In an attempt to curb the high competition of the Australian housing market that locked out many would-be first home buyers, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) in late 2014 signaled its intention to keep a close eye on a suite of concerns, including the levels of residential lending to investors. APRA’s communications at this…
From time to time, a business needs a cash injection. With so many lenders offering a dizzying array of products, it can be difficult to know what to choose. There are plenty of different types of business finance, but before diving in and applying, it’s important to understand your requirements first, so that a loan…
Knowing what a property is worth is central to avoid paying too much for it. Set a benchmark Comparing nearby properties that have sold recently is the best way to assess an acceptable price for the property you are looking at and provides a valuable bargaining tool when you are negotiating with a seller or…
Whether you’re after lower repayments or want to tap into the equity sitting in your home, refinancing can offer a world of benefits. Here are some things to be aware of so that you don’t find yourself hooked into a bad deal. Don’t be fooled by the interest rate Finding a lower interest rate doesn’t…
Purchasing a property is a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience, which is why it can be handy to surround yourself with a network of support and expertise. Here are the different parties who may be involved in your home-buying process and how you can use this valuable knowledge base to answer your questions. Real estate agent…
Due to the risks involved, strict guidelines are imposed on business finance, so securing approval can be difficult. Here are a few mistakes to avoid to increase your chances of approval. Not knowing your credit score Many consumers may not realise the importance of a credit score. Not only is it taken as a reflection…
Urgent maintenance is an unavoidable aspect of being a landlord, so having a cash buffer set aside will help you deal with any unexpected problems. When renting out an investment property, having access to extra cash is vital for two reasons: to cover the costs of maintaining the property, giving it the best chance…
Entering the property market is no easy feat for a first homebuyer, but even parents who aren’t prepared to hand over cash for a deposit may help by being a guarantor on a loan. Before taking the plunge however, it’s crucial to be aware of the implications involved. Here are three questions to ask yourself…
Revert rates kick in at the end of the fixed rate or introductory rate period of a home loan, yet many borrowers are unaware of their existence. If you don’t choose to re-fix your home loan when its term expires, the rate usually reverts to a variable interest rate. This ‘standard variable’ rate is often…
Spring is here and you’re preparing your home for sale. You know that it needs to be clean and tidy for the endless procession of open house inspections, but is this enough to secure the best sale? Here we look at the tips and tricks home stylists use to make a home memorable to potential…
