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Risk v Reward

BY MAL JAMES 2010

Risk v Reward
In much of our homebuying discussion, we often mention the supposed opposing forces of Risk v Reward. We mention them because a lot of homebuyers don’t act with any level of risk v reward consciousness in the homebuying process – in other words, they often make decisions without considering that, for every [...]
Learning Fees

Learning Fees

BY MAL JAMES 2010

As we are now firmly into a new market, we thought it time to have a stab at one of the most perplexing concepts confronting inexperienced buyers in high-end real estate  – the “Learning Fee”. The “Learning” Fee is the amount you as a Do-It-Yourself buyer can end up paying extra for the home you buy, [...]
The WOW Factor

The WOW Factor

BY MAL JAMES 2009

In smart real estate investing, we look at three major components – position, property (land and building) and price. However there is another factor that is not as black and white and that we call the “Wow” factor. The “Wow” factor is what attracts people to a certain property. It assesses the [...]
How to Buy the Right Property

How to Buy the Right Property

BY MAL JAMES 2009

Our Fundamentals Buying the right property is a science. And an art. There are a lot of factors which affect whether or not you get a good deal when buying property. For those who love the Art vs Science arguments, let’s say there is an art to finding, matching and negotiating a property. That is [...]
Dealing with Stress and Emotion

Dealing with Stress and Emotion

BY MAL JAMES 2009

Some of our tips to reduce stress and emotion when buying property: Counteract inexperience and buy in some expertise. It’s not that you shouldn’t use Dad or Uncle Ben – they just don’t probably understand in the same way what your needs are. Hire a buyer advocate or an experienced valuer. Spend some money to [...]
Dealing with Agents and Auctions

Dealing with Agents and Auctions

BY MAL JAMES 2009

What are you going to do this weekend on a pass in or a vendor’s bid? In 2009 the rules & strategies have changed. Don’t miss out, don’t pay too much. Many buyers turn up to an auction with little planning having been done, other than “I think I will bid up to …” or [...]
Managing Risk

Managing Risk

BY MAL JAMES 2008

Property is Like Any Other Investment – It Can Go Up as Well as Down. Not buying can actually be a bigger risk than buying – but evidence shows that if you buy well your risk is dramatically reduced. We love buying properties and have made a great deal of money by buying the [...]

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