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…
Confused about the ins and outs of mortgage refinancing? There are two key considerations when you’re looking at taking the step – why and how. Here, we examine both. A home loan is generally a long-term proposition, but in some situations it can be suitable to refinance your mortgage. Refinancing involves taking out a new…
The Australian residential housing market has been highly variable this year, and we’ve seen some highlights as well as lowlights. We look ahead at what’s expected for the remainder of 2018 and beyond. It’s been a tale of mixed fortunes in the nation’s housing market over the past 12 months. There’s been a downward slide…
If you want to modernise your kitchen but you’re concerned about the cost, don’t be dismayed. There are many ways to get a new kitchen without destroying your bank balance. Downgrade to upgrade Saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on everything in your new kitchen. Select a few fittings or features that you…
It’s important to look after the tenants in your investment property – it encourages them to stay long term and take care of your property. So how can you keep your tenants happy? By treating your property like a business and your tenants like valued customers. Treat the tenant as a customer The rental market…
Buying a property isn’t always a straightforward process, and one area that can cause confusion is the question of who is responsible for insuring it between the signing of the contract and settlement. There are differences in regulations between states, but the basics are as follows. First, it’s important to clarify whether the property is…
Taking care of basic maintenance tasks before you sell your home is a no-brainer, but a quick and not-too-costly renovation can add a lot of appeal for potential buyers, and may boost the final sale price. 1.Basics first Fix those little faults that you no longer notice – leaky taps, rusty gutters, broken window catches.…
Increase your chances of a fast approval with a well-prepared first home loan application. We’ll show you how. Although applying for your first home loan may be the biggest financial decision you’ll make, it doesn’t need to be an overwhelming one. With the right preparation, a realistic understanding of your financial position and some professional…
Never renovated a property before? Here are four mistakes to avoid when it’s home improvement time. Mistake 1: Not doing enough research Don’t start work without knowing the details. You need to research building materials and tradespeople, and understand the legal and regulatory aspects of a renovation. Find out how much materials and tradies cost.…
Finding the right real estate agent to sell your property can be daunting. These helpful tips can make the experience a whole lot easier. Do some research The key to finding the right real estate agent is doing a bit of research. Start by making a short list of agents in your area. Then, investigate…