http://www.spmg.com.au/ Mon, 21 May 2012 01:12:07 Sutherlands Property Management Group Pty Ltd Articles http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Insurance-Policies.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Insurance-Policies.html Insurance Policies: As this Summer season is predicted to be a wild one it is vital that we have your current insurance details. In accordance with legislation it is a legal requirement to have a minimum of $10 mil public liability insurance over the property. Also, in this financially stressed climate, it is also recommended you have Landlord Protection Insurance on the investment property to simply ... protect your investment... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Whats-been-happening-at-Sutherlands.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Whats-been-happening-at-Sutherlands.html The Sutherlands Team took to the streets to support some good causes...  First it was the Mothers Days walk for Breast Cancer Research.  Family and friends of Sutherlands rallied to the cause.          Waiting for the start of the big marathon (8k's... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Replacing-Hot-Water-systems---new-rules-from-the-Government.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Replacing-Hot-Water-systems---new-rules-from-the-Government.html Hot water systems    Landlords in areas where gas is available need to be aware of changes in legislation which will impact their choice of hot water systems when the system has to be replaced. From 1 January 2010, where a house or townhouse is in a gas reticulated area and the existing electric hot water system needs replacing, a greenhouse efficient hot water system (for example, gas, solar or heat pump) must be... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Landlord-Survey-May-2010.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Landlord-Survey-May-2010.html Landlord Survey May 2010                  Thank you all for your responses to our May Survey, we had a wonderful response and some excellent feedback. Performance Feedback 1 Great friendly service, quick administration of any issues, regular contact 2 Very professional, easy to deal with,... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Lemon-Marscipone-Layer-cake.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Lemon-Marscipone-Layer-cake.html Lemons are especially nice in cakes. Here is a wonderful dessert that is part cake, part trifle. The layers are soaked with lemon syrup with delicious lemon and mascarpone cream in between. Meyer lemons add a distinct flavor, but regular lemons will work just fine. Cindy Mushet was recognized with a James Beard award for her great baking cookbook. Reprinted with permission from The Art and Soul of Baking by Cindy Mushet (Andrews McMeel,... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Accidental-damage-Vs-fair-wear-and-tear.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Accidental-damage-Vs-fair-wear-and-tear.html Terri Scheer Insurance has published guidelines as to what they consider accidental damage to property.  For landlords with long-term tenants, it's hard to know how much wear and tear they can reasonably expect their property to suffer over the life of a lease.  Many property managers have likely dealt with landlords who are disappointed to find their property has not remained in the same condition as when their tenants... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Robina-Fairways.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Robina-Fairways.html This is a great opportunity to invest in some upmarket property where the developer has heavily reduced the price to off-load the entire portfolio.  Robina Fairways is a lovely design and will appeal to investors and occupiers alike who have an eye for future capital gain.  The properties are all in Stage One of a development boardering on Robina Woods Golf Course on the fabulous Gold Coast. Features: # 3 large... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Miami-Ice-Cocktail.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Miami-Ice-Cocktail.html Miami Ice This a a VERY refreshing, Summery Orange-ish Cocktail that was developed by a bartender "LADY FRIEND" of a leading Miami bartender because she thought he could use a change from his "NORMAL"  Long Island Ice Tea. Ingredients: 1 oz Vodka 1 oz Rum 1 oz Gin 1 oz Triple Sec 1 oz Lemon-Lime soda 2 oz Orange juice ¼ oz Peach Schnapps Just add... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Incentive-offer.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Incentive-offer.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Slow-Cooked-Lamb-Shanks.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Slow-Cooked-Lamb-Shanks.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Pool-Fencing---Your-Responsibility.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Pool-Fencing---Your-Responsibility.html Under the Queensland pool fencing laws owners must ensure that a compliant fence is in place and maintained. Different technical regulations as to standards, height and position apply depending on when a pool was build.  If a pool building application was lodged on or after 1 October 2003, the owner must ensure a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPA) sign is displayed at the pool. Tenants who rent a home with a pool are legally... http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Mortgage-Monsters.html http://www.spmg.com.au/articles/Mortgage-Monsters.html A vital piece of advice we give to first time property investors is this :   *Set a budget that will include a minimum vacant period per annum of 4 weeks. Rents have their highs and lows so as an investor you need to be prepared in the event the property is vacant for this period. *Calculate an average monthly repayment and for the next 6 months save that money like you were actually making a mortgage payment. Doing this will...