coming together as last. Has been exhausting from the fact we found a good job opportunity at the same time as settlement, and have been to interviews and busy packing, not to mention it’s been Christmas.[] Am looking forward to moving, getting tennants, and then resting on days off!!
Love reading this forum when I can and am learning all the time.

Happy New Year and thanks again,

Diane

Who puts the values on people’s occuptaions?? For example, A refrigeration mechanic I know did 4 years study as an apprentice and has 25 years knowledge of whitegoods and airconditioning, he worked hard and was a service representative for several major companies and the most he was paid was $29,000. He left this to become a manager of an electrical retail store for $31,000.
I worked as an SSO in schools with teachers who studied for 4 years and earned $38,000 their first year out.
I’m hastening to add I’m not having a go at teachers, but I know other trades where the pay is low for equal amounts of study and I think it’s not just the tax rates that divide those that do well from those that don’t.
And I think peoples sense of self worth is very wrapped up in what they earn in comparison to their peers and relatives. Yes it boils down to choices but also to our abilities and personalities. For example some people love office work, while others prefer to be working outdoors. Why is one more “valuable” monetry wise than the other??
Anyway this SSO and her fridgy hubby are now happily managing a caravan park, and enjoying the lifestyle and freedom. Some would scoff at the combined $40,000 income, but we have health and happiness and are really excited at having just bought our first IP, and what the future holds.

Just my 2c worth,
Diane[]

Just a few thoughts from our 1st 3 months of looking…..
The templates in Buyer Beware are a really big help in sorting the finances and taking away the “have I missed anything” thoughts.

We looked seriously at a property 6 hours from us and went back for a 2nd look, saw things we didn’t notice on our first “eager” trip and made us realise it was too far for us to go each weekend to “do up” on our days off.

“your” property must be in good condition to have happy long-term tennants so this may not be a consideration for you.

You are being wise seeking advise and thinking it all through thoroughly.
Good luck, Diane