Are you a 20-something or a DINK (dual income no kids)? We are talking to you! It is time to Adult! You are in the financial sweet spot of your life. You are earning good money, you don’t have any dependents (yet), you have minimal obligations and...
With interest rates at an all-time low, and many lender’s fixed rates are lower than their variable options. Locking in an interest rate on your home loan to guard against possible future fluctuation may be attractive however, it pays to know the ins and outs of...
In the past, most people who took out a mortgage continued with it until they had paid it off. These days, people refinance their mortgage much more frequently with the average duration of a home loan in Australia now is just 4-5 years. Below, we look at some of the...
When was the last time you looked closely at your loan? And the progress you are making on paying it off and how it compares to others in the market? Analysing your mortgage could mean savings for you, as well as the opportunity to pay it off more quickly, invest in...
When you consider that a SMALL apartment in Sydney could set you back well over half a million dollars, saving a 20% deposit ($100k+) can seem like mission-bloody-impossible! Enter: Lender’s mortgage insurance. Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) may be an added expense...
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 our first contact and an approval can never be predetermined. There are, however, some things you can do to help hurry your...
Getting your budget under control and your finances in order is absolutely essential to anyone looking to apply for a home loan. It is particularly important for first home buyers about to take the first step on the property ladder. Now the new financial year has...
Interest rates remain at a record low, and the property market is expected to heat up as we enter spring despite the economic challenges due to the pandemic. Listings remain low compared to last year, which means that as a buyer, there may be more competition for...
Rising house prices are making it increasingly difficult to enter the market. Guaranteeing your children’s loans can help, but it is important to understand how it can impact retirement or investment plans. Being a guarantor generally means using the equity in your...
The Buy Now Pay Later sector is winning over the youth demographic, with the promise of instant gratification (guilty!). But with every sugar-high, comes the risk of a corresponding low. ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ providers such as AfterPay and Zip Pay, have experienced...
When taking the plunge into the world of home loans and property investment, the challenge often lies in knowing which expert to approach for help. Brokers and financial planners, although similar in their professional outlook, cater to different financial objectives....
When you’re looking for a home loan, you can go to a finance broker or direct to bank. A bank will only offer you its own products, whilst we (finance brokers!) are a industry experts who will take the guesswork out of finding the right product to suit your needs....
Following the lodgement of a home loan application, borrowers are often keen to know what will happen next and how long it will take. The bad news is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The good news is, that a solid (broker prepared!) application is the key to...
Royal what now? In the Australian system of government, royal commissions are the highest form of inquiry on matters of public importance. The long-awaited final report of the banking royal commission was released on Monday. First and foremost, let’s be clear about...
Successful property renovators know the key to a successful renovation is to use the space you have wisely. Renovating areas like the kitchen, living room and dining area to create more space and storage can not only make your home more liveable, it may also add value...
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...