Home Loans Articles

Taking the stress out of your first home loan

Use these handy tips to take the legwork out of owning your first home! Get help, get tailored, use calculators and much more.

Interest rates will rise

In the period from October 2009 to November 2010, Australian homeowners were hit by seven interest rate rises. But the honeymoon is about to end, according to finance experts.

What happens if I default on my home loan?

It's often hard when you fall on tough times to get yourself back on your feet. Home loan debt can become a scary black hole that once you've fallen into can feel impossible to rise out of.

Understanding stamp duty and the FHOG

The 2011 Federal Budget left the First Home Owner Grant(FHOG) at $7,000 – a nice little booster that can make a difference in your quest to get off the rental merry-go-round.State based offers, schemes for first time buyers and more.

Should mortgage exit fees remain?

Legislation banning exit fees on new home loans comes into effect on July 1, 2011. But not if a Senate committee has its way.

Top 10 free finance apps

These days you can manage your money without sitting in front of your computer with the following apps: Banking apps, Income tax calculator, Easy loan, eMoney Mobile and many more.

Borrowers flock to discount variable rate home loans

Lenders are rushing to offer customers discounted standard variable loans to try and boost their market share. And Australians are more than happy to take the opportunity to save money on their home loan.

Do you qualify for a low doc home loan?

Low doc loans have become increasingly harder to come by in recent years, but they are available. Normally, lenders require proof of income, assets and outstanding debts but low doc loans rely on borrowers to prove their income via a system called self-verification, rather than by providing the traditional paper trail.

Do online lenders save you more money?

The ‘Big Four’, as the media has dubbed them, have declared war on each other, but while they’re distracted with undercutting each other, an exciting new player has crept into the mortgage market and just might save you money – online lenders.

Reverse mortgages the rules

The reverse mortgage industry in Australia is worth $3 billion. Popular with cash-poor, asset-rich homeowners over 60, they are usually used to free up funds in retirement.

First home buyers beware of intro rate loans

First home buyers are being urged to consider introductory-rate home loans with caution, following an increase in uptake of the often surprisingly expensive honeymoon-period home loans.

Five mortgage tips you probably never thought of

If you're thinking about purchasing your first mortgage or refinancing, read this news story to find out hints and tips you probably wouldn't have read anywhere else!

Home loan spotlight home equity loans

A home equity loan is a home loan that allows you to use established equity to borrow money. Many people use this type of loan to renovate, invest in the share market or buy an investment property.

Is your mortgage structured for maximum tax deductions?

Be aware of these simple rules when negotiating your investment home loan. In order for you to claim deductions, your investment property must produce income.

Fixing your mortgage now the case for and against

With every finance expert offering an opinion on whether or not interest rates are set to soar, we look at both sides of the argument.

Ten tips for investment property buyers

With tax return time just around the corner, now could be a great time to buy your first investment property. Here are some tips to build your property portfolio faster.

Is Australian home affordability on par with the world?

Home ownership rates have forged ahead in many developed countries, but Australia is not one of them. A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found that 69.5 percent of Australians own their own home, down from 71.4 percent in the 1990s.

Avoid mortgage application traps and gain quick approval

Applying for your first mortgage can be an overwhelming process, with all of the paperwork and documentation required by a financial institution. So to give yourself the best chance at approval and to maximise the amount you can borrow, it's worth taking the time to get your affairs in order first