I rang to check how things were going with the removalist companies. I wasn’t aware of it when I started this, but it turned out that there was a contract between the company I worked and a particular removalist firm. I had no choice but to use them. I needn’t have got quotes from other companies. Wridgways was the preferred company.
I rang the Wridgways Canberra office to check on the quotation. They said they were busy “crunching the numbers.” That could mean they are working on a price, or it could have meant something along the lines of oops we’d better get on with that job.
An important point for me to check with the removalists was when they might want to be paid. This was an issue that was dear to my heart. I had a nasty experience when I was moving from Tasmania to Victoria a few years ago. Something I didn’t want to repeat. We had used Watkins Removals in that shift. I was at work in my new job on the day our furniture arrived, and S rang to say the removalist truck had arrived at our new place. She said the men were refusing to unload our furniture until they were paid. I found this an unexpected event, particularly as it hadn’t been raised with us beforehand. It was a tricky situation, made worse by the fact that there wasn’t much in the way of cash in my bank account at that time. I got out of it by sweet talking my boss, who faxed a note to the company indicating they would be assisting with expenses, and to bill them. I didn’t want to be in that situation again, and put it to Wridgways. They assured me that this situation would not occur, and they said they would probably bill the company. Anyway, it’s as well to commit people to arrangements, and then you can argue with them later from solid ground.
I noticed on the documentation I’d received from my solicitor there was reference to something about Perpetual Limited. It sounded like the name of an insurance company. Apparently it is the organisation that will be funding my home loan, along with a little note I almost missed which said that if this name did not appear on my insurance policy, settlement may be delayed. I’m glad I spotted it. I would have thought such an important issue would have been emphasized by all concerned.
I spoke with David at Virgin Home Loans, and he explained something of the background, much of which I didn’t understand. So, if I get this wrong, I’m sorry. However, it would seem that Virgin Money operates under something called a ‘scrutinized program’. An organisation called Perpetual Limited, which is affiliated with Reserve Bank managed investment bonds of the Macquarie Bank. The consequence of this is that Perpetual Limited is an interested party in our home loan. If the house burns down they want their cut. Hell, I thought I was borrowing Virgin Money funds.
I had promised Fay, our Warrandyte conveyancer, some information regarding the trouble we had been put to in getting the deposit, and emailed this along with a proposal for her to put to Melody, through her solicitor, that we deal directly with Melody, rather than giving her solicitor a $300 set up fee to rent the Warrandyte house. I’m annoyed at the whole thing. I’m not feeling too kindly to paying $650 for about a week’s stay.
Pat the Warrandyte neighbour has been coming down making a nuisance of herself. It’s not our fault that her cat would rather sleep in our place than live in a cage at Pat’s house. No wonder it escapes and seeks out a snugly warm place.
03 June 2008
02 June 2008
Greedy lawyer, bungling conveyancer
The nicest thing that happened today was that David from Virgin Home Loans rang to say that our home loan had been approved. The valuation had been sent in on the Saturday (now there’s an odd day of the week for someone to be working), and with that being the last step the funds for the loan were approved. He said he would contact Vickie, the Canberra conveyancer, and Virgin’s solicitors would send the relevant documentation regarding the home loan to Warrandyte.
Fay, our Warrandyte conveyancer, had got word from Melody’s solicitor about the change in settlement date. I was wondering if that was in response to me emailing our real estate agent, who made contact with them to arrange it, or was it just coincidence? Who knows, and who cares? The settlement date has been changed, and that was excellent news. However the bad news was that her solicitor will charge $300 to set up the documentation whereby we rent our property for $350 pw for the few days we have to stay past the settlement date. Fay said her solicitor is one of the most expensive in Melbourne. S was enraged at this fee. I expected a nominal fee, but not the $300. What sort of crap is this? Greedy lawyer.
I was pleased it was the last legal problem. Though, the idea of paying a fee on top of rent to rent my own house was burning at me throughout the day. Perhaps we should charge a $300 fee for a final inspection. We didn’t get our deposit from this buyer for so darn long, and I didn’t charge a fee. And now this. To point out that this is unfair is an understatement.
Two letters arrived. One from Fay – Transfer of Land, and a Goods Statement. Another letter arrived from Vickie confirming that contracts had been exchanged. The letter went on to say that “settlement will be on or before 19th May, next.” Hang on. Wasn’t May last month? It must be a typo. I liked the reference to when stamp duty had to be paid: “By this date, from sale proceeds in Victoria.” Which date was that? Oh, yes: “this date.” How more vague can you be? It was also interesting to see under the Insurance heading: “Lender’s name: Perpetual Limited.” I wonder where that came from as I had just insured the property with GIO. I’m not sure if there is any point in trying to work this out? It’s confusing. Though, mistakes such as the typo don’t extend your faith in the people managing your affairs.
Fay, our Warrandyte conveyancer, had got word from Melody’s solicitor about the change in settlement date. I was wondering if that was in response to me emailing our real estate agent, who made contact with them to arrange it, or was it just coincidence? Who knows, and who cares? The settlement date has been changed, and that was excellent news. However the bad news was that her solicitor will charge $300 to set up the documentation whereby we rent our property for $350 pw for the few days we have to stay past the settlement date. Fay said her solicitor is one of the most expensive in Melbourne. S was enraged at this fee. I expected a nominal fee, but not the $300. What sort of crap is this? Greedy lawyer.
I was pleased it was the last legal problem. Though, the idea of paying a fee on top of rent to rent my own house was burning at me throughout the day. Perhaps we should charge a $300 fee for a final inspection. We didn’t get our deposit from this buyer for so darn long, and I didn’t charge a fee. And now this. To point out that this is unfair is an understatement.
Two letters arrived. One from Fay – Transfer of Land, and a Goods Statement. Another letter arrived from Vickie confirming that contracts had been exchanged. The letter went on to say that “settlement will be on or before 19th May, next.” Hang on. Wasn’t May last month? It must be a typo. I liked the reference to when stamp duty had to be paid: “By this date, from sale proceeds in Victoria.” Which date was that? Oh, yes: “this date.” How more vague can you be? It was also interesting to see under the Insurance heading: “Lender’s name: Perpetual Limited.” I wonder where that came from as I had just insured the property with GIO. I’m not sure if there is any point in trying to work this out? It’s confusing. Though, mistakes such as the typo don’t extend your faith in the people managing your affairs.
01 June 2008
More car hunting
I spent the day looking at more utes. Why do people over-price the stuff they want to sell? Do they really think their well cared for factory made second hand car is any better than the next person’s well cared for used car? Some difference above the norm is tolerable, but sellers shouldn’t put outlandish price tags on their things.
There was a Holden I saw at one of the car markets. It was a really nice relatively late model, but why were they asking over $19k when they should know the going rate. Everyone buying or selling a used car should consult the Red Book for a vehicle’s worth. I made reference to the Red Book, but the reaction was simply that they won't budge on the price. Okay, fine. I'll shop elsewhere.
There was also a Falcon in Craigieburn being advertised for $17,000 that seemed interesting. I spotted it on the carsales web site a few days ago. The Red Book listed the model between $15500 and $18400. So, depending upon its condition it could be worth considering. So long as it’s still available when I get to Melbourne.
There was a car market at Woden. There was nothing there for me at that market, but I spotted a campervan. I was curious about it, having one of my own. Though this one was a combi. As I approached, I saw someone inside. It turned out that it was the owners who were inside; sitting in it. They were a very young couple. Both of them were well wrapped up against the cold, and both of them had red noses and had the snuffles. I wonder if this campervan was their home. They were a cheerful pair, despite both having a cold. Youth is so optimistic. I noticed little columns of 5c and 10c coins on the table. They were checking their resources, I guess. When they sell their camper van, they’ll have some money, but perhaps nowhere to live. Poor souls. I felt for them.
There was a Holden I saw at one of the car markets. It was a really nice relatively late model, but why were they asking over $19k when they should know the going rate. Everyone buying or selling a used car should consult the Red Book for a vehicle’s worth. I made reference to the Red Book, but the reaction was simply that they won't budge on the price. Okay, fine. I'll shop elsewhere.
There was also a Falcon in Craigieburn being advertised for $17,000 that seemed interesting. I spotted it on the carsales web site a few days ago. The Red Book listed the model between $15500 and $18400. So, depending upon its condition it could be worth considering. So long as it’s still available when I get to Melbourne.
There was a car market at Woden. There was nothing there for me at that market, but I spotted a campervan. I was curious about it, having one of my own. Though this one was a combi. As I approached, I saw someone inside. It turned out that it was the owners who were inside; sitting in it. They were a very young couple. Both of them were well wrapped up against the cold, and both of them had red noses and had the snuffles. I wonder if this campervan was their home. They were a cheerful pair, despite both having a cold. Youth is so optimistic. I noticed little columns of 5c and 10c coins on the table. They were checking their resources, I guess. When they sell their camper van, they’ll have some money, but perhaps nowhere to live. Poor souls. I felt for them.
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