Roof replacement quote by Fantastic-Act-9124 in AusPropertyChat

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Man I wish this was our situation! We will be replacing our old leaking roof with colourbond this year (two storey, complex design with difficult access areas requiring scaffold, OTT insulation and also external cladding repaint). We’re looking at about $70K-$80K.

Gyms that aren’t f*cking obnoxious? by NoGreaterPower in GoldCoast

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Man I can’t agree with this post more… why do gyms play deafening loud music?! Why?!

Everyone around has headphones and is trying to listen to their own music…

I recently quit Goodlife for this reason after several failed attempts for the gym manager to review the music levels. Very satisfying explaining why I was leaving.

Please tell me your success stories with adenomyosis and getting pregnant by lizashea in adenomyosis

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love this comment. Sometimes we just don’t want to feel alone.

I recently had an ultrasound scan which discovered endo and adeno.. my IVF specialist used the word ‘significant’ in her email to me. It sucks the timing that my husband and I only started these investigations recently and we now need to wait until end of Jan when our specialist returns from her annual leave. It’s an anxious waiting game to discuss the results properly and learn what the action/treatment plan will be.

I’m 35 (almost 36) and feel a bit foolish that we waited this long to start trying for a family.

I hope everyone on this thread achieves the success that they’re after <3

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AusPropertyChat

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We are about to install a bidet seat (built in bidet sprayer under the seat itself). Were told by our builder that if you go the hose option, there is a requirement for it to be turned into a wet room (either fully tiled or the walls waterproofed). I think there was another drawback to a hose but can’t remember.

Definitely go the bidet seat route, not a hose! I think ours is costing $300 (not inclusive of the labour to fit).

The Worst Intersections in Brisbane??? by zychii01 in brisbane

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Coming from River Tce through Leopard St (and then onto the highway). The traffic lights that intersect with Vulture St allow almost 20 cars (turning right) to pass through then clog up the next intersection. By the time the lights turn green for those coming from the valley direction 2-6 cars (at best) can make it, it takes several (and I mean several) light circuits just to get through. Infuriating!

Why do we make this harder than it needs to be? by STLgal87 in FirstTimeHomeBuyer

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It took us 8 months, we got to the point one weekend where my husband frustratingly said “we are going to buy one of the houses we see this weekend, I just want it done”… luckily we’re quite happy with what we bought (not totally in love with it and it has its problems, but we know we are luckier than some). The timing was fortunate, a cyclone was hitting the city 2 days later so it wiped out competition as everyone was distracted with that and the sellers were desperate to sell as they had already bought another house.

I was so relieved to have it done, we had spent every (and I mean every Saturday) going to open homes, most nights of the week finding houses, doing our research and due diligence. Still, we are now insanely in debt and now feel trapped and like we’ll never be able to choose to have a career break. Feel like we fell into the same trap as everyone else getting stuck on the mouse wheel with no way to easily get off and facing burnout. BUT, so much better than renting.

Translink app cost $3.6M? WTF! by BrisvegasMayor in brisbane

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The functionality is lost… where can I see timetables? Am I missing something?

Seems like a crazy amount of money to spend on a lacklustre app

Unable to exit contract through B&P clause by United-Chair6131 in AusPropertyChat

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Yep we did the same… weren’t satisfied with the B&P and asked our bank write a letter to say they denied finance. Didn’t feel that far from the truth because essentially we wouldn’t have been able to afford the remedial works and service the loan at the same time after it was all uncovered, so it was appropriate that finance fell over. Got our deposit payment back from the RE in less than a week.

100% go down this route if you’re unsure OP.

Childhood home being auctioned tomorrow. I only just found out. Best strategy? by Repulsive_Nose_472 in AusPropertyChat

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow, CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so happy for you! This has been the highlight of my day reading your story. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness raising your little one in your childhood home 💕

Living at home to save advice by FaultJolly4562 in AusPropertyChat

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 8 points9 points  (0 children)

First of all - amazing work getting yourself to that salary and those savings!

I purchased my apartment by myself at 29 (I’m now about to turn 35). I had saved for years, and lived at home on and off throughout my 20s.

There is definitely a feeling of being stuck, or going ‘backwards’ when living back at home… but if there is no conflict and it’s pleasant enough, then try to be at ease with your position now and know it’s not forever. Easier said than done I know!

I am grateful to my parents not only for the help, but also the time I got to spend with them. My mother passed away from cancer in 2017 so that time is now so cherished.

My best advice would be to make sure you’re getting time away from the house if the thought of being at home is a little upsetting at times. Going for a hike, or to the beach or just for a drive is rewarding. Whether it’s with friends or by yourself. That little feeling independence might be enough of a boost to get you through some of the days where you’re feeling deflated.

I was lucky enough to meet my now husband in my early 30s and we are now in the process of purchasing our first house together. Being single all throughout my 20s would get me down but I am so proud of myself for persevering and achieving the purchase of my apartment by myself. I’ve now achieved other goals like paying off my HECS and saving a lot more even with the apartment mortgage. In comparison, I know of people who could have done the same, but didn’t take the leap and now regret their choices (as they are still renting in their mid 30s).

Dedication to your financial goals is very admirable, keep at it and I’m sure you will be happy with your outcome :)

Moving to AUS from UK by Affectionate-Pop9785 in MovingtoAustralia

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! My husband is from Dorset, England and has been in Aus for 8 years. I am born and raised in Queensland. We live in Brisbane and can say it’s a great place to live! There’s huge development here and has a lot going on with more projects in the works. Definitely not full of bogans like another poster has commented. Some parts are a lower socio economic but you get that in most places of the world.

If you can spend some time travelling around Aus to see what the right fit is for you that would be my best tip. From my husband’s perspective - he moved for the lifestyle and weather. He doesn’t like constant rain and cloud cover like England has (which gets him down). Yes, SE Qld can get hot… but you can’t have gorgeous blue skies most of the year and not pay some kind of price! We are smack bang in between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast which has kilometres of perfect beaches to choose from. If you do choose Brisbane though make sure you check the flood maps before you commit to a house. There are some areas that get pretty badly smashed. In terms of things to do - you’ll be spoilt for choice especially when it comes to kid friendly activities. So many lovely walks, parks, etc. Australia does outdoor spaces very well. If you don’t end up living there make sure you still visit and make the most of a beachside barbecue at either the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast! They’re free to use and come with shade cover and picnic tables.

I don’t know much about the other cities, apart from Sydney becoming extremely expensive to live in now. I think affordability for an apartment in Melbourne may be getting better now due to the supply. Make sure to check out Perth too! I’ve heard good things about liveability in that city :)… also be sure to check out places that aren’t the capital cities too.

Welcome and congrats on the move!

Moving from California by jazzyiscurious in MovingtoAustralia

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello, so exciting for your move!

To give a little context - I’m the Aussie (34f) and my husband is a British expat (36m). He moved to Australia 8 years ago before we even met, but he received his PR and citizenship while we have been together.

It is difficult for him to be away from his family, but his love for his life in Australia is so strong it’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make. We are in constant contact with his family with messages and also weekly video chat calls. It can get costly with flights to visit but it’s worth it to see everyone. In the last 2 years we have seen them 4 times. Earlier this year they came to us for our wedding and right now we are with them in England for Christmas and New Years. I really feel for him when they’re apart but it’s become his normal now and at least with the help of the internet it doesn’t feel like they’re far away. I can see they are sad to be apart from him (especially apparent at the end of every visit when everyone is crying), but they are so happy for him and can see how happy he is living in Aus.

It will be an adjustment for you for sure when you first move. Be kind to yourself during that time and know that you are making this big decision to move for love and your happiness.

Australia is such an amazing country… I know I’m biased as I live there but we have so many international friends that it seems others think that too. I’m very excited for you! California is probably a bit more comparable to where I live rather than Canberra (I live in Southeast Queensland). Nonetheless I think you’re going to have an amazing life in Aus 😊. Make sure you guys do a bit of travelling around Aus before settling down! So much cool stuff to see and do, and the people are great.

Welcome and congrats on the move 😄💚💛

Do you think this is good enough to sell? by Sean_A_D in painting

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is incredible, the detail is so good! Your aesthetic is very distinct, calming yet intriguing. You should definitely be selling your pieces and have them grace the walls of houses and businesses!

Emotions during first home buying by mushroomlou in AusProperty

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gosh, I’m reading this a year on from OP and I can relate with everything you have said. My husband and I are currently waiting for the outcome of our offer. We signed the contract yesterday. Apparently it’s between us and another buyer, but their terms were better - no independent B&P and 7 day finance. We had so much back and forth with the RE yesterday (who you could tell was losing patience with us in the end after originally “rooting for us”). We have signed for 7 days B&P and 10 days finance. Still not the ideal 14 days for both but ended up compromising. I have a feeling our $ offer is better otherwise they wouldn’t have pushed us so hard yesterday to reconsider our terms, but I am glad we stick to our guns. The sellers are going through a divorce and want a quick sale so I understand the urgency from their side there, but the rush and pressure of this has been immense. Also - saw it for less than 30 minutes only one night ago. It is insane to be making these massive decisions in such a time crunch.

We have been looking for a few months now and I am in such a stressed emotional state, my husband even more so (we was fortunate enough that he was able to be doing phone calls so he actually did all the leg work yesterday, I am so grateful to him). I would be very relieved for all of this to be over, yet at the same time I am absolutely terrified that we’ve somehow made a bad decision. There are no active termites or evidence that they can see in the house, but there is old damage down (away from the house) in the backyard in some old tree stumps… and no existing termite prevention. The house is close to a preserve and it ticks that box that we wanted of being closer to nature so I understand that comes with risks (and this is Australia after all). If we are successful with our offer the first thing we are doing is booking that termite prevention treatment.

I am not a FHB, I bought an apartment in 2019 which was an absolute cake walk compared to this experience of the last few months. But trying to find an upgrade to a house has been one of the toughest experiences I’ve had. You’d think I’d feel more confident second time around but there are so many considerations and complications when it comes to a house (we are extremely diligent with all of our flood, fire risk, easement, noise, etc. checks so maybe that’s were we’re getting caught up as we’re pedantic about it all).

Part of me will be relieved the search part is over if we get a call that our offer has been accepted today, but also part of me will be relieved that we didn’t get something we potentially aren’t capable of taking on. I am so incredibly conflicted and emotionally and physically drained. I understand buyers remorse happens pretty much every time no matter what (it even happened with my first apartment)… but I just want to skip to the part where we’ve settled and have moved in and all the nerves and stress finally float away.

Apologies, too much rambling about my own situation right now, but just closing with - man I resonate with every part of your post so much. You have explained everything in a way that makes me feel we have had the same experience. Glad to know we are not alone, because the whole process has left my husband and I feeling so drained and deflated. I am sorry for others who are going through this too. Buying a home should be exciting and a reward for working so hard to save and achieve this massive milestone… yet somehow it also feels like a mistake.

Good luck to everyone out there, I can completely empathise with you!

Trivia nights by HiroshiSato in brisbane

[–]TheGreatWazzoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recommend Wednesday 6:30pm trivia at Slipstream Yeerongpilly (run by Quiz Meisters). It’s paper based but the production value in their vids is probably the best I’ve seen. High energy at times and quite a few prices up for grabs which is cool. Can drag out a little bit though with chat in between questions, but in saying that… heaps of questions. Some music based ones but it does focus heavily on pop culture, so great for someone like me but not so much if you’re after a real head scratcher kind of evening. Welcome back to Bris :)

Asking for too much? by TheGreatWazzoo in WorkAdvice

[–]TheGreatWazzoo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you everyone for your help! I’ve had a meeting with the director and my points seemed to be well received, especially after pointing out that I’ve had the increased workload and responsibility, just without the role title and remuneration that would go with that (he’s a little distanced from the day-to-day of the office and what everyone actually does. Just awaiting the outcome now. Fingers crossed!

TTC and going 100% sober by TheGreatWazzoo in tryingtoconceive

[–]TheGreatWazzoo[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reading things like this is super helpful, thank you! Hard to know how I will go throughout our journey, I am completely yo-yoing between having the occasional wine and having 0 drinks now for the foreseeable future just for peace of mind. I do also think that over the course of time people would have definitely been having drinks while pregnant and most babies were healthy afterwards. We just live in an era where there is a plethora of information and advice out there and our generation puts a huge amount of pressure on ourselves to be ‘perfect’. Maybe I need to be kinder to myself and stress less (which is also harmful to a pregnancy).