Laine Gordon

Aussies demand a better deal on home loans!

Homebuyers, especially those looking to refinance their existing home loans have taken advantage of an opportunity to make the most of stable interest rates

How borrowers can beat the imminent rate rise

If you have a home loan or considering taking out one, there are steps that home owners can implement now that will not only help them take advantage of the current stable rates, but also prepare them for any rate increases before the year is out.

Refinancing at the right time can save you $63,000

Refinancing your mortgage can be a great option for those whose circumstances may have changed since applying for the loan, such as welcoming another member to your family or a decrease in your salary. Other reasons why someone may refinance their home loan can include

Five steps to owning your own home sooner

In order to buy the home of your dreams this mortgage season, you need the right mortgage. RateCity has compiled five ways to help you choose the best home loan to suit your lifestyle. Compare intro loans to variable loans. Intro rate home loans are generally targeted at first home buyers because of their lower interest rates for usually the first 12 months

Feeling guilty? The seven deadly credit card sins

How does your credit card make you feel - happy, angry or guilty, perhaps? Well there could be a good reason for all of these feelings you experience as evidence shows that interest rates for credit cards are on the rise.

Is rent really dead money or are you better off buying?

It can be difficult to gauge if you will be better off buying or renting. For some people buying a home is simply not an option, but for those that can afford it, it is worth looking into both options. RateCity compared the difference between the average rental prices with the average mortgage repayments in Australia's five capital cities based on the current average standard variable rate of 7.05 percent for a 25-year loan term.

Stay away from Mortgage Stress Street

While buying a home is an exciting and pivotal time in your life, it can also be very stressful. Interest rate rises, the higher cost of living and unemployment all impact the level of mortgage stress that households may feel, pushing some borrowers off Struggle Street and into Mortgage Stress Street.

Are you paying the price for someone else's car accident?

When you are involved in an accident your no-claim bonus is affected as a result of your bad judgement or wrongdoing. But what happens when it's not your fault? RateCity looks into what happens to your no claim bonus for comprehensive car insurance.

Should property investors keep away from mortgage season?

Historically, spring is the busiest time for first home buyers with a rise in the number of applications for home loans, but is this the best time for investors to jump on the bandwagon? With rental prices on the rise it is a good time for investors to take advantage of the current market conditions.

Warning to first home buyers Beware of appealing home loans!

Financial institutions have regained confidence in borrowers, with lenders offering loans with very high loan-to-value ratios for the first time since the global financial crisis. As well as this loan, Mortgage House also has a 99 percent LVR mortgage that they launched in August. Westpac has also raised its LVR for new customers on some of its home loans by 5 percent to 92 percent.