Found on Facebook!

Here's a tip - if you're hiding from creditors, check your privacy settings on Facebook.

A couple here in Aus couldn't be found by the usual methods when they defaulted on a large loan so the lender found them and delivered the default notice to them via Facebook. The court found this fair enough as they were frequent FB users and it was fair to assume they would receive the notice this way.

Their privacy settings meant they could be identified by matching up their names and birthdates for starters.

Haven't we all been told not to disclose personal info to all often enough? Let alone when you're on the lam. Dumb and dumber.

How much is $11 billion really?

Quite a lot you might think. It's the amount Queensland will spend on health in 2011/12. It's the estimated cost of rebuilding Christchurch. The same amount will be paid to Telstra by the NBN for the existing copper telephone network.

It's also the amount that Australian banks charged in fees last year. It works out at $500 for every man, woman and child in Australia.

Yes, fees to consumers are down - by 16%. However, fees to business went up 21%.

This is the first year in 13 years that overall fee collection didn't rise. They didn't drop either. Give with one hand...........

Do you know how much you paid in bank fees last year? Including credit cards, ATM fees, account and loan fees? If you don't, you should work it out. If it's too high, give us a call.

We made the press!

From time to time, we are asked our opinion. It's nice to see it accurately quoted and actually used....Thanks Domain! http://theage.domain.com.au/home-buying-tips/the-loan-20110610-1fvv0.html

CBA customer satisfaction drops

Who remembers the last Melbourne Cup day rate rise from the Commonwealth? Way above the RBA increase? Well, the latest survey shows that they're the only lender to suffer a drop in customer satisfaction. Quite a price to pay! There are lots of offers to switch banks at the moment. Did you know your mortgage broker can also access these offers and others that aren't advertised? If you are a current "unhappy" CBA customer then you might want to talk to us!

Selling property? Top 6 tips.

1. Most people rely on first impressions more than they'd admit. Ever heard of 'street appeal'? That's the aim.
2. Make sure you target your advertising to get the best bang for your buck. Do you need a colour brochure? Ads where your buyers will see them are better.
3. Get a good agent. They'll be working for you so interview them. Pick one that can negotiate you the best deal. Get a referral from a gun salesperson!
4. Know your market. Don't waste everyone's time (and your money) advertising a property for a lot more, or less, than it's worth. Do your research without emotion, if you can.
5. Once they're in the door, keep the street appeal going. Clean and clear to make rooms look bigger. Let in light (and dust!)
6. Small repairs are OK. Several small jobs to be done might put off a buyer or two so take the tidying up a level and fix broken roof tiles, fence palings, etc. Buyers probably want to pick their own new bathroom, but not want to replace the tap washers.

Investors on the comeback trail!

The average weekly rent in Australian capital cities increased by 2.7% on average last year and is predicted to jump in the next twelve months due to low vacancy rates. Which strengthens the argument for buying - whether to live in or to rent out.

Investors are coming back into the market: a recent NAB survey says 33% of purchases will be by investors in the next year. Lower returns on the stock market make property look attractive and many people feel pretty comfortable doing their own research, unlike shares. (If you aren't one of them, consider talking to a property advocate.)

Also notable is the alleged raid on Melbourne property by cashed up sandgropers. (If you know any, refer them to us!) The property market there has gone backward of late, unlike the Vic capital which crept up 2.5% last year..

How big can it get?

Victoria gains nearly 80000 new residents a year. That's a lot of new homes needed, on top of existing demand. You would have to think that it puts a floor under property prices and pushes up demand for rental properties and, in turn, rent.

We're certainly seeing more enquiry from first time investors than ever before. They're looking to buy anything from a two bedroom flat 5-10 kms from the city to a four bedroom house 20+ kms out.

Infrastructure continues to restrict growth in certain parts of Melbourne, at least, concentrating it in others. Horses for courses - you need to know what you want to achieve from a property before you even start looking. And, needless to say, get your finances in order before you start so you don't waste time looking in the wrong place.

More on population growth and what it might mean for we Vics here.