Archive for February 1st, 2009
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Summer Fashion 2008 and 2009
Summer Fashion 2008 / 2009
Milan, New York, London, Paris. All the fashion capitals in the world are now proudly displaying the spring and summer fashion collections for 2008 and 2009. Here in Australia, we are getting ready for the hot and sizzling summer months, and it’s time to throw off the winter coats and step into something light, sexy and fun.
For this season’s hot summer fashion, think breezy and comfortable clothing made of high quality material. Silk satin in its various prints, colours and designs can create a beautiful and relaxing piece of clothing. Silk satins and chiffon can also be interlaced to create the wispy fabric styles that are looking so trendy this summer. The materials are light and airy enough to provide comfort on warmer days. They can also be layered to create interesting colour combinations that will accentuate a pretty design.
Being bold and unique in fashion requires a daring sense of fashion, style and design. Lying low in mediocrity won’t do any wonders for the aspiring fashionista. Everyone says that having your own dress or outfit custom designed and tailored is the best way to obtain fashionable yet unique clothing. But how can one go about ensuring the dressmaking process is easy and results in up-to-date and stylish clothing?
1. Find a fabric store that sells seasonal material. For example, d’Italia Designer Fabric in Melbourne imports its pure silk satins every six to eight weeks directly from Europe. All the selections are hand-picked to ensure that the current range of fabrics in store is the latest styles in season.
2. Find referrals to leading dressmakers and enquire around before settling with one. Different dressmakers often have different styles, and finding one that fits the design you want to create will help in creating that perfect piece of clothing.
Wherever you are and whatever you are looking forward to this season, check out some designs and spoil yourself with a tailor-made dress. d’Italia Designer Fabric is open six days a week and provides optional referral seamstresses services. Its range of imported Italian fabric comes from the same manufacturing houses that provide to designer labels like Gucci, Escada, Armani and Prada.
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Top 5 Melbourne Fashion Must-haves for Spring/summer 2008
1. Uniquely tailored day dress for the Melbourne Cup races
The ‘urban fashion parade’ is not for the mediocre. Don’t fade into the background at this year’s Spring Racing Carnival! Have a dress specially tailored to truly stand out among the crowd. This year’s patterns for day dresses are floral prints in various shades of pastels.
2. Metallic dinner gown
Knock ‘em dead at the post-race night parties with a tailor-made dress in metallic shades. From crystal silvers to glossy golds – metallics are indeed the patterns to be seen in for night parties this year.
3. Floral print dress for spring weddings
Spring is the season of weddings! Make sure you have a dress ready to attend all those Days of Love throughout Melbourne. And if you’re the one tying the knot, make sure your dress is a perfect complement to the most important day of your life. Tailored dresses are the way to go. Try on a few designs for fit, and customise it accordingly!
4. Work suit made of all-natural fabric for impending summer days
Unfortunately, even with summer approaching, most of us still have to go to the office on most days of the week. Cheer yourself up by getting a work suit specially tailored. Silk is perfect for the upcoming warm days, and a customised suit will do wonders in accentuating your figure.
5. Tailor-made spring/summer dress for beach parties
Hot sunny days and long balmy nights are just around the corner! Be prepared for all the late spring and summer beach parties that are bound to rock Melbourne. Treat yourself to a few tailored dresses that will ensure heads are turned –in your direction!- during these parties.
d’Italia, a designer fabric store located in Malvern (Melbourne, Australia), imports Italian silk and French lace directly from Europe. The fabric comes from the same European fashion houses which supply to the biggest names in haute couture. d’Italia prides itself in providing completely natural fabric. The main trademark of d’Italia is its wedding dress material. The pure silk satin and chiffon and silk French trims are unmatched in natural quality and uniqueness. A major plus-point is the dressmaker referral system that the shop offers. Some of Australia’s best dressmakers (especially in the wedding arena) are affiliates of d’Italia, and reservations can be made through the store for tailoring and fitting appointments.
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Demystifying Market Research In Just 6 Steps
How to make rock solid property deals by listening to the market
There’s no such thing as a natural born property developer. Those of us who do it well have worked very hard to get where we are. But you can get here, too, if you’re prepared to roll up your sleeves and do your research. This article is your step-by-step guide to laying a foundation of knowledge upon which you can build a lucrative, independent career in real estate.
All you have to do is follow these steps and you’ll already be ahead of the curve.
Step 1: See the big picture
Before you start checking out deals, spend some time researching demand. Take a look around you — from your town to your country and in between — and ask yourself where the demand for housing is and where it’s coming from. (NB: For the time being, I’m only discussing residential property; the rules for commercial deals are very different.)
I’m going to show you some demand factors and use my own surroundings as a case study. Read on, then fill in the blanks for your own region.
+ Population increase: Australia has been witnessing a 1.4% growth rate. That means an ever-increasing demand for housing.
+ Immigration: Like most other Western countries, Australia has a low birth rate; its population increase is caused by immigration. The Housing Industry Association (HIA) estimates that, for every ten thousand immigrants, there’s a demand for three- to five thousand new houses. You do the math.
+ Migration: An increase in interstate migration drives localized population growth. Recently, Western Australia and Queensland have experienced rapid growth due to mining booms. These changes also cause demographic shifts to more lifestyle-oriented areas.
+ Age: An older population equals a higher demand for certain property types. Baby boomers increasingly require associated living arrangements, downsized homes and retirement accommodations.
+ Affordability: Due to affordability problems, Australia is currently seeing a greater demand for cheap housing.
+ Demographic Trends: This one’s more of a wild card, as it depends on the tastes and habits of the population. There’s the semi-rural drift known as “Tree Change” (see my first newsletter), there’s the proliferation of singles, divorcees and couples starting families later in life — and many other factors that create demand above and beyond population growth.
Step 2: Choose your market
Now that you’ve educated yourself on a macro level, it’s time to tighten up your scope and decide what kind of area you want to become an expert on. Here’s tip that will save you lots of time: Pick an area or market that you understand. Remember my friend the old cottage specialist? He chose that market because he belongs to his own target demographic. [DOUBLECHECK W/ DL. ALSO, DOES THIS FRIEND ALSO LIVE IN A COTTAGE?]
So work with a market that you already know, whether that means targeting a group with which you have things in common or choosing an area that you’ve lived in. That way, you’ll already speak the language. You’ll understand the spirit of the market, which will go a long way toward helping you understand its more complicated factors.
As you narrow your search, keep in mind the old saying about the three most important factors in real estate: Location, location, location! Of course, if it were that simple you wouldn’t be reading this. And your research will help you realize what constitutes a great location.
Step 3: Gather your resources
Get ready to hit the books! You’ll need to know your chosen area’s selling prices and rental prices for the last year, and a lot more. This research will allow to establish a fair value for your own deal, once you find one.
But where to find this information? Start with your newspaper’s weekend real estate pages. Mid-week, keep your eye on asking prices and note which properties sell fast.
Then you can move on to more technical sources. You can order ad hoc reports from RP DATA and the Australian Property Monitors (with RP DATA, you can also acces the same live stream that real estate agents use). Annual reports and industry articles will round out the picture.
By taking this step, you’re moving from “gut feeling” to “gut facts.”
Step 4: Do your homework
This is perhaps the heaviest step. You’ve narrowed down your focus, loaded up your toolbox, and now you’re going to roll up your sleeves and dig around till you know your area inside and out.
As you follow the web resources and papers, keep these three indicators in mind:
1. Median price: The price at which half the homes in the area are more expensive and half are cheaper
2. Rentals yield: Typically 3 – 5% per annum of the property’s value. Even if you’re not interested in renting out your future property, this figure is your canary-in-a-coal mine: when yields get too high or too low, you’ll know that capital values are getting out of whack.
3. Vacancy rates: A measure of the percentage of vacant, available rental properties. 4% is high, while anything below 2% is considered very low — a landlord’s market.
These are the three big considerations that will help you understand your market in greater detail. There are, of course, many others, depending on your target market. I’ll rattle off a handful of them:
+ Local economy: In general, go for maximum diversity. A one-company town is at the mercy of its one company. I prefer capital cities. Over the long term, money tends to gravitate that way.
+ Government controls: Look out for regulations that might hobble you, like restrictions against high-density or even medium-density housing.
+ Transport infrastructure: Does your area offer good public transportation?
+ Schools: If families are your target market, make sure there’s a diverse selection of public and private schools in your area
+ Medical services: Are there hospitals in your area? Near by? Miles away?
+ Cafe strip: For the trendy demographics.
Just two more steps to go!
Step 5: Get to know your contractors
Builders and contractors are a vital part of your team. So get out the phone book. Ask around. Make sure you find contractors who do good work at a reasonable price. Price and value will become a big issue once you bring these guys into the picture. (I’ll discuss builders more in this issue’s next article.)
Step 6: Take it to the bank
In this final step, you’ll take everything you’ve learned and shape it into a plan. By now, you know how much a property in your chosen area should cost. And you’ve talked to enough contractors to know the price of your ideal renovations. You even have a ballpark selling price. Now it’s time to take these figures, along with your financial records, to a good broker or bank representative. They’ll help you research your financing options based on your current status and the viability of your property goals. You can save yourself lots of time and heartache by making sure your goals are rooted in your economic realities before you go to the bank — and before you overextend yourself with unwise loans. But if you’ve done your research and stuck with the fundamentals, you should be able to proceed without ever worrying about collection agencies banging on your door.
Conclusion
Needless to say, market research doesn’t happen overnight. But with determination and patience, these six steps will prepare you to start bidding on properties — the right properties that will turn a profit for you!
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Credit Crisis Calls and the Debt Consolidation Loan in Australia
Due to the present credit and lending crisis in the sub prime industry in the United States, as well as the greater financial markets controversy about sub prime lending, their has been a change in the lending environment. There have been indications of credit restrictions in world financial markets, and notable changes in lending policies in Australia. Numerous borrowers are paying higher prices for their loans and being forced to cut back on their budget. Increased numbers of borrowers are being forced to file bankruptcy. Many sub prime lenders are closing, and others are being bought out. How does this impact people requiring a Debt Consolidation Loan?
A debt consolidation loan is a kind of loan that is offered to individuals who have multiple loans or debts they wish to consolidate into one larger loan. They may have good credit or less than perfect or bad credit. With the United States in the midst of this crisis and investors more prudent with the funds they are offering, there is less credit available on the market and the credit that is available requires tighter policies to lend. For the borrower it simply means there are less solutions available for the same situations that were occurring 6 – 12 months ago.
It is common place to be in debt, most of us have loans and all of us have utility bills and other types of debt . The issues with funding are high-lighted when we find ourselves under financial stress. A missed payment on a loan or a minor paid credit default such a utility bill can hinder our chances of obtaining a debt consolidation loan or any other form of loan. It can even happen to some of the most responsible individuals who have been caught out by the rising cost of loans and obtaining finance.
If you have a bad credit score it should not feel like the end of the world, but to some people it may seem just that. Bad credit can be a problem when looking for a debt consolidation loan or other loans, and will generally require the services of a professional loan or mortgage broker to source appropriate finance. There are a number of issues in obtaining finance in these situations, some are listed below:
1. Lenders tightening policies for people with Credit defaults.
2. Reduced LVR (Loan to Value of Property ratio) ratios on loans.
3. Increased Interest Rates
4. Increased Fees
5. Tighter Servicing Criteria – Lenders offering you less money for your same available income.
Even though there are these issues to overcome, obtaining a debt consolidation loan would not only help individuals financially, but it can also help to repair their credit score as well. There are a few factors that help determine an approval of the loan, such as:
1. The Lender you have submitted your application to.
2. The conduct of the debts being consolidated.
3. The total loan size.
4. The type of security offered.
5. Ratio of the loan to the value of the security (LVR Ratio)
6. Status of employment
7. Current financial situation
8. Credit scores.
The Interest rates and fees on loans for debt consolidation vary considerably based on the level of credit impairment, LVR Ratio, risk insurance required by the lender, and many other factors.
If you are in the market for a debt consolidation loan, there is an ever shrinking number of lenders from which you can choose, especially if you have credit issues. There are still loans available for Credit Impaired borrowers, though there is now a definite need for specialists that can assist with your needs. The credit crisis has highlighted the need for qualified Bad Credit and Debt Consolidation Specialists in these fields.
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Fashion: How to
How to dress in style:
The procedure is as simple as 1-2-3!
1. Choose a design and style!
2. Pick the right fabric!
3. Accessorise!
Tailored clothing, using the most natural fabrics, always lasts longer and feels better. So this spring and summer, look and feel your best with your customised wear. Polyester creations are no longer the fashionable thing to wear; instead, all-natural silks, linens and cotton are the way to go. Find a store which sells completely natural fabrics.
How to care for fabric:
If there is no label and/or you wish to wash a garment or fabric at home instead of dry clean, the properties of each fabric will help you determine the care of the fabric or garment. Otherwise, the best rule is to follow the label on the garment.
How to look slimmer:
• Prints should be scaled to your body – for example, no large prints if you are a fuller figure. In general, it’s the space between prints that makes them unflattering, so look for prints that have overlapping images.
• Don’t shy away from sleeveless garments, especially with evening wear when you can cover up with a shawl, sheer top or a jacket instead.
• Don’t think that baggy clothes make you look slimmer. Body-conscious clothes that hint at your curves – without being clingy or tight – are the most flattering.
Why do millions of women want a body that less than 1% of the population can attain (and not without their fair share of starvation and exercise torture)? The answer is simple.
Because that small minority of women who seem to have the “perfect figure” are models. Women who flaunt their bodies, wear the latest designer clothing, and show off millions of dollars worth of products as their career. Models simply look good because it is their job to do so. They are paid to be human clothes hangers. Good clothing is made of fabric that is natural and comfortable against the skin. Good clothing consists of designs and styles that complement your body shape and your skin tone. Good clothing often needs to be tailored and not bought off the shelf.
The latest designs in the haute couture world can be copied and custom-made to suit your own looks and body shape. It is not necessary to spend thousands of dollars to purchase a piece of clothing that a model wore, just for the sake of trying to look like her. It is important for a woman to recognise the positive points of her own body, and tailor-make clothing that complements that.
d’Italia, a designer fabric store located in Malvern (Melbourne, Australia), imports Italian silk and French lace directly from Europe. The fabric comes from the same European fashion houses which supply to the biggest names in haute couture. d’Italia is open six days a week, and is located at 61 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, Victoria. Australian tailor and seamstress services should be booked in advance (especially for wedding couture).
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
The History of the Australian Ugg Boot Company
The history of Ugg Shoes-Australia correlates with the long tradition of the Australian people depending on heavy duty sheepskin boots for their farming and rugged outdoor activities. For 200 years, Australians referred to their 100% merino sheepskin boots as “ugs”, short for “ugly.” By the early 1970′s, several sheepskin boot manufacturing plants had been constructed around the Australian city of Perth.
Located near this city were popular surfing beaches, where surfers adapted the Ugg boots for year-round use. The insulating properties of fleece kept feet warm in winter, and in summer, it absorbed perspiration. With a cozy feel and form-fitting style, Uggs provided sock-like comfort while walking over rough or slippery terrain. Gradually, Uggs reached from the West Coast to the surfing communities of Australia’s East Coast, and then were carried into skiing communities by surfers who enjoyed both sports. When Brian Smith, a native Australian surfer visited the U.S in the late 1970′s, he brought Uggs with him.
After realizing the popularity of Uggs within the California surfing community, he decided to develop and market the sheepskin footwear. His conceptual idea came to fruition in 1978. Mr. Smith obtained a trademark for the term Ugg-and it is believed that he also obtained variations on the spelling-such as Ug and Ugh.
In 1995, Mr. Smith sold all rights of Ugg Holding to a Californian company by the name of Deckers Outdoor Corporation. Upon the purchase, Deckers acquired the Ugg trademark name for 24 countries and began utilizing the name of Ugg-Australia. However, the production of the sheepskin boots was transferred to China in a move to lower production costs.
Within a few years, the Ugg Shoes-Australia product line included a couple of boot styles and four models of slippers, as well as a few casual shoes. The concurrent marketing and advertising campaigns undertaken by Deckers positioned Ugg footwear as luxury items, and, as such, international celebrities were soon seen in them. When the rich and famous began donning Ugg sheepskin boots, worldwide sales were ignited. Nordstrom became a supplier for Ugg Shoes-Australia, supported by high-end fashion magazines. In 2000, Ugg’s Ultra boots were sent to television talk show host Oprah Winfrey, who purchased 350 pairs to for employees. She later focused shows around the Ugg Classic and Uptown boots, and her efforts and endorsements brought introduced the Ugg name to Middle America. Thus began an increased sales trend. Ugg Shoes-Australia received an award from Footwear News in 2003 as “Brand of the Year”, and became noticeable at designer fashion shows in major cosmopolitan fashion centers.
The boot that could have once been considered dowdy due to its bulk and shape is now viewed as sexy and fashionable. Uggs are no longer just a household name in Australia, but across the globe, and sales have tripled within the last two years. With some styles costing over $444 or 300 Euros a pair, Uggs appeals to those who wish to be known for their financial success and recognition of high quality and workmanship.
Unfortunately, some groups feel that the name Ugg should not be considered a brand name, but simply a generic term representing a boot, just as the words sneaker or trainer refer to an athletic or tennis shoe. This is currently the basis for some debate between Decker and other providers of sheepskin boots. The Australian sheepskin trade claims to have lost $20 million as a result of not being allowed to use the generic word Ugg in their media or internet advertising.
In fact, one group, the Sheepskin Association, enlisted a campaign termed “Save our Aussie icon” in its pursuit of having the trademark cancelled. It may be difficult. Even the Macquarie dictionary, which sets standards for Australian English, uses the trademark that Deckers acquired, in its definition of Ugg. By now, many lovers of Ugg boots equate the term with Ugg Shoes-Australia or Deckers, as well as the warm and comfortable features offered in their production. Unfortunately, similar footwear, knockoff styles and fake Uggs are becoming more numerous.
Yet it seems that the buying public is more concerned about the availability and selection of additional, authentic Ugg-Australia products. Since early 2007, Ugg’s share price has increased ten times, and it is estimated that 2008 sales will exceed $45 million. This is based on Ugg-Australia’s announcement that it will expand into a line of handbags as well as other leather goods. There is even speculation that Uggs may add a line of warm-weather styles, which will certainly cement Ugg Shoes-Australia’s position as one of the leaders in fashion footwear.
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Southern unknown land
Australia is the biggest island and the smallest continent on the Earth. It received its name due to the Latin “Terra Australis Incognita” — “Southern unknown landâ€. Australia is the only country occupying the whole continent. Here you can see the super modern metropolises, the driest deserts, the best beaches, coral reefs and much more.Australian cities differ much from the cities in Europe. They look more like the American ones, but still have their own appearance. There are no ancient attractions; it’s a kingdom of glass, steel, modern buildings and comfortable roads. Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the administrative centre of the New South Wales province. It is the most developed Australian city, the financial and industrial capital.
The original Sydney Opera is not only an architectural sightseeing but the leading country’s stage too. Another Sydney symbol is The Harbour Bridge. The tourist centre in Sydney is Darling Harbour with exhibition centers, shops, restaurants and cafes.Melbourne is the second biggest city and the centre of Victoria province. It has been always struggling with Sydney for the name of Australian cultural capital. Sydney is famous for its Opera, Melbourne — for its ballet. As one of the sport leading cities in the county Melbourne houses the Australian open (tennis) and one of the stages of Formula-1 Grand Prix. Melbourne is a green city with cozy streets and houses. One of the things Melbourne is associated with is tram. It is a very popular man of transport and on of the city symbols.
The capital of Australia, Canberra is a relatively small city. It’s the city of politicians and bureaucrats, but there is a lot more in Canberra. Historic attractions include Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet; New Parliament House; Old Parliament House; Telstra Tower; St. Christopher’s Cathedral; the National Archives of Australia; the National Library of Australia; and Canberra’s Royal Australian Mint.Another significant city in Australia is Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. It is an elegant city beside the Torrens River, between the Adelaide Hills and the Gulf of St Vincent. It is very green city with a lot of gardens and parks. The main city of the Queensland state, Brisbane, is the perfect place to relax and have a rest. It lies on the coast and has very good beaches. All the Australian coasts are famous for its beautiful beaches, but the Gold Coast is the most famous one. It is an ideal choice for those who like sun, sand, relaxed lifestyle and surfing. It’s a very comfortable place with good hotels and other accommodation. This paradise strongly differs from the rough deserts in the middle of the country. This part of the Australia is mainly inhabited by the aborigines. There are no good roads, big cities or any comfort at all. There are farms, sands and mines. This territory has its own charm too, but you should know what to be prepared to.
Australia is separated from the other parts of the world, thus its nature is really unique. The best-known Australian animal is kangaroo. There are also duck-bills and other species you can’t meet anywhere else.
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Mortgage Loans in Florida Readily Available Online
Florida: The Sunshine State
Being one of the popular states of the United State, Florida is situated in southeastern region of the country. The major part of the state is a peninsula, covered by the Gulf of Mexico on west and the Atlantic Ocean on its east. Discovered by Juan Ponce De Leon, a Spanish conquistador in April 2, 1513, Florida has a pivotal role in the history of the country. The state has humid subtropical climate and is the winter home for many species in the country. Due to these advantages, Florida has been considered as a suitable retirement place for people. However, due to rise in property rates, going for Florida mortgage loans sound more right and trustable option.
Online Florida Mortgage Loans
Real estate is seeing a great boom these days. As a result, property rates have always been rising. To meet out your financial crunch, online mortgage loans can partner you with their specialized services. They offer a whole world of good comfortable and affordable options that will surely take your heart away. Moreover, there is no pressure to enter into the deal right away. Search, look, think and act to get your dream homes. This time-saving, cost effective and efficient method lets you compare different mortgage rates that suit your needs and requirements. Once, you select your option, applying for the mortgage can be done easily. Just fill up the form given in these websites and wait for the confirmation to come. Normally, it takes 24-48 hours to get the answer. After checking out your forms, these websites will contact you and thus the process of mortgage starts. No doubt, online Florida mortgage loans websites have lured people with their easier and customer-friendly approach.
By: Vaibhav Aggarwal
About the Author:
Myself webmaster of http://www.castlemortgagegroup.com dealing in all type of mortgage loans in Florida, Georgia & Alabama with home equity loans, Mortgage Loans, refinance loans, constructions loans.
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
who is the best person to lead our country doing these tough economic times?
please have an open mind and read these facts first!
Barack Obama
# can’t do anything at home with $12 billion a month on Iraq. (Feb 2008)
# Protect consumers with Credit Card Bill of Rights. (Feb 2008)
# More accountability in subprime mortgages. (Feb 2008)
# Bush stimulus plan leaves out seniors & unemployed. (Jan 2008)
# Voted against limiting credit to 30%, because 30% too high. (Jan 2008)
# Account for every single dollar for new proposed programs. (Jan 2008)
# Help the homeowners actually living in their homes. (Jan 2008)
# Bankruptcy bill pushed by banks &. (Jan 2008)
# Lack of an energy policy is a financial burden. (Jan 2008)
# Bush & GOP dug budget hole; need years to dig out. (Dec 2007)
# Save $150 billion in tax cuts for people who don’t need them. (Dec 2007)
# Take China “to the mat” about currency manipulation. (Dec 2007)
# Rejects free market vision of government. (Oct 2007)
# Regulate financial instruments to protect home mortgages. (Aug 2007)
# Government regulation needed for when markets fail. (Aug 2007)
# Return to PayGo: compensate for all new spending. (Oct 2006)
# Bush’s economic policies are not working. (May 2004)
# Supports federal programs to protect rural economy. (May 2004)
# Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs’ effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
# Voted NO on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
# Get minorities into home ownership & global marketplace. (Jan 2001)
# Require full disclosure about subprime mortgages. (Dec 2007)
# Reform mortgage rules to prevent foreclosure & bankruptcy. (Feb 2008)
John McCain
* These are tough times; we need changes; so keep taxes low. (Aug 2008)
* Can’t pass trillions of dollars of debt to our children. (Jul 2008)
* GovWatch: Specified cuts are $10B, not $100B. (May 2008)
* Bailing out Bear Stearns necessary to protect economy. (Apr 2008)
* Key is to not to bail out homeowners who speculated. (Apr 2008)
* Things are tough now, but we’re better off than in 2000. (Jan 2008)
* May have to go further to fix the subprime lending situation. (Jan 2008)
* Recession is partly psychological and not inevitable. (Jan 2008)
* I’m well-versed in economics; I was at the Reagan Revolution. (Jan 2008)
* FactCheck: Said–then denied–he needed economics education. (Jan 2008)
* Impose some fiscal discipline to revive the economy. (Jan 2008)
* Will be able to reduce war costs & have a stable Middle East. (Jan 2008)
* Reform insurance to cover violent weather patterns. (Jan 2008)
* To avoid recession, stop out-of-control spending. (Jan 2008)
* Loss of economic strength leads to losing military strength. (Dec 2007)
* Republicans have forgotten how to control spending. (Nov 2007)
* AdWatch: Outrageous to spend $233M for bridge to nowhere. (Nov 2007)
* FactCheck:Bridge-to-Nowhere never built; would serve 200,000. (Nov 2007)
* FactCheck: Criticized “Woodstock museum,” but skipped vote. (Nov 2007)
* Congress spends money like a drunken sailor. (May 2007)
* Veto all pork-barrel bills and announce pork spenders. (May 2007)
* Use veto power to reduce government spending. (Jan 2000)
* Distribute surplus: 23% tax cuts; 62% Social Security. (Jan 2000)
* $9B of pork in current budget bills; cut subsidies. (Oct 1999)
* For Balanced Budget Amend., & off-budget Social Security. (Jul 1999)
* List of budgetary spending priorities. (Jul 1998)
* Supports Balanced Budget Amendment. (Jul 1998)
* Apply surplus to Social Security, Medicare, tax cuts & debt. (Jul 1998)
* Voted YES on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
* Voted NO on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
* Voted YES on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
* Voted YES on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997)
* Maintain & enforce existing spending caps in the future. (Sep 1998)
i got this info from www.ontheissues.org
Posted on February 1, 2009 - by admin
Looking for an Investment Loan – You’ll Get a Better Deal in Australia by Talking to a Mortgage Bro
I was recently in the market to buy an investment property and checked with my bank to see what they could offer me on investment loan. I had thought that the interest rate on an investment loan would be no different to the interest rate on a home loan but I discovered that with my bank at least I would be charged a higher interest rate and fees on my investment loan than I would had I been applying for an owner occupier home loan.
I decided to check out what other lenders had to offer on an investment loan. The terms and conditions of an investment loan have really improved over the years. Back in the 1980s you could generally only get a short term 3 or 5 year fixed rate on your investment loan. This meant that at the end of the investment, oan term you were up for further costs to extend it for a further term. Valuation and legal fees were required as well as application fees. How things have changed. Today your investment loan terms and conditions are very similar to the standard home loan. The investment loan term is often25 or 30 years with an interest only period for the first 5 years. Quite often you negotiate an extension of the interest only period on the investment loan. Most investors want an investment loan that is interest only particularly if they also have home loan debt. It is much better to use any surplus cash you may have to make extra principal repayments off your home loan debt and keep your investment loan repayments to the minimum – either on an interest only basis or where possible capitalize the interest.
As an investor you want to maximize the return on your investment property. Making sure your investment loan works for you is an important part of this process. For example if you are bale to capitalize interest under your investment loan then instead of using your personal savings to subsidize repayments on your investment loan you should consider capitalizing the shortfall between your rent and the interest payment plus any maintenance costs, council rates etc. By capitalizing the shortfall of interest on your investment loan you free up your cash flow while at the same time gaining additional negative gearing benefits. You may chose to use the cash flow for any number of things but if you apply it to making additional repayments on your home loan then that non-deductible debt is repaid much faster. Your investment loan is really working for you!
Get onto a mortgage manager and see what rates they have to offer and the type of investment loan they can structure for you. Mortgage managers are specialists in mortgage lending and a select few have considerable experience in the investment loan field. They focus on the investor market and have a wide range of excellent investment loan products to meet your needs.
