Entries by Tracie

2020 vision: what the new year could bring to the property market

Boom. Correction. Comeback? The early signs that property prices in Melbourne and Sydney are on the up. Let’s peer into the 2020 housing market crystal ball. Prices look ready to rise The latest NAB Residential Property Survey suggests house prices will have increased 0.7 per cent by the end of this year, before jumping a further 7.4 […]

Going up: what record low interest rates mean for property prices

House prices are rising in Melbourne and Sydney – one of the desired effects of the RBA’s historically-low rates. But do low rates always lead to higher prices? Just weeks out from Christmas, the RBA decision to keep rates steady in December at 0.75% didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, it suggests we’re still […]

The art of the possible: how to pay off your mortgage sooner

It’s a simple equation. Paying down your mortgage sooner can save you thousands of dollars in interest in the long run. Here are some ways to make the most of every dollar while paying off your loan quicker. Increase your repayments… Let’s take a look at repaying a $500,000 home loan, using the mortgage calculator […]

The parent trap: should you loan to your kids to help them buy?

The average age of first home buyers keeps increasing, with more young people turning to their parents for financial help. But is lending your children money from the “bank of mum and dad” right for you? Owning property has always been the great Australian dream. As a parent, it’s natural to want your kids to […]

Behind the curtain: what drives RBA decision making?

The RBA’s decision to hold on interest rates gives us time to take a deeper look at what is going on. After all, there could be further cuts. What drives the decision making? What could send rates lower? To cut or not On the first Tuesday of each month, except January, the RBA board meets […]

Top Ten Renovation Tips

Taking care of basic maintenance tasks before you sell your home is a no-brainer, but a quick and not-too-costly renovation can add a lot of appeal for potential buyers, and may boost the final sale price. 1.Basics first Fix those little faults that you no longer notice – leaky taps, rusty gutters, broken window catches. […]

Ask yourself these 3 questions before you refinance

With interest rates at record lows and competitive deals on offer, switching to a new loan or lender may be an appealing prospect, with the potential to make significant savings. Since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) began its latest round of rate cutting, lenders have been lowering mortgage interest rates across the board, with […]

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 […]

How to help your kids own a home

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 […]

Understanding Which Home Loan Features Are Right For You

Buying a home is probably one of life’s most important milestones, so getting the right home loan tailored to your specific needs and circumstances is essential. When it comes to home loans, there are many factors to consider besides interest rates. Choosing the right home loan could not only provide flexibility as your financial situation […]