July 23, 2012
For a few weeks every couple of months when kids are on school holidays, road traffic drops off dramatically and congestion eases. The moment they go back, it becomes almost unbearable again. And in my observation, the first half of the year seems much worse than the second part.
BY MICHAEL MATUSIK
Recent posts by Alan Davies of The Urbanist have uncovered some interesting statistics about how children get to and from school.
June 25, 2012
How can you tell when a particular property market is on the up? Market watchers each have their own theories on which milestones signal a change in fortunes. I, for one, think Brisbane has turned a corner and is well positioned on the property clock.
BY MICHAEL MATUSIK
Why do I think this? What measures am I using? Here are my 10 market turn milestones.
June 6, 2012
Despite yesterday’s media reports to the contrary, the world hasn’t ended. I’m still breathing. How about you? Instead of Armageddon, Europocalypse, DeathbyKeen or something similar, we all seem to get by. The Henny Pennys have survived the farmer’s axe to live another day of worry.
BY MICHAEL MATUSIK
Yesterday’s lacklustre 0.25 per cent cut to the official cash rate will no doubt have many in a spin. Well, stuff them – today is special. It’s an opportunity to take some time to reflect.
May 29, 2012
There are many things, people and red tape included, that we’d be better off without. One of those things is Queensland’s Form 27c. In layman’s terms, Form 27c of the purchase contract must be completed and given to a buyer before they sign on the dotted line.
BY MICHAEL MATUSIK
It discloses all fees or favours incurred as the result of a property sale including commissions, marketing fees, management overriders and referrals. It even requires details of introductions to other parties (i.e. finance brokers and solicitors) who could assist the buyer, regardless of whether it’s verbal or written and with no fees paid.
May 9, 2012
The Queensland Building Boost kicked off last August under the previous State Government with the usual fireworks and rockets, and a promise of help for the housing industry. Oh, that is way too tame – it was actually a political wedge designed to shut up the development industry. And it worked a treat.
BY MICHAEL MATUSIK
The grant was promoted as a panacea that would lift demand and help get more new development under way. Too many believed that would be the case, with some – even in the development industry – calling for the boost to be extended. And it was.
March 7, 2012
I like David Koch. I must confess I like Mel, Natalie and Fifi more, but David, by my standards, is a cut above the rest when it comes to daytime television. But, and this is a big BUT, I like David far less when he delivers blanket statements such as a "property catastrophe is underway in places like the Gold and Sunshine coasts".
BY MICHAEL MATUSIK
I was going to stay out of this, but the negative impact of David’s comments has been substantial. The power of celebrity these days cannot be underestimated and with it should come much more care. Read more →
