Not Cool!

For many people buying a home can be a highly emotional experience. Invariably it is the largest financial outlay a person will make.There are not only financial consequences, decisions are being made about the very essence of a person’s lifestyle; where to live and all the implications of that choice. Feelings of doubt, fear and…

A winning tenancy application

Your Buyers Advocate Newsletter To ensure success tenants should treat a rental application the same way they would a job interview.The first important step is to make sure your application is complete. The following is a list of important information that should be included; Reference letters- from past landlords and employers.This will establish your employment…

Your Buyers Advocate

The triumvirate that every property investor should have

Your Buyers Advocate Newsletter Every property investor needs a good handyperson, plumber and electrician. Having these three contacts will not only help take the stress out of being a property investor it will also save substantial amounts of money. Consistent high quality workmanship, reliability and a competitive price are rare with tradespeople provided by a property…

Smoke and mirrors

Marketing photos taken with wide angle lenses combined with undersized and strategically placed display furniture to make rooms appear larger. Artificial lighting to make rooms appear brighter. Newly painted walls and architraves to hide what could be rising damp. Sensual aromas from plug in diffusers greeting you at the entrance. Welcome to the world of…

The buyer’s deposit

Releasing a deposit to the seller prior to settlement is always risky. If a deposit is released prior to settlement the purchaser is deemed to have accepted title. On signing of the contracts many selling agents will attempt to get the buyer to sign what is known as a Section 27 release of deposit statement.…

The Block – you would have to be a block head to buy one – for investment

Your Buyers Advocate Newsletter It has been reported that over two million Australians own residential investment property. The quality of many people’s retirement is tied to having made an astute property selection.It is therefore important that powerful media outlets provide accurate and balanced commentary on the property industry. The popular Australian television show known as…

Buying rural property

Buying rural property throws up a unique set of circumstances for property buyers. People that have never purchased a property in a rural area would be well advised to seek independent advice before taking the plunge. Over the last few years I have assisted several buyers purchase rural property. I am confident I can add…

The pre-purchase building inspection

A pre-purchase building and pest inspection is essential for all property purchases. I am astounded that many buyers do not obtain a report. With the Melbourne median house price at around $820,000 a report costing just hundreds of dollars should be considered essential. Over the years I have had some clients grumble about the amount…

Rising damp

Buyers of brick or masonry homes should pay particular attention to the serious building defect known as rising damp. Through capillary action, moisture can make its way up a brick wall from the ground. A breakdown in the waterproofing barrier or garden beds being constructed above an existing damp proof course can result in rising…

The great equalizer

Real estate is a very egalitarian investment option. It doesn’t matter how many university degrees you have, where you went to school, who you know or where you come from. You don’t even have to laugh at the bosses jokes. Provided you make the optimum selection your investment property will keep appreciating at a fast…