Laine Gordon

Interest rates will rise

In the period from October 2009 to November 2010, Australian homeowners were hit by seven interest rate rises. But the honeymoon is about to end, according to finance experts.

Understanding stamp duty and the FHOG

The 2011 Federal Budget left the First Home Owner Grant(FHOG) at $7,000 – a nice little booster that can make a difference in your quest to get off the rental merry-go-round.State based offers, schemes for first time buyers and more.

Should mortgage exit fees remain?

Legislation banning exit fees on new home loans comes into effect on July 1, 2011. But not if a Senate committee has its way.

Top 10 free finance apps

These days you can manage your money without sitting in front of your computer with the following apps: Banking apps, Income tax calculator, Easy loan, eMoney Mobile and many more.

2011 Budget overlooks housing affordability

Treasurer Wayne Swan’s 2011-12 federal budget failed to provide solutions to Australia’s housing affordability crisis, according to the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA).

Borrowers flock to discount variable rate home loans

Lenders are rushing to offer customers discounted standard variable loans to try and boost their market share. And Australians are more than happy to take the opportunity to save money on their home loan.

Do you qualify for a low doc home loan?

Low doc loans have become increasingly harder to come by in recent years, but they are available. Normally, lenders require proof of income, assets and outstanding debts but low doc loans rely on borrowers to prove their income via a system called self-verification, rather than by providing the traditional paper trail.

Do online lenders save you more money?

The ‘Big Four’, as the media has dubbed them, have declared war on each other, but while they’re distracted with undercutting each other, an exciting new player has crept into the mortgage market and just might save you money – online lenders.

First home buyers beware of intro rate loans

First home buyers are being urged to consider introductory-rate home loans with caution, following an increase in uptake of the often surprisingly expensive honeymoon-period home loans.

Reverse mortgages the rules

The reverse mortgage industry in Australia is worth $3 billion. Popular with cash-poor, asset-rich homeowners over 60, they are usually used to free up funds in retirement.