Managing multiple loans can be difficult – and stressful. One way to simplify your financial situation and save yourself time, effort and (hopefully) money is to centralise your debt. But it’s not always the right answer, so here’s what to consider before you consolidate. When you borrow money, the most important thing is being able… Read more about Getting it together: what to know before you consolidate
Australia’s cash rate is at its lowest level in history. Does that mean the time is right to make the most of the low cash rate environment and refinance your mortgage? When discussing the Reserve Bank of Australia’s February decision to hold rates, Governor Philip Lowe was unambiguous in his take. If you took your… Read more about Let’s go shopping: is now the time to refinance?
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?
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?
With interest rates at record lows and competitive deals on offer, switching to a new loan or lender may be an appealing prospect, with the potential to make significant savings. Since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) began its latest round of rate cutting, lenders have been lowering mortgage interest rates across the board, with… Read more about Three questions to ask before you refinance
Buying a home is probably one of life’s most important milestones, so getting the right home loan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances is essential. When it comes to home loans, there are many factors to consider besides interest rates. Choosing the right home loan could not only provide flexibility as your financial situation… Read more about Understanding Which Home Loan Features Are Right For You
If you applied for a home loan in the current financial environment , your lender would probably assess your application in the context of both your credit score and your credit history – on top of your income, assets, liabilities and living expenses. Your credit score is a number calculated by a credit-reporting agency, which compares… Read more about Credit report changes: don’t be caught out
As a home owner with a mortgage, chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘refinancing’. Refinancing involves reviewing your current mortgage, and potentially swapping your loan to another lender who can better meet your current needs, wants and circumstances. Refinancing can also allow you to consolidate your debts or pay down your mortgage more quickly.… Read more about When is the best time to refinance your home loan?
Confused about the ins and outs of mortgage refinancing? There are two key considerations when you’re looking at taking the step – why and how. Here, we examine both. A home loan is generally a long-term proposition, but in some situations it can be suitable to refinance your mortgage. Refinancing involves taking out a new… Read more about Refinancing: what you need to know
Refinancing can be a great way to save money if you believe you are paying too much for your loan, but there is more to it than just finding a loan with a lower interest rate and making the change. Before making the switch, ensure the savings you could make outweigh the fees involved. Here… Read more about Exit costs when refinancing
Asking how long it takes to get a loan approved is like asking how long a piece of string is. Every application is unique, so the time between your first contact with your bank or broker and approval can never be predetermined. There are, however, some things you can do to help hurry your application… Read more about How to speed up your home loan approval
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
