Hmmmm. Entry and exit costs are very expensive – why not stick your head in the sand, it's got to be better than working your a off renovating…..

Hi Crashy, I had similar experiences in Bris 8.5 yrs ago.  I achieved best result by signing with agent for 4 weeks.  That will get them working.  Be careful with your contract though in regards to advertising, and only pay for the service you receive.   Linda

If you want another perspective – If I have 2 people regulary living in my propery I expect wear and tear to be less and would charge them less.   If they have an extra person there I would expect them to pay their way, and I would expect extra money.  I don't think that is unreasonable.  And it would P me off that they didn't tell me first als…[Read more]

Very true.  Whenever my hubby comes home with one of these above stories or injuries I start looking at more real estate so he can retire earlier!  Make sure you have adequate injury and life insurance also.  Linda

Weren't brake pads in cars made out of asbestos up until recently?  My husband was exposed to asbestos during renovations in Brisbane and Fortitude Valley Unit renovations 12 years ago and it's something that worried me previously but now I think there is no point worrying as it may never affect him.  I hope it all goes well for you Jase and F…[Read more]

attrill – if you search history you'll find other recent recommendations.  – I don't mean to takover your thread but its probably pointless starting a new one.  I know other forumites have previously recommended above accountant.  I would like to ask why you would recommend him?  I changed accountants last year and my current accountant is bette…[Read more]

Hi NicoleK,  I like all of your idea's.Option 1) You need to consider cashflow/finance/ tax implications if you are to develop.  I think it will have excellent Cap Growth.Option 2) you can purchase a ready made product with minimum effortOption 3) I haven't researched – You need to be aware that when mining finishes you may be left with a p…[Read more]

Interesting link -thanks for sharing. 

Definitely, the laws have changed in Qld and are changing in WA to be more energy efficient.  In WA it will cost approx $10,000 more per house to build – and first homebuyers will be emempt.  I think that is rediculous as it will keep them poor with the extra costs of heating and cooling.  I'm not sure about other states but you may find there is…[Read more]

I agree with posts above.  When I was about 23 my sister said to me, "Why don't you spoil yourself.  Sell your unit, buy yourself some diamond and gold jewelery like me."  Since then she has gotten tired of the jewelery.  She's hocked in all her jewelery for 10% of its value.  ie got $50 ea for her $500 items.  Now she's married, living in a tiny…[Read more]

Speaking of Perth – there's no posts so far.  Around Bassendean/Morley area a lot of properties are still selling quickly.   Less attractive streets in Eden Hill aren't moving.  Eden Hill had outstanding growth in previous 12 months so I think it has become overpriced compared to surrounding suburbs that are continuing to move.   Comparin…[Read more]

My husband and I were just discussing this tonight.  Through my property and my husbands share portfolio we were able to be mortgage free by 23 & 26.  Having no mortgage was a fantastic feeling.  I worked and saved money from 13 years old and when I was 21 I had a full and part-time job and a mortgage.  I took 6 months off work when I was 24.…[Read more]

Hi Carpe, I wouldn't sell your fantastic growth asset.  I'm in a similar position and my bank suggested I should sell some off the plan.  I did some spreadsheets and worked out if I sold 5/8 townhouses they would pay for all of my building costs and remaining mortgage on block.  I'd then be left with 3 that I'd own outright.  I'd suggest doing som…[Read more]

No. 14 is my favourite.  Being at the end of the culdesac their is less traffic.  Furtherest from freeway.  I would like knowing that the blocks behind No. 14 will be developed into housing also, and not a school, shopping centre, units.   It has a decent frontage and spacious backyard.

I agree with above posts.  Even if you are covered by insurance the risk of a bad tenant is not worth the hassle, stress and could end up costing you more than having the property vacant.  My first tenants where similar to your applicants though had no kids.  The male lost his licence, they used to rent an appartment that belonged to his mot…[Read more]

Thanks Terry…….another thing to consider along with all the other taxes….Are you still doing a newletter?  I haven't received one for a while.  Thanks.

I think Adelaide is looking good too.

devo76 – My opinion is Qld/Vic is halfway through a boom and NSW will be next.  Just a WA perspective.  Do you know of any good properties for sale in NSW – Good location, 10 yrs old or older newly renovated.  Linda

If you put all of your properties in your husbands name because he's the highest income earner, what would happen at retirement when all the assets/income are in the husbands name?  Is it better to purchase 99% hubby, 1% wife – then in retirement change % to 50/50?  Would you have to pay stamp duty and capital games tax on the 49% that your t…[Read more]

alap – Sorry, got lazy.  As long as possible, and Asap also.