Laine Gordon

Has your lender passed on the savings?

Even if they didn't back a winning horse in the race that stops a nation, Australian homeowners still scored a victory on Melbourne Cup Day, with news that the Reserve Bank dropped the official cash interest rate by 0.25 percent, to 4.50 percent.

Top real estate bargains in Australia

Ever wondered where the best real estate bargains can be found in the country? You probably guessed it; they aren't in our big cities! In fact, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney all ranked in the top 10 most unaffordable metropolitan cities of the world, according to Demograhia's latest International Housing Affordability Survey.

First home buyer's guide for singles

Buying a home can be laborious, stressful and confusing. This is never truer than when you have to do it alone, without the extra emotional and financial support provided by a partner.

Pay off your home loan in record time

Unless you're one of the country's richest people, you will need a bit of help from a bank to buy your home. A mortgage, however, doesn't have to rule your life forever - there are smart ways to ensure you pay it off in record time.

Moving house? Take your home loan with you

Most home loans are set for 25 or 30-year periods, but you would be hard-pressed to find someone who lives in the same house for the entire lifespan of their mortgage.

Home ownership harder for Gen Y?

One of the defining trends of our time may be loss of the Australian dream of owning a home, according to new studies. But before we despair, we should understand why the younger generation has the bad luck, and what would-be Gen Y home owners can do to improve their chances of getting a foot on the property ladder.

Home loan rate battle, how low can they go?

Spring is notorious for being a busy time for house hunters and therefore home loan applicants. So it's little wonder that the banks are competing heavily for mortgage business at the moment.

Cars powered by the sun set for Oz

A batch of road-worthy vehicles powered by the sun will make their way to our shores later this month to take part in the Veolia World Solar Challenge.

How to make money from real estate

Real estate investors will be familiar with the debate about whether to choose a 'principal and interest' (P&I) or 'interest only' repayment when signing up for an investment mortgage. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal circumstances and preferences.

Fixed or variable? Crunch the numbers

With lenders engaging in serious competition on the fixed rate home loan front, it is timely to consider how this type of loan stacks up against the traditional variable home loan.