RBA places .25 points under the Christmas Tree

RBA announced today that they will reduce the cash rate by 0.25 points, down to 3.00%. We'll watch to see how the banks respond and what net benefit homeowners are likely to receive from today's decision.

With yet another downward movement, it looks like interest rates will (at worst) be stable over the coming months - allowing home buyers to belt down their principal payments and own their home sooner, as well as allowing investors to achieve attractive gearing ratios.

If you would like more information on the Queensland property market, give your local Buyer's Agency a call on 1300 911 576.

Property Investment Seminars x 2 (Brisbane North Side)

Hi fellow property enthusiasts!

There are 2 x Investment Property Seminars @ Aspley (Brisbane's north side).

Wed 28th Nov and Mon 3rd Dec.

Time 6:00pm - 8:30pm

A comprehensive array of topics for people thinking about property investment... with an accountancy flavour.

TOPICS
 What is Negative Gearing?
 Quantity Surveyors reports
 Purchase Costs, Initial Repairs & Capital Gains.
 Improvements Versus Repairs
 Arm’s length income & expenses
 Purchasing via Unit Trust
 Instalment Warrants.

RSVP to Cathy Wood (Sam Greco & Co Chartered Accountants) on (07) 3263 5200. Finger food and refreshments provided.

Be quick - there is limited capacity and seats are running out!!!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers, Martyn

P.S. To ensure you don't miss out on future events, join one of the following groups:

- Brisbane Property and Network Education (Property Investors)

- Brisbane Accountants & Bookkeepers Group

Morpheus Agent plays in inaugural Charity Bowl

Morpheus Owner Guy Clarke played in the inaugural Queensland over 35 Ghosts of Gridiron Charity game on Saturday 6 August 2011.

The Chairty event raised over $8000, to be donated to the Spinal Research (Newro Foundation) and The Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund. For more details see the press release below or go to www.gridironqld.asn.au.




Yours in property
Morpheus Property

Changes to Boost & Stamp Duty take effect today, 1 August 2011

As of today, there are a few adjustments to how stamp duty is calculated for home owners.

Important points:

• $10,000 boost when building a new home (PPoR or IP) for anything less than $600k
• Removal of 'Home Concession' stamp duty concession (now investors pay the same as home owners)
• Changes to First Home Concession and Vacant Land Concession (some compensation for the removal of 'Home Concession')
• Changes to Stamp Duty rates

So what is the impact pre & post 1st August 2011 in Queensland? Below are a few examples describing the four main components: stamp duty, concession, first home owner's grant & the building boost grant.

First home owner - Building New @ $450k

First home owner - Buying Established @ $450k

Investment Property - Building New @ $450k

Investment Property - Buying Established @ $450k

Do we qualify for a Lunchbox Session with Morpheus Property?

Morpheus Property make life easier for people wanting to buy property. We deliver on this promise from day 1.

Although Morpheus host a variety of events, we also cater for our busy professionals. We bring our high quality seminars to your workplace where there are 20+ staff members.

Your Buyer's Agent will come to your workplace and cover two of our most popular topics. These topics are carefully chosen to help people achieve better results when buying property. It's delivered in the following format.

Session 1:

20 min - Market Update

10 min - Q & A

Session 2:

20 min - Property Negotiations

10 min - Q & A

Your Morpheus Property Buyer's Agent will deliver the material on-site. This is usually in your training room, boardroom or auditorium and allows you to eat lunch at the same time.

The Q&A segments offer a chance to participate and ask all the questions you'd like to ask an experienced property Buyer's Agent.

How to organise your Lunchbox Session?
Contact Morpheus Property on 1300 911 576 and speak to your local Buyer's Agent. They will arrange a suitable time to visit, set up and offer useful some valuable information.

Employers - This is a great opportunity to show you care! This is a simple and easy way (and doesn't cost you anything) to ensure your staff members are investing their income wisely and creating wealth and a better lifestyle. Morpheus Property offers solutions to employees where we'll do the property research, hunting, inspecting and negotiations while they work. The efficiency gains are very attractive for employers.

Employees - If you'd like us to run an event at your workplace, just send us your employer or HR Manager's contact details and we'll make the arrangements.

Wednesday, 10 August: "Commercial Property - Options for Business Owners"

Affectionately called, “Night at the Local”, Westpac at Aspley is opening the doors after hours and extending a warm welcome for you to join us.

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“Commercial Property - Options for Business Owners”

"Commercial Property - Options for Business Owners" deals with the dilemma faced by business owners where we:

• don't have enough room for our staff members
• need to move our operations
• need to manage redundant space
• have limitations on growing the business due to space

... all the issues that present a commercial property problem.

The options seem quite clear cut from the outset (buy or lease), but the solutions can involve a great deal of creativity. This workshop explores what's possible and how to make it happen sooner, rather than later!

Guest speaker is Martyn Fleming from Morpheus Property. Martyn represents buyers of residential and commercial property. Morpheus Property’s services include property searching and analysis and is constantly dealing with business owners struggling to work out how to approach commercial property.

During this engaging workshop, Martyn will offer both a decision making framework and proven process for taking the next step!!

In a relaxing atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to learn, interact and ask questions.

When 6:00pm – 7:30pm Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Where Westpac Bank

1374 Gympie Road, Aspley, Brisbane

Click here for directions

RSVP please contact Bank Manager, Mel Pope using the following details: Mb: 0410 446 502 Ph: 07 3630 9222 Em: mapope@westpac.com.au

To be notified of future events, join us at www.meetup.com/morpheusproperty/

• Drinks and canapés provided

• Networking is encouraged, so bring your business cards

• Door prizes (sourced from local businesses)

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These events are an excellent opportunity for you to meet and mingle with members of the business community and your local banking personalities.

Join us at www.meetup.com

As most of you know, Morpheus Property run free information sessions & workshops. We also run structured courses on property-related topics and are guest speaker at other events as well.

A summary of events can now be found at: www.meetup.com/MorpheusProperty/

We'd love you to join us if you're already a www.meetup.com member. If you're not a member, I can thoroughly recommend joining, as it won't cost you anything and can really help if you're:

a) expand your business network

b) looking for information on a topic

c) looking to meet experts in a particular field

Our first event registered in www.meetup.com/MorpheusProperty/ is a Night a the Local with Westpac Bank in Lutwyche, where we'll be talking about "Negotiation - Art or Science?"

Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, 22 June 2011: "Negotiation - Art or Science?"

Affectionately called, “Night at the Local”, Westpac at Lutwyche is opening the doors after hours and extending a warm welcome for you to join us.

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“Negotiation – Art or Science?”

"Negotiation - Art or Science" explores the way we resolve conflict to achieve what we want in business and in life. The workshop will help you understand your negotiation style, your inherent strengths & weaknesses and how you can use these to your advantage.

Guest speaker is Martyn Fleming from Morpheus Property. Martyn represents buyers of residential and commercial property. Morpheus Property’s services include property searching and analysis, however, Martyn is a best known for his talent in negotiating great deals.

During this engaging workshop, Martyn will share his most valuable negotiation secrets!! In a relaxing atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to learn, interact and ask questions.

When 6:00pm – 7:30pm Wednesday, 22 June 2011

Where Westpac Bank. Centro

543 Lutwyche Road, Lutwyche

Click on the map for directions -->

RSVP Kerry Walker (Bank Manager) on:

0429 462 877 or kerrywalker@westpac.com.au

• Drinks and canapés provided

• Networking is encouraged, so bring your business cards

• Door prizes (sourced from local businesses)

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These events are an excellent opportunity for you to meet and mingle with members of the business community and your local banking personalities.

DIY or use a Buyer's Agent?

We live in a well informed society, don't we?

The internet has made a real difference to the sheer volume of information we can tap into. This information is quite useful when assessing the property market, as well as searching for and analysing individual properties.

However, the average person doesn't buy property very often. Chances are, you won't buy property more often than a few times in your lifetime (unless you have a large property portfolio, frequently change address or are involved in property development). Because this is an infrequent task for us, it's difficult to develop as a skill.

Do you get the feeling I'm about to suggest everyone use a Buyer's Agent?

Well, that all sounds logical to the folk at Morpheus Property (we're a little biased), but that ignores the fact that some people will always want to:

- do their own taxes and avoid paying an accountant
- mow their own lawn and not give the next door neighbour's kid some pocket money
- have a crack at renovating their own bathroom and not pay tradies to do it for them (at least not to begin with)

Yes, some people simply enjoy doing things for themselves!

We understand this. We love what we do for a living, so it's highly likely that other people will enjoy it too. Also, some people will always be attracted to the DIY model (irrespective of the task), but they can fall into some pretty serious traps along the way. There is a problem with the DIY model when buying property - if you learn through your mistakes, they can be quite costly and take many years to recover.

Unfortunately, we hear way too many stories where DIY buyers have told us about their recent purchase, leaving us cringing and politely reassuring them that they got a great deal. This happens too often, so we looked for a solution where our DIY buyers still get the support they need. At Morpheus Property, we offer our clients a budget solution, meaning you still do most of the legwork, but you have an expert in your corner.

There are three main levels of support:
1. Property reports (called "MPA Reports"), which analyse each property thoroughly before you buy. More info >>
2. Mentoring by your own Buyer's Agent. More info >>
3. Courses to learn more about the buying process and how to do it properly More info >>

At this stage, the most popular selection has been our mentoring service combined with our MPA reports. We're delighted that DIY buyers are getting a layer of protection in achieving their property goals and we're hearing less disaster stories.

If you'd like to know more about these services or you know someone who is muddling their way through the process and could use our help, please pass on our number and recommend they give us a call: 1300 911 576.

Want to take control of your super?

Investing in a Self Managed Super Fund or SMSF? This isn't fresh news off the press, but this is a worthwhile reminder for anyone:

- wanting to invest in property

- with a combined income over $80k

- with a super fund over $130k
- wanting to take control of their superannuation fund

For many people falling into this category, the idea of borrowing money to buy property in your super (getting leverage) and taking control sounds like a good idea. However, it's often difficult to know where to begin.

To help you achieve this goal, you need a team of professionals to support you. At Morpheus Property, we've assembled the team and are ready to help you take advantage of this popular wealth building strategy.

The first step is to get some good advice from competent professionals. To find out more, contact us on 1300 911 576 or send an email to enquiries@morpheusproperty.com.au

The role of a Migration Agent vs Buyer's Agent

As a Buyers Agent, we often work in partnership with Migration Agents. Despite the fact that both of us provide help to migrants, our roles are completely different.

When talking to people migrating to Australia, we are often asked about migration policy. Although we can talk about life in Australia and help potential migrants with property-related issues, advice relating to the migration process should come from a registered Migration Agent.

Despite this service becoming more popular (see table below), approximately half of all visa applicants choose to do it themselves or rely on advice from websites, family and friends.

Number of registered migration agents over the last 2 years

Source: www.immi.gov.au

Recently, I was asked how many people use a Migration Agent and for which categories of visa. Department of Immigration and Citizenship publish quarterly reports and I've included the last available report from www.immi.gov.au to illustrate which categories tend to rely on the services of a Migration Agent.

Proportion of applications lodged by registered migration agents

Source: www.immi.gov.au

For a more detailed breakdown of the July - Sept 2010 quarter figures (by individual categories of visa subclass), follow this link.

If you know of someone struggling to find a good Migration Agent, we'd be only too happy to help. Picking a credible Migration Agent is tricky and an important decision. Contact us by email and we'd be happy to help out!

Please feel free to leave comments about your experience (or your friend, family member's experience) using a Migration Agent. Feel free to leave the Migration Agent's contact details in the comments section if you think they did a really good job.

Walk the block and meet your neighbours!

As a buyers agency, we've developed a comprehensive checklist for inspecting properties. Our agents use this to ensure our clients get a comprehensive opinion and anything identified is brought to their attention.

As you can imagine, there is a wide array of topics covered on our checklist and if I were to brain-storm this with you, we'd have many items. Here's the last item on my list that I find invaluable and should be yours... "Go for a walk!"

That's right, go for a walk and meet your new neighbours. At this point, you will find out things you didn't know about the property, the mood in the neighbourhood and any potential misgivings about living there.

You see, you can (and should) do all your research and ensure the numbers are right. You should check to see that it has the right amount of space, shade, natural light, air-flow, fittings, etc. It should offer a good return on investment and be in a strong capital growth area (for our investors), ... whatever the property needs to meet your purchase objective.

However, when we buy a house, it's not the building and land we're really buying, it's a living experience. If that experience is made to feel like hell-on-earth due to high levels of friction in the neighbourhood, then it's unlikely to be a good deal.

After I've inspected a property inside and out, it's also part of my inspection routine to include a lap around the block. I introduce myself to the neighbours and politely ask them a few questions. It's amazing what they'll tell you!

During my walks over the years, I've heard many interesting stories:
- who has an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against who
- various types of neighbourhood conflict
- all sorts of questionably legal activities ("herb" gardens, frequently visiting customers of "herb" gardens, etc)
- what happens in the local park across the road

- the meddling retired lady, who visits everyone at least daily
- the rock band or Playstation enthusiasts, who practice until 3am most nights of the week
- how much people are paying as tenants
- planned (but not registered) renovation and development activity

Don't forget, this information is also highly relevant for property investors. Bad neighbourhoods will have an impact on your tenancy retention and ultimately, the return and value of your property.

About 10% of the time, this 'street intelligence' has resulted in us crossing a property off the list. Sometimes, it can reveal an opportunity you weren't aware of or give you the confidence that your new neighbours are likely to welcome you into the area. As an additional benefit, if you do buy the property, you'll already know some of your new neighbours!!

Happy hunting!

Events from our partners: Wealthy Frog, Westpac and Referral Institute

At Morpheus Property, we love to help promote events for friends in our network. If you have an event coming up, let us know.
Here are a few coming up!!

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Branch Opening: Lutwyche Branch

Tues, 31 May

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Cost: All welcome - F.R.E.E. Event

Venue: Westpac Lutwyche, "Lutwyche Centro" Shop 6&7, 543 Lutwyche Road

Host: Kerry Walker, Branch Manager

Ph: 07 3622 1500

More information and RSVP, email: jmckean@westpac.com.au

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Referral Success 101

Tue, 7 June

9:00am - 12:00am

Cost: $49.00

Host: Lindsay Adams, Referral Institute
Venue: 135 Ferny Way, Ferny Hills, Brisbane

Ph: 0438 180 358

More information and bookings: http://www.referralinstitute.com/master/calendar.php?fe=007a49f1d2

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Brisbane: Income Tax and Your Investments

Wed, 22 June
6:45pm

Cost: All welcome - F.R.E.E. Event

Host: Claire Grlj, Wealthy Frog
Venue: Brisbane Worker's Community Centre, Paddington

Ph: 1300 852 664

More information and bookings: http://www.wealthyfrog.com.au/wealthyfrog-events.html

A sense of 'Fair Play'

Some people ask:

"Why Morpheus Property?"

"What sparked the concept?"
"How have real estate agents reacted to your presence?"

Good questions!!

Historically, people selling property would engage a real estate agent to sell their property. Buyers were left to their own devices under the concept "caveat emptor" or "buyer beware".

As many buyers were ill-equipped to lock horns with a seasoned negotiator, the balance of power was clearly in favour of people selling real estate. It was common for real estate agents to befriend buyers to the extent that buyers were unclear about who the real estate agents were working for.

Feeling the plight of buyers and to fix this imbalance, Martyn Fleming & Guy Clarke (the founders of Morpheus Property) sought to introduce an expert opponent to the equation. Morpheus Property was established to provide a level playing field in the real estate industry, starting in the Brisbane area. The dream - a sense of fair play in real estate transactions.

When Morpheus Property began representing people buying property, we noticed vastly different reactions from real estate agents. There was a mixture of elation, confusion, cautious civility, and many were downright rude and hostile.

These reactions were perfectly normal!!

We dared to change the very dynamics of the industry and with change comes pain and resistance. We changed how agents would interact with buyers (a significant part of their work). Some agents began to doubt their greatest skill - negotiation!

As the dust settled, we're finding that real estate agents are still cautious about dealing with Buyers Agents. However, most agents seem to appreciate the clarity in the new world order. They are more confident when the Buyers Agents are looking after everything the buyers need to attend to during a property purchase transaction, so they can focus on their vendors. For everyone (including the vendors and real estate agents), the process now runs more smoothly and with less hiccups.

Better yet, buyers are getting the representation they deserve!!

The Lead-a-Ship Company

Our good friends from The Lead-a-Ship Company have an amazing program that's worth a look. Check out their slides and give it a go. I've been on two of their courses and both were absolutely amazing!!

The Lead-a-Ship Company

View more presentations from skyejalexander.

Sunshine Coast Law Association - Annual Charity Ball - 2 April 2011

Join us for dinner, live and silent auctions and great entertainment benefiting

The Queensland Premier’s Flood Appeal

DATE: Saturday 2 April 2011

TIME: 6pm

PLACE: The Maroochydore Events Centre

Comedic Performance and Guest Host
Mikey Robbins from Good News Week

Special Guest

His Honour Justice de Jersey

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland

Master of Ceremonies

Sami and Todd from the Hot 91 Morning Show

Tickets $170.00 each or $1,600.00 for a table of 10

For ticket purchases, sponsorship or to donate prizes to the ball please contact the Events

Team on 5413 8953 or email peta@stolaw.com.au

Dress: Black Tie

Download your copy of the invitation (PDF):

Note: If you think you would benefit from networking with lawyers on the Sunshine Coast, feel free to join the following social marketing networking groups:

Facebook

Sunshine Coast Law Association
Link - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_161258710595068

Sunshine Coast Barristers Chambers
Link - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_202277496456625

Linkedin

Sunshine Coast Law Association
Link - http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=3835057

NRL Footy Tipping 2011 - Starts this Friday, 11 March!!

1st PRIZE = 1 training session with

footy legend, Tonie Caroll ("Tunza")

Other prizes will be announced throughout the competition!

You are invited to join my NRL 2011 Tipping Competition at http://www.oztips.com/

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Comp Name: Morpheus Property Tipping Competition 2011

Comp #: 258226
Comp Password: morpheus

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To join:

1) Go to http://www.oztips.com/

2) Click the 'REGISTER' button on the homepage and set-up a Login (if you don't already have one with OzTips).

3) Once you have successfully registered a Username and Password, click the 'JOIN A COMP' button.

4) Enter the Comp # and Comp Password details above.

5) That's it! Full instructions on how to Tip can be found on the website by clicking on the 'Help' link in the top header.

To learn more about Tonie's personal fitness sessions, go to www.tunzafit.com

Networking in Brisbane? Join me at Terri Cooper Networking event!

Terri Cooper Networking!

Wednesday March 30, 2011

6:45am for a 7:00am start - 8:30am finish

Would you would you like to be more successful at networking functions?

In this high-energy presentation Lindsay Adams, the National Director of the Referral Institute in Australia will help you understand your networking personality. He will show you how to take advantage of your talent and relate better to people who aren’t like you in the room. Once you understand this, it could lead to better relationships, more fun and more importantly more sales!

Join your Morpheus Property agents at the next Terri Cooper Breakfast with guess speaker, Lindsay Adams.

Lindsay is the National Director of the Referral Institute in Australia and New Zealand. He has worked with sales teams, individual entrepreneurs and business owners across Australia and New Zealand. His training methods and follow-up advice help you and your team apply life and business changing principles to word of mouth marketing for long term success and goal fulfilment.

Lindsay is a Past National President of the National Speakers Association of Australia (NSAA) and the President of the International Federation for Professional Speakers (IFFPS).

To book, go to: http://www.terricooper.com.au/brisbane-breakfast.html

Event: The Great Debate, 16th March "Property, Shares or Business" - What's best?

TO REGISTER, GO TO: http://www.wealthyfrog.com.au/event/event/detail/event/9037

Brisbane: The Great Debate 2011
The Great Debate - expanded! Property, Shares or Business- what's best to create wealth?

The age old debate by investors about whether shares or property are the better investment is just as controversial as the chicken or the egg debate! This year, we are adding the dimension of Business as an equal contender!

Our debaters are strong advocates for their side - it's sure to be an interesting evening followed by what promises to be lively discussion and question time.

TO REGISTER, GO TO: http://www.wealthyfrog.com.au/event/event/detail/event/9037

OUR DEBATERS:
Martyn Fleming, Morpheus Property - known for his passion for property!
Jeff Kumnick, RBS Morgans - a solid share man!
Bill Doyle, Altitude Communications - business = money in Bill's world!

Who should attend:
1. Share and property investors, business owners
2. Potential property or share investors or those looking to start a business
3. Property investors with equity or cash (but not enough for their next property purchase)
4. Those interested in an interactive discussion about investing in shares, property or business and the respective upsides and downsides.

We look forward to welcoming you to an interesting evening!

Contact:
Phone Enquiries: 1300 852 664
Email Enquiries: claire.grlj@wealthyfrog.com.au

When:

16 March 18:30 - 21:00

Where:

Brisbane Worker's Community Centre

Cnr Given Tce & Latrobe Tce

Paddington, Queensland

TO REGISTER, GO TO: http://www.wealthyfrog.com.au/event/event/detail/event/9037

Events from our partners: SEO Workshop, Marketing Smarter and Referral Success

At Morpheus Property, we love to help promote events for friends in our network. If you have an event coming up, let us know. Here are a few coming up!!

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How to Market Smarter & Maximise Results (on a shoestring): Redcliffe

Thur, 10 March8:30 - 5:00pm

Cost: $195.00

Host: Robyn Simpson, Market Smartly

Ph: 0424 188 312

More information: http://www.marketsmartly.com/Workshops

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SEO Workshop: Redcliffe

Wed, 16 March

8:30am - 12:30pm

Cost: $65.00

Host: Ben Maden, Market Smartly

Ph: 0400 789 949

More information: http://www.mattersolutions.com.au/seo-training/

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Referral Success 101

Tue, 15 March

9:00am - 11:00am

Cost: $49.00

Host: Lindsay Adams, Referral Institute

Ph: 0438 180 358

More information: http://www.referralinstitute.com/master/calendar.php?fe=007a49f1d2