Laine Gordon

Home loan myth Do you get a better rate for being loyal?

So you've had your savings account with the same financial institution since your primary school days and now you're in your late twenties and in the market for a home loan. Because you've been with the same bank for all of these years, does this mean that they will offer you a better deal for being loyal?

Why risk it? Don't fib on your mortgage application

According to a study by Veda Advantage, 1.6 million Australians have lied about their financial information when applying for a loan. Not only is this a shocking number of people being dishonest but the nightmare that this behaviour can be very damaging to the applicants and their families.

Is everything negotiable when it comes to home loans?

More customers are using their powers of persuasion for a better deal on their home loans, but is it really paying off? According to a survey by Choice, out of 2170 people surveyed, one-third of customers with home loans asked their financial institution for reduced rates and to their surprise most of them got what they asked for.

Low doc home loan rates lower than before GFC

New research from RateCity shows that despite a decrease in the number of low-doc loans available, the number of applications is on the rise. Before the GFC hit our shores there was an abundance of low-doc home loans available, however the effects of the GFC saw the numbers decline dramatically.

How to purchase your dream home in 12 months

If you are a first home buyer who has a goal of buying your dream property next mortgage season, here are some points on what you should do now to better prepare yourself.

Economy strengthens but buyer confidence flattens

Buyer confidence levels for purchasing property have flattened over the past year but they are still higher than 2008 levels. According to the September 2010 Genworth Homebuyer Confidence Index, our confidence in the home loan and property market has increased by 7.7 percentage points, from 92.4 in 2008 to 99.1 in 2010.

Tougher outlook for first home buyers

First home buyers are finding it tougher to enter the property market than last year, with some first home buyers pushed out altogether due to higher costs. But by taking the right turns and keeping to the map, the road ahead doesn't need to be as rough.

How to avoid mistakes first home buyers make

Many first home buyers are given advice from all directions on what to do, what not to do and which lender to use. But because everyone is different, what suits one may not suit another, especially when it comes to finding the right home loan.

Save by adding your child to your car insurance policy

Does your son or daughter drive your car only every now and then? Do you think it's not often enough to warrant listing them on your car insurance policy? Do you think they're probably covered as dependants anyway?

Beat the major four banks by comparing home loans online

As the anticipation of a predicted rate rise before the end of the year draws nearer, experts worry there is a lack of competition in the mortgage lending market and borrowers aren't getting the best deals on their home loans.