API Property Investing Tips

Tips for more efficient water and energy use

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:51:34 +1100

Simple measures around the home can help to prevent climate change, according to Archicentre Queensland spokesman Angus Kell.

Mortgage tips to cut costs

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:48:56 +1100

A mortgagee's circumstances can change, so it's important to regularly review your home loan structure to maximise cost savings, according to Commonwealth Bank Mortgage Wealth general manager James Sheffield.

Low maintenance wins out with gardens

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:56:12 +1100

Property buyers are becoming more open to different approaches to keeping a garden in good shape due to changing weather conditions and water restrictions, according to South Australian real estate firm Anreps.

Whatever you call them, exit fees sting

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:11:14 +1100

Homeowners and investors refinancing their loans need to understand the exit costs associated with changing a loan or lender, according to Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers.

Consolidating your debt could ease financial pain

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:01:43 +1100

Refinancing might seem like too much trouble but it can be beneficial for homeowners, according to a mortgage broker.

The tips and traps of preparing to buy

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:20:30 +1100

The property pendulum is on the upswing, according to Property Pursuit managing director Meighan Hetherington, and to get in on this fast moving market buyers need to be better prepared.

How to spot structural and pest problems

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:24:26 +1100

Paul Bloomer from Coastal Home and Building Inspections on the Sunshine Coast has provided a detailed rundown of some of the factors homeowners and investors should be aware of when they're conducting a building and pest inspection prior to purchase.

Buying versus renting

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:18:09 +1100

Choosing to buy your own home or rent and put your extra money into investments involves both financial and emotional considerations, according to Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers.

What you need to know before developing property

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:50:49 +1100

Eddie Chung from BDO accountants provides the following suggestions for what investors need to understand before undertaking a small development project.

Check your cash flow before investing

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:27:48 +1100

Investors thinking about taking advantage of low interest rates and solid rental returns should assess the cash flow of potential property investments before jumping into the market, Smartline managing director Chris Acret says.

Positives and negatives of buying via private treaty

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:47:36 +1100

Selling property through a private treaty is the most common way to sell a property in Australia, but an industry professional says there are both positives and negatives to the selling method.

Avoid the ‘buy and hope’ investment strategy

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:13:11 +1000

Selecting a good investment property is a complicated process and shouldn’t be left to chance, Brisbane buyers agent Meighan Hetherington says.

Solicitor's warning on dodgy settlement discounts

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:35:02 +1000

A judge describes a settlement rebate clause as "quite improper", while an experienced property investor finds the notion "a bit smelly", writes solicitor Tim O’Dwyer.

10 tips for keeping your job

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:27:43 +1000

Rising unemployment has gone hand in hand with the financial crisis sweeping the globe. For Australians worried about job security, API has consulted workforce professionals and assembled the following tips to help you keep your job.

Avoid being a property casualty

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:31:09 +1000

Property mentor Nick Lockhart from mrd has created a pre-purchase checklist of what property investors need to know to ensure they won't become casualties of the real estate market. An edited version of the checklist is provided below.

How to juggle babies and the mortgage

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:15:05 +1000

Many couples juggle mortgage repayments with bringing up a baby on a single income, but a little planning goes a long way in helping new parents ease the financial burden.

Property development tips

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:10:54 +1000

When developing property, you create and manufacture equity through the development process rather than waiting for capital growth as you do when purchasing an existing dwelling, according to The Property School.

How to avoid bank fees

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:23:53 +1000

In the wake of new figures from the Reserve Bank of Australia showing that banks have earned more than $1 billion in exception fees during the 2008-09 financial year, it's timely for homebuyers and investors to consider how they can minimise the fees they're paying to their lenders.

Understanding market dynamics

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:37:08 +1000

Due to strong rental yields and a strengthening market, investors are returning to the market in full force, according to RP Data research director Tim Lawless.

Improving your odds in property searching

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:03:02 +1000

Putting in the research time is what will give you improved odds when looking for the greatest property opportunities, according to ASX Newbie.com.

Understand the full costs of buying a property

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:10:49 +1000

Apart from the 'sticker price' on a property, homebuyers and investors should be aware of the associated costs that come along with purchasing a house or unit.

How to calculate the rental yield on a property

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:02:35 +1000

When buying investment property, one of the important figures to look at is the net return on the money you’ve invested, also known as the net rental yield.

12 strategies for investing in a downturn

Sat, 30 May 2009 15:47:14 +1000

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens have recently warned that Australia is almost certainly in recession.

Investments may yield extra through tax depreciation

Mon, 25 May 2009 13:48:42 +1000

Are you a property investor missing out on the full financial benefits available under taxation legislation for depreciation allowances for investment properties?

Finding the right insurance policy for your property

Mon, 11 May 2009 14:19:52 +1000

Are you a homeowner or investor insuring your property? Insurance brokers can help you choose your cover.