Reds = high taxes = less freedom of choice = government wasting MY money = higher interest rates = higher inflation, etc etc.

Only a fool (or a Red) would vote for the Reds.

Hi elves

Unfortunately there are too many incompetent agents out there but considering what they get paid, I can’t say that I’m too surprised, there’s very little incentive to do a good job.

To your issues:
1. An agent should always have a second set of keys, security keys are always an issue but can be obtained.

2. Not having keys is not an…[Read more]

Originally posted by elves:

some may not state it, but are vetted eg kids free zone (hard pressed to prove this as well as low income earners).

I know there are more but you would have to watch for discrimiation and legal implications with any lease that is prepared. An agent can advice.

Elves

Never a truer word spoken. <offensive- edited by…[Read more]

I agree with MiniMogul, is 10% really enough? At that rate you are dependant on capital gains to make any money. One thing I never have come to terms with in Australia is the pitifull yield investors are willing to accept on something that should demand a higher risk factor on its yield. Still, people do have short memories…

I am largely in cash but have (unforunately) had to settle on an of-the-plan purchase of 2 years ago. I say unfortunately because my cash is earning 7.5% at call with City Pacific. I also have a 12 month fixed term earning 8.75%. My view is that property is overvalued, that of course doesn’t mean that it won’t go up, but there surely is limited…[Read more]

Hi Savers

AMP esaver account (same type as ING) now earns 5.05% but I have most of my money with City Pacific earning 7.5% at call, reinvested quaterly 7.71%. Lock it in for 12 months and get 8.75% ( think). The rates on their web site are a tad out of date. Top company.

http://www.citypac.com.au

Hi fullout

If you want to sack your agent you should first take a look at your agency agreement. The term of notice is usually between 30 and 60 days, but some agents put 180 days in the contract. Contrary to what you have been told above, of course you need to communicate with your agent, one way or another.

If you want to leave immediately you…[Read more]

It makes you laugh doesn’t it? Real estate agents are apparently so busy but most of them leave out the most commonly sought piece of information from ads – the price! Adding that info would cull most general enquiries straight away leaving them to concentrate on serious buyers only. Others say rather stupid things like “Expressions of Interest”.…[Read more]

Thanks Guys

Noddies, sorry if I caused offence but I can only respond to what is written here and when I read statements like “I have just checked it out on the internet and it is a high rise on the Yarra River. As such I wouldnt reccomend it to anyone”, this doesn’t sound to me like a statement backed up by “solid research…”.

If your…[Read more]

The Residential Tenancies Act stipulates the amount of bond that may be collected from a tenant in Sydney :
4 weeks for unfurnished premises,
6 weeks for fully furnished or if the premises are under $250 per week,
Unlimited if the rent for fully furnished premises is more than $250 per week.

So for most properties the bond would be 4 weeks rent.…[Read more]

Auction is just one way to sell real estate, not the best way for the seller but definitely the best as far as the agent is concerned. As long as owners fall for the agents bull when it comes to selling then auctions will never disappear. Agents in Aus have an easy life – advertising paid for them, no need to look for buyers, kickbacks from…[Read more]

What a can of worms this is.

Individual tax in Australia is very high with a top tax rate of 48.5% (all in), what most people don’t take account of is the ludicrously low tax free allowances here. Plus the fact that usually these allowances are not automatically adjusted for inflation each year (bracket creep of a different kind that affects…[Read more]

Thanks Guys, every piece of info I didn’t need or ask for except for the name of a good building inspector. Doh!!

Noddies, I wasn’t looking for your “recommendation” before buying this apartment and I think your “oh no, it’s a high-rise” attitude needs to be qualified before lumping every development together in the same basket. A bit more…[Read more]

Thanks Steven, I am more than a little surprised that apparently no-one in Melbourne has property inspections before buying!

Why a quantity surveyor? I already have a full depreciation schedule if that is what you are referring to. Perhaps you could explain your reasons?

Thanks
Steve