November, 2009

Take the Risk out of Renting

Submitted by Michelle on Mon, 11/30/2009 - 16:42

fingers crossed mediumWhen a tenant moves into a property, both the tenant and the managing agent/landlord are required to complete a condition report.
This report is an extremely important document as it is a record of the condition of the premises at the start of the tenancy. When completing a condition report it is not a quick process of ticking and flicking that everything is clean, working and undamaged. Extreme caution and time needs to be taken to describe all of the fixtures and fittings.

This includes: The colour of the carpets and walls, a full description of the window coverings and light fittings, detailed information on appliances, including the make and model, a list of any inclusions, etc.

The Pitfalls of Rental Open Homes

Submitted by Michelle on Fri, 11/27/2009 - 12:43

It’s becoming more and more common for real estate agencies to conduct rental property open homes, particularly when vacancy rates are low. Some property manager's suggest that open homes are a good way to handle the demand and manage the enquiry. But what do prospective tenants think about rental open homes and how do they affect you as a property investor?

Zero Rent Arrears - National Award

Submitted by Michelle on Thu, 11/26/2009 - 18:38

PhotobucketThank you to all of our fabulous tenants that pay rent on time every time, this award goes out to you!

If you are looking for the best tenants for your investment property contact the team @home where our sole focus is managing residential property. "take the risk out of renting"

Management Fees as a Percentage

Submitted by Michelle on Thu, 11/19/2009 - 18:04

percentage wrappedLike many products or services, Management fees as a percentage can be a poor indicator of actual cost.

In my experience, the first question most property investors ask is what is your management fee? The second question, “how much rent can you achieve?”

The most important aspect to consider when trying to achieve the ‘best deal’ is to understand the long term effects rather that the short term traps.

Water Rates - Who pays what?

Submitted by Michelle on Tue, 11/17/2009 - 11:40

child waterWe have had several calls from clients this week who have received the new water service invoice from Ben Lomond Water. Many are confused by the account and want to know who pays for what?

You may be aware the water usage no longer forms a part of the rates for the property, it is a separate entity and controlled by the new Tasmanian water and sewage corporation.

Jilted lover turns tenant nightmare

Submitted by Michelle on Wed, 11/11/2009 - 18:54

The old saying that ‘hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' hit home in dramatic fashion for a Queensland landlord and his ill-fated tenant recently.

This particular claim involves a male tenant who was happily renting a property on the Gold Coast, Queensland. On occasion, his girlfriend would stay at the property with him.

That was until she found out he was married.

Depreciation - Is it worth it?

Submitted by Michelle on Tue, 11/10/2009 - 14:55

question markIs your investment property tax return maximised?

Many property investors can reduce their taxable income and improve their cash flow by simply getting a Depreciation Schedule on their investment property.

Our research shows that an estimated 70% of people currently entitled to tax deductions relating to an investment property that they own are not be in a position to make a claim?

8 Properties Let in 1 Week!

Submitted by Michelle on Fri, 11/06/2009 - 13:57

PhotobucketCongratulations to our superstar letting and marketing manager, Matthew Brammall for his amazing effort in renting 8 properties in 1 week. Matthew says "The difference between us and our competitors is, we will never treat our customers as an interruption, we will never treat them as a number at an open home.

Save up to 35% on Landlord Insurance

Submitted by Michelle on Fri, 11/06/2009 - 10:39

EBM
As property managers we have a duty of care to ensure you are aware of risks you may be exposed to with your property.

Although there is an abundance of insurance policies available today, the difficulty can be to find one that not only has the features you require, but will perform fairly and efficiently when it comes time to make a claim.