Category Archives: Tips & Advice

The top 10 tips for auction bidding

By Cate Bakos

As a trained auction bidder and experienced property buyer, I’ve bid at hundreds of property auctions over the years and have learnt many tricks along the way.

Being based in the country’s auction capital, Melbourne, means that I’m exposed to auctions every single weekend, from the beginning of February until the week before Christmas. Melbournians, Sydneysiders and even Brisbane shoppers understand that the chances of a good property being taken to auction are high. So why do so many people fear auctions? Continue reading The top 10 tips for auction bidding

10 Essential Tips For Collecting Rent

Investment properties should make money for you; not work.  

If you manage your own investment property, you’ll know that one of the biggest stresses can be collecting (and chasing) rent.

Using a professional Property Management team definitely makes life as a landlord easier however, if you decide to go it on your own,

here are ten tips to ensure you always get your rent. Continue reading 10 Essential Tips For Collecting Rent

Safety Tips for Rural Living

Today I got a call from an elderly client, devastated and distraught because her house was broken into while she was undergoing a hernia operation in Sydney.
Not only was EVERYTHING stolen – tv’s, jewellery, tools, even the electric kettle – the thieving scumbags even stole the wooden panelling off her walls!  Apparently someone did see a car and caravan parked outside her place and had the sense of mind to report it, however the damage had already been done. Hopefully, the police will be able to catch the thieves before they manage to sell off most of her belongings.

While isolated rural living is peaceful, away from traffic and noise, isolation has its downside in that it’s exactly this which makes for perfect targets as they are often far away from watchful neighbours and police presence.

Because rural thieves are less concerned about being discovered in the act, they are more likely to clean out the house of everything marketable.

So today’s post is written with rural safety in mind. Continue reading Safety Tips for Rural Living

8 products you need for your home safety

Theft and fire are 2 of the biggest risks that can affect our home safety.

While everyday possessions can easily be replaced, it’s those priceless items close to our heart – like family photos and home videos – that fill us with dread at the thought of losing them forever.   While nothing can totally eliminate the chance of a burglary or fire, there are some steps you can take to reduce the chances of it happening to you by making your home less of a target.

Here are 8 home safety products that can help reduce the risk of theft and fire to keep your possessions – and your loved ones – safe. Continue reading 8 products you need for your home safety

Buying Your First Home With Little or No Deposit

With the property prices where they are today, it could be a good time to buy your first home.  But getting onto the property ladder is still hard for first home buyers.

Many think that they need 20% of the purchase price as a deposit before they can get a loan and whilst this is true if you want to avoid paying mortgage insurance, there are still ways to buy your first home with little or no deposit. Continue reading Buying Your First Home With Little or No Deposit

A Guide for Property Investors

Just flick through the pages of any Investment Property magazine, and you’ll come across tale after tale of ordinary people who have built – or are in the process of building – substantial property portfolios. Million-dollar figures are bandied about with regularity as investors talk about how they’re moving towards financial independence. It’s an enviable position to be in, but how do you join the club?

The answer is that it’s surprisingly simple – whether you already own property or not. Each and every property investor started exactly where you are now – with no experience and worried about making a wrong move. Continue reading A Guide for Property Investors

In-laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats

Study not quite cutting it as a home office?   

Kids left school but not quite ready to leave home?

Whether built as extra guest accommodation, or a way to have your elderly parents close by without encroaching on their privacy and independence; or to help your grown children struggling with rising rents and property prices; or even as a much-needed parents’ retreat,  Granny flat approvals in NSW are booming, thanks to the NSW Government’s easing of planning policies to allow approval for granny flats in 10 days. Continue reading In-laws, Outlaws and Granny Flats