Bricks have less maintenance – but I am sucker a weatherboard house as it oozes character and charm. I find brick can date a house – but then again rendered they can look up todate as well.

Hey Frosty – I used a company called catalyst down there. Let me know if you can't find them will dig out phone no. Cheers Maree

it might be easier to pick Saturday nights tattslotto numbers lol.

I was agreeing with you the whole way, initially thought the sandstone, the thought the red looks traditional and make matching footpaths and driveways easier, but like goldilocks I thought the third one was just right

Sounds like things are going to be tight for you financially, without anything unexpected coming in – which could be the case with an older unit.
Based on your summary – I think selling would be the go, unless you can explore other options with the Investment Property such as a rent to buy? to make it work better for you?

Hi globalguru we are in that area – would be interested in hearing more: [email protected]

Yes, that sounds like a fantastic plan. Plus do as much improvements as you can whilst the property is rented to claim on your tax

Hi Hans,

A "normal" home loan is where you pay principal and interest. A "investment" loan is interest only as you can only claim the interest charged as a deductible.

As for ease of switching between the 2 – I'm not sure. Hopefully "olds" or "terry" will pop in to clarify.

Hope that is of some help?

Cheers Maree

I don't know the apartment block but work close by. Is it closer to Swanston or elizabeth st? Swanston is a place to be avoided imho for personal safety (girls opinion). Most of those apartments common areas are so dark and never seem to be ventilated – probably due to the costs. Plus lifts seem to add a lot of extra costs.

sigh – I have to change my tune and eat humble pie

I rent out our IP privately and it was great whilst the tenant paid on the due date but it has all gone pear shaped! Partly my fault as I have been so busy working 1 FT & 2 PT jobs that I failed to maintain proper records for this FY – now it is very messy and painful and she is all up 3 months behind – even though she gets rent assistance from the goverment and also received the stimulus package at xmas time which seems to have financed a very large trampoline in the backyard (no wonder I felt we weren't getting anywhere financially!!)

Anyway – my changed advice is go through a Property Manager – a good one is worth their weight in gold!