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…
Kitchen Space Savers – Seven ways to make the most of your small kitchen.
The hammer falls, the auction has ended, the bidding’s all done… and the property is passed in to you, the highest bidder. You’re standing out the front of what could be your dream home, surrounded by curious neighbours, nosy passers-by and who knows how many other serious buyers. So what now? What happens next? With…
There are many perks to working for yourself, but when it comes to applying for a home loan, it seems being your own boss sends up a red flag to banks and other lenders. Why? A salaried employee has a regular, steady income and is less likely to experience the cash flow volatility of a…
The amount you can borrow and the amount you should borrow are sometimes two very different things. Before you apply for a home loan, it makes sense to realistically assess your financial situation. Here’s how to do it. Understand your borrowing capacity Generally speaking, your borrowing capacity – what you can borrow – depends on…
It’s often said that Australians are more likely to divorce their spouse than switch banks. But with plenty of competition in the home loan sector, refinancing can be a good move. There are a number of reasons why you might want to refinance: you can consolidate debt from high-interest credit cards into a home loan with…
If you’re anything like me, stuff just keeps on accumulating in your home. There comes a time that enough is enough and you have to ‘declutter’. Follow these 5 steps, and get rid of the junk!
Deciding where to go for your home loan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While many prospective property owners will choose to use a mainstream lender, non-bank lenders also have their advantages. What are non-bank lenders? Essentially, a non-bank lender is a lender that’s not a bank, credit union or building society.…
Looking to enter the property market and worried about how you’re going to secure your first home loan? It’s time to start making your money work for you so you can land that loan. Qualifying for a home loan isn’t always an easy path. Aggressive interest rates, competition in the market and less than rigorous…
Most people want their home to be light, bright and airy, but sometimes the stars just don’t align and you can end up with rooms that are unavoidably dark – low on windows or facing away from the sun. With a few smart tricks (and clever renovations, if you’re up to the challenge) you can…