The Home Loan Centre - Canberra's Mortage Provider of the Year 2003

Fee Structure

Our philosophy towards pricing and services is simple – we have nothing to hide. All the fees and services are outlined upfront, and there are no hidden costs anywhere .

We simply believe that all of the services we provide are part of the responsible and professional management of your investment. Why would we charge extra for something you are already paying us to do?

Most agents will charge individual fees for letting, advertising, vetting and securing tenants, inventory and condition reports and more. This quickly adds up to be quite expensive. As always, we keep it simple – one fee covers the whole lot:

A complete marketing package , including:
- Comprehensive digital photography to display your property in the most accurate and appealing way
- Full colour advertisement on allhomes for the duration of the marketing period. We don't just put on one photo and a brief description - we take pride in presenting your property in the best possible way by providing an interesting and detailed description to compliment many exciting photos
- Property exhibitions and/or private viewings for potential tenants. We will never give a potential tenant the keys to your property to look by themselves. Meeting with potential tenants is a great way to gain a ‘first impression'
- Property signage (where appropriate)
- Personal marketing
- Access to The Home Loan Centre newsletters and marketing circulars (where appropriate)
- Additional advertising services are available on an ‘at-cost' basis (upon request).
Property assessment and preparation of a detailed Inventory and Condition Report including digital photos . This is probably the second most important document for your tenancy after the Tenancy Agreement. We provide the attention to detail that such importance deserves.
Processing tenancy applications is more than vetting tenants, checking references and verifying income - we also provide you with the last word on who will live at your property. We will do all the work and provide you with a summary so that you can make a selection with ease.
Securing and signing new tenants , including drafting and completion of all tenancy documents to comply with relevant legislation; receipt and lodgement of rental bond (equal to four weeks rent) and receipt of a minimum of two weeks rent – all this will be completed before any tenant is given keys to your property.
An initial tenancy inspection within a month of your new tenants moving in with the outcome reported to you - providing the security of knowing how the property is being cared for without having to wait for 6 months or more!

It's not uncommon for agents to charge an array of different fees ranging from major costs for undertaking property inspections or paying creditor invoices, through to little add-ons like monthly account keeping fees, or postage fees. We think it is much more transparent to offer one fee that covers all these services – for 9% of your rental income we will provide:

Rent collection and arrears management: We collect rent from tenants in the most suitable manner for them, whether it is weekly, fortnightly or monthly. This provides the best chance for your tenants to meet their commitment. Any rental arrears are managed swiftly and in accordance with relevant legislation. On the last business day of each month we finalise all current invoices for your property, and then transfer the rent funds to your nominated account.
Monthly and Annual financial statements : At the same time your rent funds are transferred we prepare your monthly financial statement, with detailed income and expenditure details for each property. Your annual financial statement will be forwarded along with your June monthly statement each year, providing a concise summary of income and expenditure for each property for the past financial year – just what the accountant ordered!
Regular property inspections : In addition to the initial inspection covered by our Tenanting Fee we will complete 2 routine inspections of your property each and every year – the maximum allowed by ACT tenancy legislation.
Management of responsive maintenance : Utilising skilled, qualified and reliable tradespersons we will arrange all maintenance at your property in line with your instructions. You will be kept informed of the process all the way, and costs will not be allowed to exceed your pre-determined limit without prior consultation ( urgent repairs as stipulated by tenancy agreement not included).
Annual tenant rent increases (as per ACT tenancy legislation): Taking advantage of an opportunity to increase the rent is an important part of maximising your investment income. After completing a market appraisal we provide you with all the relevant information and advice to assist in setting the rental price for the following year. You will also be given the option of offering a new fixed term tenancy to the tenants if it suits your needs.
Payment of all statutory invoices on your behalf : Rates, Land Tax, water/sewerage, body corporate levies and insurance renewals will all be paid from your rent funds, with original invoices forwarded with your monthly financial statement showing the payment was made. Everything together in a nice, neat package.
Recovery of water consumption costs from tenants (in separate title properties only ): Did you know that in the ACT tenants are liable for the cost of water consumed at a rental property? While the owner is required to pay the total invoice upfront, tenants can be invoiced for the consumption portion of the bill – we do this as standard practice.
Preparation and presentation of Tribunal applications : While all care is taken to prevent the need for matters to go before the tenancy tribunal, it is an unfortunate reality that this is sometimes unavoidable. All our processes are undertaken to ensure full compliance with legislation so that all documentary evidence is available for any application to the tribunal. We will prepare and present a case at the tribunal on your behalf so as to maximise your chances of a favourable outcome, while minimising inconvenience to you (limited to 4 hours per tenancy).

If you would like to know more about our services or charges, or to arrange a rental appraisal for your investment property please contact us on 02 6214 8565.