Educate Me

Welcome to our August Newsletter

Spring is just around the corner and that means the busiest period for the real estate industry is almost here. So, what’s been happening in the property world of late? The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the cash rate on hold again this month…

Refinancing made simple

Are you considering refinancing? You’re not alone. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the value of external refinancing in May 2023 in seasonally adjusted terms rose 8.1% to $21.0b and was 22.4% higher compared to a year ago. Indeed, the series of cash rate hikes…

Credit Report 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever wondered how lenders decide whether to grant you that coveted home loan? Your credit report holds significant importance in their decision-making process. Think of it as your financial report card, showcasing your payment habits and borrowing history. Since the introduction of the…

A Pre-Tax Time Checklist for Property Investors

Sorting through heaps of receipts to figure out your allowable deductions isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, right? Property investment can be a rewarding venture, but it comes with its share of responsibilities, especially when tax season rolls around. To help you navigate the…

How your HECS-HELP debt affects your borrowing capacity

Do you know how much you owe on your HECS-HELP debt? While student HECS and HELP loans in Australia are interest-free, they are indexed every financial year based on a cost of living index. The recent outbreak of high inflation means millions of Australians with…

Tips for buying sight unseen

There’s no doubt about it. Buying sight unseen – that is, purchasing a property without viewing it in person – can be risky.  What if it has a strange smell when you finally do enter the property?  What if it’s a little darker than how…

Why you need a conveyancer when buying a property

Understanding all the different parties involved in buying a property can be a minefield.   The real estate agent. The building and pest inspectors. The mortgage broker (hi there!). The buyer’s agent. The auctioneer.  Well, here’s another one to add to the list – the conveyancer….

What to expect for the car market this year

Buying a car will likely be easier this year as demand and pandemic-driven pressures ease. After three years of unprecedented disruptions and supply chain issues, the domestic car market is expected to shift into a state of relative stability. So is now the right time…

How do property valuers make valuations?

When you find a property you want to purchase, there are a lot of things to consider – from building inspections and pest reports to securing a loan.   One other very important thing to consider is the valuation, particularly if you’re going to buy at…

How to stay cyber safe this Christmas

The festive season is a time for giving. But unfortunately, it’s also the time of year when generous shoppers are targeted by scammers. According to the ACCC’s Scamwatch, scams have cost Australians nearly half a billion dollars so far this year – already $150 million…

5 financial habits for the new year

The new year is when many of us hit the reset button. It’s a chance to reflect on the past 12 months, reassess priorities and set new goals. If you’re looking to create some better financial habits in 2023, here’s some techniques to help you…

2023 Property Goals

New year, new home? If next year is the year you plan to get into the property market, there are a few things you can do to help you reach your home ownership goals. Here are five things to consider to make your property search….

Welcome to our October Newsletter

Household budgets are feeling the pinch of yet another rate rise. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate to 2.6 per cent, prompting some lenders to increase their variable rates by 0.25 percentage points.  Meanwhile, home values continued to fall across much…

Home loan acronyms explained: LVR & DTI

If you are buying your first home, getting your head around home loan terminology can be tricky. Two acronyms you may come across are loan-to-value ratios (LVR) and debt-to-income ratios (DTI). Recently there have been important changes to DTI ratios that could affect your borrowing…

What should I do when my fixed rate expires?

What should I do when my fixed rate expires? If you’re currently playing the waiting game wondering what will happen when your fixed rate term ends, we understand what a stressful time it might be. Fixed rate borrowers have been temporarily shielded from the Reserve…