Mark Bristow

How to plan for an interest rate rise

It’s very unlikely that you’ll be paying the same interest rate on your home loan over its full decades-long term. So how can you plan ahead to keep your household budget under control the next time rates rise?

What is an interest only home equity loan?

It’s possible to use any equity you’ve built up in your home to secure a loan or a line of credit to help pay for other household expenses. You may even be able to pay only the interest charged on these loans for a limited time, though you could risk paying more in total over the long run.

Are you buying to live in or rent out?

Are you buying a property to live in or to rent out? The purpose of your house purchase is vital to narrowing down your mortgage options when hunting for the most suitable home loan for your situation.

What’s the difference between a home appraisal, a market value estimate, and a property valuation?

In Australian property, terms like home appraisal, property valuation and market value estimate are often used interchangeably. But there’s a big difference between what a property is worth and how much it may sell for, which could make a big difference to your home loan.  

Some of the best home loans in May 2022

After months of speculation and anticipation, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has increased the national cash rate at its May meeting. This could lead to rising interest rates in the future, making it important to compare the available options before selecting a mortgage lender.

Do I need a home appraisal for a refinance?

Refinancing your home may allow you to save money on your mortgage repayments, pay off your property faster, or access the equity in your home to use elsewhere. But before you start the refinancing process, it may be worth looking into a home appraisal, followed by a formal valuation, to help check if refinancing is the best decision for your needs.

How much does a concrete driveway cost?

The exact cost of adding a driveway to your home may vary depending on a range of factors, from the materials being used to the size and shape of the area where it will be installed. Here are some of the factors that you may need to consider when budgeting for a driveway, before working out finance options.

Who owns my bank or lender in Australia?

Did you know that even if you’ve chosen to become a customer of one of Australia’s alternative banks, you could still be banking with the big four? Learning more about which banks own other banks and lenders can help you get a more complete picture of Australia’s banking landscape, which could be helpful when making financial decisions.

What cryptocurrencies can you buy in Australia?

Dreaming of making it big by trading cryptocurrency, but aren’t sure where to start? There are many, MANY different cryptocurrency options available on the market, with more entering the market all the time. For example, at the time of writing, several digital currency exchanges have over 240 different cryptocurrencies available to buy, sell or trade in Australia.

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

While the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the national cash rate on hold at its April 2022 meeting, economists from Australia’s big banks are now forecasting that interest rates could start rising as soon as June 2022. This could not only raise the cost of mortgage repayments, but potentially affect property values, which could present new challenges for property investors and homeowners planning to refinance.