Hi Joe,
My solicitor charges $1500 including the searches, but that’s Sydney CBD prices, ACT may be a bit cheaper. Money well spent to ensure your deal doesn’t fall over.

Have you tried Terri Scheer? They specialise in LLrd insurance – apprx $360pa. I use them for all my clients properties in Sydney and they are excellent – I know they cover all states.

Hi Joe,Although there are kits, I wouldnt risk doing it yourself. Using a solicitor ensures its done correctly, so many potential errors you could make that could cost you a bomb. The solicitor that I use will only charge for a sales contract once, ie. if you dont end up selling this time you can use the same contract next time you go on the ma…[Read more]

Hi NM7,You can find out which agent leased your neighbours property (they are most likely still the managing agents) from RPdata or APM – both are software that agents use but you can get info from them too – you just need to pay them per search – http://www.rpdata.com.au.Or, if you know a friendly agent in the area they should be able to look it up for…[Read more]

Im guessing this is a franchise agency – which one?

Hi Scha9799That comment was kind of out of the blue! Why do you say that? Ive been looking for peoples feedback on Property Secrets (wondering if I should buy through them) – have you had a bad experience?Labrador in love – sorry to hear about your bad experience but as a tenant it is key to remember that all promises made by Landlords and/or…[Read more]

Hi JimI'd also love to hear any feedback. Went to speak to Property Secrets and and just weighing up the pros and cons. Pro's – I have very little time to find property and oversee renovations. Their philosophy offers muliple income profit options (renovate and add granny flat to add value, also adds to positive cashflow rental income, subdivide…[Read more]

Hi Blade,Im not an accountant but its my understanding that you will have to lodge your return for financial year 2010-2011 by end March this year – has to be lodged by an accountant though (you've missed the Oct cut off to do it yourself) and then the money usually has to be paid by May. Regards,Victoria

Hi Engelo, Congrats on your purchase. Let us know how you go once the reno is finished – really interested to see how long it takes you to rent out and for how much.Victoria

Thanks Terryw, understood, will NOT trasfer house into my name.I understand what you are saying about the PPOR being capital gains tax free, but we only plan to rent for a few years then purchase again. In the meantime we will rent a property for less rent than the interest we get from having our money in the bank (or for less than the return we…[Read more]

Thanks Jamie, Ive been reading some other posts tonight – would like to speak to you direct in view of organising some finance for me. Ive sent you an enquiry with my details via your website.Victoria

Hi Tiger,Not sure what state you are in but in NSW agents are legally obliged to give vendors all offers in writting so you should definitely submit it in writting or they may not be taking you seriously. Perhaps offer flexible conditions too – for eg. long or short settlement period, whatever the vendor prefers.If your offer is still rejected…[Read more]

Dont do it. You said that the worst case scenario is that it will cost you $20K, I disagree. The worst case scenario is that other issues will be found and you get hit with many special levies. Also if you find that you need/want to sell the unit you may not be able to get your money back – if you are concerned about the report other buyers will…[Read more]

Im a PM in NSW so rules in WA will differ slightly, but in NSW you can represent yourself at Tribunal so I recommend you do that – the new PM wont be much help if they dont know the history anyway.You will need to show the ingoing condition report and the outgoing report (or just a list of things that were different when tenant moved out), photos…[Read more]