gday SteveSounds Great!Just double checking. We still haven't received that newsletter email yet. CheersHutch

hi egd,having contracted Demolishing companies to remove old WB houses several times (in Melb metro), on similar size blocks, for developments over the years. I can say from my experiences there are several factors that are to be answered that will dramatically affect the price of the final quote.*Does the house have any period features (windows,…[Read more]

crashydon't freak.I would suggest that you Not having a case against your solicitor for the moment. They are supposed to be on your side. Contact them straight away and get a copy of the 'search' that they did 6 months ago and calmly explain the situation as that's there job. Get a copy with the exact address that the council sent this "letter"…[Read more]

Option Deeds or Option Contracts …..etcThis is in Victoria…in which we definitely have to pay stamps on Options at some stageDifferent states in Australia use different wording for the same doc.I may not have explained myself in words, but I think we are all talking about the same 'end result' method. As I said first up, check with your Le…[Read more]

hi barneyIf its any help.For all my developments (through my Trust) I have been using EVL (End Value Loans) at 80% with nab, which is readily available if you (and the development) qualify. H

DiakaMark Unwin in Kew ticks all those boxes and more. At this time of year he may not be taking on new clients but email him on mark@mjua.com.au cheershutch

My opinion based on 6 delayed settlements in 7 years is…..Yes this is normal for most Brokers. Don't start me on them. I Wont mention company names or persons. But I have stopped using brokers this year and have gone back to my personal business banker. Ask any settlement clerk (or conveyancer) in the country, what the Number 1 reason for…[Read more]

Hi Tarae,That is alot of commission but certainly NOT unusual (in Vic). Most commission can be negotiated. Ask for full invoice disclosure on the adverts they are placing on your behalf. Good agents are hard to find and don't forget that the is a reason that these commissions are on a percentage basis is to protect both parties from wasting their…[Read more]

hi MMMost developers would jump all over you if you were to buy "in Bulk". Do your research on the project first before approaching them so they don't give you "Rack Rates" and then you be assured that thediscounted bulk is in fact just that. They have creative ways of making you think you are getting a genuine discount. You will have a lot more p…[Read more]

Wow DevoYour question has started a lot of posts in only 6 days. It’s amazing what happens when you bring politics into the equation (God please dont mention religion!). It’s also amazing to read everyone's opinions on the pre/post effects of the Election, 2007 style.  For the short term.IMHO I think there will be 2 small % rises before the Elect…[Read more]

Yossarianyou are missing the point a little. you not signing a contract of sale, just an option to buy at agreed price/terms. (If you read my post you will see that I still suggest getting the help of your professional before signing off any deals). And of course we would all have a Plan B to purhase the property if the Option deal fell thro…[Read more]

mistyI would doubt it. I have done this several time on existing dwellings, NOT H/Land packages. But doesnt hurt to Double check with your accounant/lawyer.taHutch

Exactly LA Aussie,Since it appears that it hasn't yet happened to any pollies (or their families) they have continued to let it go through to the keeper. Didn't see the TV program, but it makes my blood boil to think that these "humans" are still allowed to breath free air on the outside. They are low life scum and it's good that there is someone…[Read more]

Hi LittleguyYou can do it in but in a slightly different way. If your Vendor is motivated enough, you can get your agent or solicitor to draw up an Option agreement. This allows you first option on the property (at an agreed price & terms). It helps if the contract stipulates that you can have early access to 'freshen' the place up if need b…[Read more]

Definitely. Its always been a "fixture" on all my (Vic) sale contracts and never once been an issue. I Cant speak for other states.

Ohhh DucksterSun in your eyes?Is that how you invest, or live your life?Gee that is very lame. (a lame duck ster).

Great story, but an Urban Myth.I've read that same story about 3 years ago in an industry RE forum.Could it possibly of happened recently to another stupid person? ….Who knows?

Hi CrashyI'm in Victoria and have never heard of them.  So I can only assume that they are a QLD "business". But Thanks for the heads up.  With service like that I hope they had little or no commision rates. "Pay Peanuts……….."H

Hi Mrsimbadouble check that your personal lender will lend in that poscode if you havent already. Three years ago the nab told me that they couldnt lend 80% to me if I was to invest in particular postcodes (CBD, Soutbank & Docklands). The banks may have changed and my lending situation has changed since, but I was shocked back then that they had…[Read more]

Devo,After 4 tries and 4 rejected offers. I successfully did this recently with a house (in Melbourne metro) that I drive past, and wasn't on the market. I used my current Property lawyer to do a search, contact the owner, draft up the offer letter and eventually the Sale contracts. Thus by-passing any need for a RE agent. The only fees I had w…[Read more]