Mark Bristow

How to buy a house in a de facto relationship

The process of buying a property is similar for both married couples and couples in de facto relationships. That said, some of the steps involved may require some extra consideration for de facto partners, as they could make a difference to future personal and financial goals.

A guide to paying off your home equity loan

Accessing the equity in your home can provide extra financial flexibility, which can be useful for managing major purchases and household expenses. But how will you go paying down your loan until your debt is cleared?

Do home equity loans require a credit check?

While different lenders may assess home equity loan applications differently, a credit check may be one of the steps involved. If you’re concerned about your credit score affecting your application, it may be worth learning more about exactly what’s required to help improve your application’s chance of approval.

Could climate change increase your risk of "mortgage prison"?

Economic factors such as inflation, the cost of living, and rising interest rates could see Australians at higher risk of “mortgage prison”, where they’re unable to refinance their home loans. Now the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is highlighting the risk that climate change poses to your personal finances, as well as the economy as a whole.

More broadband providers for Australians to choose from

A record number of telecommunications companies are now connected to Australia’s NBN, according to a new report from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), making it even more important to compare your options before renewing your home’s broadband internet contract.

Can you combine your home equity loan into your mortgage?

If you hold equity in a property, you may be able to use it to access a loan or a line of credit to help you cover the cost of major expenses or household projects. You may be able to choose between managing your home equity loan separately or combining it with your existing mortgage, though there are pros and cons to each approach.

ANZ has a change of heart and hikes its most popular savings accounts

ANZ has had a change of heart, today hiking its popular savings accounts, after initially leaving them untouched following the August cash rate increase.

Getting a home valuation for home equity loan: what you need to know

To access the equity in your home you’ll need to know your property’s current value. To get an accurate figure a property valuation may be required, though the type of valuation may depend upon your property and financial situation.

How much does an average home renovation cost?

Estimating the cost of a home renovation can feel a bit like estimating the length of a piece of string. The answer will vary depending on the type of renovation, your personal financial situation, and a wide range of other factors.

How long is a typical home equity loan term?

Depending on the type of home equity loan you choose, there may be different loan term options available. Your choice of home equity loan could make a big difference to your financial future, as well as the overall cost of your home equity loan.