In the realm of loan applications, every financial decision counts. So, if you're planning on applying for a home loan in 2024, here's what you need to know about how the banks will assess your spending habits and some practical tips to increase your chances of a successful application. Lender...
Debunking Common Mortgage Myths
The world of mortgages can be a confusing landscape filled with myths and misconceptions. These can be misleading for potential homebuyers, delaying their entry into the property market or even costing them in the long run. Let’s debunk five common mortgage myths and set the record straight. Myth 1: You...
When Does Refinancing Make Sense?
Refinancing has been a hot topic lately, largely thanks to increasing interest rates over the last 12 months. But it's not just a buzzword or a magic fix; refinancing your mortgage is a financial decision that can significantly impact your future. Which begs the question: When does refinancing make sense?...
The Ultimate Guide to House Inspections
Buying a house is a thrilling journey, but amidst the excitement, there's a critical step you must never overlook: the house inspection. Just like the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover," this principle applies to house hunting as well. In this comprehensive guide, we'll unravel the art of...
Beat the Fixed Rate Mortgage Cliff
As an Australian homeowner, you may soon face a daunting challenge – the end of your fixed rate mortgage period. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is predicting that approximately half of borrowers with fixed-rate mortgages will transition to variable rates this year. It's crucial for these homeowners to take...
Five must-ask questions for your mortgage broker
Whether you’re looking to buy for the first time or are already a homeowner, finding a trusted and knowledgeable mortgage broker to secure the right home loan for your needs is crucial. The application process can be overwhelming, so make the most of your broker’s expertise by asking them the...
The Rise of Rental Rates
Australian rental rates surge in Q1 2023 A recent report from CoreLogic shows a sharp rise in Australian rental prices for the first quarter of 2023. The Quarterly Rental Review has identified an overall increase of 2.5% in the rental market, compared to the 2% growth in the previous quarter. The increase...
When will interest rates go down?
The Reserve Bank of Australia caused few surprises when it lifted the country’s official interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.35% in February. After all, annual inflation jumped by 7.8% over the December quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. That’s not just a 32-year high; it’s also...
What first home buyers need to know about lender’s mortgage insurance
Australian property prices might be falling, but getting on the property ladder can still be challenging. The biggest hurdle? Saving a 20% deposit – which can take years of scrimping, particularly if you’re paying rent simultaneously. However, if you are prepared to pay lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI), you might be...
What does the federal budget mean for Australian real estate?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered Labor's first federal budget in almost a decade, in which he emphasised the government was making “hard decisions for hard times.” But despite this, there was one eye-catching announcement for Australia’s real estate industry: a new National Housing Accord, which sets an ‘aspirational’ target of...