Yes Malachii,

It makes sense!!

As I said, I am not against the idea, just sceptical of the value in doing so over the long haul of the tenancy. But at the end of the day, there are good and bad tenants, and if you get a good one these days, it is not a bad thing to encourage them to stay.

My way of “rewarding” is different, but just as effective, and I get capital improved value at the same time, so it’s a real win, win situation. At different times I will repaint, re-carpet, update kitchens/bathrooms, add built in robes, update water services, get the garden done etc….all the stuff that adds value, is tax deductible, justifies a small rental increase, and keeps tenants happy.

Cheers,

Jo

Hi Malachii,

Thanks for the reply, and it’s cool, whether I asked you directly or not, it was nice of you to bring it up.
Please don’t get me wrong, I am not opposed to the idea of doing nice things for tenants or providing gifts, I used to do the same. I did however have an unfortunate incident and became disillusioned with such niceties, that now I don’t (see one of my earlier posts in this very thread if you haven’t done so already, and are curious as to what I mean).
All I am saying is “beware” that all the effort you are putting in, as long as it pays off, that’s fine, but you may not always be so lucky!!! Yes it is a business, but haven’t you ever heard of “never doing business with friends”???? The relationship between a tenant and a landlord/lady is a sensitive one, and can run hot or cold, just be careful, that’s all.

All of you who do such nice things for your tenants are IMO, just nice thoughtful people, and I hope none of you ever get “burnt” as I did. Keep up the good work.

Jo

Hi Fluffy,

That is a nice gesture!!
But if I am not being too nosey (if I am, please feel free to disregard my question) but am I correct in assuming you only have the one IP in which you make provide these little gifts? If there is more than one IP, do you do this for each, and regularly or is it a “once off” only gesture?

Cheers,

Jo

Hi Miracle,

My 2c worth…..

My ex brother-in-law was a builder with a very large, and quite reputable company some years back, and he told me that many “display” homes, albeit made to look awesome (“WOW” factor) with all the trimmings and thereby luring potential buyers, they are generally put together in a rush, and as such are prone to headaches later down the track.

Apart from this, they are overpriced, and often arguments for inflated price-tags will be justified by all the little “extras” they include, like ducted heating, air-con, expensive carpet, non-entry level fixtures, walls and roof!!!!! (Just kidding with the last 2) [laugh4][laugh4]

As for position…..have you noticed WHERE they are positioned in comparison to the rest of the “new estate”?? Normally on main roads, and are often built on the smallest block possible – after all, they want to sell the house, not the location and/or the land it is on!!

As for buying ex-display homes……[idea]why pay 400K for a property realistically only worth say 300K (and spend an extra 50K to bring it up to the same level, and have save 50K to boot????!!!! [cigar]

Jo

Hi Kay,

Firstly, I attribute little (if any) credibility to any such research, especially from the Herald-Sun which is basically written to be comprehensiable by anyone from the age of 12 !!!!! Furthermore, it really depends on the size and the randomness of the sample on which they drew their conclusions.

Nevertheless, for me personally, a man may look like Pearce Brosnan, have the cheeky pretty boy smile of Tom Cruise, and the sex appeal of Ricky Martin, but if hasn’t got anything between his ears, poetry or no poetry, I ain’t interested!!!!
[blush2]

Jo

Lil_Man / Brady,

Try to remember that to get ahead in life (smoothly) you need to participate in two types of schools

1. The school of textbooks and teachers
2. The school of life (which comes from experiencing everyday things, such as joys, sadnesses, victories and defeats)

Of the two, the latter will come about through the natural progression of time, and is inevitable. But the first, is by choice, and in choosing to go that extra mile (university) you will increase your chances for a greater head start.

Take it from someone who has done both; I went to uni and got my PhD as well as having become a successful (well in my books anyway) investor. You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it, and every little bit of effort will evenutally pay off.

Keep up the good work,

Jo

Hey there lil_man,

In answer to both your PM and your post, let me commend you on your enthusiasm.[biggrin]

Don’t be too harsh in thinking your mum is not understanding you, trust me, as a mother myself, I am sure she does (far more than you give her credit for). She wants what is best for you, and right now, that is you putting every bit of effort into your studies; and she’s right, those certificates and things, will aid you in getting where you want to go.

Patience is always difficult to comprehend at your age (and mine too, sometimes!!!!) but it is necessary, and the strength it takes to wait, can be quite character building!!!

Take heart, read lots, study hard, save your pennies, and one day, you will make mince meat out of some of us in here (who will be quite old and grey by then!!!!)[blush2]

Be good to your mum, she loves you!!![inlove]

Jo

Hi there LonelySingleMan,

I think you’ve misjudged WallFlower, she is a real diamond in the rough…..seriously, she is a lovely girl and nowhere near ruthless. Admittedly though, she has a warpped sense of humour at times, which can be just what is needed given the circumstances. All in all, I reckon it just adds to her naturally feminine charm!!! [biggrin][biggrin][biggrin]

Jo

Hello again Peter,

Thanks for clarifying that for me. So that means that your 149,000 property will actually cost you more in AUD and your rent each month will be less. Either way, your rental return appears to be quite substantial, HOWEVER, as I don’t know the legal implications of investing o/s I am not really in a position to comment with any certainty.

As you have stated, you have worked in Phoenix some years ago, you obviously did your homework at the time, am I correct? I suggest you talk to those in the know, ie. legal professionals and get a clearer picture of your rights and obligations as an overseas investor.

If it suits your needs, you seek expert advice, ensure you cross all your “t’s” and dot your “i’s” I would imagine (hope) that all will work out.

Good luck with your venture!

Jo

Hi recoveryman,

Capital Gains will be effective from contract date of sale (June), not settlement date (July).
Sorry, forgot to add, even if it is on the June 30th it will be calculated into that fiscal year just gone.

Cheers,

Jo