National Dwelling Values Fall by Half a Percent in October According to the CoreLogic Home Value Index results for October 2018, tighter credit conditions and lower dwelling values across Australia have contributed to slower housing activity, with the annual decline across the nation at 3.5%, and the home value index reporting a 0.5% fall in dwelling values nationally in October. …
What is a Reverse Mortgage? Reverse mortgages let pensioners and retirees from the age of 60 convert the equity in their property into cash. No income is required to qualify but credit providers are required by the law to lend money responsibly, so not everyone will be able to access this type of loan. Although interest is charged as with …
What is a Buyer’s Agent? A buyer’s agent is a licenced real estate professional that specialises in searching, locating, evaluating and negotiating the purchase of a property on behalf of a prospective home buyer. In a real estate transaction, a real estate agent works for the vendor and a buyer’s agent represents the interests of the buyer. Benefits of Engaging …
This month, I have launched the first element of the My Financial Health Program, a secure online portal where you can store all of your personal finances and manage them either at home or on the go. The Wealth Portal uses the latest technology and bank level security to provide a platform where you can organise and analyse your finances, …
The First Home Super Saver Scheme First homebuyers across Australia have a new way to get into the property market with the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme. Introduced on July 1 2017, the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme lets homebuyers access money from their superannuation fund to help them secure their first home. How it works is that …
What is a Self-Managed Super Fund? A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund, regulated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that you manage yourself. Set up costs and annual running expenses can be high, so it’s most cost-effective if you have a larger superannuation balance. A common reason for starting a SMSF is greater access to a …
Banks Increase Rates, RBA Keeps Cash Rate at 1.5 Percent At it’s October meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept the cash rate at a record low of 1.5 percent, extending its record period of policy inaction beyond two years. Even though the RBA is not expected to raise official interest rates in the near future, both smaller and …
From July 1 2018, Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR) was introduced, making it mandatory for the big four banks to share information with regards to your credit report, benefiting both lenders and consumers. Lenders will be able to see a more accurate picture of your ability to make repayments and manage your credit, while consumers’ can have a more active influence …
In the current home loan lending environment, the duration of loan approvals for some borrowers has increased significantly as lenders increase their restrictions and scrutiny on applications as a result of APRA and the Banking Royal Commission. This has made it harder than ever for some to get finance. Before you look to purchase a home, ensure you use an …
Refinancing a home loan can potentially save you a lot of money. However, refinancing, or moving your mortgage to another lender, is not always the best option. Sometimes there are many hidden costs to switching, and improving the rate through your current lender can save you both time and money. How Can a Finance Specialist Help You Save Money on …
