Hi,

I was in Dallas a year or so ago, and setup an account with the Bank of America there . .  so just a few suggestions to help get the account open:

1. Take your passport with you when you go to the bank
2. Take a letter from you current bank in Australia, ask them to include things like the loans you have with them, savings accounts and…[Read more]

Presumably the "Keyless" approach relies on the unit being permanently powered ?
I'm interested to understand how a power outage may or may not affect the system? 
I'm guessing internal backup batteries are part of the unit, similar to an alarm ?

I'd be interested to checkout any recommendations members may have for these…[Read more]

The idea of the electronic combination lock is certainly worthy of consideration, a one off cost, and totally effective.

I recently read on another forum about a PM who had permission from the landlord to change the alarm code each time a new tenancy begins. Doesn't necessarily stop a "key-holder" from gaining access, but it'd certainly raise an…[Read more]

I much prefer face to face.
I'll try to call in to see Jamie, but as I mentioned previously, I've no idea where I'll be from day to day, and weekends/evenings are the only time I can guarantee being at home.

Jamie, I'd love to have a chat with you, but it'll have to wait until i have a day off. Where are you located?

Some great feedback guys:

I'll be erring on the side of caution with my own properties, after a few comments were made within earshot recently. I have a young single mum in one of my houses, and she's already shown concern about the previous tenant. So I'll be doing my best to keep her happy . . . .  and as secure as possible.

Thanks for the…[Read more]

Thanks, but Jamie is (understandably) only available during office hours at present. I have seen a car around with "Mobile Mortgages – we come to you" on the side, but can't seem to find them in the White pages etc.

. . . .  I'd be very interested to hear how Dominique Grubisa approaches this situation. It looks very similar to buying "notes" in the USA.
Have you contacted Dominique yet? If not, I'd find an email for her and drop her a line.

Maybe she's also talking commercial and not residential ?

Agreed,

 . . . . . . . but, better to prevent it happening in the first place eh?

Police reports, damage repair etc are all very good after the event, but as a tenant, I'd rather know a previous occupant wasn't ABLE to gain access at all. Imagine if it was a family member occupying one of your rooms/houses . . . .  I shudder to think about…[Read more]

I'd be interested to hear how the insurance companies regard the situation – especially here in Australia.

I spoke with a landlord who owns student accommodation in NZ, and to comply with "his"  insurance requirements, part of the tenant closure procedure was to change external door locks.

I'm currently looking into solutions other than to…[Read more]

I agree (in principle) with Don:-

What's the job market like?
Any big companies employing or intending to employ?
Is unemployment reducing or growing?
Are there any other factors bringing people or families to the area in the coming years – schools, Universities etc.?
Go see the planning officer for a chat – what do they want to see happen – can…[Read more]

Hi Speedy, Mattsta & LynneI'm currently in the "research" stage of investing in the US (same as Lynne I presume), and am looking at "where" to buy in the first instance – however, in addition to this, I'm trying to find information as to what kind of entity I should be setting up for the best asset protection. I understand there are several types…[Read more]

Elle,Thanks for the valuable information – I've just been trying to figure this out also, and your post has provided a few more answers.Are you a newcomer to property investing ? I ask as I'm considering purchasing in the US, but there are many area's I can see might trip up the unsuspecting overseas investor – liens, management, legals, taxes,…[Read more]