Buyer beware Caveat emptor, buyer beware, unfortunately this is the reality we live in. With hundreds of millions of dollars being lost in investment scams each year in Australia alone, I don’t think I am being alarmist. In Australia, the real estate industry has become heavily regulated with the introduction of new laws occurring on…
When selling a property choosing the correct method of sale is crucial to a successful outcome. There are many different methods that can be used. Auction, private sale, tender and expressions of interest are the most popular amongst selling agents in Victoria. The state of the market, the property’s location and attributes, likely level of…
The launch of Yarraville’s new housing development is a good time to revisit the challenges faced by buyers when considering off the plan properties. Known as Bradmill Yarraville the former textile manufacturing plant is currently being redeveloped into a large-scale project that in its first stage over 1,400 dwellings will be built. Both townhouses and…
As more Australians reach retirement age many are considering retirement village living. Buying into a retirement village requires specialized advice, there is much to consider before making such an important life changing decision. Many of these considerations are different compared to buying a residential property. In recent times many people have signed retirement living contracts…
Advising an audience at a real estate information session not to buy a property in close proximity to a particular demographic isn’t easy, it makes some people feel uncomfortable. However, that is exactly what I have been doing. In Australia some government housing is reserved for people in distress, e.g. people suffering from drug and…
I have recently introduced the service of selling real estate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who have entrusted me with organising the sale of their hard-earned real estate asset. It is not the first time I have carried out this role. Early in my career I worked as a…
As the saying goes “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Before starting your property search there are many tasks to carry out. Putting in the necessary preparation will give buyers a higher probability of a successful outcome. It pays to engage my services early in the buying process as I will guide…
The Victorian Homebuyer Fund (HBF) is an initiative by the Victorian government to financially assist eligible home buyers enter the property market. According to the banks that are administering the scheme it is proving to be extremely popular. On first impressions the scheme appears to be generous as the government provides an interest free loan…
The state government commissioned a review into the Victorian property industry. All stakeholders were invited to participate by making recommendations as to ways of making the property industry better and fairer for everyone. I provided a submission, below are my 12 recommendations. 1. The regulators of the real estate industry in Victoria are Consumer Affairs…
All homes have areas that require maintenance due to normal wear and tear. Even brand new homes have minor defects on completion. Obtaining a pre-purchase building report will identify these maintenance items and defects.If identified early these types of works are not expensive to rectify. The following are my top ten common maintenance issues found…