News

Are auction clearance rates likely to fall if more properties come onto the market?

There’s been a lot of conjecture recently about whether auction clearance rates are an accurate indicator of near-term upward momentum in dwelling prices. Some market watchers are hesitant to call a trend, citing “low” auction volumes. The theory goes that as auction volumes increase, clearance rates might dip lower (as supply outstrips demand). “We think […]

Official Rates reduced by 0.25% to 0.75%. A new record

The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut rates to a record low 0.75 per cent following persistent weakness in the labour market.  RBA governor Philip Lowe has repeatedly flagged concerns over excess slack in Australia’s labour force, which has worsened in recent months despite employment generally ticking upwards. Growing numbers of women and older Australians […]

Buy Now Pay Later – the hidden danger potentially stopping you from owning your own home

The Buy Now Pay Later sector is winning-over the youth demographic with the promise of instant gratification, but leading mortgage brokers are warning that with every sugar-high comes the risk of a corresponding low. ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ providers such as AfterPay and Zip Pay have experienced massive growth in popularity, with the number of […]

RBA keeps interest rates on hold at 1pc

The Reserve Bank has taken a breather from cutting interest rates, leaving its official cash rate at the historic low of 1 per cent. Having cut rates at its June and July meetings, the market had largely anticipated the decision. However, it may just be a pause with expectations of a cut next month hovering […]

5 Myths (and 5 Truths) About Selling Your Home

1. I need to redo my kitchen and bathroom before selling Truth: While kitchens and bathrooms can increase the value of a home, you won’t get a large return on investment if you do a major renovation just before selling. Minor renovations, on the other hand, may help you sell your home for a higher […]

RBA keeps interest rates on hold at 1%

The Reserve Bank has taken a breather from cutting interest rates, leaving its official cash rate at the historic low of 1 per cent. Having cut rates at its June and July meetings, the market had largely anticipated the decision. However, it may just be a pause with expectations of a cut next month hovering […]

Questions to consider before furnishing your investment property

Any savvy property investor with a strong, thought out strategy for wealth creation will tell you that maximising rental returns is essential to success. After all, you rely on the cash flow from your portfolio as an income stream to help pay your mortgage, maintain your investment or save money for a potential holiday. One thing […]

The Upside of Being Pre-Approved

If you’re house hunting, chances are you’ve got every new property listing alert set up to reach your inbox the second it’s listed. You’re probably chasing agents and spending your weekends running from opening to opening. It’s an exciting experience but can be daunting. After all, buying a house is one of the largest investments […]

Reserve Bank cuts cash rate to record low of 1 per cent

The Reserve Bank (RBA) has slashed official interest rates again – the first time in 11 years it has cut in consecutive months – in another attempt to revive the sluggish economy. The RBA cut the official cash rate from 1.50 per cent to 1.25 per cent at its June meeting, and despite expectations it […]

Bridging Loans

Finance to buy your new home before the old one is sold Many, if not most, homeowners find their new dream home before they are able to sell their current one. Unfortunately, finding that home and finding the funds to purchase it are two very different things. In a perfect scenario, we would all be […]

Interest Rate cut to an all-time low of 1.25%

The Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate for the first time since August 2016. This is what the new record low means for you. The historic move was announced by RBA governor Phillip Lowe this afternoon, ending weeks of frenzied speculation. The announcement means the cash rate will be slashed by 25 basis […]

How Your Credit Score May Affect Your Loan Application

When you’re making big financial decisions, such as applying for a personal loan or even simply switching telco providers, it’s important to understand the impact your credit score has and how it’s in turn affected. Creditors and lenders sneak a peek at your credit score and credit report before they approve (or sometimes deny) your […]

The upsides and downsides of home loan debt consolidation

All your debts in one basket – Why home loan debt consolidation could be the right move. A lot of small debts can balloon into one big headache. A simple way to get things under control could be to refinance your home loan to consolidate debt. So – is it right for you? What it […]

No Change! RBA keeps the rate the same

While economists have been divided on whether a cash rate cut was to be expected this afternoon, the odds for an alteration ahead of today’s meeting were the highest they’ve been since the rate last moved in August 2016.  However, the Reserve Bank of Australia has announced that the rate will remain on hold at […]