Lower interest rates and APRA’s easing of home loan rules is great news for buyers Following nearly three years of the official cash rate holding firm, the RBA delivered two consecutive cuts in June and July this year. The two 25 basis point cuts put the cash rate at a record low of just 1 per cent. There is now speculation and the futures market are indicating that further cuts of up to another 75 basis points could occur by the middle of 2020. While the interest rate cuts may not be passed on completely by the banks, we can […]

Need finance to cover cash flow gaps in your business, finance growth or expansion, or invest in extra working capital? Keen to start a new business but need a financial leg-up to make it happen? Securing a business loan can be an excellent way to get one step closer to achieving your business goals, but you need to be well-prepared. Here are our top 5 tips for getting a business loan.   Have a business plan Improve your chances of being approved for a loan with a solid business plan. This should outline your product or service offering, the problem/s […]

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably heard of the idea of ‘refinancing’ your mortgage. Essentially, refinancing means securing a new home loan that repays and replaces your existing one.   You may consider refinancing your mortgage to lock in a lower interest rate or take advantage of better loan terms or features such as a redraw facility or flexible rates. You may want to access home equity to invest in properties, shares or a managed fund. Or you may be looking to consolidate debt into a single payment.   Refinancing can be an excellent option for many homeowners, it’s not […]

With Melbourne property prices the second highest in Australia, many of us are investing interstate to get our foot on the property ladder. And while this can be an excellent way to access more affordable property with a strong return, it comes with its fair share of challenges. So if you’re looking at buying property interstate, consider these tips first: 1. Do your research Thorough research is vital to any smart property investment. That’s especially true when you’re buying in an area in which you’re unfamiliar. Start with a broad search of Australian real estate markets. Look at trusted sites […]

Buying an investment property can be an excellent way to grow your long-term wealth. It can also offer some welcome tax benefits. But as with any investment, buying real estate comes with its fair share of risk. That’s why we’ve put together our top 10 tips for setting yourself up for property investment success.   Know your budget   Calculate how much you can afford to borrow before starting your property search. Besides fortnightly or monthly mortgage repayments, consider upfront costs including stamp duty, legal costs and immediate property improvements. And any ongoing expenses such as property maintenance, rates, utilities, […]

In today’s competitive and ever changing mortgage market, its pays to review your home loan regularly to work out if you’re getting the best deal for your needs. And with Australia’s recent interest rate hikes, now is a good time to assess whether to stick with your existing mortgage or refinance. Here we look at 5 reasons why refinancing your mortgage could be the way to go. 1. Pay a lower interest rate Locking in a lower interest rate is why many people opt to refinance their mortgage. And with so many lenders and products to choose from, there’s a […]