Seller expectations are high but buyers want low prices – what’s to be done? Two real estate agents detail how to negotiate in a declining housing market. After years of rapidly rising house prices, the recent slowdown took many people by surprise – not least those with a home to sell. “For a while we […]
Making the most of your money often requires common sense more than a commerce degree. Let’s take a look at five misconceptions about money that could be holding you back from greater financial freedom. 1) I DON’T EARN ENOUGH TO SAVE A lack of savings generally has less to do with how much you earn […]
Following its monthly board meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced that it has held the official cash rate at 1.5 per cent. All 31 economists surveyed predicted the RBA’s verdict, citing uncertainty in domestic and foreign markets. Over 90 per cent of brokers surveyed also predicted a rate hold. Prior to the RBA’s […]
Understanding your borrowing capacity First of all, it’s important to understand how much you can realistically afford to borrow for a home loan. Consider Reviewing your income, expenses, other financial commitments, potential loan details and number of dependents to get an understanding of how much you can afford to borrow. Remember, what you can save […]
Have you ever heard the expression, ‘no friends in business’? It’s an oldie but a goodie. This is the attitude you should bring when considering buying property with a friend. Many good friendships have gone under the bus, and lots of people have taken a bullet to their credit rating by not giving this decision […]
Increases over the last week by the likes of Westpac and Suncorp were a factor in the RBA’s decision to leave official rates on hold for yet another month at 1.5 per cent. It marks the longest ever run of interest rate stability in Australia, with the last movement (a cut) happening back in August […]
Because selling your home in record time takes some elbow grease. How far should you go when presenting your home for sale? Do you really have to get rid of all your family photos? Who has the time to bake a fresh batch of cookies in time for every open house? There are some things […]
The Reserve Bank of Australia has held the cash rate at its historic low of 1.5% for the 24th consecutive month. It is the longest period of interest rate stability on record. The Bank’s central forecast for the Australian economy also remains unchanged with GDP growth expected to average a little over 3% in 2018 […]
Unsure about whether to lock down your interest rate for a period with a fixed rate home loan, or take your chances with a variable rate home loan? It’s a decision everyone faces – from first-home buyers right through to investors – at various points in a loan’s life.
So, you’re thinking about upgrading your home. Maybe your kids are getting older now and it’s time to find a place with a big backyard. Most new home owners will make the decision to upgrade before long – but for many young families, a lack of planning can spell disaster when upsizing the family home. […]