New government regulations mean interest-only loans are on the decline. Given the changes, it may be time to reconsider your own loan structure. Rewind a few years and many people would have confidently assured you that an interest-only loan – a home loan on which you only have to make interest payments for a set… Read more about Why some interest-only borrowers are keen to switch
With the property boom of recent years and the popularity of TV renovation shows like The Block and House Rules, increasing numbers of Australians have been ‘buying to flip’ – buying a property, renovating it and selling it at a profit. Buying to flip can be lucrative when property prices are rising rapidly, but is… Read more about Is buying to flip still viable in today’s market?
Entering the property market is no easy feat for a first homebuyer, but even parents who aren’t prepared to hand over cash for a deposit may help by being a guarantor on a loan. Before taking the plunge however, it’s crucial to be aware of the implications involved. Here are three questions to ask yourself… Read more about Is a family guarantee right for you?
Seller expectations are high but buyers want low prices – what’s to be done? Two real estate agents detail how to negotiate in a declining market. After years of rapidly rising house prices, the recent slowdown took many people by surprise – not least those with a home to sell. “For a while we had… Read more about How to negotiate in a softer housing market
It’s easy to get carried away with the fun part of buying a property – looking at houses – but delaying the less compelling task of arranging finance will weaken your negotiating position on both the property and the loan. Looking for a property to purchase is an exciting time. Choices regarding location, size, number… Read more about What comes first: the property or the loan?
There is more to selling your home than putting up a ‘For Sale’ sign on your front lawn. Here are the first things you should check off your list to help you get the largest return from your investment and to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. Choose a quality agent Asking family… Read more about Selling your home? Here are the first steps to take
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
Purchasing a property is a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience, which is why it can be handy to surround yourself with a network of support and expertise. Here are the different parties who may be involved in your home-buying process and how you can use this valuable knowledge base to answer your questions. Real estate… Read more about Who are the different parties involved in purchasing property?
Is the key to saving a home deposit as simple as giving up smashed avo toast for breakfast? Well not quite, but spending less does make a difference. On top of a budget, a savings plan and strategies such as a high-interest savings account, an effective way to save is to reduce or eliminate expenses. … Read more about Top ways to cut your expenses and increase your savings
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
