Mark Bristow

Four options to pay off your home loan sooner

Many mortgage holders want to save money on interest payments and slash years off their mortgage terms. Fortunately, there are many home loans offering flexible features that could help you to pay off your property faster.

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.  

Who is still offering low-rate home loans after the RBA raised rates?

In the week since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised the national cash rate, banks and mortgage lenders have been passing on the hike by raising variable home loan interest rates. So where can you still find a low-interest home loan, and would it be worth the effort and expense of refinancing?

Voting with your wallet - which party will put you in the best financial position?

A federal election has been called for 21 May 2022. While a diverse array of social and political issues at home and abroad may be on the minds of many voters, so are everyday concerns such as the cost of living, getting and keeping a job, and earning enough income to feed a family. 

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.