Submission to RTRA Act Parliament Committee
RTRA Act Review - In our assessment, the stated objective to "Strengthen Tenants' rights, support private investment, provide better pathways to resolve issues in tenancies, and stabilize rents in the private rental market" remains unfulfilled.
Are you ready for minimum housing standards starting in Queensland Rentals in September 2023?
Are you ready for minimum housing standards starting in Queensland Rentals in September 2023?
Tips for getting a yes on your pet application!
Tips to help get a yes on your pet application for renters in Toowoomba. Let's increase your chances of getting approval to keep a pet in your rental property in Toowoomba!
How much will new rental laws cost Toowoomba Landlords?
What will it mean for your Toowoomba Rental and what will new rental laws cost you?
Can Tenants Have Pets without Approval Now?
New Pets in Rental Property Laws Start in Qld October 1st! Can Tenants Have Pets Without Approval?
“I want THREE quotes please”
When it comes to getting repairs done, it always pays to ensure you're getting the right price for work that needs to get done. However, if it’s for regular breakdown issues that are not high-ticket items, requesting three quotes can easily turn into a very expensive exercise, likely over and above what it will cost to get the job done.
FIVE Property Marketing Blunders Quality Tenants Hate!
When it comes to property marketing, 90% of the reason a good tenant shows interest in your property is because of what they see visually. So when it comes to presenting your rental property marketing right, you need to ensure it attracts a quality tenant right away, and not make mistakes that scare them off.
Five BIG Mistakes that Keep Your Property Vacant For Longer
Let’s face it…you want to be able to rent out your property for the best rent, to the best tenant, in the shortest amount of time. Bad mistakes and unintentional wrong decisions can keep your property empty for longer costing you valuable rental income.
EIGHT Different Ways to Detect a Bad Tenant
Quality tenant selection is the most important function for any property investor, yet a bad tenant will never come along and announce that they’re trouble, at the tenancy application stage!
FIVE Massive Mistakes Property Investors Make
When it comes to renting a property for the first time, new Property Investors can make some big mistakes that can cost them dearly later on. So to help you make the right decisions upfront, here are FIVE MASSIVE mistakes to avoid:
Repairs: Who's responsible…and what is fair wear and tear?
When it comes to renting your property there are some obligations on owners in relation to repairs that are covered by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.
FIVE COMPELLING REASONS NOT to Manage the Property Yourself
Everyone wants to save some dollars when it comes to self-managing your own rental property as it seems (on the surface) simple enough! However, managing the property yourself will likely be more problematic and costly than if you hired a quality property manager.
SIX Irrefutable Reasons Why Toowoomba Investors Need Landlord Insurance
Several times we hear “But why do I need landlord insurance when I have a property manager?” A simple answer is…for the same reason that you need building insurance in case a loss should occur from an unforeseeable event. Landlord Insurance protects you against unforeseen tenancy-related events that can cause a financial loss!
TWELVE Things Quality Toowoomba Tenants Want
The whole key to successful property investment is having a good tenant. Not attracting a good tenant can result in disappointment, so when looking for your next investment property ensure it ticks all the boxes.
THE TENANTS GUIDE TO REGULAR PROPERTY INSPECTIONS
It’s fair to say that a successful tenancy usually goes hand in hand with good cooperation between the tenant, property manager, and the home owner. Regular scheduled property inspections are part of every tenancy and form part of the tasks undertaken by property managers to ensure the owners valuable asset is being looked after. In today’s blog we’re going to explore some of the key points tenants need to know about property inspections to avoid any potential disputes.
KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE – THE LAWS RELATING TO SMOKE ALARMS
Over the years it’s common to see changes to legislation coming off the back of a major incident or tragic event. Governments are renowned for using tragedies as a trigger for law changes or to respond, albeit belatedly, to public pressure on a particular issue. In 2011, one such event triggered a major shift in legislation involving smoke alarms after the death of seven people in a house fire at Slacks Creek in Brisbane’s south. New legislation was passed that made smoke alarms mandatory. The laws allowed for a phased-in approach, with full compliance in 2027. In today’s blog we’re going to explore these new laws, the deadlines between now and 2027 and the benefits of having new age smoke alarms installed.
WHEN THINGS GO WRONG – USING QCAT TO RESOLVE TENANCY DISPUTES
It’s fair to say that nobody enters a tenancy agreement looking to have a dispute with the other party involved. Property owners want to find the right tenant for their home, and tenants want a well maintained property and an owner with whom they can establish a good working relationship. However, sometimes things can go wrong, and whilst most tenancy disputes are resolved through careful negotiation, occasionally, the parties may need to seek assistance through a Dispute Resolution Service or the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). In today’s blog we’re going to explore some of the options available to tenants and property owners in resolving tenancy disputes.
USING A MORTGAGE BROKER VS GOING DIRECT TO THE BANK
It’s often said that buying a home is the biggest investment most people will make in their lifetime, as well as being a very exciting time! Whether you’re a first home buyer or a seasoned investor, there are a range of options available to finance your purchase. In addition to visiting a bank, more and more Australians are turning to the services of a mortgage broker to achieve their goals with the number of people using brokers surging past 50% and growing. The home lending market is very crowded with a sea of lenders offering different products, rates, and loan features. It can be confusing for consumers so in today’s blog we’re going to explore the services offered by mortgage brokers compared to going direct to the bank.
GETTING THE RIGHT TENANT – THE PROFESSIONAL AGENTS SCREENING PROCESS
Finding a suitable tenant with a good rental history, stable income, and a desire to treat a property with respect doesn’t just happen through luck. Whilst it’s the goal of every property owner and their agent to find the right tenant, it’s good marketing and a professional screening process that delivers the right outcomes. In today’s blog we explore the thorough screening process McAdam & Turnbull undertake to find the right tenant for property owners.
MOVING OUT BEFORE A LEASE ENDS – CONSIDERATIONS FOR TENANTS
Over the course of any tenancy the personal circumstances of a tenant can change leading to a tenant requesting the termination of a lease before its expiry date. Tenants need to be aware of the law around this issue and be prepared to work with the property owner and rental agency to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome. With extensive experience in real estate property management, McAdam & Turnbull Realty Business Manager Bronwyn Evans outlines a range of information for tenants to consider before requesting an early lease termination.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CONDITION REPORT WHEN RENTING A HOME
In the world of property management the condition report is an important document that protects tenants and property owners. Completed at the start of every new tenancy the document records any existing damage and the condition (state of repair) of the home or unit. With extensive experience in real estate property management, McAdam & Turnbull Realty Business Manager Bronwyn Evans explores the benefits and protections offered by the condition report.
FIRST HOME OWNERS GRANT QLD – CLEARING THE FOG ABOUT THE FHOG
As a first home buyer there are a range of government incentives and fee discounts available to get into your first home. The most well known is of course the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG). Whilst it’s been in place for a number of years and has experienced some significant changes over time the FHOG continues to meet the needs of many first home owners. In today’s blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans explores some key information around the First Home Owners Grant Qld and what you need to do to receive the government funding.
TYPES OF HOME LOANS
Putting your signature on a contract is an exciting time and the start of a very structured process that leads up to settlement day. Once finance is approved and the contract becomes unconditional your ‘to do’ list will explode with a range of tasks needing to be finalised. In today’s blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans explores some of the key tasks needing completion before settlement day.
BOUGHT A HOME? THINGS TO DO LEADING UP TO SETTLEMENT AND MOVING IN.
Putting your signature on a contract is an exciting time and the start of a very structured process that leads up to settlement day. Once finance is approved and the contract becomes unconditional your ‘to do’ list will explode with a range of tasks needing to be finalised. In today’s blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans explores some of the key tasks needing completion before settlement day.
BUYING UNITS AND VILLAS IN A COMPLEX – COMMUNITY TITLE SCHEMES
Buying a property often involves a lifestyle choice. Choosing a unit or townhouse can deliver smaller space, lower cost, location and maintenance benefits. Purchasing a property in a complex brings you in touch with Body Corporates and ‘Community Title Schemes’, so it’s important to understand the difference compared to a standard house purchase. In today’s blog Lachlan Evans explores a few important considerations before you decide to purchase a unit or townhouse so you make the right choice!
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY
Buying an investment property is a business decision that’s designed to make money whether through rental income, capital growth or both. This business approach to buying property means thinking about more than location and individual home features, and in today’s blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans explores a few important considerations before you enter the investment property market.
GETTING YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY READY FOR SALE
The decision to sell an investment property can come about for a variety of reasons, either personal or business. When it comes to selling an investment home, proper planning and presentation are the key ingredients to a successful sale, and in our blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans explores the important items to place on your ‘selling to do list’!
GETTING YOUR HOME READY FOR SALE
Deciding to sell a home is a big decision for any person. When it comes to selling property, presentation is key, and in that regard it’s no different to any other product for sale. There are many ways to prepare a home for listing and in our blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans touches on his top items to place on your to do list!
THE COSTS OF BUYING A HOME
When buying property, knowing the range of costs will help you work out a suitable budget and the deposit needed to ensure you aren’t left short at the time of settlement. The costs relating to property transactions varies across Australia, and in todays blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal Lachlan Evans looks at the most common costs associated with buying a home in Queensland.
PROPERTY BUYING – LOCATION VS HOME FEATURES
Location – Location – Location! It’s a phrase we often hear when people talk about buying property. However, location isn’t the only consideration, with budget, borrowing limits and property features being other key factors. Often they are in competition and people need to ‘trade off’ one location or feature over another, and in todays blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal Lachlan Evans looks at what goes into making the right buying decision.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
In the days when property management services were in their infancy many agents didn’t view it as being a specialised service in its own right, and that was often reflected in the service received by property owners and tenants. The industry has evolved since then, and in todays blog McAdam & Turnbull Realty business manager Bronwyn Evans looks at what makes a great property manager and more…..
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO SELLING YOUR HOME
The decision to list a property can eventuate for many different reasons. In some cases it’s due to a desire for a better home, a nicer location, or even due to a change in employment. In other cases it can be a decisions that’s forced upon people. Whatever the background to the decision it’s important to follow a few key steps to achieve a good outcome, and today’s blog is all about exploring those steps with McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal and selling agent Lachlan Evans.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO GETTING A HOME LOAN
Buying real estate is an exciting time and whether you’re a first home buyer or a seasoned investor there are many things to consider when taking the step into the world of property ownership. Where the purchase involves finance there are extra steps before you lock in a successful purchase. In this blog we’re exploring the basic steps involved in getting a home loan along with some good tips from McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal Lachlan Evans.
TOOLS FOR THE FIRST TIME PROPERTY INVESTOR
The property market is often said to operate in cycles, and whether it’s a boom, steady or contraction phase the property owner needs to adapt their investment strategy where necessary. Property ownership also involves different stages with many people entering as first home buyers, and then becomming renovators and ‘upgraders’. After building equity in their prope...
STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME
Whether you’re a first home buyer or someone looking to upgrade for some extra living space, buying property is often described as a time of mixed emotions, with many people saying it’s the biggest investment they will ever make. For some it’s a time of great excitement and others a time of nervous anticipation. According to McAdam & Turnbull Realty Principal ...
WHY CHOOSE MCADAM & TURNBULL
When Toowoomba people talk real estate around the BBQ the name McAdam & Turbull invariably comes up. With a history serving the Toowoomba community since 1980, and renowned local real estate identities Lachlan and Bronwyn Evans at the helm, Darling Downs buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants alike are assured of getting the right advice, personalised service, industry knowledge and attenti...