Real Estate–A "Nest" And a "Nest Egg"

The stock market vagaries over the last year have brought home to many investors that bricks and mortar make a wise choice when it comes to investment. This is not merely being wise after the event. The evidence was always there. Real estate has a good record. Looking now at the increasing interest in property, one can see that people look for security as well as a sound investment proposition. Whether you are an investor or simply someone who is purchasing your own home, the benefits such an investment ultimately bring in terms of capital gains (i.e. the increase in the property's value), tax benefits, or income, can be considerable. There are also other advantages. For instance, if you rent out the property, such items as repairs/rates, and any loss between the income from the property and the mortgage repayments can be charged against your tax. This is known as negative gearing. Also, if your home is fully paid for, it can generate a handy income if let, which is worth considering if you intend travelling overseas or around Australia. If managed wisely, property is one of the few investments that can provide both a "nest" as well as a "nest egg". If you are planning to invest in property, it is wise to first contact a real estate agent. At Professionals Logan Lifestyles we offer friendly, professional advice regarding all aspects of property investment and management. If you require help, feel free to contact me, Noel Thompson, on 0418 517 525 or call into our friendly offices at Browns Plains for a chat.

Managing a Tenancy Requires Skill

Owning property is generally a very safe investment over the long term, especially with the real estate boom that has occurred in recent times, but it’s still important to have a tenant who pays the rent on time and takes care of your property.

To begin with, property managers thoroughly understand your rights and obligations as a landlord as well as those corresponding to your tenant. This is important because you always want to be on the correct side of the law.

The next thing is to carefully choose your tenant. Property managers have the everyday experience and wherewithal to give you the best chance of having a creditworthy and reliable tenant.

When your tenant moves in there is the condition report to properly fill out. This shows that the tenant and you agree on the condition of the property at the time the tenant moves in. Your property manager will make sure it includes every necessary detail, so that when your tenant leaves, the same report can be used to assess any wear and tear on the property. Experience counts in determining such matters.

During the tenancy you always want your property properly maintained as well. Your property manager will handle all repairs as they arise while periodically inspecting the property on your behalf and alerting you to any maintenance issues.

We at Professionals Logan Lifestyles Real Estate are specially skilled in all aspects of property management. If you need a property manager or have a different real estate query, feel free to phone me on 0418 517 525 at any time or call into our offices at 20 Commerce Drive, Browns Plains for immediate assistance.

Solar Power

One in five Australian households now use solar energy, according to data released recently by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). ABS spokesperson Karen Connaughton said that when data was first collected in 2011, the numbers were pretty small at around five per cent of households. "Jump just three years to 2014, and solar panels are being used by fourteen per cent of all households”, she said. "Add in solar hot water heating and we're up to 19 per cent, so one in five households are now using some form of solar power.”

South Australia shines brightest, with 24 per cent of households using solar electricity. Queensland follows with 20 per cent, WA 16 per cent, Victoria 11 per cent, ACT and NSW both on 10 per cent, Tasmania at seven per cent and NT at six per cent.

"As you might expect in sunny Australia, three-quarters of Australian households use some form of cooling, with just under half choosing reverse cycle air conditioning and the remainder mostly split between refrigerated air conditioning and evaporative coolers”, Ms Connaughton said.

The hot spot for cooling was the Northern Territory, where 97 per cent of households had some form of cooling but in the ACT it seems you'd have to pry the heater from their cold, wintery hands as only a tiny one per cent of Canberrans reported not having heating.”

We can assist you on any real estate transaction, hot or cold. If you have a question or interest in a sale, purchase or lease, feel free to contact me on 0418 517 525 or call into our friendly offices for a talk.

Staff Recipes - Lea

At Logan Lifestyles we have excellent staff. Not just the kind that can sell and manage properties but the kind that can cook as well!! Lea Ventnor our Front Office Management for Sales is a great home chef. When we had our Christmas morning tea last year, Lea was lovely enough to bring along the Cheeseball that she had cooked up the day before and it was delicious. Here for you today is her recipe, so grab some crackers, some veggies and enjoy :)