The critical aspect of refinancing a home loan is to establish the value of your property, which will act as the collateral against which your finance arrangements will be made. Lenders tend to vary in their assessment methodology but usually apply the 80% Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) principle. This dictates the size of the loan based…
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Modern lifestyles where we are all working from home is inspiring homeowners to restyle their properties and make them more functional. Priorities include creating more open plan living, lighting and interior design, and the visual appeal from the street. A home styled for the needs of the early 21st century should have a contemporary appearance…
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DIY television shows can lead you to believe a major renovation can be completed over a weekend but the reality takes longer and involves some stress before you reap the rewards. Here’s a guide to minimising the drama. Do your research A risk with a renovation is overcapitalising or spending too much in ways that…
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The character of older homes is often seen as more important than modern features that minimise environmental impact or feature clever, 21st century storage solutions. But regardless of whether you have a beautiful federation home or a classic 70s-style house, smart storage solutions always command attention and can make life easier. Real value can be…
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One of the most critical steps in buying a new property is to finance your purchase correctly, ensuring it’s affordable and will not disrupt your lifestyle. An investigation of mortgage options will see you quickly bump up against a common dilemma: should I select a fixed or variable rate? There is no right or wrong…
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There should be two upsides to buying an off-the-plan – competitive pricing compared with similar properties already built and the fact your property will be brand new. These benefits don’t come without a challenge: you must commit to a purchase based on a scale model, artist’s impression and floor plan. As a physical inspection is…
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Rent-vesting is an increasingly mainstream strategy for those seeking to break into the property market or expand their portfolio without impacting their lifestyle. It breaks the traditional approach of buying a property and living in it. It means you can rent in the area you love and buy in the suburb you can afford. It’s a…
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There’s no denying that moving home is stressful. Boxes disappear inside the removal truck at one end and reappear at the other in random locations around your new house. The anxiety of not finding anything can be amplified by screaming children wanting toys or something to eat. So, if you’re juggling kids, pets – or worse, both…
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Life can be tough for property buyers at the moment. There are seemingly endless inspections of properties that never seem suitable, auction-stress and, sometimes, the heartbreak of missing out. There’s also the anxiety of gaining loan approval, although with the right mortgage broker guiding you, that stress can be significantly reduced. You might be surprised…
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Maintaining your home should be a mix of love and diligence that sometimes requires a little TLC from your bank account. Staying on top of the work around your property is key to ensuring it remains a comfortable and enjoyable refuge from the trials that life throws at you and attending to jobs while they…
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