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We used a Dulux consultant - they are actually independant consultants who have an arrangement with Dulux for leads etc. We have also used a consultant for details on doing the interior, from painting to light fittings, door knobs and even suggestions redesigning the kitchen. She...

Danger Will Robinson, Danger A word of caution. Doing deals and business with family members is fine until somebody gets a "bee in their bonnet" and starts hassling you about ripping off Grandma. Make sure everything is above board and fully transparent. Make sure everything is...

Jonathon, That's a good point and something I hadn't considered before.

That's a really good question. In relation to Victoria; A) By law they must present all written offers to the vendor. B) In your offer you can put an expiry date of your offer ie 1 day, 1 week etc (be sure to always insert an expiry). So I always put a very short expiry date on it, such...

My Horror About 15 years ago somebody told me about cheap houses in the (La Trobe) Valley. Seems you could get a place for $30k and rent it for $100 p/w. I thought it was crazy as the area was in decline but I figured after a few years of rent, you'd still have the land if the tenant...

woops! That should have read: "...how the banking system collapsed in the USA like a deck-of-cards and the ripple effect it has caused globally." :D

Why not engage somebody who actually knows - like a building inspection service. Usually they can include a costing for rectification works in their conditions report. However, this would be property specific as it is impossible to give a "one-size-fits-all" costing on site-unseen...

The only thing(s) I'd add are: Why bother with a verbal offer? It's not even worth the air it comes on! Once I've decided this is a place I'd like to own, I always let the REA think I'm interested at the full asking price even though I've never said as much!! When we go back to the...

You could also make a conditional offer. Remember, you don't have to put down a large deposit, after all it's your offer. So it could be $250 deposit with a conditional clause relating to the building inspection that states you can escape the contract and get your $'s back if the...

I would recommend your first step is find a "seasoned" real estate solicitor and discuss the best way to word your conditional offer so you have an "escape clause" and don't risk losing your holding deposit (or getting gazumped). Small price for peace of mind. :)

Micheal is correct in that it relates to the wording of the clause. If the wording is simply "Subject to a building / pest inspection", then what does that mean? Does it mean you will only proceed if you get those inspections? Does it mean you are obligated to get them? And what if they...

The Richest Man In Babylon. Read the book front to back twice over (it wont take you very long), then implement this super easy strategy and you will NEVER, EVER, EVER have money problems again in your life!!! Essential reading for everyone... even if they have already started investing or...

Here's a poser for you. In the coming months you will receive between $200k - $300k (tax free) to invest in either your personal name or a coy you own. Your books show you take a very modest income (<$20k p.a.) So how would you invest that $200k - $300k in this market?

There are those who rightfully or wrongly view the fractional-reserve banking system - used in this and most other countries - as a ponzi scheme. A sound arguement for both sides can be created and has been over the years. The "for" side have a pretty good case when we look at how the...

Hi guyz, This is to share a quick tale of how a $250 investment reaped great results. During Oct 2007 I placed a property on the market and got little, if any interest. Although tenanted, it presented well but alas, no interest, no offers - "dead in the water" as they say. I then rang a...

Cost so far - about $250 for render kix and paint etc plus about 2 days labour (max) in total. The windows were painted simply for effect but will soon come out and be replaced with new ones to add to the overall effect. Colours were selected by a colour consultant - great value!

Plain brick and out-dated colour scheme.

Pressure washed the walls, filled the gaps and cracks, applied a coat of bondcrete and applied bagging mix. Now leave it for 2 - 4 weeks to fully cure.

I previously used Haymes paint for internal painting and never had a prob'. When using an oil based paint, I used to use a "flow improver" like Penetrol and for an amatuer like myself, this was magic stuff - made it much easier to apply etc and 7 years on, it's all still in good nick...

Hi guyz, Like many of you, I recently received an email (actually two) from Hans advising that due to health & other issues, he is stepping down from the more public side (educational) of his operation. Whilst I've not attended any of his courses etc, I did have some interactions with Hans...