Just give them a ring and say you don't want to go anymore and ask for a refund. There should be a refund policy somewhere. Of course they will try and talk you out of cancelling but be strong, you can do it.

I wish this thread exist back in 2007 and read it before I went to the seminar. It'll make you feel good and think that it's easy until reality hits and sinks in. Yes, it's possible to get somebody to agree to an option as I did, but realising the deal is the hard part specially if you don't have a team/contact of specialist/professionals like town planners, surveyors, civil contractors, builders, financiers,etc backing you up. 

Did I pick up anything from the seminar?  Well yes, but it's not worth $5k! Also, from speaking to a few property lawyers, you don't really need options that a conditional contract can't do (providing it's a good deal) and less messy.

I am currently doing an introductory law course as part of a uni program where I have access to instructors that can answer property related (including options) matters where it cost nowhere near $5k. This forum is also a good source of information. Good luck.

Hi, Freddy here. Currently doing a property related Uni program. Have been concentrating more on the real estate side of things for around 3 years now after being involved in the money market. I am currently concentrating on the commercial side of property which is part reason for the Uni program.

I look forward to discussing more commercial property, development and international property market topics.

I like to play some guitar and occasional golf whenever I can find the time however I enjoy talking about property the most.

Do you have any assets at all like a house or something?

Is there a reason why you're unemployed or do you simply don't want to work?

There's plenty you can do with $200k but there's a lot a risk elements to be considered.

I'm probably in a similar situation where I was unemployed because I tried a few things that didn't work out but learned a lot from it. However, I'm starting a new position where I'll be building my asset base and hopefully learned enough from past experiences to invest successfully.

People here would probably want to know what you want to do and where you want to go to be able to provide some sort of direction.

If you love what you do and having fun, who cares! I have a renewed passion for property that's why I'm doing it. I know if I concentrate on the principles, the fundamentals, strategies, etc with risk management techniques chances are I'll get there.

Some of the millionaires interviewed in 'The Millionaire Next Door' mentioned that they love what they do and a big part of the reason why they're 'financially independent.' My 2 cents worth.

@zaul.You might also want to think more about your statement. Do you want to retire or become financially independent? Retirement to me is like playing golf, or going to the beach, waiting for money to come and practically don't do much else.

Financial independence is simply your financial worries are taken care of and you can choose your own lifestyle. To me, if you really love what you do, why retire?

Anyway, good luck on your endeavour and hope you find mentor you can work with. Personally, I learn from everybody I meet (well, almost) so I consider most people, specially people that know more than me my mentor.

@richard aka Qlds007. What type of license do you need to be able to ask for spotter's fee?

@maurice. Where can I find this 20 in 12 Investment Rule?

Thanks.

All part of the learning process. Thanks for sharing.

Just thought I'd ask since it's a two storey if the window would be overlooking someone's backyard. There could be further issues if the windows do overlook someone's backyard and one way to avoid it is to design the windows to look straight or upwards.

I was in a tour one time provided by the council (some councils can be proactive) where the guide mentioned the mistakes made by the council (approval) and developers alike. One thing mentioned was the window design where we passed a block of townhouses where the windows were blocked by a thin piece of timber as it overlooks a backyard and it doesn't look nice.

Just thought I'd share.