Saving for your first home is no easy feat for many Australians. It requires disciplined savings habits and maybe even sacrificing a few smashed avo brunches along the way. It’s not all doom and gloom though, for those struggling to save a hefty deposit, there is a beacon of hope:...
2023 Housing Market Recap with 2024 Predictions
The 2023 Australian housing market defying expectations and offered twists that have kept experts and enthusiasts on their toes. Approaching 2024, it's essential to review the past year's events and foresee the trends shaping the real estate landscape. Unraveling 2023 housing market trends Against the backdrop of escalating interest rates,...
Leveraging Your Home Equity for Property Investment
Want to build wealth but not sure where to start? It might surprise you to learn that your home equity may be the key. Leveraging its equity not only secures your property but also opens avenues for substantial investment opportunities, paving the path toward an enriched financial future. Deciphering Equity...
What do I need for mortgage pre-approval?
Buying a home is an exciting and transformative journey, but it comes with a few hoops to jump. One of the most crucial steps on this path is securing pre-approval from lenders. While it isn't mandatory and doesn't guarantee your final loan approval, pre-approval can offer you invaluable insights and...
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...
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...
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...
Now might be first home buyers’ best chance to break into the market
It’s not been called the great Australian dream for nothing. But in recent years, buying your first home has become increasingly harder. The biggest challenge? Saving a deposit – with the most recent ANZ CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report finding it takes, on average, more than 11 years for a first...