Australia’s cash rate is now the lowest it has been in 23 years, a reaction initially to stunted economic growth and now to the impact of COVID-19 on the local and global economic landscape. As the uncharted negative interest rate zone looms, is it worth fixing your rate? Here’s what to weigh up when making… Read more about As low as it could go: is now the moment to fix your mortgage rate?
Not so taxing: making the most of your investment property at tax time
Come July 1 the annual tax window opens again. Property investors may have access to a wide range of tax benefits, but tax is a complicated matter. It pays to be across the details. Here’s how you could maximise your return, and what to watch out for. Over two million Australians own at least one… Read more about Not so taxing: making the most of your investment property at tax time
Capital Gains: securing the finance your business needs
Whether you need funds to get a new enterprise off the ground or are looking for capital to take things to the next level, it’s important to understand if a business loan is right for you, what types of business loans are available, and what’s involved in the application process. Step 1: Explore the… Read more about Capital Gains: securing the finance your business needs
Concerned about servicing your loans?
If you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to us as mortgage brokers for help. As Australians everywhere take a close look at their financial circumstances, mortgage brokers stand ready to lend a helping hand. Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number… Read more about Concerned about servicing your loans?
Finances on your mind? Do yourself a favour, speak to a broker
If you are finding it tough to meet your current financial obligations or you are just interested in reviewing your current home loan, then you are not alone. As mortgage brokers, we stand ready and able to assist with your options during this difficult time. Turbulent does not even begin to describe 2020 so far.… Read more about Finances on your mind? Do yourself a favour, speak to a broker
Going up: what record low interest rates mean for property prices
House prices are rising in Melbourne and Sydney – one of the desired effects of the RBA’s historically-low rates. But do low rates always lead to higher prices? Just weeks out from Christmas, the RBA decision to keep rates steady in December at 0.75% didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, it suggests we’re still… Read more about Going up: what record low interest rates mean for property prices
Invest or save: growing your money in a low-rate environment
Low rates mean those with mortgages may be breathing a sigh of relief, but low interest on savings accounts make it much harder to save and grow your money. Have you checked the amount of interest you’re getting your savings accounts recently? Chances are it’s sitting around 1%. The RBA’s record-low interest rate is designed… Read more about Invest or save: growing your money in a low-rate environment
Does the gig economy make it harder to get a mortgage?
For lenders, the ideal customer has a steady income, ongoing employment and the ‘right’ paperwork. Here’s what you can do to get a loan in the gig economy. From launching a start-up, to contracting in the ‘expert economy’ or just renting out the spare room as an Airbnb, more and more Australians have sources of… Read more about Does the gig economy make it harder to get a mortgage?
Behind the curtain: what drives RBA decision making?
The RBA’s decision to hold on interest rates gives us time to take a deeper look at what is going on. After all, there could be further cuts. What drives the decision making? What could send rates lower? To cut or not On the first Tuesday of each month, except January, the RBA board meets… Read more about Behind the curtain: what drives RBA decision making?
Who’s to blame for millennials’ struggle to buy a first home?
Who’s to blame for millennials’ struggle to buy a first home? The story says young Australians struggle to buy their first home, while their parents negatively gear investment properties. Are boomers to blame? Or do millennials’ habits keep them from owning property? Baby boomers have a 95% rate of homeownership, whereas, at the bottom of… Read more about Who’s to blame for millennials’ struggle to buy a first home?
The art of the possible: how to pay off your mortgage sooner
It’s a simple equation. Paying down your mortgage sooner can save you thousands of dollars in interest in the long run. Here are some ways to make the most of every dollar while paying off your loan quicker. Increase your repayments… Let’s take a look at repaying a $500,000 home loan, using the mortgage calculator… Read more about The art of the possible: how to pay off your mortgage sooner
The parent trap: should you loan to your kids to help them buy?
The average age of first home buyers keeps increasing, with more young people turning to their parents for financial help. But is lending your children money from the “bank of mum and dad” right for you? Owning property has always been the great Australian dream. As a parent, it’s natural to want your kids to… Read more about The parent trap: should you loan to your kids to help them buy?
