Kaye Henry, good point. (The choice to lock up).

Will go buy a security door this week for rural IP! As a kid we lived semi rural and back door was never locked, but there was a lock and key if we’d have chosen to.

Ah yes, getting to know the townspeople helps. When renovating a PPOR in a rural town recently, the neighbour lent us a heater (as it was freezing), we gave her some left over guttering as she needed approx 1 meter.

She then found us a handyman when we hadn’t been able to. We gave her some leftover paint for her roof once we’d finsihed ours etc…[Read more]

We have also used agents to find us a tenant ie: a “To Let Only” agreement. In the past it has cost us 2 to 3 weeks rent to do this. Basically, they are able to check the bad tenants database etc which we can’t check ourselves. We then manage the property after that. So far we have always had good tenants through this arrangement, but we do…[Read more]

I’d say heating and cooling knock it on the head. Security depends upon the town, some still don’t lock their back doors yet others steal your taps, go figure!

I have one tenant who rented our place because there was no lawn, he detested mowing lawns so that was his main reason for renting. He’s still there over two years later. We had another…[Read more]

Try closer but don’t rely on properties being listed on the net. Often you need to drive through the towns and check out the agent windows or if you feel closer towns have industry etc to help them survive then ring the agents in that town and ask for listing of what’s for sale and what it would rent for.

Be careful of ones that say “Owner will…[Read more]

Thanks for the tip on “trade discounts”, will check that out next renovation.

Just a quick update on “Custom made venetians” – we found the cheapest pricing to be at “The Blind Spot” in Wangara and delivery was only 10 days too. (Our quote was supply only, we will install ourselves and save by doing so).

PK

Well, we sold our PPOR a year ago and purcahsed an new PPOR. We just saw our old PPOR advertised for $85,000 more than what we sold it for and we sold when there was limited houses on the market and it still took 3 months etc. We’ve been cheeky and sent a friend through to see what changes had been made and only the frout curtains were changed…[Read more]

Thank you all, it’s nice to have confirmation that I hadn’t got it totally wrong. It didn’t sound right but he was adamant that they couldn’t deal with the body corporate, only the owner.

Looks like time to find a PM that will deal with my body corporate.

Thanks again.
PK.

I’ve had none either.

I think you need to contact the Ministry of Comsumer Protections and Employment (used to be called the Ministry of Fair Trading). I think they have all the info you need.

PK

Marissa and Redwing,

I think you might actaully pay 9.35%, I think the 8.5% is before the GST is added. At least that’s how mine adds up.

Regards
PK

PS. mmm… so which other state do we start in?

Yes you can claim for the second hand goods but you do still need proof a hand written receipt is fine as long as it states what it’s for, who it was purchased from, the amount paid etc. If I’ve purchased form the paper, I usually alos cut out the ad and attach it to the receipt as further proof. It then contains the phone number etc so if the…[Read more]

Ok, an update on what I’ve found so far.

Windows – best place was Brajovichs’ salvage in Upper Swan. Huge range and reasonably priced compared to other yards I’d visited. Just make sure you’ve got time because there’s row upon row of windows.

Vanity, Bath, bath taps etc – new – were cheapest from Bunnings.

Didn’t do the ceiling fans and no…[Read more]

If you’ve narrowed your search to one or two ares then ring the councils as well, some are very helpful at giving info about their area.

It depends how long it’ll be empty while renovating.

Also depends if you are chasing insurance for the buildings, contents or both.

Many companies will cover the building if the period is less than 30 days, but if over 30 days then it gets harder. You could try SGIO, although you will pay a higher premium for it. We got insurance through…[Read more]

Thanks, I’ve purchased it but have to wait for kids to be at school to listen to it. Looking forward to it. Glad to read this feedback though.

PK

Redwing,

Why sign a new agreement, your old one is probably still sufficient, it usually says in it that once the original authority runs out, then the agreement continues until either party gives 21 days notice or something to that affect. Last time a managing agent sent me a new authoity out, I simply emailed them advising that I was happy…[Read more]

Brilliant, thanks afloat.

Hi there,

Do a search on this site under “Landlord’s Insurance”. There’s been a few threads in the past where companies have been recommended that do the landlords insurance. You shouldn’t have a problem getting it even wiht online quotes.

I’m sure the previous threads will help, give it a whirl.

PK

“Buy and hold except when it’s old.”

Love it Kaye!

Regards
PK