Buying a home is for many Australians a rite of passage and a significant milestone. But it can also be an overwhelming process and incredibly challenging if you don’t know where to start. So that you can navigate the home buying process from start to finish, and make informed decisions along the way, we’ve compiled 3 useful tips for first home buyers.
Topics: First Home, first home buyer, buying a house, Home Loan Advice, Buying a property in Australia
There comes a point in most people’s lives when downsizing the family home makes good financial sense. Ongoing maintenance, empty bedrooms and costly monthly bills can make you seriously think about selling your existing home and finding something smaller or easier to maintain. Whether you’re an empty nester or just looking to get into a smaller apartment in the city, here are our tips for making those key downsizing decisions.
Topics: Retirement, Smaller Property, Selling your Home, downsizing your home, Home Loan Advice, Declutter, Moving home
There’s no better time than right now to review your home loan structure and mortgage interest rates. Time to tidy up those external debts, refinance to a better interest rate, or refinance to release equity to fund that new car, boat or investment property. If you’re not sure what repayment structure works best for you, here’s a guide to understanding the different types of loans.
Topics: Variable versus Fixed, Variable Interest Rate, Fixed Interest Rate, Home Loan Advice, Split Loan
Your “set and forget” mindset could be costing you. As much as 4%, say the experts. That’s the amount of extra interest some homeowners are paying each year in “Loyalty Tax”. If you haven’t reviewed your mortgage recently, you could be doing the same. Read on to find out why it’s imperative you review your mortgage regularly and avoid paying “Loyalty Tax”.
Topics: Interest Rates, Lenders, Home Loan Advice, mortgage review, Loyalty Tax
When you buy a luxury home, you’re buying more than just a property: you’re investing in a complete lifestyle. Luxury homes are fast becoming the next best thing to gold these days. Given the fact that they’re always in demand, it’s not surprising really that so many buyers are reaping the rewards of better returns in the long term. Take a look at some of the properties featured in Harcourts' Luxury Property Selection. Which one would you pick?
Topics: Property Investment, Moving House, Luxury Property Selection, Home Loan Advice
The Queensland Government has announced changes to Queensland rental legislation. Under the proposed reform, landlord’s lose the right to refuse pets, tenants can modify rental properties without landlord’s consent, rental properties will need to meet prescribed standards, and landlords will lose their right to end a lease. Take a look at how these changes could impact you as the owner of a rental property.
Topics: Landlords, australia finance, Home Loan Advice, Rental Property Renovations, Pets and Rentals, Advice for Landlords
A staggering 7.2 million Australians are said to be starting the New Year with a Christmas debt hangover. What’s more, according to research, one in four Aussies could take up until May to pay back their Christmas debt! If your big Christmas blow-out hit hard in January, it’s time to get your finances back on track starting right now. Here’s how to do that:
Topics: australia finance, finance health check, Home Loan Advice, Finance Goals
The 2020 bushfire season has left many Australians devastated without homes and livelihood. Even more devastating is that so many of those affected by the bushfires are underinsured. Understanding what events and damage can be covered by insurance is a vital first step in assessing whether or not you have the right cover for your home.
Topics: Insurance, Underinsurance, Home Loan Advice, Mortgage Protection Insurance, Home and Contents Insurance, Vehicle Insurance
While you won’t find this expression in a mainstream dictionary, it’s a feeling that’s all too real for anyone who’s overspent at Christmas. A Christmas Debt Hangover usually kicks in around the middle of January when the credit card bills start rolling in. Symptoms include stress, trouble sleeping and an aversion to checking the mailbox! Here’s how to cure it.
Topics: Credit Card Debt, Debt Consolidation, Debt, Home Loan Advice, Debt-free
Divorce or separation is an emotional time, made even more stressful at the thought of divvying up the property and other assets. In Australia, there are around 50,000 divorces each year and many people are unsure what to do with the family home or investment properties in this situation. If you’ve recently divorced or separated, it may be time to look at your options.
Topics: Refinancing Options, Home Ownership, separation, divorce, Financial Advice, Home Loan Advice, Buying property in Australia, Australia Mortgage Broker
