Lionel Morris Cont'd

Interest rates are still low, and may go even lower. The rental market is strong, and strengthening daily, and we still have population growth, not as rampant as it has been, but still well on the positive side of the ledger, and unemployment is still acceptably low. The basic fundamentals of good property investment have not changed, except for a lack of confidence. A developer asked me the other day how much to reduce his sale price by to stimulate sales. He was not amused at my reply, that if I gave it away, I would probably have difficulty in finding a buyer!

The media and some property "researchers" appear to be getting great delight at publishing falling median prices, but how many people do YOU know that have actually sold at a loss? If you really NEED to sell at the moment, you may struggle, but to those of you who only think that selling might be a good idea, and don't NEED to sell, then DON'T. For every investor who sells today, there will be tears from the seller, and a sense of euphoria from the buyer. In five years time, today's sellers will be devastated at the growth they have thrown away, giving a magnificent gift to the buyer of their property. There is an old proverb that says "Look before you leap." I think this should be adapted to "Think before you sell."

In this edition I would like to welcome some new contributors, as well as thanking our established writers for their continuing loyalty. Collins Mann are exceptionally good financial planners, and will be contributing on a regular basis, and Jane Eyles-Bennett of Hot Space will continue to give excellent renovation advice. A successful renovation of your investment property does not need to "break the bank," as long as it is properly planned and executed. Michael Matusik continues to give his thought provoking insights into the property market, and of course Brad Oliver will continue to give advice on the best ways to finance your investment property acquisitions.

Please support our contributors, they are all of the highest calibre, and have all been invited personally to contribute. You cannot just buy your way into this publication.

Finally I would like to wish you all the best with your continued property investing.
Be a buyer and not a seller, and reap the rewards.