Mark Bristow

House Appraisal vs Market Value: how much is your home worth?

What is a property actually worth? The answer may depend on if you were to ask a real estate agent or a valuer working for a mortgage lender.

How to value a property for insurance

Home insurance can provide much-needed peace of mind by covering your property in case of accidents, damage, or other disasters. Plus, it’s often a necessary requirement when applying for a home loan with many lenders.

What doesn’t affect your credit score?

You may be surprised by the information in your credit history that goes towards calculating your credit score. You may be even more surprised by what personal information about you does not affect your credit rating whatsoever.

How do banks value property?

Different banks use different methods to calculate the value of a property. Also known as a “bank property valuation”, the method your mortgage lender chooses may depend on their own internal policies, and other reasons, too.

How good debts and bad debts can affect your credit score

With political commentators discussing whether the latest Federal Budget has put Australia into too much debt (we’ll leave that debate to the experts), some everyday Aussies may be concerned about the debts in their own household budgets, and what they could mean for their financial futures.

Some of the best home loans in May 2021

While first home buyers have been active in Australian property markets over the past few months, thanks in part to low interest rates, recent figures have shown that refinancers and investors are starting to take their place. This is understood to be partially due to property prices in some popular areas rising beyond what’s affordable for many first home buyers.

Tic:Toc cuts mortgage rates to encourage refinancing

Tic:Toc is the latest online lender to slash interest rates outside of the traditional RBA cash rate cycle, to encourage refinancing by offering Australia’s lowest fee-free investor variable P&I rate.

Athena cuts interest rates to new low

Online lender Athena has slashed interest rates on its mortgage products for all existing and new customers, to provide Australia’s lowest fee-free variable rate.

What do banks offer to win Australian savers over?

Many of us were taught the value of saving money for a rainy day. Traditionally, depositing money in your savings account could not only build up your “rainy day” fund, but earn you interest to help grow your wealth further.

Is your credit score recognised worldwide?

With international travel starting to warm up again, more options to migrate for the sake of your career are becoming available. So, if you're coming to Australia and have an American credit score, does it work in Australia? What about in Europe? Does your credit score come with you on your travels?