It’s all too easy to rack up debt – credit cards, HECS, car loans – and may seem all too hard to pay it off. Debt can also have a big impact on how much money you can borrow for a home loan, so reducing your debt is essential when you set out to buy…
Whether you’re affected by fluctuating interest rates or or by a change in your personal circumstances, the pressure of maintaining regular mortgage loan repayments can be overwhelming at times. Here is some information to help you understand the available alternatives. What to do before it gets worse If you’re about to miss a mortgage payment…
Small business loans can be great when you need to get your brand up and running or cover unexpected expenses. However, it’s useful to understand the difference between the available options before committing to one. To help you make the right choice, here’s what you need to know about some of the more commonly used…
When it’s time to deck out your new home, make sure your laptop’s fully charged and you’re ready for some high-powered online shopping. You could bag a bargain, and maybe even get some design ideas in the process. Here are some of our favourite online retailers. Big-name bricks-and-mortar stores like Myer, David Jones, Ikea and…
Ready to buy a property? You’ll need to show the seller you have enough money. For most people, this will mean getting a loan, and the first step to getting one is obtaining pre-approval for it. Pre-approval – also known as conditional approval or approval in principle – is an indication from a lender as…
Buying property off the plan is exciting as it means you get to own a brand-new home, but make sure you know what’s involved. Start by asking these five questions: 1. Do you know the risks? When buying an apartment, unit or house off the plan, you’re purchasing a promise. You can’t step into the…
As property prices continue to rise, purchasing in a centrally-located or sought-after area is out of reach for the average working millennial. Instead, many are opting to rent rather than buy as it means not having to compromise their inner city or beachside lifestyle. But for those who are still eager to enter the market,…
Using a mortgage broker to help you choose a home loan can save you considerable time and could result in huge savings. However, before you decide on a broker, you need to make sure they’re going to meet your needs. Here are some questions to ask. 1. How long have you been a mortgage broker?…
Worried about your kids not mastering the skills to manage their finances as adults? These tips for parents will help children develop good financial sense from a young age. Most parents want their children to achieve the Australian dream of home ownership. The good news is that parents can actually play a key role in…
It’s one of the less glamorous home loan features, but the redraw facility deserves a second look. Here’s why: The redraw facility explained A redraw facility lets you make additional repayments to reduce your variable rate home loan balance and save on interest. If you pay more than your minimum scheduled repayments, then you’ll have…
A small business loan can be invaluable when you’re establishing your business or when an unforeseen setback occurs, but you don’t want a loan to be short-term gain and long-term pain. Here are six common mistakes businesses should avoid when it comes to commercial finance. Mistake #1: Not getting the right loan A thriving business…
There’s no denying that websites like Airbnb and Stayz have turned the holiday accommodation industry on its head. Anyone with a property, or even just a room to spare, can potentially make some handy cash from this new segment of the travel market. If you’re thinking of buying an investment property with the express purpose…