The time between making the decision to buy a home and the turning of the key in your new front door can feel like a long stretch, but there are steps you can take right now to put yourself in a strong position when it comes to buying. By consulting with a mortgage broker early…
With interest rates remaining low, in the light of yet another announcement of ‘hold’ from the Reserve Bank, now remains a great time to take advantage of low interest rates. Low interest rates typically signal an opportune time to buy property, but you can capitalise on them even if you’re not in the market for…
If you’re thinking about applying for a home loan, it’s important to gain an understanding of what the banks and lenders look for in the approval process. The lender will assess your financial position and ability to service the loan, and based on the level of risk that you impose to them, will make a…
From small DIY fix-ups through to major re-construction projects, renovations can be a great way to add value to your home. There are a number of finance options available to renovators, so it’s important to understand which type is best suited to your circumstances. Home Equity Loan If you’re planning substantial renovations, a home equity…
Adding a self contained unit, or ‘granny flat’ to your home can be a cost effective way to provide a home for elderly relatives or older children struggling with rising rent. It can also be a great way for homeowners and investors to generate extra cash flow through rental income and increase the property’s overall…
Anyone who has ever had a mortgage will most likely tell you that they wish to have it paid off before the end of the loan term. For many of us it can be easy ‘to fall asleep’ on our home loan as we continue to automatically make the mortgage repayments without giving it a…
If you’re like many Australians who currently rent but would one day like to own their own home, you’re not alone. Having to pay rent, utility bills and other expenses, whilst trying to save for a house deposit may seem unattainable, but with some discipline and commitment it can be done. Work out a budget…
Interest rates are the lowest they’ve ever been, but many people are still finding a challenge in purchasing a home on their own. If you’re looking to enter the property market or eager to climb up the property ladder, the solution could lie in buying property with family and friends. While there is always the…
Who needs it When you have multiple debts, it can be stressful trying to keep them all under control, and can put pressure on your family and other areas of life. Many of us have personal loans, car loans and credit cards which we pay off each month, often to different financial institutions. This means…
Each year, thousands of Australians spend money to spruce up their dwellings. If you’re looking to renovate your home, be cautious of not over-capitalising, the last thing you want is to overspend on items that won’t add value to the place if you later decide to sell it. We offer some tips to help you…