I agree with Terry on this one.  I went ot Uni straight of school and wasted 3 years.  I am now "more mature" and studyng through distance education (I'm in 3rd year).  It has been the best thing.  This gives me so much flexibility.  It really can be done quiet easily if you want too.  Imagine where you could be in 6 years from now if work tha…[Read more]

Beenseeker,I would stay away if I was you.  I bought a place that needed carpet, curtains, A/C and other cosmetics from interstate and it took me more time on the phone than it would have had, had I gone to the location and orgainised it.  It also cost a lot more.  Have you looked at some places close to Capital cities.  Werribee in Melbourne has…[Read more]

A property researcher I came across was spruiking Beaudesert as the next boom area.  I haven't looked into it myself, but might be worth researching yourself.  I do not know the person who told me, so I do not know what criteria they have used to come to this conclusion.  Just thought I'd pass it on too someone who could find it useful.JL

For info,Yesterdays headlines in Townsville – Uranium dig – Mining giant takes new look at yellow cake deposit.  Essentially a Canadian company are exploring the possibility of a new mine just 50k from the centre of Townsville.  The paper indicates it is a done deal at some stage, but the mining company are exploring it's possibilities, u…[Read more]

Elka,The article was quoting Margret Lomas stating that Mildura was dependable.  A warm spot not a hot spot.  Reliable with returns and growth.  "It has a strong diverse economy with affordable real estate, a busy council and business community – and is the proposed site of the world's biggest solar power station".  It goes through the usual sta…[Read more]

Thanks Mick,JL

WJ Hooker,Remember Townsville is in a Tsunami warning area too.  Some parts of Kirwan are included in the evacuation area, mostly the old parts, so maybe your place.  When you go there again, make sure you go have a look at the development opposite the Willow's.  They have put in lagoons, in all over 3 olympic pools worth, and it is free to go tak…[Read more]

WJ Hooker,A lot will have changed since you last lived in Townsville.  A lot of new development in Kirwan (on the flood plains) and outer suburbs, including Kelso.  All the new homes have great airconditioning, that are relatively cheap to run during the wet.  The whole of the hospital is now airconditioned.  For those that aren't aware, the old…[Read more]

Mick,Where?JL

Mark,Have you bought yet? Where did you buy?JL

Deadalus, I know this is not for everyone, but hopefully I will look back on this post at the end of next year and say yep, you could have bought for $70k and now they are worth $250k with $400p/w rent as with some other mining towns.  (I'll stop dreaming now).Kind regards,JL

I'd like to earn $15k a month for a $50k investment.  Where do i sign up?  I assume you mean $1500p/m.Please explain what a covered call is for all of those that are ignorant – like myself? How does it work?Thanks,JL

Vikaris,See, there seems to be little risk.  Have you had any of your investments trashed.  I have.  Six months to fix and $49k of work.  Obviously I was not out of pocket this much as I am not a large risk taker, but it is frustrating when a tenant does this, especially after being in the place a couple of weeks – he could of waited 6 months to…[Read more]

god_of_money,In no way am I suggesting that you purchase one of these to put yourself at risk of repossession.  What I am merely saying is that if you are wealthy enough to sustain this kind of investment – which I personnally am not – then maybe putting something more into the system than just providing affordable housing (as we do as l…[Read more]

I have friends that rent from DHA and they are VERY grateful to those that do invest.  I see that defence families have a hard enough time without having the burden of providing their family with housing everytime they are relocated. If private investors don't get on the band wagon, then Government will have to increase stock or the system may be…[Read more]

If you are after mining towns why not try south from QLD and check this out.  Iluka mining has requested expressions of interest for positions at the new mine intended to open in Northern Vic late 2008.  The two towns closest still have property at around $70k.  Maybe a bargain to be had?http://www.iluka.com/?page=mbsexpressionsKind regards,JL

Mick,Prices have not jumped much.  I settled in Jan and it is now worth around $70k.  At this stage I am getting a good return and only had a few days vacancy after settlement, so I have done alright after 6 months in these conditions.  I have spent around 6k on A/C's, blinds and a few other things.  The mine is not due to open until late 08, so a…[Read more]

Tony,Just out of interest, I assume you received the $500 gift voucher as a gift or prize.  Is it transferable.  If so I'll give you $50 for it (the whole $500 worth). This is then a win/win.  You get $50 for nothing and I get my subscription for $50.JL

Blogs,Thanks for saying what I was thinking. This requires too much trust for  me for a possible $14 saving. Not worth the risk???  Isn't it funny how this rule applies to everything in life??JL

Michael,Please don;t be put off by this.  I am in the process of listing a place that has an above market rent – only by around$20 a week – the tenant is fantastic and has been their 3 years and wants to stay on.  We are selling because we made mistakes with our finance and this is impeding our ability to move forward at the pace we would l…[Read more]