News Archive
18 April 2007
Charges, Fees & Payments - Tenants
Can Rent Be Used For Other Tenancy Expenses?
When a tenant makes a payment to an Agent for rent the Agent must accept that payment as rent, Even if a tenant does not specifically state that the payment is for rent (for example paying by direct deposit, Bpay etc), this payment cannot be used for any other debt owing by the tenant.
Unless there is a clear inference to the contrary, all paym...
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10 April 2007
Increasing Rents during Tenancies
There can be confusion in relation to the time that notice needs to be given to the tenant for a rent increase to commence at the expiry of a fixed term agreement. Legislation provides that 2 months notice must be given for a periodic agreement and one month for a fixed term agreement. The rent can be increased during a fixed term tenancy if there is a special provision in the agreement to allow f...
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29 March 2007
Presenting Your Home for Rent
First impressions last!! From the moment a prospective buyer or tenant arrives at your property they should be drawn into the home. A tidy home says "Welcome" and "Come Inside". Long grass, untidy gardens and toys and garden tools strewn about are not attractive. Take a look at your property from the street - does anything stand out as messy or untidy? Placing nice potted plant...
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16 March 2007
Easter Competition for Kids!
LoanStar Realty, in conjunction with Goodlife Health Club at Carseldine have a fantastic colouring competition running for kids up to the age of 15. First prize is a big soft cuddly Easter Bunny and yummy chocolates! Sales Consultant, Lisa Dunne, has set up a display table in the reception area of the Goodlife Health Club, Carseldine- everyone is welcome to have a look and put their entries in at ...
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09 March 2007
Learn the Lingo
When you're hunting for a property to buy you need to overcome the challenge of learning the real estate lingo. Here are a couple of the definitions: Aspect- often stated as a compass direction when standing on the property and facing towards the road, for example a north-easterly aspect. Bridging Finance- A temporary loan to settle a purchase which is due before the date that the longer term...
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02 March 2007
Are Your Tenants Behind in Rent?
Tenants falling behind in rent affects everyone involved. The owner, the tenant and the Agent. The owner may fall behind in their mortgage payments and have their lender chasing them, the tenant will have the agent chasing them and the agent will have the owner calling them. It is never a pleasant situation and generally, it is difficult for a tenant to catch up again. LoanStar Realty has systems ...
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23 February 2007
Selling A Tenanted Property
The first thing to be done- The Managing Agent MUST be advised in writing by the Selling Agent. This is important for 2 reasons- a) it is legislated by the Property Agents And Motor Dealers Act 2000 b) the Managing Agent will have a relationship with the tenant and be able to negotiate inspections and open houses. Being a tenant in an investment property that is on t...
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07 February 2007
What Makes a Good Investment Property?
From a Property Manager's perspective, the best property to manage has street appeal, is low maintenance, clean and tidy inside and out, and close to tranport and shops. The number of bedrooms is not important although that will affect the rental income. A quality tenant will not contemplate renting a dirty untidy and poorly maintained house- it reflects a landlord who wi...
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24 January 2007
Keys to Rental & Sales Properties
LoanStar Realty have strict key control systems and do not hand out keys to potential tenants or buyers under any circumstances. Some Agents are still continuing this practice in spite of the dangers involved. Property theft can occur, tenant injury at the property can take place or the keys could be duplicated, lost or stolen. The potential for litigation is high and will more than likely rest on...
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11 January 2007
Bad Tenants?
Are you putting up with bad tenants? In today's rental market with it's very low vacancy rates you don't have to tolerate tenants who are always late paying rent, don't look after your property or upset neighbours. LoanStar Realty has lists of QUALITY tenants searching for well maintained rental properties and they are willing to pay top rent. We just can't keep up with the demand. Investors...
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