Hunter Family Wealth in Maitland, New South Wales | Financial planner

Hunter Family Wealth

Locality: Maitland, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4934 4656

Address: 42A Church Street 2320 Maitland, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.hunterfamilywealth.com.au/

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25.01.2022 Pros and cons of a reverse mortgage A reverse mortgage allows a home owner aged over 62 to borrow against their home’s equity while still maintaining ownership of the home. You can receive a lump sum or regular payments, and the loan is due to be repaid when you die, sell the residence or move permanently from the residence. The amount of the loan will depend on the value of your home, current interest rates and your age the older you are, the more you will be entitled to b...orrow. So what are the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage? And what factors do you need to take into account if you are considering this option? PRO A great source of retirement income Your home is your largest personal asset, and you can channel this asset through regular payments. If you are on a small fixed income through your pension, it can make sense to release some additional income through this asset. CON Value of your property is reduced As these payments are being made from the equity in your home, so you gradually lose equity in the property. This means that your heirs will inherit a property of reduced value when you die. Alternately, if you need to sell the home to move elsewhere (such as into an aged care facility) you will need to repay the loan while still having enough equity to fund your next home. PRO No monthly mortgage repayments While you are living in the home you are only required to pay the costs of taxes and property maintenance. CON High fees Fees are usually higher than a traditional mortgage, further reducing the equity in your home. PRO You can continue living in the property and leave it to your heirs One of the myths about the reverse mortgage is that you can be evicted from the property if the loan exceeds the property value. This is not correct. You can live in the home for as long as you wish and still leave the home to your heirs but they become responsible for repaying the loan balance, either by refinancing through a traditional mortgage or selling the home. CON The loan is due when a maturity event occurs Maturity events include the death of the last surviving borrower, or when the home is no longer your principal residence or you vacate the property for more than 12 months. It will also become due if you fail to maintain the property or fail to pay the relevant taxes or insurance. This means that the loan could become due during a crisis time for your family when you actually need financial resources rather than having to confront a huge loan repayment. While a reverse mortgage can be a fantastic option for some retirees, it is not for everybody and you should never embark on this type of financial commitment without independent advice. Contact us today if you wish to discuss whether a reverse mortgage is the right option for you.

25.01.2022 Looking to invest in property to create wealth, security & freedom? Sometimes you need to be creative to find the right solution! Private message me to set up a meeting to explore your options. (we'll cover your borrowing capacity, loan structuring, property options, repayment options, rates etc)

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23.01.2022 Which is the right home loan for you? There are a bewildering variety of home loans available, and it can be confusing to figure out which type of home loan is the best for your circumstances. However, when you know the pros and cons of each type of loan, you can make a decision that will fit best with your financial situation. Fixed rate home loan...Continue reading

22.01.2022 What is a split home loan? It's simply dividing your home loan into two or more loans. For example, let's say you have a $200,000 home loan. You could divide your loan into one portion being $150,000 and the other $50,000.... Why would you do that? It can protect you against rate fluctuations if you, as per in this example, say fix the $150,000 for three years and keep the other $50,000 portion variable with a 100% offset account. Simple strategies like this can give you security in the home loan market whilst at the same time keeping the flexibility of making extra repayments and redraw with the variable portion. There are a lot of different options with split loans and every situation is different depending on the clients needs. Click the 'Message' button above if you'd like a professional take on your situation to see if a split loan would be appropriate for you.

22.01.2022 What’s the best time to purchase a second property? You are established in your home and ready to dabble in some investments, yet you are a little daunted by the responsibility of owning two properties. How do you know when conditions are right for you to purchase a second property? If you are like most one-property owners, you might visualize a few obstacles preventing you from purchasing a second property. So let’s look at some of these obstacles and see if there is a way ...around them. Don’t let market conditions dictate your decision Many buyers find themselves in limbo waiting until interest rates and housing prices are just right. While this is a positive opportunity to continue saving and build equity in your existing property, it can also be counter-productive if the ideal conditions never eventuate. Property investment is about long term capital growth, and you can only start that growth process once you make the purchase. An alternative to paying off existing property Property owners can also be inhibited from buying a second property because they are focused on paying off their existing home first. However, if you are looking at your property portfolio from the investment perspective, it is worth calculating your options here, as a second property can considerably increase your overall equity. While paying off your first home first may seem like the more secure option, investing that money into a second property can be more profitable, thereby increasing your financial security. Your own financial situation Ultimately, the best time to purchase your next property is when you are financially capable of managing a second mortgage. Ideally, you should have at least a 10% deposit available (plus closing costs), through cash or equity or a combination of both, with additional capital to cover any rise in interest rates, emergency maintenance or loss of income in between tenants. Talk to your mortgage broker to assess your options, so you know how to make best use of your equity, what sort of loan you can apply for, and how much the repayments should be to fit your budget and achieve your investment goals. A property with profit potential Besides capital, the other factor that signals the best time to buy is when you find a property within your budget with high and safe returns. Look for a property with great rental potential for its area, so you can be confident of a regular rental income. Property investment is never an impulsive decision it will take intensive research and budget calculation to find the property that covers all your bases. When you find that property and have the capital to cover your investment expenses, then you have narrowed down the right time to purchase your second property. Contact us today if you need advice or assistance in expanding your property portfolio.

17.01.2022 Simple strategies to pay off your home loan sooner Of course you want to pay off your home loan as efficiently as possible to build equity in your home and avoid excess interest payments. Yet you don’t want to sacrifice your quality of life for the sake of making crippling mortgage payments each month. There are some simple strategies to help you pay off your home loan faster, without becoming too stressed about a tight budget. ... Place any lump sum payments into your mortgage account If you receive an annual bonus or a healthy tax return, place the extra money into your mortgage account. These lump sum payments can drastically reduce your loan term. Pay the same amount when interest rates drop Don’t let your bank reduce your regular mortgage payment when the interest rate drops continue paying the same amount, and this will reduce the interest, eventually cutting down your loan term. Offset your loans with a savings account pay wages into offset As your savings account earns interest, this amount is subtracted from the interest payable in your loan. When you reduce the amount of interest you need to pay, you can cut down on the length of your term. Shop around for a better rate Always stay alert for a better rate or a loan more suited to your requirements. You can delegate this task to a mortgage broker who will let you know if another lender can offer you a better rate or who can negotiate on your behalf with your current lender to improve the terms of your loan. Increase your repayment frequency Simply by making payments fortnightly instead of monthly, you will be making one extra payment a year. Again, this cuts down on the interest you need to pay, shortening the length of your loan term. Avoid additional debt While you are working hard to reduce the amount of interest you are paying on your home loan, you don’t need to accrue additional interest payments through credit cards and car loans. Minimize your debts so you can concentrate on paying off your home loan, as this is the asset which will appreciate in value. Examine your budget Have a close look at your weekly or fortnightly budget and see if you can cut down costs anywhere in order to make a small increase on your loan repayments. You could save $50 to $100 a week through simple strategies such as grocery shopping once instead of twice a week or cutting down on takeaway meals or having a no spend day once a week. That small amount of extra cash can be diverted into your mortgage payment, where it will add up to huge savings in the long term. Contact us today if you need expert assistance in finding simple yet effective ways to reduce the length of your home loan.

17.01.2022 Looking to get approved for a home loan? But ... Started a new job? Short term casual employment? Commission Income? Bonus income?... No problem... we know which lenders will approve you! Message me now to give you a professional take on your situation.

16.01.2022 Why you should choose a mortgage broker over a bank For most people looking for a home loan, the choice is simple just head to the nearest bank and see what is available. On the surface, this seems like convenient and straightforward option, so why look for a mortgage broker when the bank is right there on the main street? Here are three things a mortgage broker will offer you that your bank won’t: ... 1. Choice When you visit your bank manager to talk about a bank loan, the manager is going to offer you their latest products. The manager isn’t going to tell you that a rival bank has an offer more closely streamlined to your circumstances. And a year down the track, the manager won’t reward your loyalty by suggesting a new option tailored to your current circumstances. However, your mortgage broker has access to products from countless banks and lenders, so they will find the one that is most suited to your requirements. When your circumstances change, as you pay off your loan, your broker can suggest a different package. 2. Specialized assistance Bank employees are in the business of promoting the bank’s services which includes securing your loan. Every lender has their own method for approving or declining a bank loan, and you can waste a great deal of time trying to provide the correct application. Your broker already has an inside knowledge of how each bank assesses an application, so you have a better chance of being approved first time around. Your broker can also negotiate with the bank for policy exceptions to tailor the package to your individual specifications. You can also choose a broker who specializes in your particular loan requirements. For example, if you are purchasing a property investment, you will need a broker who understands all the financial issues of that type of loan. 3. Administrative support The mortgage broker will manage all the paperwork on your behalf and follow up with the lender, keeping you updated on the progress of the application. This saves you time and a great deal of stress, while providing you with one point of contact throughout the business of securing the loan. Ultimately, your mortgage broker is saving you both time and money by simplifying the loan application process and ensuring that you find the loan package most suited to the size of your deposit and your ability to make repayments. Contact us today if you want personalized advice about how to complete the loan application process and find the right loan package for your needs.

16.01.2022 What is a repayment holiday? Exactly that... a period of time where you don't make any repayments on your home loan. Usually it's a time when your financial situation changes... for example maternity leave, and therefore there is a period of reduced income.... Of course there can be other reasons too.. such as redundancies, illness etc... In any of those cases... rather than falling behind on your repayments, it's critical that you speak with your bank or broker to get some early advice to make sure you work with your lender to find an appropriate solution. Feel free to click the 'message' button if you need any information around taking a break from your home loan repayments.

14.01.2022 Would you like to shave 10 years off your mortgage? How much interest could this save you? It’s not rocket science, it’s simply a matter of making more repayments more often and making sure you’ve got the best mortgage for your situation. Of the millions of homeowners, only some are getting out from under mortgage payments years, sometimes decades, before their neighbours. How?...Continue reading

12.01.2022 Questions to ask your mortgage broker When you are going through the home loan and mortgage application process, your mortgage broker can help navigate you through all the paperwork and different loan options to find the right loan for you. While the process might seem overwhelming, you might not know which questions to ask. When you ask your mortgage broker the following questions, you will have a better grasp of why your broker selected this loan as the best fit for your ...circumstances. You also need to be confident that you feel this is the best loan for your circumstances, and if you have any concerns you can discuss these with your broker before signing on the dotted line. Do you have a license? A mortgage broker is required to have a current license in order to practice in the finance market, and this license should be displayed on their web page or in the office. Without a valid license, your mortgage broker is not qualified to give you advice on your mortgage. What can you offer me that the bank can’t offer? Amazingly, not all brokers have an answer to this! A good broker will explain their services thoroughly and these services should include finding the right loan package for you, then setting up the loan on your behalf. Their services should save you the time and stress of comparing loan packages for yourself and then organizing the loan directly. Which lenders are on your list? A good broker will have access to a wide range of lenders, from the largest established banks to the smaller lenders. The broker should also be experienced in interacting with all these lenders, so they know how each one determines a loan application and how long they take to give loan approval. With this experience and background, the broker will be able to give you accurate updates about the progress of your loan application. How do you determine that this loan is the most suitable for my needs? Your mortgage broker is legally obligated to find a home loan that is suited to your circumstances. Ask your broker to explain the thought process so you understand how they felt the features, rates and fees were right for your circumstances. For example, if you want the freedom to make overpayments on your loan, you need to ensure that your mortgage broker has chosen a loan that allows this without a penalty admin fee. How long will it take to process the loan? As mentioned above, different lenders have different procedures for processing loans, and some will take longer than others. Your mortgage broker should know how long it will take to process your loan application so you can work with a realistic timeframe while house-hunting. You don’t want the right house to slip through your fingers because your loan wasn’t approved on time! Contact us today if you are looking for expert guidance or advice on how to find the right home loan for you, whether it is for your existing property or your next purchase.

12.01.2022 Comparing commercial and residential property investment If you are looking for a sound real estate investment, look beyond the typical two bedroom apartment and consider expanding your portfolio with a commercial property. There are three types of commercial property office, retail and industrial. There are some significant differences between investing in commercial and residential real estate, each with a potential positive or negative impact on your investment. ...Continue reading

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05.01.2022 How to narrow down what you want in a home Before you can find the perfect home, you need to know exactly what you are looking for and as you may come across desirable homes that include only a few of the features on your list, you need to know which features are the most important to you. As a further complication, you will generally be working on this list with your spouse or partner, who may have different priorities to you! So how do you work out what you are looking ...Continue reading

03.01.2022 Myths about mortgage brokers Wary about engaging a mortgage broker to see you through the loan application process? There are numerous myths about mortgage brokers that have put people off using their services. Here we debunk some of the more common myths so you can see how a mortgage broker can help you secure the best possible loan for your next property purchase. 1. Mortgage brokers are aligned with one particular lender...Continue reading

03.01.2022 How to choose the best home loan for you Taking out a home loan is a huge financial commitment and it is particularly important to choose a loan that suits your needs, so you can make repayments on your terms without worrying about hidden fees or excessive interest. Yet it can be bewildering to navigate all the different loan options available and pinpoint the loan that is best for you. It is important to keep in mind that lenders are determined to minimize their risk so for... every benefit they offer to make the loan seem enticing, there is always another fact protecting their investment. So you need to look at the loan package as a whole rather than being drawn to one particular feature. Choose the right structure for your circumstances You need to consider your financial needs and your plans for the property as you want the loan’s features to cater to your circumstances. For example, you will require different features and flexibility from your loan if the property is to be a family home rather than an investment, your first home or second home, or if you are planning to renovate. You also want a loan that is compatible with the size of deposit you can afford. Most lenders will only agree to lend 80% of the value of the property unless you agree to pay lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) which can be expensive. Additional payments without fees One key feature to look out for is the ability to make additional payments at no extra cost. This enables you to make faster progress on your mortgage, and gives you the flexibility to pay more if you happen to have extra funds, such as an annual bonus from work. A home loan that penalizes you for making extra payments is apt to be more costly in the long term. Flexibility to adjust interest rate It is also useful to know that you can adjust your interest rate or split your loan at no extra cost if your situation or the market changes. You don’t want to be penalized financially for seeking out a more suitable loan structure. Communication Ultimately, you need strong communication and a trustworthy relationship with your lender to ensure your home loan matches your needs, and that you can change your options as your circumstances change. Alternately, you can discuss your loan requirements with a mortgage broker who will stay one step ahead of the market and help you find the home loan that is the best fit for you. Contact us today if you need assistance in finding the right home loan for your property.

03.01.2022 Like to know how much you can borrow? Message me today to get your free borrowing capacity report!

02.01.2022 Is this your bank? Then it's time to take advantage of our Free Loan Comparison Service. Some clients discovered saving $300+ per month by switching to a better deal. Private message me today to see how much you could save by switching.

02.01.2022 Upgrading Your Home Before Selling? Most people have walked through beautiful model homes and wished their own home had all those modern features. Model homes showcase the latest in upgrades and decorating styles. When we get home all we can see is the tile in our bathrooms and yesterday’s details in our kitchens. These things can become overwhelming if we are considering a home sale in the near future. Can I even sell my house with granite countertops anymore?... Before you grab the sledge hammer and plan a DIY weekend of expanding your family room, take a breath. Your home doesn’t need to be the latest and greatest to fetch top dollar in the resale market. As you evaluate making changes to your home prior to listing it for sale, the first thing you should do is talk with your real estate agent. They have market experience which allows them to speak with you about how your home compares to others in your area. They work with buyers and sellers every day and know what features and upgrades are top sellersand which don’t matter at all. While the urban modern home in the magazine looks great, changing the details in your country house into industrial loft style is not an improvement. Some improvements do translate to better sales price in every case. Outdated wallpaper, dirty and worn carpet and dark rooms can always use improvement. New or cleaned carpet and a fresh coat of paint, coupled with light bright lighting, will really showcase the best features of your home. Each neighbourhood is different. As you work with your agent, you might find that there are upgrades which will net you a significantly higher sales price. For instance, if you are located in a high end, luxury neighborhood, those buyers expect updated kitchens and bathrooms and you might want to put some money into those rooms to market your home in the top end of the market. But again, talk with your agent before you guess. You don’t want to spend thousands of dollars in upgrades that your buyers don’t care aboutor worse. don’t want.

01.01.2022 5 Ways To Tell If You Found The Right House You’ve seen a lot of homes lately. You have been out every weekend searching for the right home for you. At this point, you might not be sure it’s even out there, or if it is, you might not find it. Then you drive up to a home that gives you hope. At this point, however, how can you tell if it is the right house for you? Here are 5 sure signs that you’ve found the right house:... 1. You feel excited. Just as your first love might have given you knots in your stomach, the right home could as well. You start to imagine a life in the home and it’s exciting. 2. You overlook the flaws. You are realistically seeing the negative aspects of the home and are willing to overlook them. Maybe you wanted a view and this home doesn’t have one. But the beautiful kitchen remodel and spacious landscaped yard make up for that. 3. It doesn’t have your deal breakers. You should never compromise on the real deal breakers in your criteria. That might be tempting if the master bathroom is perfect, but if you have to have 4 bedrooms and this is really just a 3 bedroom, you’ll regret buying the home. 4. It fits your overall criteria. The home is located in the school district, city or neighbourhood you want. The larger lifestyle aspects line up with the home. 5. You can afford it. So important! There is no reason to go see homes you truly can’t afford, but it happens. The right home is in your budget. Of course there are many more aspects which goes into knowing if the home is the right home for you and your family. One of the best ways to know you’ve found the right home is how badly you want the house. Once you’ve left the showing have you compared all other houses to this one? Do you talk about it, think about it? Can you imagine yourself in the home? If so, you’ve found the right one. So if you’ve found the right home, write that offer! Don’t let it get away!

01.01.2022 Top tips for young property investors It is possible for people to launch into the property investment market in their early twenties in fact, this is a great time to start, when you are first launching into your career and don’t yet have any other financial responsibilities such as a family to support. However, buying an investment property can never be an impulse decision it takes self-discipline and applied knowledge to start building a profitable investment propert...y portfolio. Set a budget and save The first step of course is to start saving for your first deposit, which is usually at least 20% of the purchase price (can be lower, check with your broker). You will need to be focused and realistic, and quite single minded in order to save a sufficient amount. Your best option is to set a budget and create a clear financial plan that will help you remain focused and prepared once you do buy your first property. Think long term While some of your peers will be looking into short term gratification visiting pubs and night clubs, booking overseas holidays or buying a new car - you need to establish a mind-set that focuses on the long term rewards of building your investment portfolio. Learn from the experts While you are saving your deposit, take this time to educate yourself about the property investment market and the best type of property for your first investment. Read articles about property investment and monitor the real estate section of your local newspaper, so you can build a vision of an affordable and profitable investment property. Consult local agents and mortgage brokers as soon as possible so they can offer their insight into the market. Seek advice from a professional accountant, who can oversee your savings plan and advise you on your first home loan. Consider a family guarantee If you have the option, you could ask a family member to act as guarantor of your bank loan. The guarantor allows the equity in their property to act as additional security for your home loan. This strategy could potentially reduce the amount of deposit you need to save. You can split the loan into two portions, so your guarantor is only guaranteeing one portion of the loan. That way, you can pay off that portion first, so you can release your guarantor from the agreement as soon as possible. Invest, don’t gamble Gambling is a game of chance where you can hope to win big but you are perhaps more likely to lose it all. Investment is based on knowledge and experience, so you make decisions that will be profitable in the long term. Learn everything you can about the property and the market, so you can make objective, beneficial decisions.

01.01.2022 "Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about."