Educate Me

When was your last home loan health check?

A lot has changed in the past year, especially when it comes to the economy. Interest rates and the cost of living are up, with more rate hikes forecast for 2023 as inflation remains stubbornly high.   How long has it been since you looked at…

Planning a 2023 tree change or sea change?

In recent years, many people have moved out of cities to regional areas looking for a quieter and more relaxing lifestyle. Many thought this trend would end now that COVID lockdowns appear a thing of the past, but a new report by buyers’ agency, Hotspotting…

8 tips to save and pay off your mortgage sooner

It’s no secret that paying off your home loan sooner can save you plenty. However, with cost-of-living pressures and rising interest rates, it can be hard to find extra cash. A series of small changes applied consistently over time could put you on track to…

Tips for nabbing a bargain this spring

The spring sales season is here, but what do rising interest rates mean for this traditionally busy period?  The pandemic’s peak profit-making period has now officially passed, with property prices still falling across much of the country.   However, with rapidly rising interest rates cutting the…

What you need to know come settlement day

The search for your dream property can be both exciting and stressful. From the inspections that kick everything off to putting in your offer and having it accepted, these are all stepping stones on the journey towards ownership. It all culminates in the final step…

Renovating for returns in 2022

The goal of renovating for profit is to minimise expenditure and maximise return. Focus on renovations that will increase your property’s value, whilst not costing you the earth. Here are 6 smart renovation ideas that will resonate with prospective buyers and help you get great…

How do construction mortgages work?

Building your own home can be one of life’s most rewarding milestones. Not only does a new build have the potential to save you money, but it also gives you the opportunity to design the home you’ve always wanted with all the latest fixtures and…

Stamp duty explained

If you’ve never bought property before, you may not understand what stamp duty is. In a nutshell, stamp duty is a tax. It’s not very sexy, but it’s one of those things that goes hand in hand with purchasing a property. Navigating stamp duty can…

Questions to ask your mortgage broker

In the wake of three consecutive cash rate rises, many aspiring homeowners and current mortgage holders have been left feeling uncertain. You may be concerned about whether the cash rate hikes have temporarily derailed your home ownership dreams. Perhaps you’re questioning how your current interest…

Should you refinance now?

With millions of Australian homeowners likely to be slugged with higher mortgage repayments due to the cash rate hikes, there’s one question on everyone’s lips.  Is now a good time to refinance?  While it depends largely on your individual situation and goals, there are mounting…

Your suburb research checklist

The golden rule in real estate is “location, location, location”, but how do you know a suburb is right for you when you find it?   Whether you are buying an investment property or a home, finding an area that meets your needs is paramount. Here…

Understanding the cash rate increase

News of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to increase the official cash rate has left many homeowners feeling uncertain and worried. For some, it’s the first time they’ve experienced a cash rate rise. If you’ve been left scratching your head wondering what this…

What’s a fair price for a property?

How do you know how much to pay for a property? As a buyer, it can be tricky. Offer too much and you’ll end up paying more than market value. Offer too little and you risk missing out on your dream home or investment property….

What insurance do you need when buying a property?

As we have seen with the recent east coast floods, unforeseen disasters can strike at any time. That’s why it’s so important to protect yourself and your family financially – with the right kind of insurance for when something unexpected happens. Sure, insurance may not…

How to make a pre-auction offer

With auction clearance rates soaring above 80% in many markets in recent weeks, the competition amongst buyers for properties is often fierce. One tactic some buyers use is to make a pre-auction offer before the property goes under the hammer. The idea is that if…