New Members - Say G'day

[bluelabel]

Alrighty folks I thought I would start this thread so that everyone can get a taste of posting in here as they joined up as a member. Use this thread to say hello, introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself and your property market position.

There are no prerequisites for this thread just jump in and blurt a little. You don’t have to own a property or be a big time investor, you might be a first home buyer who wants to share a little of your experiences and tips you found along the way or you may be a prospective investor doing a bit of research, it doesn't matter folks, so don't be shy.

If you are a property investor/developer or a serial house jumper and have a wealth of knowledge on the property market then please feel free to share your stories. I am sure there are lots of people out there that would love to hear from the pros in the market and maybe even ask a little advice.

:bier:

blue

[bluelabel]

So... after posting the intro to this thread, I thought it only appropriate to kick things off. My name is bluelabel (not my real name!!) I live just outside of Melbourne in the south east and am RENTING (urgh, I hate that word). My wife and I have struggled through the boom in the market and everything has always been just out of reach for us. We are on the verge of buying within the next 12 months.

Over the years I have always kept in touch with the real estate and property market as an interest/hobby. Many thanks must go out to Joe for creating this site, I haven’t found anything else like this on the net. Ifeel we have an opportunity to build this forum from the ground up, hence why I am posting fervently trying to get this forum off the ground and running. I believe this forum could be a great resource for anyone in the property market.

I like to throw out some theories that I have and hope that people will argue me on them so as to assist my knowledge and theirs of the market (unfortunately people seem to be agreeing, but I suppose that could be a good thing) so I feel I am not too far from the mark at this point in time, but am happy to be challenged.


:bier:

blue

[2BAD4U]

Good idea Blue, I'll join in.

Purchased my first house in 1994 and it was a shell, no floor coverings, no curtains, no gardens / lawn, etc, etc. Over the next 5 years I slowly did all these things as finances allowed. Sold that one in 1999 and purchased an established place. Then in 2002 built the house I am currently in. My strategy was to always keep going bigger to build up the equity, but with the property boom in WA stamp duty meant this strategy was an expensive one. So I started looking into investment properties.

Purchased my first one in 2005 and my second one in 2007. As I also play on the share market, I wanted to get myself better educated in finance rather than just doing everything by gut feel or because it seemed the right thing to do. So went off to uni and completed a Grad Cert in Finance this year and now looking into Financial Planning.

So I've done alright for myself and happy to offer advice or an opinion when asked. Also not afraid to seek / listen to advice or an opinion when needed or offered.

[bluelabel]

I have been watching the number of people online in this forum the last week or so and i have noticed that there always seems to be someone on and there also seems to be someone new joining up for whatever reason. This is great to see :thumbs:

So come on all you lurkers and shy guys i know you are out there, get a posting and share some stories, opinions or advice no matter how small. Remember every little bit counts!!

:bier:

blue

[lord elpus]

Hi folks,

Just joined thanks to the advice of kincella.

I have learned from experience on other forums that being too open about yourself can lead to problems so I will be subdued and general in what I disclose.

I am a normal and average family man. We own our home and have some investment properties on the go. Some are Defence Housing Authority type properties and others are open market properties.

When I talk about property I am generally talking about Melbourne but sometimes will talk about Brisbane. I know very little about the other cities.

I have been thinking a lot about what the current low interest rates will bring to the table. Already I am seeing some properties where you are positively geared from day one but this is because of the contribution of tax advantages (depreciation, negative gearing etc).

I am thinking that we will see another couple of rate drops in the next few months so we may be seeing cash-flow positive properties in good areas even if you don't count tax benefits, at least I am hopeful we will see this.

This is important to me because I am getting a bit tired of the cash-flow impost of the standard negative gearing model. It served me well for quite a while but when rates moved up I felt the pinch.

This time around I am looking for as close to cash flow positive as I can find, even if it is costing something, I will be looking for that cost to be minimal. This will probably mean some compromise on the areas I buy in but that's OK, I am learning that the capital growth in sexy areas is lovely but really doesn't give me much of a tangible benefit until I sell which I hope will be never.

I will be looking to lock in rates this time around. I will be happy to pay a little above current variable rates if the rate can be fixed for 5-10 years. It may well turn out that I would have been better off to stay on variable but the fixing will give me peace of mind and allow me to make better forecasts.

I think we have a window of opportunity that will last until about mid 2009. In that time, whilst there is uncertainty, I think we can pick up some bargains but once the masses of investors pick up on the fact that they can buy properties with little or no cash cost then they will start buying.

Also, renters will come to realise that paying a mortgage (one where they can fix the rate) will actually cost less than paying rent, especially in the current environment of insufficient properties and rising rents.

Both these influences will push the prices up and increase building activity. I am thinking that early 2009 will prove to be the best time to have bought with prices noticeably increasing in 2010 and going into frenzy mode in 2011 and 2012.

By 2012 it will all die down again for another 7 or so years.

I am looking forward to learning heaps from other people on this forum and getting some good tips on where to look.

[Joe]

Welcome everyone! :)

Thanks for registering and participating in the threads. Feel free to start new threads if there is a topic that you would like to kick start some discussion on.

And don't forget to invite your friends. The more the merrier!

Merry Christmas everyone! (I know, I'm a day late!) :biglaugh:

[bluelabel]

BUMP!!

It has been a while since the pages of APF have graced my screen and i have noted the members and posts are growing. Good to see.

So I thought i would give this thread a bump so the new folk get to see it and can introduce themselves to everyone else.

I recognise a few names from ASF where you are well known, but there are others on APF that are exclusive here, so lets all get a little cosy, cuddle up around a nice open fire(i realise it is summer, but you wouldn't think it), share a red and get to know each other.

:bier:

blue

[Gav23]

Just came across this thread.

As stated in the First Home Buyers thread, I am looking at purchasing my first property (to live in) in 2009. Have my deposit ready, looked at a place yesterday, and will be looking at another place tomorrow.

I spent 4yrs in Army, unfortunately did what most young soldiers do and wasted all my money. Been out for 2 years now. Struggled financially until recently where I got a new job.

Love going to the gym, and going to the movies. Thats about it :)

[bluelabel]

WOO HOO!! congrats folks on making the magic 100 members milestone, we still don’t know much about anyone though so I thought I would give this another bump so the newbie’s can find it.

Only 4 members have exposed themselves in this thread, so c'mon peeps, don’t be shy, we don't bite...

:bier:

blue

[Ricky Roma]

Ricky Roma here... just joined up, followed a link from aussie stock forums to find the site.. Twentynine year old male have been working in the property industry for past ten years.. have a couple of investments and a estate agency business in Sydney.. Very familiar with Sydney property and the mechanics of buying, selling and owning it.. not so familiar with out of state property... Big fan of property investment, big sceptic of spruikers and people offering coaching, secrets and huge returns...

Cheers Ricky Roma

[homerunhomes]

Hi from Rob...

Hi All - glad to be here.

Hope I'm in the right forum for introductions - LOL!

Background on me? I run HomeRun Homes (rent to own homes), and I'm here looking to network and have some cool conversations !

[Joe]

Hi Rob,

Welcome to Aussie Property Forums!

As you may have noticed we're just getting started here so please stick around, join in the discussions, invite your friends, and help us to grow! :thumbs:

[mudrunner]

g'day all.

i too came over from aussiestocks. thank you kennas.....

the last few years we have been into property, like many others. however, we didnt get stuck with a mortgage when the music stopped....

i recently completed my RE sales course, and i have been signed off by a local real estate principal, and will soon be a licenced agent.

i would be interested in marketing techniques used by other agents on this forum...

cheers, mudrunner.

[mudrunner]

what? i dont get a welcome?

[Joe]

Welcome mudrunner! :D

[mudrunner]

hehehe....thanks joe. you da bomb. looks to me like you'll get another winner here....

good luck with it mate!

[sarahJohn]

hey Ricky Roma welcome to the forum !!! keep sharing your knowledge.

[aaronramsey17]

Hey.......welcome. I am also new to this forums and want some knowledge about real estate.

[geraldinewelsford]

Hi Aaron it's great to see that we can wake this page up again :-)) 2 years since the last newbie?? I think not!! lol... welcome anyway

I love property (how cliche) and love people too :-)) I have been looking around for an Aussie Real Estate community and look forward to being able to get to know you all and share it all around...

Peace Out, Be Well, Prosperous Regards,

Geraldine

[james11]

Hey blue label, I am new on this forum. I want to make thank you for providing this important information. Keep in Touch…

[joana]

G'day from me, too. :)
Hope I'll stay for long time here. I've already read few nice tips on some threads.

[mech81]

Hi guys,

Nice to meet likeminded ppl who have a fine taste in property investing and development. I hope I can contribute what I can to this forum and learn at the same time through here.
:):):)

[mikegreaves]

Good morning to all of Aussie property forum Members

I just joined it. So i want you all with me.


Thanks

[lightled]

G'day to you guys here. Been lurking for quite some time, and finally decided to introduce myself. Looking forward to sharing ideas with everyone here.

[propertythai]

I'm newbie!

[jayman]

Hi To All.

Just to let you all know that with the market downturn going on right now, and finance getting harder to come by, many are turning to investing in the U.S. but are confused as to how to go about it safely.

My business USPROPERTYPURCHASE was set-up to help Australians get around the minefield of investing in the U.S..

And to help everyone with the processes, we have the an expert US Tax Agent with us, and we work very closely with our on the ground partners in the U.S., such things as opening a Bank Account, forming a company, knowing where to buy for the best returns. All properties fully renovated to higher than government standards, with excellent tenants and property management already in place for peace of mind.

All Due Diligence and research done for you, and shortly, we will be offering local investors, leveraged joint ventures in all kinds of property, for quick high gains.

If Interested, we are also holding a free US Property Information Presentation at our own office / venue in North Melbourne on Saturday 9th June 12-2pm, where the Director of one of our partner supply companies from Memphis will be the main guest speaker, he is also an author of some very popular property investing books, as well as having been interviewed on national US TV, we will also have our US Tax Expert talking, and being able to meet and ask questions after.

If anyone wants to know more, you can contact me, Jeff 0415 102 921, .
uspropertypurchase@gmail.com
Thank You.

[Property Trader]

Hi all,

It was great finds forum and look forward to contributing my experiences in property investing in the Brisbane market. I am a private individual that has done well over 100 property transactions dealing in vendor finance, second mortgaging, renovations and flipping properties in the residential real estate market.

Look forward to putting up some great posts on this form. Have an awesome day!

[sheena]

Hi

I am Sheena .We are looking to buy a house to live in thats what brought me to this forum in first place. Hoping to get some tips from you guys here.

[Deal Maker]

Hi All,

As you can see I have two businesses. One is Boston West (is more about renovating) and the other is Great Property Deals which provides investors with a great opportunity of purchasing distressed residential real estate at wholesale prices.

We have been operating for a number of years now and look forward to sharing our experiences with you guys and answering any questions you might have.

Look for to talking with you in the future.

[Andrew_A]

Just joined after discovering this forum via Jason Moore.

Looking forward to contributing where possible!

[zookdriver]

Hello Everyone I have I have just joined today :thumbs:

A litttle bit about myself 26 years old got 3 investment properties 1 Townsville 1 in Moree and 1 in Redcliffs (mildura)

I bought my 1st house when i was 18 :D but then i took a little bit of a break to enjoy my youth knowing i had a foot in the door with the housing market. In hind sight i should have kept looking and buying houses but oh well.

I got my Moree house in 2009 and got my Mildura one in 2010 and i and looking at getting another one very soon just need to find the right area with the right numbers attached to it.....

So if anyone has any good area please share Also if you have any Question feel free to ask I dont bit that much :biglaugh:

[Green Goblin]

Hi there I'm Dee,

Not strictly a property investor. We basically rent out our house as we have relocated due to work.

Will be posting a question as I have a few issues I'd like a bit of help with.

Thanks so much.

[Joe]

A hearty welcome to all new APF members! :)

Remember, a forum is best when it's active, so if you have a a question, or an idea for a topic of discussion, start a thread and you might just get a great discussion going!

And don't forget to see if you can help out someone else by replying to some of the other threads! :thumbs:

Cheers!

[danielden]

G'day to all APF members! 33 years working in real estates. Glad I found this forum. A couple came to me few days ago asking if I can help them buying a property in Sidney. Had no idea about Aussie market but I'm very interested in helping this couple move to Sidney. Hope I can find enough information here in the next days.