Last issue I mentioned that fixed rates are up. But variable interest rates are low. The trend continues with more and more banks putting their fixed rates up. Variable rates are now also up by 0.25% p.a. after the Reserve Bank decision in May 2022. The flow on effect has… Read more
Blog
Is it time to fix your home loan interest rate?
Since we’ve gone back to work after the summer holidays, I seem to have been asked one question more than any other. “Is it time to fix my home loan interest rate?” The reason clients are asking this is that we are seeing fixed interest rates at more than 1%… Read more
First Home Loan Deposit Scheme – Great News for First Home Buyers
First Home Buyers, have just received a great piece of news – the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS) has had more places added and a number of reserved spots that were not acted on in 2020 will be freed up so that they can be claimed again. Recent Australian… Read more
How Do Banks Assess Borrowing Capacity?
Thanks to changes by APRA (The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) the lenders have a responsibility to ensure you can afford the loan repayments as well as your living expenses. As such they may have to really dig into your personal finances before they can approve you for a loan and… Read more
If You Were Rejected For A Loan Just 12 Months Ago You May Be Accepted Now
Over the last 18 months or so, we were being told ‘no’ for a lot more home loan applicants than usual because the banks were forced to use a high ‘assessment rate’ on both new home loan lending and existing lending not being refinanced. When you apply for a loan,… Read more
The Best Resources for Real Estate Investing
Whether you are a real estate rookie or an old hand at investing, staying up to date on the latest trends can be tough. The market is constantly changing and monitoring its moves takes time and commitment. Fortunately, there is no shortage of resources to help you along the… Read more
June 2019 Reserve Bank Interest Rate Cut
June 2019 rate cut – Why did the Reserve Bank cut the cash rate? On 4th June 2019, the Reserve Bank announced the cash rate would be reduced by 0.25% p.a. to a record low 1.25%p.a. The basis of this decision was to support employment growth and to attempt to… Read more
Stamp Duty Exemption NSW – Are You Eligible?
Hornsby resident, Kylie asks “My partner and I are looking to get into the property market next year, and were wondering if we would be exempt from having to pay stamp duty? We’re first home buyers living in Hornsby NSW“ Great question Kylie, and one that’s certainly worth asking because… Read more
LVR Meaning – What Does LVR Mean and How is it Calculated?
Sunshine Coast resident, Danielle asks “I’m interested in applying for a home loan, and am somewhat confused by what LVR means? What does it mean, and how is it calculated?“ LVR essentially means loan to valuation ratio. Basically, it’s the loan amount divided by the value of the property. So,… Read more
What is Rentvesting?
Neutral Bay resident, Greg asks “I currently live on Sydney’s North Shore, and love the lifestyle but can’t afford property here. I’ve heard of the term rentvesting as an option. What is rentvesting and how does it work?“ Great question Greg. As property prices continue to rise, we’re seeing more… Read more