When I lived in the UK the government introduced tax-free savings accounts with a higher than usual rate of interest, that were available to everyone – they were called "TESSA's".  I think they still have something similar and offer a higher than usual rate of interest.  You have to keep the money in them for a fixed number of years though, I t…[Read more]

Do you have "Kitset Kitchens" up there?  We are in Melbourne and have used both Ikea and Kitset.  We've found Kitset to be much better.If you don't have Kitset then I wonder what it would cost to get it sent up to you – it's all flatpack – although I would think best to get the worktops from somewhere near where you are.

Me too!  Would rather pay tax on profit I've made than "save" tax on a loss I've incurred.

We had a similar siutation and went to see the neighbours for a chat.  We discussed different options with them, including we buy their property right away, doing a joint venture together, and taking out an option.In the end though they said no they wanted to stay put and nothing would persuade them otherwise.Still worth a go though – nothing…[Read more]

We use Bristol paints.  Go to your nearest Bristol paint shop and say you're a full time property renovator and they should give you trade price – which from my experience is much, much cheaper than Bunnings.The paint is good too!

Hi everyone

I would love to come along – is the event still tomorrow night – where is the event being held please??

Thanks[biggrin]

Hi

We live out that way – between Carrum and Bonbeach – just off the Nepean Highway – and we LOVE it – right by the beach and the Patterson River and good train link to the City as well as Moorabin, South Yarra etc – and of course, Frankston the other way.

Frankston will have great access with the new freeway coming through in 2008 – great links…[Read more]

I’ve just used Cleardocs – it worked for me, but agree you have to have a good idea what you’re doing.

I have a really good, basic short but concise Business Plan template – if anyone wants a copy, send me a PM

Janie

Hi Dr X

Goodness no, gosh you got me all wrong here. My negotiating skills are by no way limited to a flutter of the eylids – I would be a pretty sad and shallow person if they were – and I don’t think I would have got very far at all in life if that’s what I relied upon (and what a hideous thought anyway!)

My comment was merely intended to say…[Read more]

Hi Amanda

I hate to admit this – and let down all those femanist forum members – but a flutter of the eylids and a sweep of the hair often does wonders when negotiating with male tradespeople/real estate agents/bank manager etc etc – and sometimes also doing the “dumb blonde” thing at the same time [blush2]

Why does this work? Because the…[Read more]

Hi Editbox

Conveyancing can be easy, provided it is a simple straighforward one. The difficulties start if obstacles arise which takes the matter off the nice simple straighforward track onto a long, windy uphill one!!! There are many old posts on this site where even with a lawyer things can be difficult.

I do my own conveyancing but I’m a…[Read more]

Hi KSG

If you wish to discuss any aspect of applying for your trade marks, just send me a personal email – always glad to offer free assistance to forum members – and maybe save you some lawyers fees!

Hi Ozi

I’m a trade mark lawyer and will email you personally, but thought I would take off my property had and put my boring lawyers hat on for a few minutes(!) to post something here as well as I think you’ve raised some really interesting points.

It’s important to realise that registering a business and company name does NOT give you exclusive…[Read more]

Hi all

Yes we’re in Melbourne and are renovating (as usual) but not to sell. Our latest project is two houses in Warburton on a lovely flat are block in great position, which we paid $220K for. One of the houses comes complete with long term tenant and the other house is in need of major repairs. So we’re doing up that second house and once we…[Read more]

I think someone make a book of everyone’s experiences with real estate agents – would be a hoot!

Some of ours:
– Agent has wrong keys
– Agent has NO keys!
– Agent unlocks door and it promptly falls off!!
– Agent tells us there’s a planning permit and the original house can stay then gives us the section 32 which contains a demolition order as the…[Read more]

Yes, letters from the Law Society/Institute are taken VERY seriously by lawyers. There are very serious implictions for unstisfactory professional conduct and professinal misconduct – and can result in being struck off, large fines or rectification of the matter. I have never had such a letter – thank god – but do know lawyers and firms who have…[Read more]

In my opinion (and I’m a lawyer), going to court in most small claim cases is to be avoided wherever possible – just not worth the time, cost or stress.

If you’re not on speaking terms with the neigbours then I expect they’re unlikely to agree to pay anything, especially as the existing fence is not in a state of disrepair. But if you are on…[Read more]

We always ask them for information on the properties they have had on the market for the longest. However, sometimes this does backfire when it turns out the reason a property has been on for so long is because it is way overpriced and the vendor won’t budge in any way, shape or form.

One thing we asked an agent recently was “if you were buying…[Read more]

Yeh and add to that the higher leves of credit card and other debt that the average Joe Bloggs has and we can see why there must be some rather concerned people out there.