Following the lodgement of a home loan application, hopeful borrowers are often keen to know what will happen next and how long it will take for them to receive the verdict. The bad news is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The good news, however, is that a solid application is the key to keeping… Read more about The home loan approval process
Whether you’re after lower repayments or want to tap into the equity sitting in your home, refinancing can offer a world of benefits. Here are some things to be aware of so that you don’t find yourself hooked into a bad deal. Don’t be fooled by the interest rate Finding a lower interest rate doesn’t… Read more about Refinancing traps to avoid
Insurance for something you can’t see or touch, such as your income, may seem strange. But how would you pay your mortgage if you were unable to work? When considering insurance, it’s common for people to pass it off as a pesky added fee involved in owning a car, running a business or protecting a… Read more about Explainer: income protection insurance
With the RBA setting the official cash rate at all-time lows, it’s a good time to work out how this impacts the interest rate on your home loan and whether you are getting a good deal or not. When the interest rate on your home loan fluctuates, it can feel as though you don’t have… Read more about Explainer: how RBA rate changes affect your interest rate
The Australian residential housing market has been highly variable this year, and we’ve seen some highlights as well as lowlights. We look ahead at what’s expected for the remainder of 2018 and beyond. It’s been a tale of mixed fortunes in the nation’s housing market over the past 12 months. There’s been a downward slide… Read more about Towards 2019: what next for the housing market?
Whenever it makes financial sense to do so. Heard about mortgage refinancing? In the past, most people who took out a mortgage doggedly continued with it until they had paid it off. These days, people refinance their mortgage much more frequently. The average duration of a home loan in Australia now is just 4-5 years.… Read more about When Would I Refinance My Mortgage?
Refinancing your assets to renovate a property is a significant decision that will hopefully improve your standard of living or add substantial value to your property. Refinancing isn’t as straightforward as you might expect. The type of renovation proposed goes a long way to dictating the loan required. If the wrong loan is chosen, you… Read more about How to refinance to renovate?
With so many products offered by various lenders, it can be quite perplexing trying to figure out whether or not you’ve scored yourself a good deal on your home loan. While doing your research and comparing what’s out there in the market is one of the most obvious ways to find out whether you’re sitting… Read more about How do I know I’m getting a good deal from my lender?
When you’re looking for a home loan, you could go to a finance broker or to a bank. While a bank will only offer you its own products, a credit adviser is an industry expert who will take the guesswork out of finding the mortgage product that suits you and your needs. It’s understandable that… Read more about Finance Broker or bank?
When it comes to saving on your mortgage, some of you may not have to look further than your job. If yours is a profession that classifies you as a ‘low risk’ borrower in the eyes of lenders, then you may be entitled to special discounts. The lucky ones Accountants, lawyers and teachers are commonly… Read more about Can your profession save you on your home loan?
If you want to modernise your kitchen but you’re concerned about the cost, don’t be dismayed. There are many ways to get a new kitchen without destroying your bank balance. Downgrade to upgrade Saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on everything in your new kitchen. Select a few fittings or features that you… Read more about How to modernise your kitchen on a budget
It can be tempting to stay in your home when you’re renovating, rather than spending money on rent. But is it really a good idea? Consider the pros and cons before you make a decision. Advantages of staying in your home You’ll keep your creature comforts and sleep at the same address, but what are… Read more about Should you live in your house while you renovate?
