Buyer's Agent Sydney Blog

Market Update – Who should you be listening to?

Your Empire — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:52:00 +0000

It’s hard to know where to turn these days. A number of top stories were released this week that provided an insight into our economic and property markets. Banks were up, rates were down. That’s all well and good some say, but without the driving force of confidence, are we doomed for decline?

This week we saw the RBA drop interest rates by a full 0.5% - normally great cause for relief.

On the same day this week ANZ announced a record first half profit of close to $3 billion. As pillars of the community this should make us all rest easy given that they took the brunt of things throughout the global financial crisis…

Women Taking Charge Of Their Retirement Lifestyle

Your Empire — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:46:00 +0000

Whatever your personal situation is, it’s important for all women, married and single, to take charge of their finances and build enough resources so that they can retire in style – and I mean early retirement of course!

Insure your property against economic changes

Your Empire — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:38:00 +0000

Feeling ill at ease about investing in anything in an uncertain economic climate? Never fear, says TV property expert Chris Gray. His sure-fire strategy for investing in property is also a proven buffer for any economic condition.

Living Overseas Or Interstate? Don’t Let That Stop You From Buying A Strong Investment Property

Your Empire — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Many people have the means and drive to buy an investment property that will bring them long term, solid capital growth. However not knowing where to start, especially living a long way from solid growth areas, can stop them in their tracks.

Historically, the rule of thumb when buying an investment property was “buy where and what you know” and indeed following a get rich, new development scheme to Queensland or other exotic areas are not recommended, but what if “what and where you know” is either overseas or in an area where capital growth is minimal?

6 Steps to buying an investment property

Your Empire — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:04:00 +0000

If you’re just about to embark on buying your first investment property, here's some tips and ideas that might help you on your way. The title does say “your first investment property” but we've had plenty of positive feedback from those that already have a few properties under their belt so hopefully there's some great tips for everyone.

Let us know what you think and what you might like to hear about next time

Watch the webinar

Financial Game Changer #3: The Property Valuation

Your Empire — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 22:51:00 +0000

You may think that the market determines the price of property, but have you ever thought what would happen if the bank thought otherwise? An incorrect valuation by the bank can literally wipe tens of thousands of dollars from the value of your assets and these days it can happen all too frequently.

Myth #3 The bank valuation on your property is the final word on how much you can borrow or refinance through your lender.

Wrong.

Usually when we borrow money from a bank, either to refinance or to buy direct, a bank will conduct a "bank valuation" on the property to ensure that the value of the asset is in line with the price we have prepared to pay for it.

Coogee a hotspot, and not just for reformed bad boys of rugby

Your Empire — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:45:00 +0000

By Larry Schlesinger  Friday, 09 March 2012

Suburbs close to beaches and the harbour feature prominently in John McGrath’s list of top 10 capital growth hotspots for 2012.

Most notably, Coogee in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is the only location included as a hotspot for houses and units.

10 cheap and easy ways to boost your rent

Your Empire — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:59:00 +0000

A woman who had owned three investment properties for years approached me recently because she thought they were not earning as much as they could. We found that all of the properties were rented at much less than market value – and she was missing out on $17,000 a year in rent.

The simplest way for her to improve her properties’ performance was to put up the rent in line with other comparable properties. But most owners will have to be more creative to generate greater income from their investment properties.

Financial Game Changer #2: Using Principal & Interest Loans

Your Empire — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 03:40:00 +0000

Investors say don’t do it, but after reading this you may disagree. I was always told that as an investor I should be using Interest Only loans as they made my payments more affordable and I could leverage into the next property quicker. Reality has proven different though and there is hidden value in using a Principal & Interest Loan.

Myth #2
Paying down your loan using a Principal & Interest Repayment is a waste of time. Smart investors use Interest Only Loans.

Why Use A Buyers Agent And How Does It All Work?

Your Empire — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:08:00 +0000

Saving Time:

Time is money – your money! At Empire, looking at potential investment properties most days gives us a sharp eye for the right investment property and a day-by-day understanding of the property market.

Even if it takes a Buyer’s Agent 8-weeks to find the perfect property, you, the client are involved in very little of the stress or negotiation that leads to a successful result.

Enjoy the luxury of more time for family and friends while again giving your career 100% of your attention.