Thanks for your thoughts.Trent, the strategy I am looking at is purchasing residential properties that are positive geared now (or positive within 3-4 years) in metropolitan Melbourne.  I have done one development project that I settled this month and now want to set up a passive income stream for the future.  I would like to buy 3-4 properties w…[Read more]

Broccoli2, who was the builder?  And which side of town do they do their work?

Hi Nets, welcome to the site!An important guide for me when making life decisions is to ask myself … what are my goals (ie. what are my emotional, subjective desires that I want to make a priority in my life)?  Then I look into the best way to achieve this (ie. the rational/financial).  I suppose the trick is to not let the emotional side c…[Read more]

Hmmm.  Interesting.I'm in Melbourne and up until the start of this month (when I sold the property):1) I was paying 6% (+gst)2) 2 weeks rent for letting fee – period3) $04) $05) $06) tenants responsibility.  I believe some landlords will add this to the rent as part of the lease.So … 1) it was not the norm for me.2) I had to ride the PM a l…[Read more]

Hi Luke,Just wondering why you would sell a positive geared property (instead of a negative geared property) if you are concerned about serviceability.Andrew

Does it have to be an arborist or are there other people who can prune trees?Can anyone also recommend someone in the south east?

Welcome to the forums!An important ingredient is to know your goals.  It's great to see that you have listed them above.  When sorting through the different options for investing it will be good to refer back to these to help you keep on track.Education is the next important ingredient.   Joining the forums is a great starting point as there ar…[Read more]

Congratulations!  It's always good to hear a success story.  Good luck with the next one.Andrew

Interesting thread.  A question from a non finance person.  If FP's can no longer earn commissions, and if giving advice should be free, where do they  make their money?Andrew

Thanks for your comments.v8ghia, I look forward with interest to see what comments you you have from the valuers.Andrew

Hi Josh,Check out this thread.  https://www.propertyinvesting.com/forums/property-investing/value-adding/4332532Hope it helps.Regards,Andrew

Hi James, Welcome to the forums.One thing that will help focus you as well is to work out what your goals are.  Do you want a certain lifestyle, retire by 30! etc.  To do this do you need to earn passive income, build wealth, or get some quick cash?  I know at 20 its hard to figure out what you want to do but you have obviously thought about it en…[Read more]

Hi Dazz,A few people oin this site have recommended these guys http://www.gatherumgoss.com/about-gatherum-goss/our-locations/ – not NE suburbs though .  I have not been to them myself but I intend going to see them before I purchase my next IP.Andrew

Does anybody know the 'reason/purpose' that gets the highest valuation?Andrew

Hi Sash,You will find that there is a price developers will have in mind for approved developments.  eg. 200k per dwelling on a lot.   So if you have approval for 3 dwellings the price would be around 600k for the property.  So, try and find out what the price is.  A good real estate agent should know their area.Regards,Andrew

Hi,Sorry to hear about your predicament.  Hopefully it will be resolved very soon!A point to consider is that from the photos on the website the kitchen and bathroom doesn't look updated at all.  Plus a picture of a toilet!  It doesn't entice me to pick up the phone from that angle.  What other advertising are they doing? Is it just an add on re.…[Read more]

Hi Rollie,Welcom to the forums.I was looking at the NRAS recently and I came across this website http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/housing/pubs/housing/nras/Pages/default.aspx  I'm not sure if you have come across it before, or even if it will help you with your question, but it may be of some use.Andrew

Well, out  – super profits tax, in – mineral resource rent tax.  A week is a long time in politics!  Sure, the devil's still in the detail but there are already some mining projects being taken off hold.  It seems that some sort of consensus has been reached but the Policy Transition Group has a lot to do.  Don Arguse is a huge inclusion to the…[Read more]

I dont understand what the regulations are regarding ceiling heights etc but what I do know is that councils can be worried about all sorts of things, even if it meets all the codes and regulations (I KNOW this from experience).  Beware of council.  Beware of emotional responses to the situation.  I hope the measurements work out for you.Andrew

Funny how things move on.  Seems like the ALP didnt think Kevin Rudd was doing a good job.  What will Julia offer? – a chance to rethink some major policies, a new honey moon period for the government, and an early election (early september or last week of august?).  I still think the Australian electorate is fundamentally conservative and is mo…[Read more]