Hi,

My Grandmother used to live in Norlane and then passed her house onto my Mum when she passed away.

Norlane from memory wasn’t a particularly bad area, just not much going on there. It is on the Melbourne side of Geelong and is pretty flat and uninspiring. You basically drive through Norlane from Melbourne to Geelong! Houses are typically…[Read more]

What gets me is a paedophile was sentenced yesterday to 12 months in prison (off in 4 months!!)here in Australia but Schapelle got 20 years in Indo for drugs.

Personally, I think Australia could learn a thing or two about sending a clear message.

Personally, I think the Indonesians have the right approach. Anyone considering drug trafficking at least knows what the repurcussions are and cannot be deluded that they “didn’t know”. It was certainly a tough sentence although could have been tougher. I may not be a saint but I know if I do something wrong, I have a chance of paying for…[Read more]

Hey Coops,

I guess the first things that spring to mind are the following:
lack of flexibility. Very difficult to change layout after the place is built.
Lack of flexibility in construction phase. You have to absolutely certain when you design that thats what you really want. Once you pourt concrete, it is really expensive to change.Lack of…[Read more]

Click on private messages then open the mail from there.

cheers

Hey Candy,

My only concern with managing this part yourself is that, because you are a fair distance away, you are reliant on tenants to honestly report on maintenance issues and what needs to be done. You are also reliant on the trades people that supply quotes to only fix what is necessary. I am assuming that you will not be able to travel to…[Read more]

Hi Jessica,

I used a device over in Canada a while back which steamed wallpaper off. Worked pretty well but was still a bugger of a job. You could probably ask one of the tool hire companies such as Kennards if they have anything.

I wonder if a heat gun would work? I have one which I use for paint stripping but havn’t tried on wallpaper,…[Read more]

Hear hear Neo, time to drop the subject I think!

Or get an external drive that plugs into your laptop.

Should be able to be fixed though!

Hey MJ,

I am personally a big fan of the sloping block mainly because you simply cannot buy and install a view!

You mentioned a fall of 6m however what is the distance of the fall? If it is 6m over 200m it is easier to build on than say 6m in 50m! This will predominantly determine the overall cost of levelling if you want to go that way.

On…[Read more]

Yeah, I got one too but ignored it! Working from home for blah blah blah.

I suspect that, as a client to a major residential builder, you will probably have a heap of trouble trying to change their “standard” contract. In WA at the moment, residential contruction is still booming and they can really take the work that they want. I would think the moment someone wants to change the contract so it isn’t as biased…[Read more]

Hi all,

I am going to go out on a limb here and offer some advice. Please donot forget to live as well. The best thing I did when I was 20 was to travel around the world for 12 months. Started Uni straight out of high school but took off 12 months in the middle to see the world.

I certainly applaud anyone who starts looking at investing at an…[Read more]

I think you got most of the info from those above but a few further points and questions to those in the know.

I believe if new development is to take place, the existing tanks have to be removed and disposed of prior to new development.

Most of the environmental issues is due to leaching of the fuels into the ground predominantly from leaking…[Read more]

I wonder if they would accept a low offer??

Basenji’s are kind of the cats of the dog world! A bit aloof and up themselves, but are very intelligent, not like my retrievers…hey look at that, foods in my bowl again, how did that get there? Oh well, who cares! Damn, its empty again, oh well, might take a nap then.

Jgray,

Have you actually talked to the building surveryor? I find it does help if you discuss the issue with them as permits can be issued retrospectively. Usually fees involved and you may have to get structural signoff (plans from a structural Engineer)but can be done.

If the surveyor is agreeable, you may also be able to have it written…[Read more]

I remember when I was a tenant and had to break the lease myself that I had to pay for advertising to get new tenants and then get them to talk to the RE and pass their checks. Could the reverse work here where the landlord has to find the tenants suitable alternative accommodation? If they were reasonable tenants of course.
Other opportunity…[Read more]

Personally, I wouldn’t be too specific with respect to the finance clause. Subject to finance is really all you have to include. As for Building and Pest inspection, again this is standard so wouldn’t worry too much.

In the end it comes down to the risk you wish to carry. If finance is an issue, put it in. If the building report is critical,…[Read more]

Well Duh!! Surrounded by Mother Nature, of course he’s wrong!!

Love it!!