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Let me let you in on one of the mortgage world’s worst-kept secrets: you can pay off your loan faster without changing your budget — if you switch to fortnightly repayments. Sounds like marketing spin, doesn’t it? But this strategy is not a gimmick. It’s simple math, and when done correctly, it can cut years… [ Learn More ]
We’ve all heard the cliché: “Give up your daily coffee and you’ll own a home.” While it’s often delivered with a sanctimonious chuckle by economists in tailored suits, there is, beneath the snark, a kernel of unvarnished truth. The numbers don’t lie. And if you’re ready to walk with me — deep into the land… [ Learn More ]
To suggest that there are only 14 or even 15 ways to pay off your home loan sooner is somewhat deceptive because countless factors can influence the duration and cost of your mortgage. However, this guide explores 30 comprehensive and actionable strategies—ranging from fundamental principles to advanced financial techniques—that will help you reduce your monthly… [ Learn More ]
If you're new to the world of property ownership, you might be wondering what role a conveyancer plays in the buying and selling process. While it may seem like a straightforward transaction, transferring property ownership is a highly complex legal and financial procedure requiring meticulous attention to detail. This article provides an extensive examination of… [ Learn More ]
There’s a psychological trap buried in every interest rate cut — and it catches even the most diligent borrowers. The trap? The assumption that lower rates should equal lower repayments. On paper, that makes perfect sense. But if you’re serious about building wealth, minimising interest, and obliterating your mortgage timeline, this is the precise moment… [ Learn More ]
Stamp Duty — a term that strikes fear into the hearts of prospective homeowners, renters, and business owners alike. It is a tax that seems as ancient as the nation itself, lurking silently in the background, ready to pounce the moment a property transaction is on the horizon. Yet, like many of our beloved financial… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, purpose, and psychology, of the term 'approval'. As part of a series we've created, the article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course,… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, purpose, and psychology, of 'income verification'. As part of a series we've created, the article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, purpose, and psychology, of 'fees'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work towards… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, purpose, and psychology, of 'repayments'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work towards… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, purpose, and psychology, of the PVR or Loan-to-Value ratio. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'refinancing'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'debt'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'credit'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'credit'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'rent'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'tenure'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'underwriting'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'collateral'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'amortisation'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'foreclosure'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'default'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, of the word 'equity'. The article is intended to be a humorous and poetic dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work… [ Learn More ]
This article is playful look at the origin, etymology, and psychology, or the word 'Interest'. It is intended to be a humorous dig at the word that has become central to our discussions, and as a historical reference to deepen our understanding. Of course, one of the underlying primary goals we work towards on a… [ Learn More ]
This article is a playful and dark look at the etymology and roots of the word Principal - the "The Original Sin of Borrowing". It is intended as a historical deep-dive into the formation of the word and how or why it's applied in our everyday vernacular. Remember: our focus and ongoing goal is to… [ Learn More ]
While the term mortgage may conjure images of banks, bricks, and paperwork, its origins are a touch more dramatic; mort-gage, from the Old French, means quite literally death pledge. Cheerful, isn’t it? But don’t worry — we're not here to bury you in gloom. In fact, our goal is the opposite: to help you escape… [ Learn More ]
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Email is an essential daily part of our business; we're seeing an increased number of fraudulent emails appearing to come from legitimate sources. These emails are called Business Email Compromise (BEC) and it is a form of phishing. Cyber attackers craft emails that impersonate employees or companies to obtain money or goods fraudulently. This scam is rising… [ Learn More ]
Whether you’re rat running your local streets, or have a knack for always picking the fast-moving supermarket queue – everyone loves a good time-saving hack. Well, today we’ll let you in on a scheme that could get you into your first home years – yep years – sooner! When you’re saving for a first home,… [ Learn More ]
<< Feb 2025 - Prepare for Rate Cuts - Advanced Finance Strategies.pdf >> Exciting news on the horizon - a rate cut might be coming our way in February! How are your repayments faring? Don't let the benefits slip away. There's still time to pivot and tackle potential interest rate cuts in 2025 head-on with… [ Learn More ]
Ever spotted a bargain property and then thought to yourself: ‘What’s the catch?’ Well, more often than not there’s a good reason behind a lower-than-expected price tag. And while an undesirable location might not be a deal breaker for you, it could make it harder to sell later. Beautiful home, dead quiet neighbours. Sounds brilliant,… [ Learn More ]
Bathroom blitz? Kitchen kit out? Or perhaps some landscaping love might be on your house upgrade wishlist for 2025? If so, it’s worth knowing what reno finance options are available. Today we’ll explain some ways to fund your home improvement project. Spending on home renovations has boomed over the past five years, and it seems we’re… [ Learn More ]
Amid growing expectations of rate cuts in 2025, sticking with a variable home loan rate can seem like a no-brainer. But not so fast. Locking in your home loan rate can also have upsides, including the potential for a lower rate right now. Home loans come in all shapes and sizes. A common thread is… [ Learn More ]
There’s much more to property in Australia than just houses or units. And if you’re in the market for a home or investment property, it helps to know your townhouses from terrace homes so that you can choose a place that’s suited to your goals and needs. Australians are blessed with choice when it comes… [ Learn More ]
The implementation of the new clearance certificate requirements for all Australian property sellers was primarily driven by the following reasons: 1. Ensuring Tax Compliance The main purpose of this change is to support the collection of tax liabilities owed by non-residents selling Australian property By requiring all sellers to obtain a clearance certificate, the Australian… [ Learn More ]
Attention NSW drivers! Want to clear your driving record without breaking a sweat? Transport for NSW is giving responsible drivers a sweet bonus. If you've kept a clean driving record from 17 January 2023 to 17 January 2024, you could have one demerit point magically wiped away .Quick Details: Applies to unrestricted license holders Check your… [ Learn More ]
Many mobile apps claim they need access to your location data in order to function properly. Some of them share or sell this data to location data brokers. These brokers compile data from various sources, piecing it together to form a detailed picture of user behaviours and movement patterns. They then sell this enriched data… [ Learn More ]
Gen Z faces several significant challenges in achieving homeownership: Affordability Crisis High property prices: Housing affordability is at its worst level in 30 years, with record-high house prices making it increasingly difficult for Gen Z to enter the market Deposit hurdle: The size of the initial deposit needed to secure a home loan is a… [ Learn More ]
The concept of the Australian Dream has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changing societal values, economic conditions, and demographic shifts. Here's how it has transformed: Traditional Australian Dream The traditional Australian Dream, which took hold in the prosperous decades following World War II, centered around: Owning a standalone house on a quarter-acre block Having a… [ Learn More ]
Thinking about refinancing? As interest rates rise, so do the hurdles you need to clear. Here’s why you might want to look at refinancing soon to avoid potentially missing out. When was the last time you refinanced? If the answer is “never”, or you can’t actually remember, there’s a good chance you’re paying a higher… [ Learn More ]
Property development stands out as the most profitable strategy in real estate, offering significant returns but also carrying inherent risks that need careful management. While renovations can add value, true property development begins with a two-lot subdivision, where one property is transformed into two, effectively creating new assets. There are many experts who can guide… [ Learn More ]
For self-employed or business applicants seeking finance, communication between their finance broker and accountant is crucial. In times of economic uncertainty, banks increasingly rely on accountants to explain the business health and future prospects of loan applicants. The Expertise Gap Credit assessors at financial institutions are rarely trained to be experts in reading financial statements.… [ Learn More ]
Let's explore the main types of housing and their advantages and disadvantages. Houses Houses dominate the Australian property market, accounting for 70% of private residences . They come in different forms: Detached houses: Freestanding residences Semi-detached houses: Share a common wall with a neighbouring home Terrace houses: Typically dating from the 19th and 20th century, often… [ Learn More ]
Consider engaging a buyers agent & getting home loan pre-approval Understanding Property Value: A Guide for Home Buyers Overpaying for a property can lead to: Higher loan repayments Stretched budgets Potential funding shortfalls if bank valuations come in low Determining Fair Market Value Professional Valuation Cost: $200-$600 Pros: Expert assessment Cons: Expensive, time-consuming DIY Research… [ Learn More ]
Chinese hackers have infiltrated over 260,000 internet-connected devices globally, including routers, firewalls, and smart gadgets, to create a botnet capable of launching cyberattacks. The operation mainly targeted North America and Europe, with more than 126,000 infected devices in the U.S. and 18.900 in Germany. These compromised devices have been organised into a botnet controlled by… [ Learn More ]
KYC is the process of verifying a customer's identity by collecting and validating their personal information and documents. It's crucial for businesses to ensure the authenticity of submitted documents and confirm the customer's identity Importance of KYC Mandatory for regulated companies in Australia Beneficial for unregulated companies to minimize financial crime risks Protects company reputation… [ Learn More ]
The purpose of a mortgage broker business is to act as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders in the process of obtaining a mortgage loan. Mortgage brokers are licensed professionals who help borrowers find the best mortgage loan options from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and private lenders. Mortgage brokers have access… [ Learn More ]
Are you considering property investing as a way to grow your wealth and create financial security? If so, read on... Investing in property can be a lucrative opportunity, but it's crucial to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can result in costly losses. To help you avoid these mistakes, I've put together five essential… [ Learn More ]
If you're thinking about refinancing your home loan, it's essential to act sooner rather than later, especially with the current trend of rising interest rates. If you have never refinanced before or can't recall when you last did, chances are you are paying a higher interest rate than necessary. The reason for this is that… [ Learn More ]
Three financial New Year's resolutions to tackle 2025 head-on: Schedule a home loan health check Don't let your mortgage cost you more than necessary. With average borrowers paying nearly $6,000 extra in interest for not refinancing in the past year, it's crucial to review your home loan7. Contact a mortgage broker to assess if your… [ Learn More ]
Inheritances can be a bittersweet part of life. But an inheritance alone won’t always cut it when applying for a home loan. Having genuine savings can help show lenders you’ve got what it takes to meet mortgage repayments. With many older Australians having accumulated a decent amount of wealth throughout their years, it’s not uncommon… [ Learn More ]
As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, we extend our warmest gratitude to our valued clients for your unwavering trust and support throughout the past year. 2024 presented its share of challenges, with elusive rate cuts and persistent inflation making it a tougher year than many anticipated. Despite these hurdles, your resilience has… [ Learn More ]
As we approach the summer break of 2024-2025, it's an opportune time for homeowners to consider refinancing their mortgages. Recent data suggests that exploring refinancing options could lead to significant savings, especially for those who haven't reviewed their home loans since interest rates began rising. Current Refinancing Landscape Over 28,000 Australian homeowners refinanced their home… [ Learn More ]
We’ve seen interest rates bounce back up over the past three months, and most economists are predicting more increases to come. If you’re starting to worry about your finances, rest assured there are several steps you can take now to get on the front foot. The days of ultra-low interest rates are officially over (it… [ Learn More ]
As we are at the end of 2024, the Australian property market has shown varied performance across different regions. Here's a summary of how property prices fared in 2024 and what's expected for 2025: 2024 Performance National home values increased by 5.5% over the year November 2024 saw a modest 0.1% rise in home values… [ Learn More ]
