Entries by Tracie

What you can borrow or what you should borrow?

The amount you can borrow and the amount you should borrow are sometimes two very different things. Before you apply for a home loan, it makes sense to realistically assess your financial situation. Here’s how to do it. Understand your borrowing capacity Generally speaking, your borrowing capacity – what you can borrow – depends on […]

How an offset could cut years off your home loan

Looking for ways to pay off your mortgage in record time? Whether you’re a seasoned investor or buying your first home, an offset loan can help you reduce interest payments, save on tax and pay your mortgage off years ahead of schedule. What is an offset loan? With an offset loan (also called an offset account, […]

A step by step guide to attracting better tenants

High-quality tenants make renting your investment property both easier and more lucrative, but how do you actually find them? Along with well-written rental ads, we look at some other ways to get high quality people into your investment property. There are several ways to finding your dream tenants: you can reach out to your personal networks, arrange […]

Five Questions Potential First Home Buyers should ask themselves

Are you, or someone you know, interested in becoming a first home buyer?  There are a few things to consider before diving in.  Here are 5 questions potential first home buyer’s should ask themselves … Is it the right time? Moving house can be stressful and time-consuming, so consider whether it’s suitable right now. Will […]

Tips for Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home

Finding the right real estate agent to sell your property can be daunting. These helpful tips can make the experience a whole lot easier. Do some research The key to finding the right real estate agent is doing a bit of research. Start by making a short list of agents in your area. Then, investigate […]

Top Finance Apps and Tools

Whatever your reasons, understanding your budget is key to living a comfortable life. Whether you’re saving for something in particular, getting out of debt or just trying to stop spending so much money on food, noting your daily spend can definitely help resolve any issues. Here are five apps that can help you stay on top of your […]

Easy refinancing for a better deal

While refinancing your home loan may seem overwhelming at first, it’s less complicated than you might think. With historically low interest rates and increased competition across the home loan industry, lenders are keen to get your business. When you first took out a home loan, you probably paid very close attention to interest rates. Over […]

Your guide to investment property loans

There are certain things to look out for when selecting and applying for a loan for your investment property. Here we look at the main differences, the most popular loan types, and how to get the best mortgage for your situation. Interest-only, fixed, variable, offset – finding the investment home loan that’s right for you […]

Borrowing money for renovations: What you need to know.

You’ve been dreaming of that new kitchen and dining room for as long as you can remember, and now the time has come to put your plans in motion. But do you really have the budget to afford the works? Here are a few things to think about before making the leap from Pinterest board […]

Want to help your kids own property? Here’s how.

The real estate market can be tough for young adults, but as a parent you may be able to lend a helping hand. We tell you how. 1.Parent-to-child loan A parent-to-child loan is when a parent lends their child money. This is a formal, legally binding arrangement, administered by an independent third party. At the […]