Ann and I started investing in property some years ago. We have both had an interest in property but due to family circumstances have not been in a position to indulge our interest to any great degree. On moving to Melbourne and leasing the 2 properties we have in a rural city, we decided that we would seriously look at developing a property portfolio.
It was at this stage we met Bob and decided that the professional assistance needed to consider the long term potential of the property portfolio was worth investigating. Bob drew up a plan for a new interstate investment property. He facilitated the investigation process and provided a range of properties, which met the proposed model, for our personal decision on which suited our needs. We proceeded with an inner city townhouse, 8 km from the centre of Brisbane. Bob followed the process through from sign up to settlement and it was the easiest property purchase we have ever been involved with.
The results down the track have spoken for themselves. The property has doubled in value in the 7 years we have owned it, rents have almost doubled and the property has never been vacant for one day since we took possession. It has been a remarkable investment (which has not suffered from the Global Financial Crisis!).
I recently revisited the initial plan drawn up by Bob at the time of purchase and the results of the modelling could not have been more accurate. They were within five thousand dollars of the capital projection made and the income from rental actually exceeded the projections. We have since purchased 3 subsequent properties (2 beneficially priced through family friends, due to their circumstances at the time) and now have a multi-million dollar property portfolio which is showing the full benefit of the theories espoused by Bob at the time of our initial purchase from him. They are well positioned with access to community facilities, sound employment prospects for tenants and have ease of access to transport. All are showing good solid investment growth with rising rentals and not one has had a vacancy of more than 4 days over the past 7 years.
The theories shared by Bob and the guidance given have a proven track record of achievement for capital growth. The strategies shared provide a low risk, sound return over a long term investment philosophy which cannot be ignored.
Graeme Bird & Ann Kerr.
