Mark Bristow

What is a reverse mortgage, and what are the risks?

A reverse mortgage is a financial product that allows retirees to unlock the value of their family home. Sometimes called an equity release loan, a reverse mortgage lets you access a lump sum, line of credit or income stream to support your lifestyle in retirement. But just like any other financial product, there are risks involved with reverse mortgages, which you should be aware of before you apply.

Some of the best home loans in September 2020

September is the traditional start of the Spring Selling Season in Australia’s real estate markets. While 2020 remains a challenging year, with economic recession affecting both property buyers and sellers, banks and other mortgage lenders are continuing to slash home loan interest rates to new lows.

6 options for borrowers whose mortgage holidays are coming to an end

Back in March 2020, Australia’s big banks and other mortgage lenders offered to let mortgage holders defer their home loan repayments and relieve some of the financial pressure from the pandemic. With the initial six-month time limit now coming to an end, many Aussie mortgage holders are now facing a choice of what to do next.  

Can I get a home loan with no credit history?

If you prefer to avoid borrowing money wherever possible, you may run into some trouble when it comes to buying property. Not only is a home loan almost essential when it comes to Australian real estate, but having no credit history could make your mortgage application a little bit more challenging.

Some of the best home loans for investors in August 2020

Between falling rents and rising vacancies in some capital cities, it’s a challenging time to be a property investor. Whether you’re applying for a new investment loan or are refinancing an existing loan, you can expect extra scrutiny from banks and mortgage lenders, requiring extra time and paperwork.

Is your money safer in your wallet or in the bank?

Some Australians are understood to be taking money management into their own hands… literally. But is stockpiling cash really safer or better than keeping your money in the bank?

Some of the best home loans for owner occupiers in August 2020

You may have noticed that it’s a bit of a weird time to buy property just now, whether as a first home buyer, an upsizer or a downsizer. Lockdown restrictions have affected property supply and demand in different areas, not to mention buyer and seller confidence. Plus, homeowner priorities have been shifting, swinging away from units and apartments and more towards detached housing.

Lenders slash mortgage rates while Australians top up offset accounts

Average home loan interest rates have declined by between 33 and 45 basis points over the last quarter, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). While this has reportedly led more Australians to refinance their mortgages and top up their offset accounts, fewer new home loans have been recorded.

Could negative inflation keep rates on hold?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has recorded the largest fall in Australia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) in its 72-year history, indicating that it may be some time before we start seeing interest rates rise.

Best home loans for investors in July 2020

While real estate is traditionally considered a relatively safe asset to invest you money in, job losses have left many tenants struggling to afford rents, while self-isolation and social distancing has affected real estate markets, and in turn house prices. If times are tough as an investor, it may be worth looking into options for refinancing your investment mortgage.