Sunday, October 23, 2011

Self managed super funds & rental renovations!




This month may see the decision by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to allow Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF) investors to renovate their investment properties through their Fund.

The money can’t be borrowed – it must be funded through the SMSF – and it can’t be used to change the fundamental use of the property, such as a house-to-apartment conversion.

It may increase the appeal of un-renovated properties, which tend to be less expensive that their renovated counterparts, with Australian Managed Super Funds investors taking a closer look at this market.

Whether this ruling does or doesn’t go through right now, it is recognition that people saving and planning for their financial future should have the opportunity to buy and improve an investment property’s value through renovations.

Buying real estate through SMSF is a growing trend in Australia according to ATO figures.

If a new ruling doesn’t come down this month, it is likely to stay on the ATO radar, and is yet another reason for investors to work with a real estate network that remains abreast of change and keeps them informed.

For more information visit the below links:



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Getting Ready for Summer


Our Top Recommendations!!

Ensuring that your asset continues to grow in value is what owning an investment property is all about. This is why ongoing and regular maintenance is absolutely imperative. Below are our top tips for pre-summer maintenance which will not only benefit your property/s long term condition but make for a positive and conducive relationship with your tenants. Your efforts in proactively maintaining your property to high standard in between seasons help us to ensure your tenants continue looking after your property to the same level. 

1. Service your air conditioning system/s

An air conditioner is a very tough piece of equipment. It is engineered to withstand heavy use & keep on running. This is great in most respects, but it can lead to complacency about maintenance. Like a car, air conditioners need regular tune-ups to run properly. Studies show that with regular tune-ups a unit will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency. If you have a system with covers, ensure these are removed prior to summer!


2. Reticulation systems and Bores

Due to water restrictions and bans during winter, it is a good idea to check your bore and reticulation systems are running and programmed correctly. Sometimes when systems and/or bores aren’t used for long periods of time problems can arise, especially if they are quite old to start with. It’s advisable to have a professional check and reset it to ensure no problems during the summer, which can be both more costly and have long waiting lists.


3. Pool/spa health – how’s yours travelling?

Like reticulation, pools aren’t used much during the winter so it’s a good idea to have a health check done by a professional prior to summer. For those who include pool maintenance in their lease your contractor will do this for you. For those who don’t, having a health check done is a great best practice strategy that will help ensure your pool is well maintained and healthy over summer and save you money down the track as potential maintenance issues can be picked up and solved early on, before the summer price hikes.


4. Mulch/wood chip garden beds to aid in water retention & presentation 

This isn’t a maintenance tip as such, more a recommendation. Properties with quite involved gardens or garden beds may benefit from an annual prune/tidy up and fresh mulching. This prepares it for the dry summer we have. This isn’t an owner requirement (unless stipulated in your lease) however it provides you with peace of mind they are in good order and prepared for summer, as although it may be your tenants responsibility to maintain them, if they fail in this it can be a long way back. An annual garden tidy can be the good faith gesture that encourages your tenant to ensure they continue to look after them well.


5. Oil your deck and outdoor furniture

Unless your decking timber is painted or treated, it’s important to oil it every three to six months. Good oil will enhance the natural grain of the timber and make it look lustrous in the summer sunshine. If you have decking give your property manager a call to organise for it to be oiled.


Monday, October 3, 2011

LJH Leeming Licensee/Principal Wins Top Award!

Pauline Francis is announced as the Western Australian Telstra Business Woman of the Year 2011
(Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Category)

Congratulations to our exceptional Licensee Pauline Francis who was named winner of the 2011 Western Australian Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award at the 2011 Telstra WA Business Women’s Awards last week.

Pauline overcame the effects of the global financial crisis on Perth’s property market to be ranked in the top one per cent of the national LJ Hooker network. Managing twenty property management and sales staff, she was the first WA woman to be admitted to the LJ Hooker Board of Admirals international network in its 81-year history. LJH Admirals are a select group of high achievers chosen to drive growth for the LJ Hooker network.This year, she and her husband Darryl were also named the network’s Franchise Owner’s of the Year for WA.

Pauline was one of only 16 finalists chosen from hundreds of nominees for this year's Telstra WA Business Women’s awards. All Western Australian winners will proceed to the national finals of the Telstra Business Women’s Awards which will be held in Melbourne on the 18th of November.

Over the last few years she has been recognised amongst her peers and within the industry for her unwavering dedication to improving Property Management systems and best practice procedures, not only for her own team in Leeming but throughout the wider LJ Hooker network state-wide and nationally. 

With Pauline currently away, BDM Emma Trezise accepted the award on her behalf last Tuesday at the Hyatt Hotel and said in her speech, “good leader’s make people feel that they’re at the very heart of things.Everyone feels that he or she makes a difference to the success of the organisation.  Pauline is this leader and we are very proud to work alongside such an inspiring woman both as colleagues and as friends”

The awards are in their seventeenth year, and aim to shine the light on leaders in business who, “inspire, connect and achieve so much”.

Proud Children - Nathan & Terri Francis


 Business Development Manager - Emma Trezise 
Accepting Pauline's Award on her behalf