August, 2009

Free Ceiling Insulation for Rental Properties

Submitted by Michelle on Mon, 08/31/2009 - 11:40

From 1st September 2009, eligible rental property owners are able to receive a rebate of $1600 inc GST for the supply and fit of ceiling insulation. This is a "per property" rebate, and covers all standard costs associated with the supply and installation of glasswool insulation.

Tasmania Water Reform Explained

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 08/26/2009 - 16:28

Why the reform was needed

Tasmania has 14% of Australia’s total water resource offering a significant competitive advantage. We must ensure that we make the best use of this valuable resource, and avoid the crises experienced in mainland Australia.

Tasmania’s water and sewerage reform is working to secure the long term sustainability of our water resources and ensure that social, health and environmental issues in all communities are addressed to ensure a prosperous future.

Sell or Refinance?

Submitted by Michelle on Tue, 08/25/2009 - 11:23

Do you need a cash injection of funds? Are you thinking about selling or refinancing your investment property?
Often investors can make rash decisions when under pressure.
Following is an overview outlining some of the pros and cons of selling Vs refinancing your property.

RDA-Information For Tenants

Submitted by Michelle on Mon, 08/24/2009 - 13:49

After 1 July 2009 any bond that you are required to pay for a rental property must be paid to the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA). The RDA will hold the bond for you and your property owner/agent until the lease ends.

How do I lodge my bond?

  • Your property agent or owner will give you a Bond Lodgement Form. He or she must complete and sign their part of the form.
    You must complete and sign your part of the form. If there are other tenants who will pay an amount towards the bond they must also complete and sign the form.

Renovations - Are they worth it?

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:44

Suncorp’s general manager of banking Terry Wasmund said consumers need to carefully consider whether a renovation project will add to the value of their home, following research that shows the cost of renovations has risen over 6% in less than 12 months.

In the last 15 years, spending on home renovations has tripled, with the value of house alterations and additions climbing to more than $5.7 billion in the 07/08 financial year.

What Determines House Prices?

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:40

If investors and home buyers understand the factors that determine residential property prices, it puts them in a better position to capitalise on opportunities that may not be obvious to the majority of the market.

If you can get into the market before prices start to go up and get out before they come down, you maximise your profits and minimise (or hopefully eliminate) your losses.

The forces that influence the prices of our houses are the same that influence the prices of cars, TVs and groceries - demand and supply.

Moving Checklist

Submitted by Michelle on Tue, 08/11/2009 - 12:07

1) Establish the date you need to move and then go backwards in time to set yourself milestones.

2) With your milestones, think in terms of eight weeks until the move, six weeks until the move, four weeks until the move, three weeks until the move, two weeks until the move, one week until the move and finally, moving day.

3) At the eight weeks until the move mark, you should:

set the actual date of your move.

Private Landlords & Selecting Tenants

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 19:12

Nowadays, in many areas, landlords can afford to pick and choose amongst the increasing numbers of tenants looking for somewhere to live that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. This should make it easy for landlords to be sure that any tenant taking over their property is a good one. But many property owners focus on the wrong questions and fail to get the information they need. What are they doing wrong?

The 10% Percent at Day 10 Rule

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 19:07

Many novice investors think that they would like to hold out for the highest rent possible before letting their property – even if this means losing several weeks rent. Is this a good idea?