Written by Mal James for James Buyer Advocates on 24th June 2019
Estate Agents are solving homelessness just like people solved polio, road toll and guns.
Well done Kay and Burton, Marshall White, Jellis Craig, Fletchers, Nick Johnstone, Greg Hocking and Buxton.
28,000 Melburnians are homeless – how many is that?
For every working Melbourne agent, there are two homeless people? OMG!
Good news: Estate Agents REDUCED 253 evictions with early intervention phone calls
253 Melbourne families have not become homeless due to early intervention phone calls from major real estate donors: Kay and Burton (Ross Savas and Michael Gibson) – Marshall White (Marcus Chiminelllo and James Connell) – Jellis Craig (Richard Winneke and Geordie Dixon) – Fletchers (Rob Fletcher and Tim Heavyside) – Buxton (Halli Moore and Stefan Whiting) – Nick Johnstone – Greg Hocking.
How?
1> Real estate agents reduce evictions by property managers phoning community organisations about a tenant with private rental $ problems and imminent homelessness.
2> If the tenant qualifies then community organisations manage the tenant's issues.
3> Donors pay one-off back-rents and bond monies to real estate agents from a Homeless Prevention Fund.
One 3 minute phone call from a property manager changes a family's life. Ring these numbers:
More good news: Investors are PROVIDING private housing to reduce homelessness (you can too)
Many are already doing it – without additional problems
1> Investors, families with a spare home and landlords are offering below-market rents
2> Family tenants near the poverty line are managed by community organisations and insurance protects the building
3> Real estate agencies provide full service and landlords may get a tax deduction for below market rent*
How?
One 3-minute phone call from a caring investor
To Mal James 0408 107 988 and will point you in the right direction (no charge, totally private and it's already working) or Simone at not-for-profit Homeground Real Estate on 0439 183 218 or ask your local real estate agent to ring to find out how they can offer this valuable community service.
Even better news: You can LEARN about permanent solutions and help your clients, colleagues, yourself and the homeless.
How?
Ring, book 1> Homeless Tour or 2> Training Session below and turn up. It's FREE.
1> Homeless tours. Come on a private tour and see for yourself what the Melbourne issues and solutions are and how you can help.
2> Lawyer, Financial Planner, Property Manager and Accountant Training sessions.
We go through the carefully prepared packs (free) and checklists (free), supported by legal documentation that show how you can help your investor clients (doctors, professionals, families) offer a home to a family in need and get a tax deduction.*
3> Get Involved Your Local Area Help Contacts or we can help you Mal 0408 107 988 or mal@james.net.au
THAT WAS THE GUTS OF THE PROBLEM AND SOME SOLUTIONS – BELOW ARE SOME MORE FACTS
*TAX RULING FOR HOMELESS
What is the ATO ruling?
> The Australian Tax Office has made a class ruling (which means it is a legal ruling that applies to HomeGround Real Estate only – Launch Housing/Hanover) that allows landlords who list their property with Homeground/Launch/Hanover at a discounted rental rate (eg less than market rent) to claim the gap as a tax deduction at the end of financial year.
How does it work?
> At the end of the financial year (HomeGround Real Estate) will provide you with all of the documents you need to do your tax return – including a tax-deductible donation receipt for the amount of rent you have deducted to provide a more affordable property to a tenant or tenants. For example, your property is worth $800 at market rent and you decide you only need $400 in rent and want to offer the property to a family in need. Launch Housing/Hanover will provide you with a donation receipt for $20,000 (made up of the $400 per week in rent you have foregone) from Launch Housing (our parent organisation).
How does it benefit me?
> The tax ruling is not designed as a financial incentive, but it does recognise your contribution by allowing you to legitimately claim the gap between market rent and any discount you decide you can offer.
> A discount off the market rent can make housing affordable for thousands of Victorians who are otherwise priced out of the market and at risk of homelessness.
> Please contact your financial adviser or tax accountant for more detailed advice on how this ruling might apply to you and your financial situation.
For more information: Chris.Mills@launchhousing.org.au
The police stated Courtney was homeless.
Read the original article here: Market in a Minute — Homelessness
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