Hey Freckle, did they build a Sydney by-pass? I hear that town is still booming. 

Send a plumber with an in-pipe video camera inspect the drainage (or fill the bath, basins, tubs etc and release them simultaneously to see if they all drain quickly – you'll need a few people in different rooms).

Damage to the property would be subject to the type & proximity of the trees to the house. Other issues to consider are whether roots have entered the sewer/drainage pipes. An arborist report would be part of your DD if you were looking at development potential of the block and considering the likelihood of removal of the trees affected.

Likewise, not sure what you are trying to achieve – agents put forward an amount for their commission and then take a risk as to how long they will spend on the sale. The longer it takes the less profit in the deal for them. Why would they consider signing up for an hourly rate and get a minimal fee if they sell on the first open?

Not 100% sure but NSW agency agreement is either for a % or an agreed amount, things like marketing costs are additional and paid prior to listing.

Getting you to sign a S66W and submitting that with the offer – that way the property goes unconditional by waiving the cooling-off period.

Sorry to ask a stupid question – what is HOA? (obviously not Heads of agreement).

As to the price of the land, the taxable value generally does not reflect the market value of the block – appoint a valuer to provide a valuation of the block for sale purposes. That way you will have a price that reflects market not the value for rates.

http://www.oldlistings.com.au/

It is pretty hard to resurface concrete effectively. What do you mean – adding 2" of concrete topping? There is always a risk of it becoming drummy and lifting, cracking due to lack of reinforcement, increased height due to topping etc.

You might consider patching and then applying a textured epoxy surface finish eg brick pattern etc. This is…[Read more]

Fire separation, noise separation (including noise & fire insulation of piping), exits, fire indicator panel (possibly), separation of electricity supplies, fire doors, deliniation of common areas, strata survey plan, meeting all BCA compliance requirements for strata properties etc.

That might be a good start.

It depends upon the town – Goulburn, Albury & Wodonga have been bypassed on the Hume Hwy and are still thriving cities. Tarcutta and many other small towns have simply died.

Have a look at Mittagong/Berima and the time it has taken for them to get back on their feet as tourist towns (Berry would be similar IMO).

It may vary between LGAs Sam, so check with your council with regards to the requirements for tree protection The property next door had a requirement for 5m all around whereas a development up the road has fencing around the entire nature strip (two gum trees).

As for the sewer – do you really need to replace it if it ain't broke don't fix it.…[Read more]

One other issue that the ATO will look at will also be whether or not the company provides a % of work/services for other clients. It can be seen to be a sham subcontracting system and you will also be caught for tax evasion.

Hi Kate,

unless you can prove that the agent has modified the plans which you received, the agent must rely on the information provided to them by the vendor. If the vendor has inadvertently or intentionally provided different plans, you may have a case with the vendor.

It may just be a case that your DD failed at the first stage – matching the…[Read more]

If you know that you can contact the owner (providing you aren't cutting the agent out of the deal), go for it. 

As an owner, I would be ticked off and directing you back to deal with the agent – I don't take unsolicited door knocks when the property is listed. However, you need to overcome their objection letting them know that your offer has…[Read more]

There are a few reasons why the owner isn't budging (some as stated aboved):

Vendor not motivated

Vendor or Ex are being difficult 

Price has not been adjusted in line with market correction

Agent has overquoted and being held to account

Bank is owed more than your offer and owners are not able to accept less

Stick to your guns – if…[Read more]

Think outside the square, then build over it.

If you are looking at going owner-builder, there is a short course which covers the requirements (at least in NSW).

Why move it when you could possibly design a solution which will have trafficable lids over the existing drain?

Jay, if the agent has received an offer then there is nothing stopping you from submitting one also. The agent must present all offers to the vendors (make yours in writing with a sunset clause).

In the unlikely event that the agent is lying, then they have your offer& conditions to present to the principal. They can always come back and ask…[Read more]