9 home-buying costs you need to know about.
What does it really cost to buy a home? The true cost of buying a home often goes well beyond the purchase price, so it’s vital to know how much you will actually be up for when the SOLD sticker goes on. Take a look at these nine home-buying costs you may not have thought of.
How To Select The Right Home Loan Broker: 7 questions should be asking
Let’s face it; getting a home loan will never exactly be a fun experience. It can, however, be a stressful one. If your chosen adviser can’t guide you seamlessly through the process or shield you from lender administration hassles, it’s likely to be a more painful process than it should be.
6 Costs to Consider When Setting a Renovation Budget
Thinking about mastering your renovation? Here are six of the key cost drivers to consider.
Why Use A Mortgage Broker To Refinance?
If you’re considering simply going to your bank to refinance, you may be asking yourself why. Let’s break it down.
How much does it cost to refinance a home loan?
So you’re thinking of refinancing? If so, then be aware: there may be costs involved in switching banks. Remember to weigh up these costs against the long-term benefits when considering refinancing.
The three steps to home loan pre-approval
What is pre-approval? How long does it take? What steps are involved? Let’s get into the nitty gritty of this important, yet often overlooked, step of the application process.
How the Home Loan application process works
So you’re planning a property purchase - maybe even your first (yay!) - but you’re unsure how the loan application works? Then relax! Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting a home loan that suits your specific situation and goals.
Why smaller is often better
Is bigger better? Not always, particularly when it comes to customer service. In the end, it's how a lender responds that makes all the difference. We share two recent very different lender & customer experiences.
5 things we consider when shopping for a better rate for you
We love to haggle. It’s in our DNA. So with interest rates on the move, our team sat down to discuss a few things we consider when searching for a better rate for our clients. It’s always a good idea to be aware of these pitfalls when doing your research.
The convenience of conveyancers
When buying or selling property, it’s important to enlist the help of a conveyancer or property lawyer early. Here we explain what they do and why you need one right from the beginning.
WTF is…. LVR & DTI?
Getting your head around their ‘bank speak’ can be a little tricky. In fact, it can sound like a whooooole other language. Let us do little ‘banksplaining’ for you.
Fixed Interest Rates. The Pros & the Cons
Fixed interest rates - we’ve heard a lot about them lately in the media. So what exactly is a fixed interest rate?
How good is your credit file looking?
If you haven’t really thought about your credit file for a while but you’re hoping to buy property or change banks soon, then tune in.
The future is digital, but stick to the hard stuff for now
Digital ID’s are fantastic… most of the time. But there is one good reason why the old-fashioned plastic is still pretty good.
Consider this if you're thinking about fixing your loan
Whilst a fixed rate might seem pretty darn good, there can be a little catch you need to be aware of. Here we explain the ‘roll off’ rate.
6 things to get ready if you want to buy your first home
When you’re renting, it is easy to calculate how much money you are giving your landlord. And isn’t it frustrating - but are you ready to buy your own home?
Why the lowest rate might not be right for you!
We all love a deal, in fact, we all love a great deal, don’t we? But in finance, sometimes the best deal, might not actually be right for you.
How does a bloody offset account work?
No, Lara hasn’t just turned to finance! But it is one of the questions that we’re most commonly asked. So here's the lowdown for you....
If not the Big 4, then who?
The Big 4 banks . After what was revealed about them in the Royal Commission the shine has totally gone off them. But who else is out there? We compare the best of the rest.
Equity. What is it and how to calculate it?
Equity is cool. The more equity to have the richer you are! It’s not some mythical thing, but it can grow magically without you knowing. It can also magically reduce without you knowing as well!