Dip into our inkwell…
…the place where we pool our thoughts on all things wealth-related
Suffering a credit card hangover post-Christmas? Don’t let credit card debt get the better of you, especially if you’re planning to apply for a mortgage this year. Show you can reliably pay off your debts on time and more home loan options will be available to you. Did you know, every time you apply for…
When is the best time to refinance my mortgage? The short answer is: Whenever it makes financial sense to do so. The lending market is so vibrant and flexible these days. It has really opened up the ability for people to change their lending arrangements depending on a whole host of circumstances. Not so…
At the peak of the market last year 40% of all new loans were Interest Only. Interest Only loans are typically for 5 years and then you either apply for another 5 years Interest Only or it rolls onto a Principle and Interest repayment. Regulators are concerned people may not be able to afford…
There’s no better way to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas than by giving without expecting anything in return. Although December is one of the peak times for charity donations, fewer Australians are giving compared to 10 years ago, according to the three-year Giving Australia 2016 project. Australia has recently slipped out of the top…
You might remember 2018 as the year for political leadership spills, same-sex marriages or crippling drought, but it’s also worth remembering it as the year that positive credit reporting became mandatory for all credit providers. Also known as comprehensive credit reporting (CCR), this important change in credit reporting gives lenders a more balanced picture of…
The idea of a cooling off period is to give buyers time to change their mind about a purchase. Whether it’s backing out of a phone plan, insurance policy or signed house contract, the option to cancel is a safeguard designed to protect buyers. Why then when it comes to buying a home, is the…
Your ability to prove you have a stable employment record with regular income is one of many ways you can help speed up your home loan application. As lenders continue to drill deeper into the details of an applicant’s financial capacity, you will need to show evidence of all income sources as well as documentation…
Mortgage calculators can help you crunch the numbers on a home loan as a first step toward planning to buy a property. Use them as a starting point and a handy way to get some good estimates before you seek more detailed, personalised advice from your mortgage broker. The function of a mortgage calculator is…
Why would you buy a dilapidated property in need of renovation? The old saying ‘buy the worst house in the best street’ is an attractive option for many home buyers. Seen as an entry point to the best suburbs or a way to maximise profit on an investment, it’s tempting to take the leap and…
You’ve decided to buy a new home, and it’s time to line up your finances so you can go ahead and purchase your new property, but how long will it take to secure home loan approval and is it a complicated process? Putting together a formal loan application is the first step. Home loans are…
