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Home loan application process explained

Are you planning to purchase your first home or investment property? It’s an exciting time and nothing compares to the feeling of holding the keys to your very own property in your hand. If you’re new to buying property, here’s how the home loan application…

When are interest rates expected to drop?

From May 2022, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) began one of the most aggressive monetary tightening periods in Australian history as it tried to curb soaring inflation. But with several months of cash rate pauses by the RBA, many believe the tide may have…

Welcome to our October Newsletter

What an interesting spring selling season it’s shaping up to be. This month, RBA governor Michele Bullock kept the cash rate on hold while taking the helm for the first time. Meanwhile, the demand/supply imbalance continues to push property values higher in many markets. If you’re looking…

Negotiating a spring bargain

Spring typically sees an uptick in property sales and this trend looks set to continue in 2023. In the first week of spring, more than 2,400 properties were scheduled to go under the hammer – up 13 per cent compared to the first week of…

7 tips to pay off your home loan sooner

Managing a mortgage can be challenging, especially when faced with growing expenses. However, with a clear plan, you can make significant progress towards paying off your home loan sooner. Read on for our 7 practical tips to help boost your savings. 1. Implement and monitor…

Navigating the risks of rate rises

2023 has been an historic year for the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) in raising the cash rate to an 11-year high in an effort to battle inflation. The cash rate was only 0.1 per cent in early May last year, and it has been…

Welcome to our September Newsletter

Spring has arrived and it’s an exciting time for both aspiring property owners looking to get into the market and vendors eager to make a sale. The real estate market traditionally ramps up at this time of year and we are already seeing auction activity…

Preparing for a spring property purchase

Spring has almost sprung and in the property world, it’s an exciting time of year. So, what will this year’s spring selling season look like? Property prices are still on the rise in many markets, despite the Reserve Bank of Australia’s aggressive interest rate hikes…

How much does it cost to refinance?

With so much movement on interest rates lately and roughly half of all fixed-rate loans expiring this year, refinancing is on many people’s radars. It’s no wonder. Some of those facing their fixed rate expiry are bracing for a 63 per cent increase in their monthly mortgage repayments. If…

Three steps to home loan pre-approval

Spring is just around the corner which traditionally means the property market will start to warm up. If you are considering making that next property purchase, it is recommended to get a home loan pre-approval first. Not only does it save you time on your…

Mastering the settlement process – What every homeowner should know

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of seeing those words in your inbox: Confirmation of settlement of your property purchase. Settlement day can be both exciting and stressful. But once the formalities are done, it’s all worth it. If you’re planning a property purchase and…

Escaping mortgage prison

Stuck in an expensive home loan and feeling trapped? You’re not alone. It’s estimated about 16 per cent of households with a mortgage are in a “mortgage prison”, unable to refinance to a more competitive interest rate because they can’t meet strict serviceability rules. But there may…

Why use a mortgage broker to refinance?

Do you remember dial-up internet access? How about audio cassettes? Don’t worry if you don’t; they are, of course, a thing of the past. A 30-year mortgage with one lender is a bit the same – a thing of the past and something that is…

6 Mistakes to avoid when refinancing in 2023

With interest rates on the move, many people are shopping around for home loans.   In January, the value of external refinancing for total housing fell 2.1%, but remained close to record highs at $18.6 billion.  If you’re considering refinancing, it’s a good idea to be aware of…

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…