Expert knowledge

Edmond_Ormond_Apartments_Melbourne

What is a Builders Warranty?

Builders warranty is a topic not often discussed, but we think this is a valuable and important discussion to have. As we specialise in buying new and off-the-plan property, we want to share some usual details. As property advisers, when buying an off-the-plan property we do our due diligence on both the developer and builder. Sometimes this can be the same person. A good reputable builder who holds a...

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Overcapitalising – How to avoid this problem

Overcapitalising - How to avoid this problem. This is a very common word used in both the finance and real estate industry. Many investors and owner occupiers would also be familiar with this term. Overcapitalising is caused in situations where you pay to much on renovations or home improvements. Implementing capital improvements such as laying high quality outdoor decking, changing a gazebo into an...

House_and_Land_Melbourne

What is tax depreciation?

What is Tax Depreciation? Tax depreciation expenses are not actual cash expenses. They are known as a non-cash entry. They are charges used to recover an asset's earlier purchase. To claim tax deductions, an investor can apply for any non-cash depreciation expenses against their taxable income. An investment property is an asset that can receive tax depreciation. This can be used to lowering the amount of...

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What to consider when downsizing your home

Once our families grow up to be financially independent and raise their own families, you may realise at one point that your family residence is now quite big. Many people look to extract money from their home by downsizing. This can be quite an exciting time, but also quite daunting. What ever the basis behind downsizing your home, there are a few things that should be considered. What to consider when...

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What to look for when buying regional property

Living in rural country can be quite peaceful and quiet. A relaxing lifestyle indeed. If you want to buy a regional property, here is a list of a few common things you should look out for: Land Covenants:- When buying regional property, it is important to read the terms and conditions. In purchasing a block of land that was subdivided will often be subject to a number of land covenants. These terms and...

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What is a Section 32/Vendor’s Statement?

A Section 32 and Vendors Statement are actually the same thing. It was formerly known as a Section 32 but changed to a Vendors Statement in 2014. We will discuss this further and refer it to it’s newly updated name ‘Vendor’s Statement’. The Vendors Statement outlines the information a property seller must provide prospective buyers, such as the name of the relevant planning scheme and details of...

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Property – Buying with a friend or family

The average home in the Australia continues to rise. This is very evident in the highly demanded cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Unfortunately, the capital growth in real estate has often exceeded the increased rate of Australia’s annual employment income. Therefore making affordability harder than it has ever been before. Resulting in many Australians considering other alternatives to buying a...

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What is a Guarantor?

Property affordability is challenging. A strategy many take is to use a guarantor. In this article we discuss the benefits on how it may help. Please note every strategy has it’s set of advantages and disadvantages. We therefore urge everyone looking to buy a property, particularly when using a guarantor to seek advise first. Many good sources are your accountant, financial planner, lawyer/solicitor...

Caulfield_South_Apartments_Melbourne

Lenders Mortgage Insurance – is it really worth it?

While researching home loans, you may have come across the term Lenders Mortgage Insurance or LMI, but what does it mean? What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)? LMI is essentially an insurance policy that the borrower pays for to ensure the bank is covered if you default your home loan. Some people initially think it's an insurance policy to cover their mortgage repayments if they enter a...

Why many people can’t retire comfortably

Why many people can't retire comfortably. It’s not rocket science that everyone wants to prosper and retire financially independent.  Some make a conscious effort to do so, while others run out of time or find it too difficult to fathom. Unfortunately, many people of all sorts fall heavily short of retiring comfortably.  Most don’t want to be filthy rich either. Here are four reasons why many...

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