Mark Bristow

Home & Personal Finance Editor

Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. Mark’s expertise includes home loans, energy and both home and travel insurances. Mark has been a journalist and writer in the financial space for over ten years, previously researching and writing commercial real estate at CoreLogic. In the years since, Mark has worked for the Winning Group, Expedia, and has seen articles published at Lifehacker and Business Insider.

486 articles written by Mark Bristow

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Home Loans

Should I pay off my mortgage early?

Paying off your mortgage early may not always be easy, but there may be benefits to consider, such as saving money on interest charges. 

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Home Loans

Credit scores can affect your home loan application - what you need to know

It’s important to get your finances in order before applying for a home loan. As well as thinking about your income, expenses, assets and liabilities, you may want to also consider your credit score, as this could affect how quickly our application gets assessed, and even whether you’ll be eligible for a some home loan products.

/need-good-credit-home-equity-loan
Home Loans

Do you need good credit for a home equity loan?

A home equity loan could be a useful option for accessing money when you’ve previously paid extra onto your mortgage or the value of your home has grown. But could you run into trouble if your credit score isn’t the best? 

/best-home-loans-investors-refinancers-june-2022
Home Loans

Some of the best home loans for investors and refinancers in June 2022

Variable interest rates are likely to rise further before the year is out, with the RBA governor committing to “do what it takes” to get inflation under control. This could put more pressure on some Australian investors and refinancers, making it more important to compare available mortgage offers.

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Credit Score

How can young people start building their credit history?

Just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, an excellent credit score can begin when you’re young. Your track record of managing money can have long-lasting repercussions later in life, making it important for young Australians to start building positive credit habits as soon as they are able.

/mortgage-redraw-vs-personal-loan
Home Loans

Mortgage redraw vs personal loan

Australians wanting to access finance to pay for personal projects may have several options available to them. Australians who are also home owners may have extra choices to consider, such as deciding between applying for a personal loan or using the redraw facility from their mortgage.

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Credit Score

Should you start building your credit while in university?

University can be a time of when you start to fully realise your potential. This includes your financial future, which may involve establishing your credit history.

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Car Loans

Can you have more than one car loan at the same time?

If you’re thinking of turning your home into a two-car household, you may need finance to afford that second set of wheels. But is it possible to hold two or more car loans at once, and what effects could this have on your finances?

/best-home-loans-june-2022
Home Loans

Some of the best home loans in June 2022

With interest rates having increased following the May 2022 cash rate hike, and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) potentially looking to raise rates further in the future, it’s important to compare and carefully consider your options before applying for a new home loan or refinancing an existing mortgage.

/construction-home-loan
Home Loans

How do construction home loans work?

If you’ve found the perfect location, but not the perfect property, building your own dream house could be an option to consider. Financing your build may require a construction loan, which isn’t the same as a typical home loan.