First Home Buyer FAQs: Your Guide to Understanding Deposits

Apr 20, 2024 12:36:00 PM

If you’re a first home buyer ready to embark on your journey to home ownership, one important consideration is the size of your deposit. Not only does your deposit determine how much you could borrow, but it can also impact the interest rate and other fees you may be charged for your mortgage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through what you need to know about deposits, including how much you'll need, alternative options available, and some essential tips to help you secure your dream home.


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Topics: Home Loan, First Home Buyer, Deposit Options

Maximize Your Returns: Essential End of Financial Year Tax Tips

Apr 19, 2024 12:30:00 PM

As the end of the financial year (EOFY) approaches, it's important to take proactive steps to ensure you're making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual taxpayer, business owner, or investor, EOFY is when we wrap up the current financial year, complete bookkeeping tasks, lodge tax returns, and prepare for the new financial year. Set yourself up for financial success with these essential tax tips for end of financial year.


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Topics: Australia tax, EOFY, Business Finance

Financing Tiny Houses: A Path to Affordable Home Ownership

Apr 18, 2024 12:26:00 PM

Tiny Houses are fast becoming a popular option for those seeking alternative housing solutions in today’s challenging housing market. These compact homes provide a minimalist lifestyle and financial freedom, making them an attractive solution for those looking to downsize and own their own home without the responsibility of a traditional mortgage. If you’re considering a Tiny House as your next home, here's everything you need to know about financing a tiny house in Australia.


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Topics: Home Ownership, First Home Buyer, Financial Advice

Australia’s Property Market Gears Up For a Strong Year Ahead

Apr 17, 2024 12:21:29 PM

Property values have continued to rise in the first quarter of 2024, with strong growth reported across all major capital cities. Despite a pessimistic outlook by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), the value of residential real estate increased to an estimated $10.4 trillion at the end of February (a new record high), while combined capital values are up 10.2% over last year’s figures. With the possibility of interest rate cuts looming, the market is gearing up for a strong year ahead.


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Topics: Mortgage Broker, Financial Advice, Buying and selling

Navigating Retirement with Mortgage Debt

Mar 18, 2024 1:13:00 PM

As retirement age approaches, many Australian homeowners grapple with the daunting prospect of carrying mortgage debt into their golden years. Recent trends indicate a significant number of retirees are entering retirement with mortgage debt, because of rising house prices, delayed entry into the property market, and other factors. Read on to find out more about what’s driving this trend, the impact it can have on homeowners, and potential solutions to alleviate the burden.


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Topics: Retirement, Financial Health, Mortgage Debt

Refinancing Your Home Loan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mar 17, 2024 1:05:00 PM

Refinancing your home loan to secure a lower interest rate or to access funds for a home renovation or debt consolidation can be a smart financial move that leads to significant savings over time. However, it's essential to approach the refinancing process with careful consideration and thorough preparation to determine both the short and long-term impact on your financial situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the refinancing process.


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Topics: Home Loan, Financial Advice, Refinance

Navigating GFV Agreements: A Guide for New Car Buyers

Mar 15, 2024 12:55:00 PM

New car buyers are often concerned about buying a new car that depreciates the moment it leaves the showroom floor. One possible solution to this dilemma lies in Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) agreements offered by some car dealerships. These agreements promise buyers the final value of their car, provided they stick to the conditions outlined in the agreement. Before diving into this financial commitment, it's crucial for buyers to understand the ins and outs of GFV and whether it's the right choice for them.


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Topics: Financial Health, Car Finance

Master Your Credit: 5 Essential Tips for Cleaning Up Your Credit File

Mar 11, 2024 12:50:42 PM

Many Australians face challenges with managing their finances and repaying debt due to the ongoing high cost of living. Forced into using credit cards or high-interest loans to pay for essential purchases or unexpected medical expenses, they struggle to maintain a clean credit file. As a good credit score is essential when it comes to accessing favourable credit, here are 5 essential tips to help you clean up your credit file.


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Topics: Debt Consolidation, Savings, Financial Health, Budgeting

Setting a Compelling Sale Price: A Guide for Home Sellers

Feb 19, 2024 2:00:00 PM

When it comes to selling a home, setting the right sale price is one of the most important decisions. Not only does a property’s sale price dictate how much you stand to profit, but it can also influence how quickly a property moves off the market. As property is considered one of the biggest sources of wealth in Australia, with the potential to reap significant financial rewards, use these insightful tips to ensure your home sells for the best price possible in the shortest amount of time.


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Topics: Selling, Home Loan, Buying and selling

Managing a Mortgage With a New Baby: 9 Practical Tips

Feb 16, 2024 1:50:00 PM

The arrival of a new baby can turn life upside down in the best possible way, but many new parents get caught out by the challenges that come with managing a mortgage and a growing family. Amidst the joy and excitement, getting your finances in order can make parenting easier, while a little forward planning lets you focus on what’s most important: your family. Here are 9 practical tips for managing a mortgage with a new baby.


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Topics: Refinancing, Financial Advice, Home Loan Advice