The majority of adults today can remember the last time it was difficult for people to find jobs, especially those who are young with no experience or qualifications. Such a time is upon us once more, even in the great country of Australia. It should be explained to individuals under twenty-five how to grasp the concept that the world does not owe them a guaranteed career earning at least $70,000 as soon as they get out of school.

Why Invest?

When it comes to surviving the recession, there are several ideas that are passed around such as eat at home more than going out, avoid buying designer things and even buy property now. It seems that now is a good time to invest in property in Australia. Here are a couple of facts about the current property market in Australia:

• First home market is flourishing thanks to government grants.
• Upper and middle market is frozen
• There are not many people listing

Even though the auction clearance rates persistently rise, the total number of these sales has dropped considerably. The current clearance rate in Sydney is up over 60%, which is close to 20% higher than it was at this same time last year. However, the number of properties listed was only down just over 120, which is more than a hundred less than the previous year.

The Right Move?

It is true that the majority of first-time homebuyers are able to obtain at least $21,000 worth of government grants, which in regions like Victoria will contribute, at least in part, to paying the government’s sales tax.

Sadly, young couples seem convinced that if they purchase a new four-bedroom home for $400,000 from the CBD, that they are making a solid investment. However, there are a few problems to be aware of such as:

• $400,000 is not that great of a deal, even if you only pay $280,000 for it.
• Even if you have two children, you will not need a four-bedroom home until they are almost grown. Do not waste money on interest that you should pay for another ten to fifteen years.
• Young couples are not interested in living in the middle of nowhere.
• Even shiny new houses require maintenance at one time or another.
• This is not the real market; instead, the government continues to subsidize the boom in the first-home buyers market. Therefore, you cannot sell until June 30.

Property Options Australia
Property Options Blog © 2006 - 2009

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The notion of investing in property options or rental properties is becoming more and more popular as people are growing tired of the ups and downs of the traditional stock market. As I have mentioned to you many times in the past, not everyone is cut out to be a property investor. However, many who attempt it will find themselves on the right path to build the wealth they so desire.

Once you have decided that you are ready to take that important step and invest in the property market, it is time for the real work to take place. Finding the most profitable properties generally takes a fair amount of time, the right connections in the market as well as extensive research.

The Time Horizon

Just like with any other investment, you need to have some sort of an idea as to how long you plan to own a property option before you decide if you are going to purchase it outright.

The longer you own the property, the more you are probably going to invest in maintaining and adding value to the property. If you plan to keep your property for a couple of decades, then at one point or another, you are going to need to spruce it up a little here and there as time progresses. If you are only going to hold on to the property for about five years or so, then you will not have to worry about making any repairs or improvements, unless you are attempting to increase value.

A shorter time horizon may place you at a higher risk. Even though your property will certainly increase in value over the next twenty years, it could very well lose value in the next five years, especially if you are purchasing property in a market that is overheated. In order to make up for that risk, you will need a larger potential annual return.

Small Investments Lead To Early Retirement

For several small investors, it makes more sense to invest for the long-term. You will have plenty of time to wait out any instability that may arise in the market and the income is a great way to supplement your daytime job. If you invest in enough of the right properties, being a property investor can easily become your daytime job. Imagine if all you had to do was sit around and wait for the checks to come in the mail. It is a strong possibility when you invest in the property market.

Property Options Australia
Property Options Blog © 2006 - 2009

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In this installment we will continue to look at aspects of buying a new home in Australia that will be a perfect fit for both you and your pet.

Having A Bigger House Will Help With Lots Of Pets

If you do have a lot of animals living in your home then you will probably want to find a home with as much square footage as you can comfortable afford. Having more room in your home will make it easier to give everyone in your home enough space and ensure that you are not tripping over each other.

When You Need A Yard

Larger yards can be a huge asset if you have pets. The extra room that a yard provides can be a huge benefit to you as well as your pet. Another benefit of having a yard is that your pet will have a place to relieve himself without you needing to take him or her out for a walk. This can be a big time saver for you. Having a fenced in yard is an even bigger asset because it will help keep you pet contained and safe.

When You Can’t Get A Yard

If you are not able to get a property with a yard for your pets due to the area where you are living or your budget then is will be important to find a house that is in close proximity to a park or other area where you can take your pet for a walk several times a day. Living close to a park or other grassy area will make your life as a pet owner much easier.

Using these tips and ideas will make finding a pet friendly home in Australia easier than ever.

Property Options Australia
Property Options Blog © 2006 - 2009

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If you are looking for a new home and have furry friends that are a part of your family it can present some special and unique challenges. But finding a pet friendly home doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are looking for some real estate in Australia that will be great for both you and your four legged friends.

What Type Of Pet You Have Will Affect Your Choices

When you are looking to buy a new home and have pets to consider there are several factors that you will need to take into consideration.

• The Type Of Pet

The type of pet or pets that you have will determine if they have any influence over where you buy a home. If you only have some indoor cats then it probably won’t affect your decision on where to buy a new home very much. But if you have several dogs then it may influence where you look for that new home. Some dogs, by the nature of their breed, require a lot of activity and exercise. If you have a dog that requires a lot of physical activity then you will probably want to find a home that has a nice fenced in yard area where they can run around and get their energy out. Some dogs, such as Great Danes, are very large, but do not require a great deal of exercise. These dogs actually do very well in smaller city apartments and smaller spaces. While other dogs, such as retrievers and spaniels need lots of exercise ad stimulation. Knowing what sort of pet you have and what their individual exercise requirements are will be very beneficial to finding a compatible home for all of you.

• How Many Pets You Have

If you only have one or two pets this probably won’t affect you house hunting very much. But if you have several animals this may very well affect where you look for a new property.

Property Options Australia
Property Options Blog © 2006 - 2009

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Veteran property investors know that there is a variety of ways to finding the best properties in which to invest your hard-earned dollars. Some property investors search for foreclosures, build friendly relationships with bank employees and the clerks at city hall who are aware of which properties will be selling soon. Some investors choose to run an ad in a local newspaper and others work with local real estate agencies that constantly look for investment possibilities.

Learning From Others

Many seasoned property investors recommend that you join a local property owners group in order to make the best contacts in the market. Several websites on the Internet provide links to local associations who can help.

When you get started investing in the property market, all of the other investors will seem to just show up and through networking and investor meetings you will be able to find out which properties are for sale and which are the most profitable. You will also be able to learn from others who have been investing in the property market for many years and may have learned a few tricks that they are willing to share with you.

Other Methods To Find Investment Properties

You may also want to try to approach property owners directly to see if they are interested in selling their properties. Another effective method for locating profitable investment properties is by calling the numbers that are found on the property advertisements in the classified ads. Drive around neighborhoods to spot “For Sale” signs. You should indeed make it a point to talk with any experienced property investors with whom you are already familiar or know on a personal level.

Just imagine that you are looking around and happen upon a property owner who has owned the same property for several years and is ready to sell. You may even be able to find these individuals before they advertise the property, giving you an added advantage.

Property Options Australia
Property Options Blog © 2006 - 2009

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