I'd direct them straight back to the PM with a kind reminder that you're the property owner – not the manager. The PM is getting paid to manage the property – I'd be annoyed if tenants were contacting me directly, especially after hours, especially on the weekend!

Cheers

Jamie

Hi Lukey

If the main reason for selling up is doubt that the bank will front up with the funds for a new PPOR then definitely consult a decent finance person. If you're comfortable with using email/phone, you can choose your broker from anywhere in the country.

Cheers

Jamie

I'm no legal eagle but I can't see why text messages would be treated any differently to an email from that perspective.

The legal guru Terry W may be able to elaborate.

Cheers

Jamie

I can't see why you couldn't use a solicitor that's out of town. Like other professionals, you should be able to carry out most dealings via phone/email.

I was just cc'd into a solicitors email to one of my clients – the solicitor is based on the east coast whilst the client is based on the west coast. Hasn't stopped the transaction from proceeding smoothly. 

Cheers

Jamie

My accountant is based in my home town but we operate similar to Jac and her accountant – almost everything's done via email and phone and we rarely catch up for a face to face. 

Email/phone usually ends up being the most efficient way to do business anyway. This goes for most service professions IMO.

Cheers

Jamie

Without knowing the finer details of your situation – interest only on all properties with an offset attached against your PPOR is a good way of improving your future serviceability.

Keeping consumer debt at a minimum will also help.

If you have a credit card – keep it at a reasonable limit.

Cheers

Jamie

I think the idea has merit.

You'll need to be able to filter out any dodgy feedback from rival PM's or disgruntled tenants though.

Cheers

Jamie

We've succesfully challenged quite a few valuations in the past – it's certainly not enjoyable but a bit of persistence can sometimes pay off.

As mentioned, you need to arm yourself with three direct comparable sales that aren't too old. If your banker/broker can provide you with a residex report or equivalent, that would be a good place to start.

Once you've found three comparable sales that compliment your property – provide it to your banker/broker.

The best results occur when the broker is able to contact the actual valuer and discuss the situation with them. It's not always easier to get direct contact – but like I said, a bit of persistence and thinking outside the square can often achieve results.

Cheers

Jamie

Hi there

Are there any indications of future growth? 

There's a lot of talk at the moment about the Brisbane market entering in upswing. Only time will tell whether this comes to fruition.

Is there a chance you may have simply paid too much for the property at the start?

If you think the money can be better spent elsewhere and you're reasonably confident that its a dud then liquidating might not be a bad option.

Cheers

Jamie

Depends on the quality of service/advice and complexity of your finances.

Your accountant may have simply changed his/her method of charging. If you don't believe it's value for money then try a different one.

Cheers

Jamie