Steve Taylor

An Offset Account to Protect your Investment

offset account

an Offset Account to protect your investment

Today we will look at ways to protect your residential property investment if you lose your job such as the use of an offset account and other suggestions that may be helpful.

Firstly, though, following my blog on the world demand for thermal coal, the Central Highlands Development Corporation had a business breakfast at McIndoe Park in Emerald and one of the speakers echoed my positive views on the future of coal.

The speaker was Greg Evans, Executive Director – Coal, at Minerals Council of Australia. Another speaker who agreed with him was Andrew Barger, Director Infrastructure and Economics with the Queensland Resources Council.

Greg Evans pointed out that in Australia 71% of electricity comes from coal and Australia’s coal exports are expected to increase by 37% to 2040. He predicts that 90% of our thermal coal exported will be going to Asia.

This is in line with my comment, last week, that demand from South East Asia will increase by just under 5% per annum.


related reading

World Demand for Thermal Coal will Increase

to-purchase-an-investment-property/”>Using Home Equity to Purchase an Investment Property


Now back to our radio listener’s question that wants to know how he can protect his property investment if he is out of work for some time.

Firstly to do nothing is an easy decision, but the end result is nothing.

The good new is, however, that he is now buying one of my 5 bedroom executive homes in Brisbane for $500,000 using $67,000 of his $100,000 in savings for a 10% deposit, legals, stamp duty etc.

He has $100,000 so why use only $67,000 and what does he do with the balance of $33,000?

Shock Absorber

The $33,000 is like a shock absorber. He will put this in an offset account.

How does that help him?

It has the same effect of him paying an extra $33,000 off his loan. Because it is “offset” he pays no interest on that amount of his loan, but it is available in the case of unforeseen circumstances.

What if this fellow used the equity in existing property and wanted to borrow 100%? The principal is the same. He could borrow an extra $30,000 and put it in an offset account.

What this would mean, in effect, is that he is paying no interest on the $30,000.

A buffer

Another easy method is to borrow principal and interest over 30 years but make repayments applicable to 20 years principal and interest. This gradually gets you way ahead in your payments and again creates a buffer against unforeseen circumstance.

Other options would be …

If you can afford it, take your tax refund as a lump sum and pay it off your mortgage. There are many simple strategies, but every case is different and so are the methods of taking the worry out of residential property investing.

If you are interested in enquiring about buying property to start your Residential Property Portfolio, please contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Steve Taylor

If you prefer to listen here is my radio interview on Emerald 4HI:

https://stevetaylor.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Steve-Taylor-23rd-June.mp3?_=1

At the helm of Steve Taylor & Partners, Steve Taylor has been delivering expert advice and product knowledge to clients for over 30 years. Steve Taylor & Partners provide individuals, couples and families with the right strategies to create wealth and change their lives with solid bricks and mortar.


DISCLAIMER

Steve Taylor & Partners blog is opinion and not advice. Readers should seek their own professional advice on the subject being discussed.

 

Exit mobile version