Recent content by brick.swift

Ask the inspector to separate findings into safety or damage prevention, work needed within the first year, and cosmetic items. Then get actual estimates for the first group before deciding whether the buffer is enough. Separately list moving, insurance and any service charges, plus the...

I’d use four buckets: untouched emergency money; known move-in and first-payment costs; a temporary defects and insurance-excess reserve; and optional furnishing. The first three should have clear amounts before the fourth receives anything. Also read the inspection report before buying...

I wouldn’t assume the owners corporation is automatically the largest omission. Depending on the ownership structure and circumstances, land tax could materially change the annual cash flow, alongside council and water-related charges. Melbourne figures need to be checked against the actual...

Listing imports into the lead-management system would be my first candidate, because repeated entry starts before any viewing or document work. But how are you measuring the saving: staff time per property, fewer corrections, or faster tenant response? A quick import can still create extra work...

I’d also separate renovated, ready-to-occupy units from those needing work. Two condos with similar floor area and location can have very different buyer pools if one presents well and the other brings immediate costs or uncertainty.

The practical next step seems to be one written reply confirming each reported item, asking for current photos and noting which ones may be handled together. If moisture is among them, arrange an appropriately scoped investigation rather than another cosmetic patch. After that visit, you can set...

The decision shouldn’t turn on a universal net-yield hurdle. Compare the resulting unleveraged yield with alternatives available to you, then ask whether the extra work, concentration, tenant turnover and repair uncertainty are adequately rewarded. If the deal only looks acceptable when rent is...