Robyn Roberts

Is Time Right For Investment?

Did you know that more than 70 per cent of Australians over the age of 25 believe the time is ripe for property investment?  This is according to a recent Citibank wealth survey.   Australia's property prices have held relatively firm during the Global Financial Crises while overseas markets, particularly in the US and Britain, plunged.
So Australians see property as relatively risk free.  However, while a lot of people are saying "now is a good time to buy and invest", it is another thing to actually do it. 

I really love the quote: "To get what we've never had, we must do what we've never done".  (Anonymous)

Sleeping Beauty!

I am so excited as my son Luke and wife Alyson have a new addition to the family with the birth of Mia.  Mia was born on 13th July and weighed just on 3.4kgs   (I am still on the old pounds weight and had to convert it).  Mia will be a little princess in a family of boy cousins.

Half The Year Is Gone!

Well we are half way through 2009 with the start of the new financial year.  There is something nice about "new".  It implies a clean slate.  A time to get organised!  This can be in all aspects of our lives, financial, fitness and family.  Financially, it means making sure all your records are up to date and accurate,  particularly if you have an investment property.  It is also a great opportunity to look at your current home loan - is it the best it can be? Are you making the most of the current low interest rates available?

So lets do it - get organised for the new financial year.

Cross Country Running

Over Easter I did my second run with the Newcastle Cross Country Runners.  Usually the runs start at 2.00pm and are at a different venues across the area and for different distances.  On Saturday, we were at Myuna Bay and I decided to do the longer run of 10.1km.   Well I struggled because (this is the best excuse I have)  it was so hot, with not a breath of wind.  These runs (you can walk if you want) are great because you can be at any level and you are really only racing yourself with handicap and graded races. There are all ages and it is very motivational to meet with lots of positive people. My recommendation is give Cross Country Running a go.

My Frustration With Lenders

Notwithstanding recent times and changed economic conditions, Brokers have a right to expect our lenders can do their job within reasonable timeframes and service standards.  It has been increasingly difficult for me to tolerate the poor service I am receiving from some of the major lenders -Commonwealth Bank and Westpac to name the main offenders.

Almost every day I need to follow up with the lender to check on progress and that the correct product and features are loaded and will arrive by the schedule settlement date.  They regularly request information they already have, issue documentation late so that we have a frantic time to ensure settlement is on time to satisfy my clients needs.  

It's a shame that some of the Bank's profits are not put back into providing an excellect system that makes sure my clients'  "orders" are filled on time whithout constant supervision and intervention.

Victorian Bush Fires

I am sure that like me, you are overwhelmed with the unfolding devastation in Victoria.  The tragedy has been on my mind the whole week as the stories of bravery, heartbreak and survival are revealed.  It has touched the heart of not only Australians but other nations as well.  On Saturday I was at a seminar run by an American Company who have called for donations on their web site in support of the "Australia Brush Fire" Appeal.  I am sure their readers will know what that means.

Closer to home, my step son, Andrew is about to fly down to Melbourne with the NSW Rural Fire Service to provide welcome relief to those fire fighters already in the area.

Melissa's Graduation - Class 6/2008

On Thursday I had great pleasure to be present at the Graduation Ceremony of my daughter, Melissa into the NSW Fire Brigade.  It has been a real joy to witness her determination in firstly doing all the physcial training to be accepted as a recruit and, secondly, even harder training for the last 14 weeks. Melissa's first day on the job was Friday and she is based at the Fire Station right in the centre of Sydney.

One New Goal

I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest asset or heaviest burden.
I will push you up to success or down to disappointment.
I am at your command.
Half the things you do might just as well be turned over to me,
For I can do them quickly, correctly, and profitably.
I am easily managed, just be firm with me.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though I work with the precision of a
machine and the intelligence of a person.
You can run me for profit, or you can run me for ruin.
Show me how you want it done. Educate me. Train me.
Lead me. Reward me.
And I will then...do it automatically.
I am your servant.
Who am I?
I am a habit.

(I came upon this verse during the week and it struck a cord with me as I could see how I have developed good and bad habits over my life time.  I understand it takes just 21 days to start a new habit and I have a goal to instil one good new habit into my life within the next 28 days)

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Welcome 2009

Today is Monday and I am back on deck after the Christmas and New Year holidays.  Christmas this year was special as my 89 year old mother flew over from Perth to spend it with my family.  She is an amazing lady who handled the travel, delays and stop-overs in her stide.

Now is a time to reflect on our goals for the coming year, particularly, after the roller coaster ride in 2008.  A lot of people got a rude shock when interest rates rose so quickly during the year and I am now going to take advantage of the fact that rates have dropped significantly.   My personal goal is to take advantage of the lower interest rates and keep paying down my loans.  So by paying the same repayment when rates were at 8.5%, I know that more of the repayment goes off the principal and I am paying less interest.

2009 will also see a more conservative lending policy with the major lenders.  As an example, ANZ Bank have reduced their maximum lend to 90% so applicants must have a  10% deposit.   This will encourage first home buyers particularly to focus on saving a deposit and taking advantage of the windfall with the new boost to the FHOG. 

School Holidays Over

Late last week I had the pleasure of taking a couple of days off to catch up with my children and grandchildren.  My eldest daughter Melissa has  been accepted into the NSW Fire Brigade (they took 58 applicants out of 6000!) not bad for a a 37 year old blonde!  Melissa's first day was Friday and has started her 16 weeks training today.  My eldest grandson turned 15! and the 2 youngest just hung around riding bikes and being boys!