Six top questions refinancers should ask a mortgage broker

Before you pick up the phone and get in contact with your local mortgage broker, it’s worth understanding some of the key questions you should be asking them. 

Trying to crack the housing market? Here are six factors you must consider

Many young Australians are still finding ways to crack the housing market – and secure a competitive mortgage as well. Let’s explore six key factors to consider before you try and nab a property that may help you get a competitive home loan in the process.

Is a mortgage a secured or unsecured loan?

A mortgage typically uses the property you are purchasing as collateral against the loan. In the worst-case scenario where you default on your mortgage, the lender may seize the property and sell it to reclaim its lost funds.

Travel to Bali or Japan with these frequent flyer credit cards offering big points bonuses on sign up

This month, the RateCity database shows 17 credit cards offering bulk Qantas frequent flyer points on sign up, ranging from 20,000 points to 150,000 points.

The biggest credit card bonus points deals this December – up to 300k points on offer

Points chasers may be curious to know which credit cards are offering the biggest points bonuses on sign up this month. In December, there are ten credit cards offering six-figure bulk points bonuses on sign up.

What credit score do you need to finance a motorcycle?

If you’re looking to purchase a motorcycle but will be relying on a vehicle loan to do so, you will need to meet the lender’s eligibility criteria to gain approval. Generally speaking, this will involve having a credit score in the ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ range.

Can you afford home loan repayments?

Before you consider applying for your first or next home loan, it’s crucial that you crunch the numbers to discover if you can comfortably afford the repayments.

When will your bank hike your mortgage rate? December’s rate changes and costs revealed

Haven’t heard from your bank yet if they’re hiking mortgage rates? Discover the full list of who has announced rate rises for home loan customers, and how much more you will be paying after December's hike.  

Suburbs where house prices have fallen: is now a good time to buy?

Several coveted suburbs have seen a drop in property values in the last 12 months – some by up to 20% - according to new data from CoreLogic. Homebuyers may be wondering if this is the right time to consider buying.

How to get a higher home loan?

You've found your dream property, but on checking your borrowing capacity, you come up short. There are some ways to strengthen your financial position and enhance your borrowing capacity to help you purchase your dream home.