Labor’s promised home affordability policies will be in the spotlight during the first 100 days of the new Albanese Government as thousands of first-time buyers hope to break into the property market. A centrepiece of Labor’s victorious election campaign was its Help to Buy scheme – a $329 million initiative to take equity stakes of…
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The recent increase to 0.35% in the Reserve Bank’s target cash rate has changed the mood of many homeowners who have a variable interest rate with their lenders. The question now beckons whether to move to a fixed-rate loan as protection from future interest rate increases, which most commentators agree are inevitable to fight spiralling…
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Struggling supply chains have caused a fall in car sales, signalling the need for buyers to plan well ahead to organise finance and order their next vehicle. Some 12.2% fewer vehicles were sold in April compared with the corresponding period last year, according to the latest data. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says…
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Fast-rising rents and subdued prices have opened the door to investors seeking to start a portfolio or return to the property sector after many sold to reap the profits when values hit their peak last year. New rental listings have fallen 12.2% to their lowest level since 2003, and total supply in March was down…
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Now that higher mortgage interest rates have become a reality, it’s worth considering a few hacks to make a successful home loan application. For first-time buyers, the prospect of applying for a loan is one of the scariest tasks of the property-buying experience. The size of your mortgage determines not just your budget but it…
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Whether you’re looking for a new home, considering a new job or a life venture, it won’t be long before you put the task of refinancing your mortgage on your priority list. With the pandemic and Great Resignation in our thoughts, thousands of Australians are contemplating their future and how to achieve their dreams. With…
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A popular question mortgage brokers field from clients relates to how banks value a property. Occasionally, the query includes a tone of anxiety as a lender won’t confirm a loan, despite issuing a pre-approval, until it’s seen the property. It’s a reasonable approach, as the property will be collateral against their loan, and the lender…
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When considering selling your home, making strategic improvements can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. Regardless of market conditions, certain upgrades tend to catch buyers’ attention and potentially increase your home’s value. As an experienced real estate agent, I can attest that successfully selling a home involves much more than simply placing a “For…
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The idea of exploring the neighborhood to find a dream home is an incredibly exciting moment when you’re a first-time buyer. But you come back to earth when faced with the challenge of choosing a lender and mortgage product. The variety of interest rates and terms and conditions can be bewildering. As an experienced agent…
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Inviting strangers to walk into your home as prospective buyers can be nerve-wracking. Most owners will leave the property and return after folks have finished their viewings. The departure of an owner encourages buyers to speak more freely about the property, and they won’t feel as if they are visitors. This is important because you…
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