| Housing Affordability
Posted: 3/31/2008 10:12:56 PM |
Anyway, money aside, the feeling of knowing I own my piece of space in this world gives me a horizon. Nobody can give me 7 days notice and inspect, nobody can ask me to move out, nobody can tell me I can't have pets, or to clean my oven (thank god cos I am thinking about just sealing it shut... just seems easier.
naamah i too felt like that for a while, but whether it be bad management on my behalf for not seeing the bigger picture, or just stupidity in thinking I could do it alone and on a limited income the time has now come to free myself of the financial burden and roller-coaster i am riding on. i guess in some respects i am lucky that i will have a few $$$ to put away and i have thought about using the equity to clear the debts, but at the same time i cant see the point as I would be no better off.
so sell up it will be - and I have to say the kids are really pleased and so is my dad because he no longer has to mow the lawns and keep the vege patch in order, i think at 75 he deserves a rest.
i may be looking for a fellow investor (silent partner maybe) who knows what the future on that front will bring but I know the thought of getting of this merry-go-round has me actually smiling on the inside and I like the feeling!
ps: thanks to you guys for being so sweet - even you sandy freckle.......lol | |
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Naamah
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Joined: 11/22/2007
Msg: 27 | |
| Housing Affordability
Posted: 3/31/2008 11:08:47 PM |
has me actually smiling on the inside and I like the feeling!
That's the bit that really counts Gee. I wholeheartedly agree that it's not easy doing it alone. I hope it turns out well for you. 
I'm selling soon as well, but buying again...slightly further out where it's cheaper. Prices will inevitably see a future rise in the area I am moving to, just like they have around here since we bought back when this was a "you're moving WHERE?!?" location. It's funny, all we were trying to do when we moved out here was get away from the crowd...but the crowd has followed...and the crowd does have a nice habit of pushing the price up. Buy where nobody else wants to buy, and then get the hell out when they change their minds, I reckon. It's a habit that pays well.
(PS. My first post hadn't been directed in any way at yours, by the way...not sure if you thought it was?) | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 3/31/2008 11:18:22 PM |
I live in a common equity housing cooperative; well actually we are incorporated as a company . . . . Rents are used to for the upkeep and management of the properties.
One of the aims of oganizations like ours is to provide alternative housing models to the public housing and the Australian dream models.
That is a great model !
As our population density increases our living habbits will become more like some higher populated overseas models. We dont need to re-invent the wheel here - just go overseas, pick a model that is suitable to us and implement it.
Living in flats it frowned upon, but nevertheless its a way of living and owning 'something' without spending your whole adult life paying for it.
Houses (to build new) havent really increased that much over the last 20 years but the land value has.
So in suburbia you can put multilevel townhouses on a small amount of land and share foundation and roof costs as well.
But it will take a while because Australians are conditioned to live on a quarter acre to acre of land - The Big Australian Dream. | |
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Naamah
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Joined: 11/22/2007
Msg: 29 | |
| Housing Affordability
Posted: 3/31/2008 11:42:44 PM | ^^^ Conditioned? Or just would rather? Nobody told me what to dream, but I always liked having dogs, a yard, a little breathing space...things townhouses didn't allow. Plus, having had some involvement in body corporate affairs, the level of living where people report someone 2 seconds after they hung a towel over the balcony railing or didn't put their wheelie bin in the right alcove, would do my head in. Having one (recently arrived from the city) bad neighbour who is waaaay down the end of a dirt road is intrusive enough without having one on the other side of the wall. Overcrowding can cause humans to turn on each other. And as I progress into my crotchety old woman years I suspect that the desire for space will broaden rather than narrow. I want acres and acres of ducks.  | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 3/31/2008 11:54:27 PM | I kissed owning a home goodbye a long time ago after a few divorces...sadly.... I would like my own place but its just not meant to be and I guess Ive got the renters mentality...Ive lived in NY and London for the last 12 years and I guess Im with them, everyone rents...its their way of life like over there just like here its to own your own home and they are pretty stunned when you explain to them about housing over here, and dont even go mentioning superannuation to them !!. Perhaps Im being pessimistic but I do think its gonna get harder especially for single people to own in Australia, especially in the capital cities....
On that note, Gee...I just want to say as well...good on you...I think your doing the rite thing although I fully understand how hard it must have been to get to this point but I admire any person but especially a woman trying to make a go of it....your home is in your heart and you will take that feeling and all good wishes to your new place..and a bit of cash in the pocket is always a nice feeling...Cheers | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 3/31/2008 11:55:12 PM | At least your country, and mine, haven't gone the way of the Japanese:
Those poor people have had 100 year mortgages in place now for close to a decade... now that's terrible!
hnh
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/1/2008 12:20:06 AM | Are we talking about the same crotchety old woman or crutchety old women ? lol.
Trying really hard to look the other way - mentally . . . 
Seriously, i take your point (the first timer ever?) about farm versus townhouse living. But i bet you was raised that way, less dense ?
Population density does affect agression and crime, but its more of a cultural and infra structure (i.e. parks, shools, jobs, sports, education blah blah ) question than just density i believe - look at Japan, or Singapore.
Or what about Santorini in Greece? They seem to get along. Even have goats, dogs, cats and maybe even the odd goose - or was it a duck ?
And not all city people are hard to get along with - just take me, i can be very pleasant, as long as you dont put your wheelie bin in my alcove ! | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/1/2008 4:52:25 AM | After this thread I felt compelled to ring former customers of mine who bought a tiny weatherboard house from me through vendor finance. I bought it up the Central Coast on a tiny sliver of land - just 2 bathrooms and an old weather board house purchased by some retirees who were waiting to move into their new seniors estate just built. So after a week of painting, mowing and fixing broken things, I leased it to the first couple I met for $80.00 a week and a few months later we agreed to vendor finance the place as the old girl was still working 2 days a week and the old bloke was retired.
They had never owned a house in their 40 years of marriage and we discussed them getting the first home owner's grant as well. Making the rent to $120.00 a week ensured they got a deposit and 2 years later with rent at $130.00 a week (including deposit payment) they signed contracts and officially had their own home. 14 months later on Boxing Day I was invited to their home for lunch to be handed a cheque for the balance of the loan. The old bloke had a found a lost super account which paid me out and allowed them to own their home. I only paid $43k for this place in 1997 and the owners know they got a good deal in owning their first home together. | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/1/2008 5:13:03 AM | | I changed to a fixed rate over a year ago and obviously I've made a pretty good call. Though you win some, you lose some. People who have picked up on the recent price hikes have in turn been forced to buy back into an inflated market anyway. Seems everywhere I look at the moment there's a "FOR SALE" sign going up and a lot of them are staying up. I've heard talk of real estate increasing yet another 40% within 4 years. I can't imagine this being the case at all and sounds like market stimulating propaganda. ie bollocks! | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/1/2008 6:12:07 AM |
Julianx, just read what you wrote. I stumbled across a Housing Co-op at one stage. It was government funded, meant to be used to help house those unable to meet the criteria of the private rental sector. Turned out the head of the co-op was using all the houses to accommodate his various family members. Nice little set up he had going using taxpayer purchased housing. If that's him under your bed wanting a cuppa, I wouldn't mind a word with him.
It really is a shame that some people will exploit worthwhile not for profit organizations for their own greedy end. It destroys the credibility of the organization, and the concept.
I wasn't suggesting this form of housing to be the ideal form of housing, just another choice. I think diversity is the key; the more choices there are the better the chances are of people finding something that suits there needs and budgets. Honestly I would prefer to be a private home owner, but I think I've made a similar decision to Whitegold and chosen lifestyle over future personal investment. | |
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TLC_
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Joined: 1/26/2008
Msg: 36 | |
| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/1/2008 6:23:00 AM | julianx, so you were in a cerc, hope yous is ran better than the one i used to be in.
get a few bad apples in position and it makes it bad for all. | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/1/2008 7:22:00 AM | i am 45 and i live in a garage, and let me tell you it sucks. My family and friends live on nth coast nsw, and I cannot afford to rent here. Plus live with 2 cats. HHHEEELLLPPP!
It is crappy that people who have worked and aren't right now or can't, are segregated to tents, caravans, garages and other substandard rentals. =^+^= | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/1/2008 9:37:53 PM |
At least your country, and mine, haven't gone the way of the Japanese:
Those poor people have had 100 year mortgages in place now for close to a decade... now that's terrible!
Its terrible if you believe that you can only be happy and have a fulfilled life if you own at least an acre of land and a house with at least 5 bedrooms.
To my knowledge taxation rules and banks are far less aggressive in those developed countries with higher population. Sweden not known for high population but for high taxes has one of the best social security system in the world and their living standards are impressive.
The French might feel sorry for those nations that dont speak french.
The British might feel sorry for those nations that arent.
Norwegians might feel sorry for those nations that cant eat minki whales.
Americans might feel sorry for those nations that cant carry guns around.
Germans might feel sorry for those nations that cant build cars and dont have Autobahn's.
Kuwaities might feel sorry for those nations that dont have oil.
Iraquies might feel sorry for those nations that dont have Islam ( ... and for having complained about Saddam . . .).
Australians feel sorry for those nations where people dont own at least an acre of fertile land and a large house.
Conditioning.
As Australians we have one of the biggest environmental footprints if i remember right - i wonder why that is?  | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 3:40:33 AM | Totally get where you're coming from!
I'm saving for the "mega debt" !
I rent. Eight months ago my rent went up$65pcm. No probs! Next month it's going up $88pcm. Ouch!
As a single person living alone I don't really need two bedrooms. I do like the fact that if my friends drink, or if my nephew stays, I have a spare room.
My sad realisation..... I have always had a yearning to live in France. In France I can buy a property for 60kg to 100kg. A French bank will loan me the money, as an Australian, living in Australia at 4% fixed!!!! for 25 years!
Iam proud to be Australian & love living here!
With the interest rates here, i'm not sure how much longer i can afford to be Australian?
I'm sad to say , after the last few elections, as a single person, I don't feel I even exsist to the Australian government.
My brother and his wife have just had their first child and decided to live with one income. With the current interest rates I worry for them! I hope they can manage with all the increases!
10yrs ago a girlfriend with a family told me "We'll always rent. We know we'll never buy." I was horrified! How could she think that????
Now I know!
The world is really a scary place! | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 3:48:04 AM | | miss milly, you can always come and stay with me..... i'm just a little man.... i dont take up much room.. | |
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Naamah
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Joined: 11/22/2007
Msg: 42 | |
| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 4:08:41 AM |
Seriously, i take your point (the first timer ever?) about farm versus townhouse living. But i bet you was raised that way, less dense ?
Actually I grew up in suburbia, not on a acreage. Suburbia is not for me though. I was a small child, and I managed to wriggle out of the chair my parents tied me to during the attempted conditioning process.
The French might feel sorry for those nations that dont speak french.
The British might feel sorry for those nations that arent.
Norwegians might feel sorry for those nations that cant eat minki whales.
Americans might feel sorry for those nations that cant carry guns around.
Germans might feel sorry for those nations that cant build cars and dont have Autobahn's.
I've spent a good bit of time hanging out with Brits and Europeans both here and when I travelled, and most of them are quite in awe of the concept of space of Australia, and envious of being able to have a big back yard. Oh dear, perhaps conditioning is contagious?  | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 10:18:32 AM |
"I've spent a good bit of time hanging out with Brits and Europeans both here and when I travelled, and most of them are quite in awe of the concept of space of Australia, and envious of being able to have a big back yard. Oh dear, perhaps conditioning is contagious?"
I am starting to regret i mentioned 'conditioning' at all. Cant help but thinking this word is being used against me now!
Yes, i suppose Europeans are rather taken back by the hugeness of Australia, the hugeness of our backyards and the hugeness of our houses and cars.
I myself loved the freedom, didnt really care about the hugeness that much, thats why i migrated from Europe.
As far as you are concerned, wriggeling out of your collar and ending up as an unconditioned and rebellious child that collects animals and huge things might explain why you will one day - out of the blue - start building a huge wooden boat in your huge backyard and waiting for a huge thunderstorm . . . lol.
So when you start building your boat i will be running for the hills.
Conditioning might be contagious - but necessity always wins out in the end.
The great Australian Dream might turn in the great Australian Nightmare if only the rich can afford it and the rest have to live in caravans. | |
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Naamah
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Joined: 11/22/2007
Msg: 44 | |
| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 5:59:15 PM |
if only the rich can afford it
Sorry, but that is a fallacy. Time and time again I have seen it proven that you don't need to be rich to buy real estate, and that it is a way to make money not lose it. I know a single woman on an average income who owned 4 properties by the time she was 25. I know a few single mums who have bought their own home. It is possible, but it's easier to say it's not, because it is scary to begin with and it takes sacrifice. If you don't want to make the sacrifices because you prefer to have more disposable income, I totally understand that, but if you've made that choice I see no need to call those who do wish to travel that home ownership road "conditioned", as if they made their choices with less thought than you did. So yes, I regret that you used the word 'conditioned' too. | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 7:00:29 PM | Naamah..youre right..but many will adopt the victim mentality..oh woe is me.. etc.
Home ownership isnt for everyone.. thats life. Many people..and im not saying here particulalry...but in the big bad world have some screwy priorities.
Simple truth is many people are useless with money. I was. lol. stil only half way out of the woods.. but i do undestand the baics. Probably the best investment anyone can make is a little book called "Rich Dad , Poor Dad" buy it , borrow it....whatever..but READ IT !!
What many do is not utilise their assetts and abilities well. Many are reluctant to 'team up". The europeans and asians here do it.. but the good ol' skip tries to do it all by themselves and wonders why they go backwards.
Have any considered joint purchasing. Need to get everything ironed out and understood to start...but its a leg up for both . its called synergy !!
Oh yes.all those nasty landlords.. those parasites of the ccountry getting tax breaks for owning a rental.. So much cr@p espoused and so little knowledge.
By far the greater of rental housesa re owned as a single investment by the mom&pop brigade as they try to secure a life for themselve sand invariably their families. Lucky that the gov does offer negative gearing otherwise there would be f*&# all houses for rent.
The problem for many is they wont lower their sights to get into the market. So many want ready to go houses....no blood sweat or tears for them.
Many will have to prioritise their life to get security..and a house IS security. maybe an older car..maybe a normal telly..no Theatre size ones.. Maybe grow a few veggies..save a couple of bucks..
But no..its all the gov's fault.. life sucks..etc.
Without doubt there are those that havent had the best dealings of hands over the years, that happens. To those iwish some luck and hope you can muddle through and come out the other side. There are those that live so much for the next 5 mins and wonder where next week is coming from.. tough bikkies to them.
Real Estate is all about two things.. Timing....and Homework.
To this you need to temper things with a healthy dollop of pragmatism and reality. If that loan looks a bit iffy..dont do it !! ffs !!
Co-opping has benefits. Each State has some sort of hidden housing help schemes. I mean hidden too as you will need to delve into many.
Some people take a more extreme action.. they move . | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 7:42:05 PM | I own my home. Its the only thing I got except for my superannuation. There isnt a month that passes where I dont thank my good sense in buying a house all those years ago.
I cannot believe that people would sell their house because they cant afford it. Obviously, they have bought a home that is too expensive for them because when they sell that home...... they will go to a rental property that will not be as good....by definition .... because they will be paying profit to the guy who owns it..
so the trick is to buy a modest house ...
i see people on current affairs programs talking about it being hard... about not being able to have a holiday every year ...about not being able to afford 100 inch wide screen tvs... yes i am being sarcastic..
I will make one exception and that is to those people who have access to public housing. I know some people who live in a nice place close to inner suburban melbourne which is public housing..... I'd stay there for sure... | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 8:17:42 PM |
What many do is not utilise their assetts and abilities well. Many are reluctant to 'team up". The europeans and asians here do it.. but the good ol' skip tries to do it all by themselves and wonders why they go backwards.
Thats interesting, but yet your thumbnail pic shows a European!
So yourself being a European, what exactly are you trying to say? | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 8:32:49 PM | Im from Far Far Away...sheesh !! get it right !!
Your typical x number of gen Oz tries to do everything off his own bat..as to do otherwise in 'their' estimation is to wimp it.
The Greeks and Italians.( as imigrants) ..many Asian cultures as well and Sub Continent etc will team up.. pool resources..get something hapening.
As Kyosaki puts it..you work within your resources and then expand resources.
As a note how many of those looking down the barrel of 'default' are in their McMansions wondering what went wrong? Bit off more than their wallet Id suggest | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 9:17:44 PM |
I cannot believe that people would sell their house because they cant afford it. Obviously, they have bought a home that is too expensive for them because when they sell that home...... they will go to a rental property that will not be as good....by definition .... because they will be paying profit to the guy who owns it..
believe it - i am doing it. whilst i am not behind on any mortgage payments, or any other payment for that fact the hard and simple reality is that earning $550 per week (4 day week) with a mortgage of $250.00 per week just does not have the sums adding up to me being able to live any kind of life - why should I live on $20 a week. if something major happens i am screwed basically.
as a single female my wage is never going to be huge - to try and remedy that I am starting 5 day week in a fortnight with a new job, also i work saturday and sunday (admittedly only a few hours) doing medical typing and accounting work for several doctors that I run as a business. and still i am struggling to make ends meet.
it is bloody hard work - and how can I keep doing this!? unless i marry someone which and screw him to the wall financially - then looks like I am on my own to battle it out. I did not have a financial windfall from my divorce and nor did any money get left to me - just trying to make a go of of it. and sadly it is to the stage where i can't sleep at night. so peace of mind (paying rent to someone else's mortgage) or become a financial statistic..... hmmmm so hard to decide!!
however, being libran i reserve the right to procrastinate and change my mind if things mirracuously improve! | |
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| Housing Affordability
Posted: 4/2/2008 9:25:18 PM | | I have yet to own a home ( it will happen) but a mortgage of $250 a week is a lot less then most rents ($310 a week) . I know there are aditional costs to owning a home, rates and matainance, but it seems to me, it would be better to keep the asset. | |
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