Open Developments

What a great summary of how smart investors operate from another successful property investor - education, planning, risk mitigation and long term view. Sound familiar?!

Is it encouraging to know that you're on the right track? Although investing well is simple, it's not easy.

Spread it around so others can get ther right guidance and avoid costly mistakes.

Nine things you should never do as a property investor - Property Investment Update Michael is a director of Metropole Property Strategists who create wealth for their clients through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He has been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and his opinions are regularly featured on radio as well as in major newspapers a...

Who struggles with motivation? Especially in winter? Yes, most people do but overcoming that is easier than you think. Whether it is motivation to work hard, spend more time with your family, continue growing your wealth or to get fitter, this is a great read on easy tips to get ahead and feel great for it! If you have a tip of your own, please share it.

: http://tristanwhite.com.au/tpc-culture/how-motivated-people-get-so-much-done/

How motivated people get so much done » Culture is Everything - CEO blog from Tristan White of The P How motivated people get so much done Culture Add comments Jul 052012 On Monday night, I’d planned to go for a run. I love running and I always feel so much better afterwards. But on Monday I felt pretty unmotivated and questioned whether I’d even go. I did e...

Streamlining processes and maximising cash flow are two critical factors to control as a smart investor.

This week's property investor tip looks at a simple, yet very effective way to do this - by paying your builder's deposit prior to settlement, ideally 2 months before if possible.

Most investors who buy house and land off the plan wait until the land has settled prior to thinking about the construction process. Did you know that even before land is registered the builder can gain access to the site and commence some preiminary works such as soil testing and get their insurances arranged? This not only redues the time between land settlement and the construction start as most of the work is already done, it also saves you siginficant amounts of bank interest.

Let's assume the purchase price is $400k. If the builder's deposit is 5% of a $200k build, then let's say you pay them $10,000 two months prior to settlement. This will cost you, at a 7% interest rate, about $115 in interest over the 2 months. Compare that with waiting until the land has settled, meaning $210k has been drawn down to cover land purchase, stamp duty and costs. Add the builder's deposit at this point and interest over 2 months on $220k will cost you $2565. So just by thinking ahead and streamlining processes, you've saved $2,450 in interest. That's a nice summer holiday!

Was this tip useful? Anything else you'd like to know about? We'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback.

This week's property investor tip of the week draws on Cassandra's experience in property management and optimising the return on your investment.

Professional photography where real estate is concerned is most commonly used by agents looking to maximise the appeal of the home they're selling to potential buyers. Why not do the same for your property targeting potential tenants?

Not only will using professional photos enhance the marketing of your property and assist you in generating more interest and therefore placing a tenant sooner (and possibly at a higher rent), they can be used in the future should the property need to be re-let.

Increasing the demand for your property can only ever be a good thing! Have you used professional photos to good effect in the past?

To all of our clients, partners, family and friends, we wish you a very happy Easter and hope you enjoy the break.

If you're travelling, please drive carefully. Stay tuned next week as we report on Cassandra's next attempt at mastering the art of wakeboarding. We're hoping there's a video!