Laine Gordon

How to guarantee your next mortgage rate

When you apply for a fixed-rate mortgage with most institutions, the advertised rate is the current fixed rate of that day. But there's no guarantee that rate will be available in six weeks at settlement, unless you pay a rate-lock fee.

Are all mortgage calculators the same?

Loan Market’s Lee Banh answers your burning questions about mortgage calculators, including top tips and risks.

Mortgage tips from Australia's most successful finance gurus

The nation’s top finance experts share their tips on how you can save money for your first home deposit, avoid paying too much for a property and remain realistic about what having a mortgage really means.

RBA promises interest rate rise but guarantees boom times ahead

As the phenomenon known as Rate Watch continues, Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Glenn Stevens has reiterated the need for interest rates to rise, but softened the blow with a promise of greener pastures for Australia in the near future.

Cut mortgage fees with a few simple tips

Australians paid $834 million fewer in fees on household bank accounts last year compared to 2009, shelling out around $4 billion in total. But home loan fees increased in the same period, up 2 percent, although that was less than in the past - the average annual increase over the previous five years was 9 percent.

Banks' self regulation puts borrowers back on top

Australians paid $834 million fewer in fees on household bank accounts last year compared to 2009, shelling out around $4 billion in total. But home loan fees increased in the same period, up 2 percent, although that was less than in the past - the average annual increase over the previous five years was 9 percent.

Take the money and run Should you refinance your home?

The number of people currently seeking to refinance their home loan forms a larger percentage of home loan applications than first homebuyers or investors.

How to save money on your power bills

Mortgage repayment delinquencies are on the rise as householders battle increases in the cost of everything from insurance premiums to food, petrol and, of course, power.

Facebook initiative paves the way for free property valuations

Finding out what a property is worth is now as easy as updating your status. For the next six months, RP Data – Australia’s largest provider of property data and analytics to banks, government and real estate professionals – are offering up to three free property valuations per person. And it all happens via the company’s Facebook page.

Calling Gen Y the property market needs you!

Generation Y may yet cast off their slacker image, with new research indicating those born between about 1982 and 2001 will lead the Australian housing market out of the gloom and into a new era of prosperity.