Loan Structure Archives - Page 7 of 12

137 | Spring Buying Tips | How to Negotiate A Deal During This Selling Season

By The Property Couch September 14, 2017 in Podcast

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

Spring has sprung! And it’s the selling season, indeed. Properties look more beautiful — the lawn is luscious, the sun’s out, there are flowers all around … these all tickle your emotions, charming a lot of buyers to come out and bid. And pay an emotional price too — a lot more than the property is worth!

So how do you make sure you knock out all the competition AND still buy the property at a price you can afford?

In this episode, the boys explain the 7 tips to Buying in Spring to make sure you, as a property investor, succeed!

Bryce and Ben discuss:

Why is Spring the selling season?
The importance of a vendor’s motivations and which ones could get you a cheaper price (you can listen to The Four D Words here)
What to look out for before you make an offer
How AND when to make a knockout offer
How to outsmart a real estate agent by not being smart
What do you need to say to a real estate agent?
What type of buyer do you need to be in Spring?
When does the negation actually start and how do you negotiate to win?
What to do (and what to not do) at Open For Inspections
How do you find out what a property is really worth?
The power of having a Plan B and why you need it in a negotiation?
First Home Buyer Tips and how real estate agents use your words against you.

Don’t forget to check out this month’s Money Magazine on Where to Invest $10k! There are tips and advice from 8 Property Experts and TPC Listeners will find one particularly familiar face too. 😉

And if you are interested in the research tool Bryce and Ben mentioned in the podcast, here’s the link to it: Find out more about LocationScore here.

136 | Four Corners and Q&A – The Property Bubble, Being Burnt and Afraid to Invest: What Not to Do

By The Property Couch September 7, 2017 in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

Well folks, after Awe-Guest, it seems like a long time since our last Q&A!

So a lot of you have been writing in to us wanting to know our view on Four Corners’ recent episode on property investment in Australia, Betting on the House.

Now, there was a bit of doom-and-gloom in this episode and we want to talk about it.

To do this, we’re going to answer YOUR hard questions about property investment — the difficulties, the consequences of poor asset selection, bad property investment advice, the fear of debt and the “1 – 2 property block”.

Note: Ben’s reference to PIPA’s Framework on regulating Property Investment (very, very important stuff) can be found if you click here.

Today’s Questions!

Hot Markets & The Overall Economy from David:

Hi Team,

Wanted your thought on this “bubble” topic and the actions we see from ASIC and APRA with the banks.
The way I see it (I am an Australian working in Malaysia, with 1 property investment in WA and 1 being built in NSW Blue mountains) the rate increases are short-sighted and will hurt more than they help.
With increasing rates it means more money is pumped into paying debt. This means there is less for discretionary spending (going out, movies, dinners, gifts, holidays). With less mining and less manufacturing, Australia needs these service based industries to grow. With less spending on them, due to rates, they will shrink — this in turn hurts our overall economic situation … almost starts to lead us down the “R” word path and a certain “bubble” correction.

Would it not be better to strict things in Sydney and Melbourne markets as a standalone action by:

Restricting bank refinancing and equity accessing for those hot markets – ensure LVR at 70% minimum for a refinance
2. Ensuring all investment purchases in those hot markets have 20 – 25% deposit minimum
3. Assessing loans for investment on 10% interest rate for P&I
4. Limiting foreign investor purchasing in the hot markets?

This will mean the wider economy can continue, other markets needing a boost can see a rate cut maybe, and first home buyers in ‘hot markets’ do not get squeezed out.
Is it that easy?

Asset Selection (Numbers versus Emotions?) from Anne:

Thanks for your fascinating podcast! Just had a quick question regarding looking for investment property. I often hear that the property should have owner/occupier appeal, and yet I also hear that you need to take your emotions out of the equation and just look at the numbers! How do you balance these seemingly conflicting ideals? I am trying to just look at the numbers on an area, which I personally would not live in, and am finding it difficult.

Why Most Investors Stop At One from Andrew:

Hi Ben, Bryce and Ivise,

My question is about moving onto the 2nd property. I have often heard statistics such as the overwhelming proportion of property investors stop at 1 investment property. I understand that cash flow is king. I really want to know why or how investors get “stuck” after 1 or 2 properties. Is it their fear of debt or high LVRs? Obviously, the serviceability assessment by banks and recent government changes and APRA regulations has put a slow down on the investor space but these statistics were around long before the changes.
I am of the belief that you purchase what you can afford, manufacture some equity, wait for your property to grow in equity to move on again, and again, and again …
I don’t mind sharing my details as there would probably be many listeners out there in similar situation:

I am 33, single income family on $110,000 a year — currently renting in regional QLD due to work. I used a buyer’s agent to purchase my first investment property, a 3 bed, 1 bath and 1 garage in Birkdale QLD on a corner block in March 2017 for $455k. The property manager had it rented in under 2 weeks of being on the market. It currently has a 4.9% gross yield. There is $65k in the redraw, which means the property is neutral, which is good as it is in a trust. Further to this, I am adding an additional $1400 a month to the redraw. I will be ready to go again in a few months. (Yay?) I plan on adding a bathroom and bedroom to the property after the tenants finish their 12 month lease. My strategy is to buy, renovate, hold.
I really hope to receive some information about the “1 – 2 property block”. If this question makes it to a podcast, I’ll be very satisfied as I know many investors would have this question.

PS – Bring back the sign off in different languages!
PPS – awesome book — read it twice already

124 | Q&A – 20 minutes Saved 20 Years of Regret, Investing in Airbnb, Property Spruikers, Buying Cash Flow Only and the Cost of Commission

By Ivise July 13, 2017 in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

Alright folks, it’s that time again … you ask, the boys answer!

After receiving a tabletop full of new topics, we’ve taken our que this week behind an anonymously-sent testimonial. Turns out an earlier podcast Why You Shouldn’t Invest in Property saved our listener from being “sold a lemon by a spruiker”! Yep. Unfortunately guys, the property spruikers are still out there, so Bryce & Ben will be answering similar questions on the red flags to look out for, like:

How to sniff out the so called “educators” and get your trust back
What your next move should be to fix bad property advice
How 20 minutes stopped 20 years of regret
What the consequences are with ‘fee for service’ and ‘working for commission’
Why the right asset selection can flip the spruikers on their heads
What the finance in the first two stages of property investing are
Why negative gearing is really only a moment in time
How long and how many properties do you need in the accumulation phase
What ‘buying only for cash flow’ is, and its risks and rewards
Investing in regional area and factors to consider
How to spot the difference between a genuine property educator vs a spruiker

and (SUPER TOPICAL)

Airbnb Investment: Is it worth considering them?

This is a goodie, especially for those who don’t want to feel the sting of bad investing!

(For those who want to know the website Ben talks about, it’s PIPA.)

The questions we’ve handpicked are from:

Listener Anonymous (as continued from their nightmare situation, which the boys will read out):

“… We have about $200,000 of available equity, but we are now not sure what our borrowing power is as our previous broker was also linked to the spruikers and we don’t trust what they’ve told us. In your opinion, what should our next move be? Ideally we’d like to invest in Melbourne or Sydney but are not sure if it’s the right time to get into these markets.”

Andy:

“Can you guys talk about the finance in the first two stages of property investing? How do we go about understanding the numbers eg loans, consolidation and what is involved how everything works with the finance and loans, what to do with the loans from accumulation stages to consideration stages and onwards?”

Jonathan:

“Hi guys. I’ve recently started listening to your podcast and think it’s great. I’ve recently attended a seminar with ‘XYZ’ company, ‘XYZ’ Education they call themselves. Just wanted to know if you had heard anything about them? I understand there are many of these ‘mentors’ out there—those that are ‘fee for service’ and those that work off commission. These guys are the later. Any thoughts, comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.”

Kate:

“What do you think about the idea of buying for cash flow only? I live in Adelaide and there are many areas within 60 – 90mins of Adelaide where you can buy quality character properties for less than $250,000. If only earning an average income, and planning to buy and hold for 15 – 20 years, do you think a larger portfolio of properties like this may be less risky than one or two closer to the CBD, which will have substantial holding costs?”

Eddie Airbnb:

“Hi. I am an avid listener to your podcasts and I started listening to them since 2015, but I have stopped for a year. I have recently bought another investment unit and have started listening to them again. I am currently at episode 51 and it is great because I can listen to them nonstop without having to wait for the next one to arrive in my podcast. Great work, I really enjoy your shows.
I have a question regarding Airbnb. I know it is not aligned with your property investing strategy and overall investing mantra. But recently, it has taken the property market by storm and there are many investors who are doing this to become positive cash flow. It is sort of the elephant in the room and there is a lot of talk about it out there, whether it is in high-rise holiday resort, or brick and mortar family homes. People are doing it. I have recently bought an apartment (yes: high rise, high density, tourist destination, lifts and caretaker) and so far I am cash flow positive, after netting all costs including cleaning, rates and body corporate. I only manage the bookings of the apartment and outsource everything to a cleaner who doubles up as my meet-and-greet host. I also have insurances to cover those times when needed, and I do everything above board.
I would like your views on how your look at Airbnb investment as part of an investment strategy—if it is something that you are interested at discussing.
Thanks.”
If you like this Q&A episode (A Transitioning Market, Money, Habits, Tax Deductions and What It’s Really Costing You), don’t forget to rate us on our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/

116 | Q&A – How does Guarantor Loan actually works, Fixing a Joint Venture, Investing in WA and more

By The Property Couch May 18, 2017 in Podcast, Q&A

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

It’s Question and Answer time! Now, we answered a few questions in the last episode but realised that we wouldn’t be able to respond to all of your questions at this rate, so we will be doing a Facebook Live very soon. Stay tuned for that!

On another note, there’s an exciting announcement at the end of this episode so make sure you stick around. And here are the questions that we would be answering today:

Question on Guarantor Loan from Kate:

My partner and I earn a combined gross income of roughly $130,000 annually. We have a small amount of savings – about $5000 (remember we’re getting married). But really nowhere near the amount needed for a deposit on our first home. Listening to your episode about guarantors got me thinking. Is it possible to borrow the full amount for an invest-grade property in Newcastle? Do banks really loan 105% with interest only repayments so that we can continue putting money into an offset account? Or are we better to wait and rent and continue saving?

My parents have been lucky enough to own a home in Sydney that has enjoyed the crazy house price growth. Their home would be worth at least $1.5 million at the moment. How long would my parents need to be guarantors – would it be until we had saved 20% of the loan? Perhaps in our offset account? Or would it be until the full amount was paid down?

My dad is from the generation of debt is bad and avoids risks. If you thought this was a smart move, do you have any tips on how to explain the risk/benefits so that he can understand?

Question on “To Hold or Sell” from Warren: Hi ‘couchers’, thank you for your entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking podcasts. I’d like to know what your thoughts are on rescuing a situation where someone has an investment property they’ve had for 10 years that isn’t performing. Cut the losses and look to replace it, or hang onto it? (I bought this place at age 20 on apprentice wages, it was all I could afford) Thanks! (specifics: paid $195k, current market value $240k, current rent $270/wk)

Question on Property Investing in WA from Daniel:

My partner and I recently bought a duplex (2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 living rooms, 475 m2) in Spearwood for $400,000. We have $112,000 equity in the property and $73,000 cash in our offset. Our salaries are $50,000 p/a for my partner and $71,000 p/a for myself, and we do not plan to have children for another 5 years. There is an opportunity to buy the second duplex (also a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, with a small granny flat at the back) for $385,000. The site is zoned R40 on 950 m2 (we see a 4 property potential), 3 km from the new Port Coogee Marina, the North Coogee development estate and the potential South Fremantle Power Station development bringing 6,000 new high-density houses/apartments into the area. We are 300 m from the local shopping centre and 5 km from the satellite employment hub of Fremantle (Bryce’s old hood). It ticks all the lifestyle boxes bar being near a train station (it is currently challenging to access the freeway to the Perth CBD). My two part question is:

I am currently weighing up the opportunity cost. What is your inference of Spearwood as a potential “wave rider” suburb piggy backing off the growth of the coastal development? Do you feel that it would have long-term, consistent capital growth or a short term upswing, followed by a flattening capital growth and thus be better to buy into a blue chip area?
As a first time investor, would it be wise to buy the adjacent duplex and land bank the asset, then develop the land after we have acquired several more properties in our portfolio or focus on the subdivision straight off the bat?

Question on Joint Venture from Tristan:o

I am in a bit of a bind and require some help. I currently have 4 properties. PPOR, a house in country VIC (Nathalia) that my father rents, a house in Frankston (that’s had 10% growth in 5 months!) and the front house on a sub dived block in Seaford.

The last 2 properties were purchased with friends as tenants in common.

I wanted to try and get another property with just my wife and so (as my friend has changed his plans a bit) I spoke to a well-regarded mortgage broker and they told me that the banks have changed the rules and that now they take the full loan amounts of the split properties and only half the rent!?

This destroys my serviceability. I am now not sure what to do, my friend is moving interstate and will not be ready to buy again for 2 years. (which I think my turn into 5 years) and I am keen to keep purchasing.

Should I concentrate on paying down the debt on my PPOR (280k worth 750k) or look at selling one of the joint houses (to gain the serviceability)?

And here are Free Resources mentioned in today’s podcast:

Property Research Site | LocationScore – Register your interest here
Kids Savings Calculator – Download Here
Video on Buying A Property with Someone Else – Watch Here
Fact Sheet on Guarantor Loan – Download Here

If you like this Q&A episode (How does Guarantor Loan actually works, Fixing a Joint Venture, Investing in WA and more), don’t forget to rate us on our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

115 | What Does The 2017 Federal Budget Mean To The Property Market?

By The Property Couch May 11, 2017 in Podcast

Subscribe On Itunes Subscribe On Android

What a week! Apologies for the podcast’s downtown earlier this week and thank you to those of you who wrote in to us. We had a system update and things didn’t quite work out as we wanted them to be. That aside, the 2017 Federal Budget has been released just a couple of days ago. So let’s talk about that.

There were a few proposals relating to the affordability issue and a couple more that aims at the property investors pool. But overall, this was not an overly exciting budget. It was a conservative one. Nonetheless, what impact will if have on property owners and the Australian Property Market in general. Some of the issues that Bryce and Ben discussed in today’s episode are:

The proposed changes to depreciation deductions for plant and equipment
Capital Gains Tax exemption for foreign and temporary tax residents
Investors’ travel expenses claims
The implementation of First Home Super Saver Scheme and is it a good idea
The expanded audit on overseas investors

If you would like to understand more about the 2017 Federal Budget, please check out this link.

We’ve also answered a few questions from:

Joel on the First Home Super Saver Scheme: Hi property couch crew! Since the website is down ill throw my question for the next Q&A here. A good one of the younger generation first home buyers as well as parents. My question relates to the announcement of the first home buyers saving scheme announced in the budget, with the tax break through superannuation. Being someone who has been taught in uni and at home by my parents not to touch my super and add extra payments where possible, is this scheme of accessing it for a house deposit reasonable? I see the tax break being a great idea but opening the idea of people taking there super to buy a house they cant save for rings alarm bells for me. Do i have the correct understanding of it all? Would you recommend another way?

Leo on property valuation: Hi Ben & Bryce – (and the Stig!), I cannot thank you enough for the endless amount of value that you provide for your listeners. Your content is conversational and easy to understand even for a first-time investor like myself.
I have a suggestion that may also benefit other listeners. I have recently purchased my first investment at 23 years old. It is an existing (3 bed, brick and tile) property and I am in the process of planning a cosmetic renovation. My question is – When refinancing against an existing asset, do all property valuers have a set agenda when valuing your property? Since all valuers will have a different opinion on price, is there a similar set of factors they look at? (i.e Condition of kitchen, bathroom, flooring etc) – going on from this, Is there ways you can make your property more appealing to a valuer in order to gain a higher valuation to leverage onto the next investment? Thanks alot guys – I appreciate your work!

Derek on bookkeeping for investors: Something that isn’t as widely discussed in the field of real estate is book keeping. You guys mention the need to spend 10 hours or so per year to review each property in a portfolio. Can you dive into greater detail as to what exactly this entails? What sort of information do we need to keep track of and is that done through spreadsheets or specific software?

If you like this episode (What Does The 2017 Federal Budget Mean To The Property Market?), don’t forget to rate us on our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

Today’s Questions!

Instagram

Free Resources

Footer

MONEY SMARTS SYSTEM