News

How to Read the Contract of Sale of Real Estate

Consumers are becoming more aware of the need to understand what they are signing, and how the contract determines the progress of the sale.

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Estate Agent Referrals – Punishment and Corruption

I have previously written about estate agents who refer clients to 'pet' solicitors and conveyancers in return for payment, and the corrupting effect this has on the industry. An equally insidious form of client referral is the 'enforcement referral'.

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First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) Increases

As Australians brace themselves for the global economic shockwave, the Government has announced its “Economic Security Strategy”. The $10.4 billion dollar Government package aims to protect the Australian economy by stimulating the building industry, investment and employment.

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First Home Owner Grant Fraud Warning

Consumers are warned that the changing of dates on a contract could constitute a serious criminal offence.

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New Contract of Sale of Real Estate – FREE Download!

To put my money where my mouth is I have designed a superior form of the standard Contract of Sale of Real Estate, and I am making it available free of charge to all estate agents and industry professionals.

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New Contract – Same Old Deception

The new Contract of Sale of Real Estate prescribed by the Estate Agents (Contracts) Regulations 2008 was supposed to end the dodgy practice of estate agents withholding terms and conditions from purchasers, but it hasn't.

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The Finance Approval Minefield

Anyone who has dealt with the banks for a home loan will tell you about their battle scars with pride. Simply securing finance approval can be a frustrating and baffling task.

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Contract Note Banned! Estate Agents Lose Deception Tool

The document known in the real estate industry as 'the standard REIV Contract Note' has been banned. As from 28 September, 2008 the only document available to estate agents will be the standard form of contract prescribed by the Estate Agents (Contracts) Regulations 2008 or a contract prepared by a Legal Practitioner or a Licensed Conveyancer.

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How to Pay Two Commissions in One Sale

Julie James (not her real name) did not want to complete the contract she signed to sell her investment property after she received a significantly better offer from another party. When her buyer sued for specific performance there was no way out. Julie had to settle.

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Has Enzo Raimondo Been Gagged By REIV?

Enzo Raimondo, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, recently accused me of making comments that were 'deliberately mischievous and untrue'. But when called upon to nominate any such statements or to provide the evidence, Enzo disappeared from the radar.

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