Real Stories Archives - Page 16 of 20

129 | Robots in Real Estate: Friend or Foe? – Chat with Nigel Dalton, Chief Inventor at REA Group

By The Property Couch August 10, 2017 in Podcast

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Disclaimer: This is Beyond Mind-blowing. 😉

Think technology. Think crazy. Think sci-fi films, actually. Yep. This podcast is futuristic—except, all this crazy tech stuff is happening in a future arriving sooner than you think (we were shocked too when we found out)!

To tell us all about it (and to bewilder us), Nigel Dalton—one with the coolest title going around—Chief Inventor at realestate.com.au (REA)—literally awes the couch. With 25+ years’ experience in IT, Nigel co-founded Luna Tractor, which is responsible for discovering the crème de la crème in the digital space and bringing these phenomenal developments to the Australian property market.

You will laugh as Bryce and Ben turn The Property Couch into a virtual 3D house inspection, looking seriously ridiculous in “extended reality” headsets!

This mind-blowing podcast includes:

How the property industry will benefit from robots, drones, avatars and reality-altering headwear
Is technology a friend or your foe?
The “human” side of technology and whether or not you’ll lose your job to a robot (seriously)
The social implications of technology and the boundaries that shouldn’t be pushed
Where big data are being collected, how it’s analysed and when will it start changing our day-to-day tasks
How technology will potentially outsmart a lazy real estate agent
The trends happening in property, asset selection and the beginnings of a massive change in the industry
How many years (!) it will take until we live and work in a virtual reality (prepare yourself)
Trialing the Microsoft HoloLens … and why the groundbreaking “virtual reality” headwear will be the next hit
How to “air tap” or simply look at a wall to enter a house (we’re not kidding)
The global competition in real estate and the digital space
How to “dream build”
BREAKING NEWS: Will iPhone’s Suri will be able pick your investment property for you!

In Nigel’s own words, it’s:

“The cutting edge in what’s crazy.”

Do yourselves a favour, guys. This one is next-level.

128 | How a Country Boy Went From a Butcher to Property Success – Chat with Duncan McPherson, Director of Nelson Alexander

By The Property Couch August 8, 2017 in Podcast, Real Estate Agent

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That’s right guys. Duncan McPherson, Director at Nelson Alexander (also a successful property consultant, auctioneer, founder of Nelson Alexander Charitable Foundation and a property investor himself) started his roots in a small country town as, well, a butcher. Yep—his story is absolutely a white-butcher’s-coat to wealth-building-creation!

Duncan is a family man, centred on honest and committed customer service, who has built his riches on sharing what he knows and paying it forward, giving almost $2.5 million dollars to local charities in the process.

On the couch to share his wisdom, humbleness and good humour with the boys, Duncan explains:

How he came to Melbourne as a butcher and ended up as highly-successful real estate figure
Why one man in a black BMW, a shiny suit and a bad attitude was likely the catalysis for his career change
How Nelson Alexander, since 1971, has transformed the face of real estate services, especially in the Northern suburbs
How he approaches property investment with 20+ years’ experience
What are his criteria for a successful asset selection?
Which one is a “better” investment: a house or a townhouse?
What “buying land and airspace” means and how you can value from it
What is “The Beef Wellington” to add value to your property?
What to look for in a quality real estate agent and how to outsmart them
How many off-market properties exist without you even knowing they’re For Sale? (Hint: it’s more than you think!)
The inevitability of housing affordability—has it always been tough breaking into the market?
When will he consider buying a property with someone else?
What he looks for in an investment property and what always impresses him
The mentors who have changed and continue to change his life.

We really, really think you’ll benefit from this one guys. It’s one thing to hear tips from the best in the business; but another thing entirely to hear it from someone who made it there from the humblest of beginnings!

PS: Hear your own voice on the podcast by dropping us a Voicemail! Simply click on the long orange button on the right-hand-side of your screen J

LocationScore: You can access it here. (And don’t forget to use this code: TPC20. Valid till 19th August 2017)

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

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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/

122 | Q&A – A Transitioning Market, Money, Habits, Tax Deductions and What It’s Really Costing You

By Ivise June 29, 2017 in Podcast, Q&A

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It’s that time again … a few questions from you and a few answers from the boys!

Oh, before we give you a tiny tease about today’s podcast … just a huge shout out for being SO supportive about our technical glitch last week. Our inbox was flooded with all of your emails and concerns—please know that our hearts’ burst (with love) and we missed you all too! We really did. But we’re back and better than ever this week. (With an epic guest next Thursday we’ve got The Stig running the server like a pro.)

Right … to today’s Q&A! It’s the time of a transitioning market. So things are starting to balance out in the property scene. The boys will fill you in on the nitty gritty; but, guess what? This is an empowering time for buyers!

Think Question. Think Answer. Think Golf. Blame Bryce for his legendary metaphors.

Question on debt reduction from Allen:

I am trying to get into a better money management system and have just a few questions.
I currently have 1 personal loan of $22,000 and 2 credit cards both roughly $5000 each. In your previous podcasts about credit card management and The Money SMARTS System you suggest paying off whichever debt charges the most interest first. Well, the personal loan charges more than the credit cards in the long run and has more to pay off although the credit cards are of smaller amount but it is still high, which would you recommend paying off first?

Question on how to work out a property’s true value from Laura:

When monitoring an existing Investment Property’s capital growth, and trying to do this in an objective, non-biases and reliable method, can you please compare and contrast—get the advice—just relying on a real estate agents sales appraisal vs. a proper bank valuation?

Question on Negative Gearing and Tax Deductions from Glenn:

My wife and I bought a house (PPOR) in Croydon Vic 2.5 years ago, which has since appreciated by nearly 20%. We are looking at buying our first investment property this year, around mid-year. We had a child last year, my wife will be going back to work part time mid-year and is currently on maternity & LSL. My salary will be about $100k more than hers.

Will it make sense to get the investment loan out in my name so that the losses can be claimed against my greater income? For some reason she is apprehensive about this idea, which I’m not sure why because we are married anyway and the titles can still be put in both our names even though the finance is in my name. Is this worth considering this or should everything just be in both our names, joint loans the like?

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

Property Research Site | LocationScore – Register your interest here
Money Magazine Article – Order an online copy here
2016 Census Results – Find out more here
The Game of Property Investing – Find out more here

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

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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/

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