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
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
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?
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? 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?
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 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?
If you’re selling, there’s plenty to consider, including when to go to market. The popular view is that spring is the best time to sell, but is it the season for getting more interest and a better price? Spoiler alert. The short answer is no. But not by much. There are plenty of reasons it… Read more about A home for all seasons: is spring the best time to sell?
If you are buying or selling a property, the settlement period is when you will deal with finances and paperwork to legally transfer ownership of the property. Your financial and legal reps will handle the hard stuff but knowing what is involved is key to a smooth settlement. Here we guide you through it. Before… Read more about What to know for a hassle-free settlement day
Since the start of the financial year, the RBA has cut rates to an unprecedented 0.75%. What happens if rates crash through zero and into negative territory? In August, Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe told Federal Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economics that the RBA was prepared to do “unconventional things” to kick-start a flailing economy.… Read more about Uncharted waters: what happens if rates go sub-zero?
In the last five years, Australians’ perception of banks has changed. For many, dealing with banks has become a challenging and sometimes confusing process. As banks become more hands-off with their customers, more people are turning to brokers for help with their finance needs. This trend leaves room for brokers to step in and provide… Read more about The rise of second-tier lenders in Australia
If you are buying a new home or investment, chances are you will be attending a lot of open houses and meeting a lot of real estate agents. Finding the right property involves time and research, so you will need to ask the right questions to ensure you are making a competitive offer on a… Read more about Four questions every property buyer should ask their real estate agent
