Jodie Humphries

Are home loans available to Aussie expats?

Australian expats can usually apply for the same home loans as Aussie residents, but consider checking lenders’ specific qualifying criteria and loan terms.

Do you really need a 20 per cent deposit before applying for a home loan?

Like most first home buyers, you may think that you’ll need a 20 per cent deposit before you can apply for a home loan. With Lender's Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and a family guarantee, however, some lenders allow you to buy a home with a lower deposit.

When do you start paying off your mortgage?

Once your mortgage is in place, you need to make repayments every month. When should you start repaying your mortgage? 

Is including insurance in a long-term car lease cheaper than insuring the car separately?

Purchasing car insurance separately for a leased car can prove more expensive, but consider checking if the dealer offers basic insurance with the lease.

What happens to a mortgage in a divorce? | RateCity

From coming to terms with the end of your relationship to dealing with parenting and living arrangements, divorce is difficult. And if you hold a joint mortgage with your spouse, it can further complicate matters. Here are the different options available after your divorce.

What is home loan serviceability?

Home loan serviceability refers to your ability to repay a loan, and affects the amount you may be able to borrow from a lender.

How can I pay off my parents' mortgage?

If your parents are struggling to repay the mortgage on their house, you could step in to ease the burden by paying on their behalf or assuming the title to the property and refinancing it.

Can you borrow 100 per cent of a home loan?

Most lenders need you to pay a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the purchase price before approving a home loan. This can take several years to save up. A 100 per cent mortgage doesn't require any deposit. However, these are not readily available and generally require a guarantor.

Is it possible to borrow money from family for a mortgage?

If you’re struggling to put together a deposit worth thousands of dollars for a home loan, a family member could help by contributing a portion of the deposit. For instance, it’s not uncommon for parents to help their children get on the property ladder by giving them a lump sum amount to meet the minimum deposit criteria for a home loan. There are several other ways in which you can borrow money from your family for a mortgage.

How to pick the best frequent flyer program

Most airlines offer frequent flyer programs but how do you choose which one to join?