News

The Hypocrisy Of Real Estate Institutes

The REIV points out that the State Government’s tax take has more than doubled in the past six years, fuelled by stamp duty based on rising real estate values.

Continue Reading »

Consumer Affairs Victoria – Protecting Estate Agents

Who do the estate agents of Victoria turn to when their lucrative monopoloy is threatened? None other than their monopoly maintenance partner, Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Continue Reading »

But Wait, There’s More Burlesque In Queensland!

Queensland’s Auctioneering Practice Code of Conduct is flawed - not only because of its failure to require identification of phone-bidders absent from auction sites and proof of the authority given their representatives, but also because auctioneers have to keep registered bidders’ identities secret.

Continue Reading »

Auction Tales From The Deep North

Auctioneers must now properly identify bidders, confidentially register their names and addresses then give numbered cards or paddles to show during the auction.

Continue Reading »

Conveyancers – Consumer Safety Is Still A Long Way Off In Victoria

Every adult in the State of Victoria is a Conveyancer. That's right, no qualifications or experience is needed for anyone to call themselves a conveyancer and to charge clients for conveyancing services.

Continue Reading »

Estate Agents Wanted – Conflict Of Interests?

We noticed this advertisement from a mortgage broker, and wanted to know why the mortgage broker would be advertising to estate agents, rather than to consumers.

Continue Reading »

A Fairly-Priced, Good Value Exercise In Wealth Creation – Like Hell!

Anthony and Kirsti McCurry of Grovedale, Victoria began their misadventure in Queensland property investment after responding to a attention-grabbing advertisement on Melbourne radio.

Continue Reading »

Reforms Will Interfere With Freedom Of Contract

Real estate or conveyancing reforms did not appear in any political promises during the recent Queensland State election campaign.

Continue Reading »

More Free Cheese In The Mouse Trap!

Promotional material from MyHouseValue.com.au tells estate agents how to increase their "list to sell ratio" and increase their income without increasing their hours worked.

Continue Reading »

Consumer Guide for Building & Renovating

Being an owner-builder-vendor is no longer a simple matter doing your best and then selling. There are now strict rules and regulations governing owner-builders!

Continue Reading »