The real problem is that for the last 15 years University has been sprouted as the best thing since sliced bread while our technical schools were closed down and the government did nothing to provide incentives for apprenticeships for the last 15 years. Now that there is a massive shortage of skilled trade people the government has just started to…[Read more]

Yes you can lay floor tiles over the top of old.  I would not recommend tiling yourself though as it is very time consuming for inexperienced people.  You may need to scorch (scratch) tiles first.

I had to go out and didn't finish post.My strategy has changed to have good cashflow/deductions as well as growth.  I now believe you need a combination of growth/cashflow investments.  I'm still quite confident of Perth's market being steady for well positioned properties over the next few years.  I plan on selling prop 2 in about a year – pay of…[Read more]

Hi Marc,  I purchase for growth.  All neg geared.  Capital growth has hugely outpaced the shortfall.  My LVR is 33%.My original plan was to purchase high growth properties and develop.  Then I realised how much work was involved, risk, and financial constraints.  Unless you are doing a small project you will have to either do a JV or sell some of…[Read more]

Perth people aren't crying – most started investing in Bris,Melb Adelaide in the past 12 months.   We're all still smiling.

Thanks Michael.  Linda

Crashy, in future sign 4 wk contracts only.  If they say they only do 3 mth contracts say tough i only want to sign for a month.  If Bris is running hot and properties are selling in 1 week why would you sign for any longer?  That will get them working!!! Linda

I agree with Dreaming.  I'm putting off purchasing property and shares at the moment.  A lot of property looks overpriced.  I don't know a lot about shares so can't really comment in that area.  I don't expect history to repeat – I wouldn't be betting on Real Estate to rise too far higher as it is already unaffordable to a lot of peo…

You'll have to pay going rate of stamp duty and this will include stating the correct sale price.  Family transactions are watched carefully to make sure there is no tax evasion.  If your parents sub-divide they won't be subject to CGT but you will.  Maybe it would be better for you to help them subdivide before they sell. 

Hi Andrew,I know Tamawood's designs really well.  Most of the designs are rectangles with a triangle out the front.  The floorplans are tactless.  There is no "wow" factor.  The overall building may look like good value for money  but they really skimp on design.  I wouldn't touch them as your resale value will be greatly affected.  I think it wou…[Read more]

Congratulations Xenia and family!  Linda

Someone was congratulating you for stirring us forumites up.   Your first few posts to me offended me but now I see the funny side of it and i have to agree you do crack me up sometimes too.  Each to their own.   I think we're the same age so it's interesting to see we have totally different views on most things but sometimes I find your com…[Read more]

Good decision foundation.  I was doing some googling a few months back for some house foundations and cracking and I came across some interesting comments….

Foundation, we finally agree on something. Truly an 'unusual situation,' Cheers.

Half a million for a house on ave size block on the outskirts of Perth –  I'm sure this will only be the beginning of a price correction.

You've done well and unless your hurting bad financially be happy about it and don't sell.    Everyones circumstances are different.  Don't put yourself in a box, be open-minded and read plenty of other books also.

Thanks Bonnie, I know where you are talking about as I was considering area in first release.  I'll take a look.  How have you found living in the area so far?  Linda

Hi Amanda, that will be great.  I'll send you an email mid August.  I've only read a couple of chapters so far.  I skipped to the "Deal Time" chapter and got very excited and motivated.   All of my spare time lately has been used for researching properties all over Aus (Bris, Gold Coast, Melb, NSW, and parts of WA) for my next property purchase…[Read more]

Well done Amanda – rents will continue increasing – never sell !!

I forgot about the Ekka, I'm heading to Bris from Perth for the last 2 weeks of August.  If you mention Ekka or Exhibition in Perth they say, "What are you talking about?"  In Perth it is called, "The Royal Show".  My sister tells me Bris is having the coldest temperatures in years – Last time I visited Bris it was having hotest summers.  Glo…[Read more]