Thanks mate,We were hoping to fix some loans at what we thought was the bottom of the cycle. Clearly the CBA is making this harder than first thought.

G'day God_of_money,Just wondering what CBA fixed interest changes have occurred?There is no indication on the CBA website that home loan fixed rates have increased. Are you making reference to term deposits interest rates?

I feel you Karenday,I used to be with CUA. They were great when I only had one loan, but as soon as I came knocking on their door to purchase further properties they were extremely cautious. They made it very difficult to use their services again so we reluctantly went with Comm bank who were very keen to aid our investment ambitions.It's a shame…[Read more]

G'day KalsBAN TACS is definitely the go. They have offices at Maroochydore and Bribie Island.While you're there. I highly recommend you buy Julia HARTMAN's book.

This book is worth its weight in gold."Saving tax on your investment property" by Julia HARTMAN and Noel WHITTAKER.10/10I took notes whilst reading this book. I found that I was only skim reading through Margaret LOMAS' "20 Must Ask Questions for every property investor." LOMAS' book outlines a few helpul sources for finding the info you need for…[Read more]

G'day HKI don't believe that work has started yet at the Marina. The current Marina is operational though. There has been talk over the years of a few different developments near the marina including a small casino. There is further talk about a Marina at River Heads. I am unsure if that will go ahead. I have heard that the developer has a lease…[Read more]

G'day HK,To an extent, I agree with Hbbehrendorff. Hervey Bay offers great housing value for home buyers, but can be a little bit less rewarding for job seekers. Rental returns are fairly poor but there has been steady capital growth in the area.There are a lot of oldies living in Hervey Bay who are pretty good at counting their money. So there is…[Read more]

Sorry CF+, I wish the OSR was that understanding of our financial needs.There may be other strategies out there for you but unfortunately the OSR will slug you duties if the property does not become 50/50 ownership upon completion of the transfer. Your relationship of 10 years will support the definition of defacto/spousal relationship but will…[Read more]

We're paying 5.04% with Comm Bank Wealth Package at the moment.The five year fixed rate is currently 6.49% with the wealth package.We're keen to utilise the low variable rate at the moment, but we'd get real interested in locking in for about 5.7% for five years if it became available. We intend to lock 3 loans in when we think the time is…

hbbehrendorff, I always enjoy reading your views on these matters.However, I think your thoughts on debt this time may only be possible in an imaginary land.Not many people can save the 350k cash required to purchase their first house. It sounds like your family has made purchases based on sound buying principles. I once bought an old Chevy and d…[Read more]

Yes Linar,I absolutely agree. In QLD, the spousal transfer duty exemption is only applicable when transferring the title into joint tenants or tenants in common 50/50. It will not be applicable when trying to remove a name completely.

If in QLD, have a read of s151 of the Duties Act. It should help you out.

Interest Only with a 100% offset account.Unless your oozing with cash, you're probably a battler like us who has goals, and some effective money management. If you can't save, investing won't work for you.Just keep paying your extra savings into your owner occupied offset account. That extra principal from the other loans will go a long way to…[Read more]

I just deposited some money into your Nigerian bank account. Do you need any more?

G'day Ozyboy84,I am too lazy to research the FHOG Act again but I believe that your defacto parter is eligible to apply for the FHOG. Although the Acts Interpretation Act defines you as defacto, the FHOG Act further defines a defacto relationship as having resided together for 2 years. I can't remember if becoming engaged will throw a spanner in…[Read more]

G'day nhb74We had pretty minor damage. 2 x smashed windows and a damaged skylight. A friend living out there received 9 smashed windows plus the loss of a patio. The insurance assessor said that he was inspecting alot of houses in the street. I am glad to hear that you pulled up fine.

Thanks Scott No Mates,Thanks for your views mate. You put forward a good discussion. Unfortunately I don't have enough knowledge on the topic to rebut  your comments.You've got me scratching my head now as to who is liable. Are you suggesting that as I am not the owner yet, technically I shouldn't be permitted to take out an insurance policy on a…[Read more]

Thanks LinarI'll have a read of the contract and see if I can come up with anything.As previously stated. The manager of my local insurance centre told me that I was wasting my money and time as I was not liable if there were probs. I am glad that I was too stubborn to listen to him and took out a policy to cover us anyway. Things could have been…[Read more]

Thanks Eddie.I'm doing some big days at the moment. Hopefully I'll get into it tomorrow and read the sections.Thanks for putting in the extra effort mate.

Thanks for the reply guys.Eddie, would it make any difference that the misses' loan (I'm currently guarantor) is now being changed to both our names on the mortgage via refinancing? Followed by the addition of my name on the title?It sounds like perhaps I've complicated things beyond my level of knowledge.Are there any sections of the ITA Act that…[Read more]