just as long as you satisfy a

few key criteria in the process.

Diversify to spread the risk

In the very first stage, you can

consider investing in a unit if

you already have a house, and

vice versa. If you have a

number of properties already,

look at the balance in the

portfolio and what you want in

the new property. This will

take into account growth vs

income, and of course

the weighting of strata fees,

land taxes, rates and location.

Location. Of course.

Don’t think you need to invest

near to where you live. Sure it

might feel safe, but

remember, you need to

remove emotion from this

exercise. According to The

Eureka Report, an investment

property should be between 2

and 12 kilometres from the

CBD of a major capital city to

always >>

Buying your own home is an

emotional experience. You

have a firm idea of the area

and the features you want,

but really, when it comes

down to it, your final

decision will be based on

whether it’s ‘the one’.

On the other hand, building a

property portfolio requires your

utmost dedication to the path of

logic. If you have ever watched

that British show on Foxtel -

Property Ladder - you will know

that investors are prone to

making a mess of things the

minute they fall in love with the

investment property, or even

worse, see its ‘potential’.

Building a property portfolio will

always be one of the most

enriching and exciting ways to

secure your financial future,

Dayna Gilland (Savannah Gilland above) Reception/PA

Claim to fame

Gel girl! Being a family

business, you understand?

Me

Have a passion for my career

and value my family

My favourite restaurant

Crowne Plaza (Pelican Waters

caloundra)

What I love about the Ocean

Instant feel of relaxation

relaxation

<< benefit from high

demand, high land values and

growth.

Protect yourself

We discussed in a previous

issue that Australians are one

of the most underinsured

nations in the developed

world. That doesn’t just relate

to Landlord Insurance. Income

protection is a must, and it is

so easy to incorporate in your

superannuation that you would

have to be mad not to make

this a mandatory part of your

financial strategy.

Think about the tenants

After all, you are buying a

property for other people to

live in, so have it clear in your

head exactly what kind of

people you want to live there.

Build a picture around possible

professions, transport needs,

number of tenants and

features of the property.

These considerations will help

you attract quality tenants and

secure a longer lease.

Make a plan and stick to it

Just like any business venture,

a property investment carries

opportunity and risk. The most

successful investors always

document their objectives,

financial projections, timelines

and contingency plans so it is

much harder to get swept

away by emotional bias. And

the really clever ones give

their plan to a trusted friend

or adviser and have them

challenge any decisions that

might be heading off track.

This is really just the

beginning of this topic but

we hope you find these

tips helpful. Please don’t

hesitate to contact us if

you would like more

detailed advice on building

your portfolio.

DID YOU KNOW? Kissing at the conclusion

of a wedding ceremony

can be traced to ancient

Roman tradition where

a kiss was used to

sign contract.

ECO TIP

Buy a small

composting bin for

the garden – contrary to

popular opinion they don’t

smell and the food

wastage breaks down to

provide fantastic

gardening material.

LJ Gilland Real Estate Pty Ltd 4 Budgeree Street, Zillmere 4034 Queensland linda@ljgrealestate.com.au

Whilst every effort has been to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee

is given nor responsibility taken by LJ Gilland Real Estate Pty Ltd nor apmashere.

How long has it been since you

looked at the furnishings in

your investment property? It’s

no secret that décor will

determine the type of tenants

and the rental return you can

achieve, so it is a good idea to

assess furnishings every couple

of years.

This month I’ll run through a

few ideas for keeping your

property on trend without

breaking the bank.

Window furnishings

While vertical drapes and

venetians were popular ten

years ago, they can make a

property look tired and dated

now. Sheer fabrics are the

curtain of choice for property

stylists these days - not only

are they neutral, they highlight

an outside view and can make

a room look larger.

Another idea to consider is

installing wooden blinds. They

offer a modern look without

raising the budget through the

roof and you can get them in

stores like Target, Kmart,

Ikea and Freedom just to

name a few.

Appliances

Along with the instant design

refresh that comes with an

update to a stainless steel

dishwasher or oven,

technological advances have

brought us the washer/drier

combo. By going the extra step

and giving tenants everything

they need in one spot, you can

maximise on space and provide

a convenience that many

tenants will happily pay a little

extra for.

If you give your investment a

bit of TLC with a quick and

budget friendly makeover,

you might just be surprised

at the results.

LINDA SAYS… KEEP IT STYLISH

HOT SITES

Savings Guide Australia

is one site that definitely has

something for everyone! It is

full of articles, tips, and tools

to help you save money on

everything from credit cards

and loans to general spending

and shopping.

Don’t miss the Budget Planner

either - it’s a ready made

spreadsheet that will take the

pain and procrastination out of

your finances.

savingsguide.com.au

budgetspreadsheet.com.au