Red Earth Finance in Redland Bay, Queensland, Australia | Mortgage brokers

Red Earth Finance

Locality: Redland Bay, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 1800 717 547

Address: 20 Watervale Drive 4165 Redland Bay, QLD, Australia

Website: https://www.redearthfinance.com.au

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25.01.2022 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 dont 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, dont 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.

25.01.2022 Whats 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 lets look at some of these obstacles and see if there is a way ...around them. Dont 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.

24.01.2022 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 wont: ... 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 isnt 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 wont 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 banks 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.

23.01.2022 The hazards of applying to multiple lenders Its natural that when you are researching something as important as a home loan, you should do as much research and comparison shopping as possible. However, if you apply for a mortgage through several lenders at once, your vigilance could backfire. How multiple applications impact your credit score...Continue reading

23.01.2022 When is an interest-only investment loan the right choice? Investing in property can be a financial juggling act. There’s the initial outlay, repayments, fees, insurances and midnight calls from tenants with flooded apartments. Interest-only investment loans are one-way landlords are keeping costs down. ...Continue reading

23.01.2022 Did you know that you can obtain a home loan even though you are in a probation period with your work?

22.01.2022 Did you know if a home loan interest rate varies by 0.5% (on a $350K loan), thats a saving of $41,875.00 over the life of the loan? My free loan comparison service tells you how much you could save! Message me for a free check up today! PM me...

22.01.2022 => Top ten tips for first home buyers It is a long journey from saving up the first deposit to actually owning your own home, but it is certainly a rewarding one! Your first property is an important financial and emotional investment into your future, so you want to make the most of every opportunity to make your dream home a reality. 1. Start budgeting like a home owner...Continue reading

21.01.2022 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

21.01.2022 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

21.01.2022 Quick tips for working out a propertys market value When you are searching for the perfect property, it can be challenging to work out exactly how much you should be paying. Rather than relying completely on the word of others, you can develop your own strategy for valuing a property, so you have a better independent idea of how much it is really worth. 1. Make a comparison search... Property sales are in the public domain, so you can research your chosen area and make a list of five comparable properties that have sold within the last six months. To ensure the properties are comparable, make sure they are within a kilometre of your target property, and that they have similar features, such as the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms and car spaces, and a similar land size. Also make a note if any property has additional features such as a pool, or whether it is more conveniently located in relation to amenities such as schools and transport. Do not include properties that have not yet sold, as the advertised price is not a true indication of how it will sell. 2. Rank your list Once you have a short list of comparable properties including the one you are planning to sell or buy, rank each property in order from Most Desirable to Least Desirable. Try to be objective in this exercise, looking at the land size and location, rather than whether you prefer one garden to another. Proximity to schools is a plus if you are valuing a three or four bedroom home, but less of a concern for a one or two bedroom home. Buyers tend to be drawn to properties with newly renovated kitchens and bathrooms, so keep this in mind when ranking your properties. Your ranking from most to least desirable might not tally with the ranking from most to least expensive this will give you an idea of what features are important to people buying into the area. 3. Adjust for market movements Now you have placed your target property within a list of five comparable properties so you can see where it stands in the price range between the most expensive and least expensive properties. However, the market may have shifted within the last six months from hot to cold or back again, since the first property was sold, so you will need to adjust for current market conditions. Once you have adjusted, you should have a clear idea of how much your target property is currently worth, based on its place in your ranking list. 4. Check your figures You can back up your research by checking the median house price for the suburb in question. The Domain real estate website will also show the discounting percentage for a specific area, which is the average discount below the agreed listing price. For example if a house listed at $1 million sold for $900,000, then the discounting percentage is 10%. Contact us today if you need assistance assessing the value of a particular property.

19.01.2022 Pros and cons of Guarantor Home Loans As it becomes more and more difficult to break into the housing market, many families are considering the option of a guarantor home loan generally used when parents provide their house as guarantee for a childs loan. Basically, if you havent succeeded in saving enough for a deposit, another property can be used as equity in order to secure the loan. This is a serious financial step and not one to be taken lightly, so lets look at t...he pros and cons of making this decision for your family. The pros Enter the property market sooner. If you are impatient to be in your own home, or if you are confident that your financial situation will become healthier further down the line, you only need a smaller deposit to have your loan approved. Avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance If your deposit is less than the 20% threshold, you are usually liable for lenders mortgage insurance as risk protection for your lender. However, when you have a guaranteed loan, the additional cost of this insurance could be reduced or waived. Access to lower interest rates The security of the guarantee will give you greater flexibility and choice when you are applying for a loan. With a smaller deposit, you could only secure a loan with high interest, making it even more difficult to make any progress on repayments. However, some lenders will not approve interest only repayments for a guaranteed loan, as you need to pay off the principal to remove the guarantee. A temporary measure Once you have repaid a certain amount, you will have enough equity to remove the guarantee so your guarantor is no longer liable for your loan. The cons High risk to the guarantor. There is one primary con to the guarantee home loan. If you default on your repayments, your guarantor is liable for the portion of the loan they have guaranteed. This means their own home is at risk. Your mortgage broker can help you calculate your repayments in advance, so you can be confident that you will be able to stay on top of the loan. You can also take the precaution of only using the guarantor for a portion of the loan, so you can free your guarantor from responsibility as soon as that portion is repaid. A guaranteed loan can be a great way to help a younger family member embark on the journey towards home ownership. However there are significant risks involved, so this option should not be undertaken lightly, and you should always seek independent financial advice. If you would like to know more about whether a guaranteed loan is the right option for your family, contact us today for a free consultation.

19.01.2022 Dont let this happen to you! Get a broker to find the right loan & get approved. Message me to give you a professional take on your situation.

18.01.2022 What happens when your fixed rate expires? Do you know when your fixed rate term is coming to an end? Once it finishes, the bank is free to quietly switch you to a higher interest rate unless you act fast! Think of how costly it could be if you simply let the bank choose your interest rate. If your bank charges you just 0.5% more than the competitive interest rates, this adds up to a significant amount over the term of your loan. You can save yourself a great deal of money... and perhaps even cut years of your loan, if you are proactive about monitoring your interest rates and choosing the right option for you. Switching to a variable rate A variable rate can be a great option if you want to take advantage of low interest rates, or if you want the flexibility to redraw or make extra payments. When your fixed rate term expires, the bank will automatically switch your loan to the Bank Standard Variable Rate (BSVR). Do some research to find out whether this is a competitive rate; if not, you can talk to your bank and try negotiating a better deal. And if they do not offer you a competitive rate, you can switch lenders. Lenders generally prefer to negotiate rather than lose a customer, while they dont generally make their best offers to customers with a proven history of loyalty. So when it comes to your interest rate, stay alert and ask questions keep your lender busy, trying to keep you happy! Extend your fixed rate One option is to ask the bank to refix your home loan, extending it for another one, three, five to ten years. The fixed rate is a good option for you, if you are planning to pay off your loan steadily over a long period of time, and you want each mortgage payment to be a regular amount so you can budget your money precisely. Fixed rate protects you from rate rises and you could be paying less than the variable rate. However, there is also the risk that you could end up paying higher than the market rate if you are locked into an outdated fixed interest term. There may also be a break fee if you change or pay off your loan within the fixed period; this means the fixed rate is not a good option for anyone planning to sell their home. Call us today if you need assistance pinpointing the best and most competitive option for you.

18.01.2022 Like to know how much you can borrow? Message me today to get your free borrowing capacity report!

17.01.2022 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. (well cover your borrowing capacity, loan structuring, property options, repayment options, rates etc)

16.01.2022 Aint that the truth...

15.01.2022 Why do banks and agents value your home differently? Have you ever wondered why your lender will give you one value for a house while the real estate agent has said something completely different? How do you know the real value of a property when everyone is giving different quotes? ... The difference in the two valuations is due to the lender and the agent assessing different aspects of the propertys value the lender is looking at how much to comfortably lend you in relation to the cost of the property, while the agent is looking for a sale price. Bank valuations vs market valuation The propertys market value is the estimated amount for which the property should fetch on the date of valuation, assuming a buyer and seller were to enter willingly into a sales transaction. The bank valuation is the amount that the lender is prepared to lend against the property. How is the bank valuation made? The bank or lender appoints a valuer to independently verify the value of the property. As the property is the asset providing security for the loan, the bank valuation generally tends to be more subjective and conservative, to protect the lender financially in case you cannot pay your mortgage and the property must be sold to cover your debt. While the bank valuation is based on extensive research into comparable properties, it will be lowered when the buyer is borrowing more this is a way for the bank to balance its risk. The banks valuer can potentially be held liable if the bank suffers financial loss, so they prefer to make a safer more conservative estimate. The valuer can also advise the bank to refuse the finance application if they believe the buyer has paid too much for the property. Not happy with the bank valuation? If you are dissatisfied with the bank valuation of your chosen property, you have two options request a reassessment of the valuation; or cancel your finance application and start again with another lender. The bank will only do a reassessment if you can provide evidence that comparable properties reflect a higher value than their valuation. You should also check that the market valuation reflects the true market price of a comparable property, as you may find that the seller has overpriced the property. You can hire an independent valuation company to make a market valuation of the property. How is the market appraisal made? The market opinion is assessed by a real estate agent, and establishes the asking price for the home. The agent has a different agenda than the banks representative they want to value the property to achieve the highest possible price in the sale. However, they do need to work realistically within the parameters of recent sales and real estate activity in the area. The vendor can receive valuations from several agents when deciding which agent to appoint to sell the property. Whether you are buying or selling, contact us today if you want independent advice about your property.

14.01.2022 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 with us 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. ook 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.

14.01.2022 Is your bank hiding their best rates from you? And if they were, how could you tell? Well, I'll let you in on a secret...... The single biggest mistake that costs home-owners thousands of dollars every single year is doing nothing. Hands down. This will punish you. Your bank will not reward you for your loyalty and for doing nothing. Quite the opposite in fact. You will be heavily punished relative to new customers to your bank who are getting juicy discounts. As reported in a study by the Reserve Bank of Australia in Feb-2020, the difference between interest rates for new loans and interest rates for existing loans increases with the age of the loan. Half of the loans reviewed in the study were more than 4 years old and these existing loans have an interest rate that is around .40% higher than new loans. This rises to around .60% if your loan is more than 8 years old. Doesn’t sound too bad I hear you say. But wait. Some quick math. Comparison website Finder reports that the average home loan balance in Australia is $408,987. That means the average loyal Australian home loan customer is overpaying by around $1,600 this year. If you’ve had your home loan for a while, you’re used to paying a certain amount each month, so you don’t give it much thought. You might have negotiated the best deal on the planet at the time you took your home loan out. Chances are though, that’s no longer the case. Don’t leave it to chance. We’ll check that and prepare a personalized Home Loan Comparison Report for you for FREE. Every customer we talk to about a new home loan tells us the exact same thing. They say that it’s the rate and the fees that are the thing that’s most important to them when picking a home loan. Fair enough. But when we’re talking with other people about their current home loan hardly anyone can tell us what rate they're currently being charged and how much their fees are. The banks know this and use it to their advantage. With rates at historic lows and lenders offering up to $4,000 cash back when you refinance, now is the time to do something. Drop us a message and get your personalized Home Loan Comparison Report for FREE.

13.01.2022 How to ensure your renovation will increase your house value There are two main benefits to renovating your property firstly, you can make it more comfortable and compatible for your lifestyle; and secondly, you can increase the value of your home. The challenge is to find the right balance between these two benefits if you invest too much into renovations, you risk reducing the amount of profit you would make when you sell. So how do you strike the balance and turn you...r renovation into profit? The 10% rule One handy rule of thumb is to ensure your renovation doesnt cost more than 10% of the propertys value. If you are planning an extensive renovation, do your research to make sure you are not over-capitalizing. If you are building a substantial extension on a family home, for example, you should regain the value through creating a home that suits your familys needs for a considerable period of time. Keep it simple and contained The renovations that increase the value of a home are generally in the kitchen and bathroom. A future buyer wants to know that these rooms are up-to-date with relatively new fixtures and fittings. The garden is another selling point as potential buyers will be attracted to a healthy, well maintained garden. Take your renovations slowly, step by step, finishing one room before starting on another. This way, you can keep track of costs and also ensure that your house remains liveable rather than turning into a chaotic mess that will be finished one day! Check for council approval Before you dive into any renovations, make sure you have council approval. As part of the process, ask your neighbours to check over your plans before you start work. You dont want the neighbours complaining that your renovation reduces the value or comfort of their home. Sometimes it just means repositioning a window that overlooks the neighbours yard, in order to keep everyone happy. Consider your financing Depending on your financial position, you could use your equity to finance the renovations, a combination of equity and savings, or you could take out a construction loan. In order to access the equity on your home loan, you need to ensure that the loan includes features such as redraw, line of credit and an offset account (this of course varies based on individual circumstances and needs). A construction loan is written against the renovated valuation of the property, and the lender interacts directly with the builder, making regular milestone payments and monitoring a schedule. Basically, your lender has a vested interest in ensuring your renovation increases the value of your home. If you need assistance working out the best way to finance your renovation and ensure it increases the value of your home, contact us today.

13.01.2022 Negative interest rates??? Home loan rates are already at their lowest point in recent history. For anyone that had a mortgage 20 years ago, today’s interest rates must be mind-blowing. Today’s one-year interest rate, which is hovering around the 2% percent mark, is around one-tenth of the 20-plus percent interest rates that were common in the 1980s. ...Continue reading

12.01.2022 Why you need a property inspection Whether you are purchasing a new home or an investment property, you are about to embark on one of the most important financial investments of your life. So it is essential to ensure that you are getting a fair deal. Yet, while buyers can be scrupulous about checking contracts and researching market prices, a surprising number of people tend to skip the property inspection. This means that you are taking ownership of any issues that could d...Continue reading

12.01.2022 Eight tips for New Australians wanting to purchase property If you are new to Australia and looking to establish a comfortable, settled life here, then sooner or later, you will naturally consider buying property, either as an investment or a home for your family. So there are a few things you need to do in preparation for your first property purchase. 1. Find steady employment...Continue reading

12.01.2022 CoreLogic estimates that in the three months to May, there were around 164,000 property sales across Australia. With just 136,000 new properties added to the market for sale in the same period it's no wonder houses are selling fast.

11.01.2022 Spend 10 minutes on the phone with me to see if you could save $250 or more per month OFF your home loan repayments. Private message me now for a free loan comparison!

11.01.2022 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 loans 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 lenders 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 dont 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.

11.01.2022 How to boost your borrowing power when buying your first home Your borrowing capacity is the amount a bank will lend you to buy a home. It’s based on factors like your income, how much deposit you’ve saved, other existing debts, how many children you have, and even how often you have smashed avo on toast at your favourite café. An online borrowing power calculator can help you with a ballpark figure, but they’re often horrendously inaccurate. ...Continue reading

10.01.2022 Tip: Watch your credit card limit! Even if your balance is zero, the higher your limit the lower your borrowing capacity.

10.01.2022 Some interesting perspectives in the following article. Worthy of a read and always happy to chat with anyone wanting to review all of their options.

10.01.2022 How to maintain a good credit score When you are applying for a loan, the first thing lenders will do is check your credit score and this will have a strong impact on their ultimate decision. So what is your credit score and how do you maintain a good score that will impress lenders? The five elements of your credit score...Continue reading

08.01.2022 Top Six Reasons why your home loan might be declined Youre ready to buy a home, but you cant find a lender who will approve your home loan. While this might seem discouraging and frustrating, it is not necessarily the end of your dream to become a home owner. Once you know the reason that you are considered a bad risk, you can improve your eligibility. Usually, it just takes a little more time and to improve your eligibility. Here are the top six reasons lenders might decl...Continue reading

07.01.2022 How to calculate your borrowing power One of the most important factors in your home ownership journey is the amount of money you can or should borrow. You want to borrow enough that you can purchase the right property for your needs, yet you dont want to end up out of your depth in debt. Most lenders rely on their own variation of a basic formula to calculate your borrowing power. They look at six elements of your financial situation gross income, tax, existing commitme...Continue reading

07.01.2022 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.

07.01.2022 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

06.01.2022 How to ensure your renovation will increase your house value There are two main benefits to renovating your property firstly, you can make it more comfortable and compatible for your lifestyle; and secondly, you can increase the value of your home. The challenge is to find the right balance between these two benefits if you invest too much into renovations, you risk reducing the amount of profit you would make when you sell. ... So how do you strike the balance and turn your renovation into profit? The 10% rule One handy rule of thumb is to ensure your renovation doesn’t cost more than 10% of the property’s value. If you are planning an extensive renovation, do your research to make sure you are not over-capitalizing. If you are building a substantial extension on a family home, for example, you should regain the value through creating a home that suits your family’s needs for a considerable period of time. Keep it simple and contained The renovations that increase the value of a home are generally in the kitchen and bathroom. A future buyer wants to know that these rooms are up-to-date with relatively new fixtures and fittings. The garden is another selling point as potential buyers will be attracted to a healthy, well maintained garden. Take your renovations slowly, step by step, finishing one room before starting on another. This way, you can keep track of costs and also ensure that your house remains liveable rather than turning into a chaotic mess that will be finished one day! Check for council approval Before you dive into any renovations, make sure you have council approval. As part of the process, ask your neighbours to check over your plans before you start work. You don’t want the neighbours complaining that your renovation reduces the value or comfort of their home. Sometimes it just means repositioning a window that overlooks the neighbour’s yard, in order to keep everyone happy. Consider your financing Depending on your financial position, you could use your equity to finance the renovations, a combination of equity and savings, or you could take out a construction loan. In order to access the equity on your home loan, you may need to ensure that the loan includes features such as redraw and/or an offset account (this of course varies based on individual circumstances and needs). A construction loan is written against the renovated valuation of the property, and the lender interacts directly with the builder, making regular milestone payments and monitoring a schedule. Basically, your lender has a vested interest in ensuring your renovation increases the value of your home. If you need assistance working out the best way to finance your renovation and ensure it increases the value of your home, contact us today.

06.01.2022 Whats your best tip for staying out of debt?

05.01.2022 The general trend for increasing house values continued in May with capital city growth rates stronger than regional rates.

04.01.2022 Sell or buy first? Which option is right for you? Its the ultimate dilemma for any home owner planning to move on to a new property do I sell or buy first? You dont want to sell unless you have somewhere else to live, but you dont want to buy unless you have the money from the original home. Whichever way you go, there will be some stress involved, so its important to look at the pros and cons of each option to decide which is the most suitable and practical for your ...Continue reading

03.01.2022 Pros and cons of a reverse mortgage A reverse mortgage allows a home owner aged over 62 to borrow against their homes 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.

03.01.2022 What is Equity and why should you care? At the most basic level, equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your home loan i.e. it’s the portion of your home that you actually own. The bank calculates it a bit more conservatively, but you get the point.... You build equity in your home either by your property value increasing over time or by paying down your home loan. Now, I’m not a fan of using equity to fund consumer-type purchases such as a new TVs or tablets / phone etc, but there are many other worthwhile ways that you can put the equity you have in (probably) your largest asset to work. One of the most valuable ways you can use your equity is to assist with the purchase of an investment property (more on this in later posts), but apart from that there are a range of other worthwhile uses to consider. How can your equity can work for you? You can use the equity in your home to fund important expenses that you would otherwise have to use credit for or pay off over time. For example, you could use the equity in your home to purchase a new car outright. The finance will be much cheaper than a standard car loan just watch what term you repay this loan over. With a lot of ongoing monthly expenses, like insurance, utilities, subscriptions, and memberships, you can get substantial discounts if you pay up front for the year. If you or anyone in your family is studying, it’s often better to pay HECS as you go, and avoid a HECS debt altogether. Most private schools also have discounts for paying in advance. It makes a lot of sense to use the equity in your property to finance home repairs, refurbishments, and renovations. These major expenses are further investment into your greatest asset because they can maintain or even increase your property value over time. And when you increase the value of your home, you increase your equity. You can also use the equity in your home to fund further investment, such as shares, for greater return on your money. So, what should you do now? Consider your personal situation, and what is important to you. Your circumstances today are probably quite different than they were when you first financed your home. Your financial situation could be very different than a year ago or even last month. Think about what your lifestyle, your expenses, and your financial goals are like now today. With property prices on the rise, it’s good to know exactly where you stand if you want to get the equity in your home working harder for you. We’re always ready to help by assessing your current home loan and equity position at absolutely no cost to you.

03.01.2022 Benefits of a mortgage offset account An offset account is a bank account linked to your home loan. Rather than accumulating interest within the account, the money in the offset account is offset daily against your mortgage, reducing the interest payable on your mortgage. For example, if you have $20,000 in your offset account and a mortgage of $400,000, you will only be charged interest on $380,000 rather than the full $400,000. This can drastically reduce the length of you...r mortgage and the amount you need to pay in the long term. Tax free interest As you are not earning compound interest from the money in the offset account, you are not liable to pay tax on that money. Instead you are increasing the equity in your property. Flexibility As the mortgage account is like any other transaction account, you can deposit and withdraw funds such as your salary without incurring access fees. As the offset amount is calculated daily, you can keep a lump sum in the account for emergencies while reducing interest on your loan. However, some lenders do place restrictions such as minimum transaction amounts and withdrawal fees which could end up costing more than the interest you save. Is the offset account for you? The people who benefit most from offset accounts are those who can keep a significant sum of money in an accessible account over the long term. If you are instinctively a saver, an offset account is preferable to having to pay tax on interest, as you are making significant gains through equity. It also gives you a flexible alternative to paying extra money directly into the mortgage, as you can still access the funds quickly and without penalty in case of emergency. Even having your salary deposited into your offset account ensures that for one day at least you will reduce the interest payable on your mortgage for that day. However, if you are only keeping a small minimum balance in the offset account, the interest savings will not be so significant. Talk to your mortgage broker or financial advisor about whether an offset account would be suited to your current circumstances. And before opening an offset account, make sure you are fully aware of any fees or conditions that may have a negative impact on the long term benefits. If you would like more information about how an offset account could work for you, contact us today for a personal appraisal.

02.01.2022 How to choose the right property for you Your home is perhaps the biggest investment of your life particularly as it is not just a financial investment, you are also investing in your future lifestyle. Yet many people have a tendency to fall in love with a particular property, and they forget to remain logical in their thinking. As a result, they find themselves owning a property that does not suit their current lifestyle or their future financial plans. So how do you cho...ose the right property for you? Find a property that fits your real-life needs, not your dream lifestyle You might have fantasies of living by the beach or in a small inner-city unit within walking distance of all the pubs and cafes, but how will this choice fit your budget and your long-term lifestyle? Your first home should fall within your budget and it should be compatible with your work and family life. There is no point purchasing a dream property that requires a two-hour commute to work or takes up all your spare money reducing your quality of life. Is it a good investment for you? Investigate the economic possibilities of the location and the property itself to see how it will appreciate over time. Also consider how the property will grow alongside your lifestyle choices perhaps you want to flip the investment property by doing a few renovations and selling for a profit, or perhaps you want to live for a few years in a small house before extending the property to make room for a family. Whatever your plans, your property is an investment tool that you can use to provide for your future. Is the property value accurate? If you fall in love with a particular property, you may trick yourself into wanting to spend more than necessary just to win it. However, it is important to check that you are paying what the property is actually worth. Look at the purchase history of the property and neighbouring properties to see how their value has appreciated, and how much they are all perceived to be worth now. Consider what needs to be done to the property in terms of renovations or repairs in order to make it right for your purposes. Will you need a home loan? Before you commit to a property, look carefully into the financial aspect of the deal. Find out how much you will need to borrow in order to secure the property, and whether you can still maintain your quality of life while paying off the loan. If you need assistance working out how to find the right property for your lifestyle and budget talk to us today

02.01.2022 Property prices and interest rate predictions for 2021... Hear what Macquarie Bank Senior Australia & NZ Economist (Justin Fabo) has to say. https://youtu.be/VQNxgaRJkEg

02.01.2022 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

01.01.2022 The Pros and Cons of Low Deposit Loans A low deposit home loan is exactly that while normally you would need a minimum 20% deposit, with a low deposit home loan you only need to provide a deposit of between 5-15%. This type of loan is attractive to first time buyers, individuals who are earning a good income but haven’t saved much, or anyone with a family member who is prepared to be named as guarantors on the loan. How to qualify for the loan...Continue reading

01.01.2022 Will Your Job Stop You Getting A Home Loan? When a lender is assessing your home loan application, they will pay particular attention to your employment history. Just earning good money isn’t enough the lender wants to see a sense of security. Your job can even affect your credit score, as lenders may consider that your employment increases the overall risk of not repaying the loan. You might consider your job to be secure, but a lender will assess the situation differently.... Here are some examples of work situations that could negatively impact your ability to secure a home loan. New job You’ve been head-hunted by another company, and now you're in a new and better position, earning more money than ever before. Yet this may not actually not a good time to rush out and apply for a home loan. The lender will see that you have only just started in this new job, which indicates a certain level of risk. Don't worry though, we know the lenders who accept short-term employment. Casual/ Contract/ Temp workers If you work through an agency and do not answer directly to an employer, many banks and lenders will consider you high risk, particularly if you are borrowing more than 80% of the purchase price. However, as the workplace is changing and more people are taking on flexible working hours, some lenders are recognizing that contractors, casual staff and even temp workers can rely on a steady income. We can help you identify the lenders who would be most likely to offer you a loan. You can also boost your chances of securing a loan by building on your deposit. Low base salary If you rely on overtime, bonuses or commission, some lenders will only look at your base salary and decide that your income is too low for you to be considered for a loan. Others do not want to rely on unstable income to pay off the debt. However, other lenders will take your additional bonus income into account when assessing how you can manage loan repayments. Talk to us about a loan that enables you to make additional repayments when your salary is higher than usual. Your industry Sometimes it’s your workmates who let you down. Some industries are marked high risk due to the number of people in that industry who default on loans. This is particularly relevent in the current Covid-19 environment. We can help you find lenders who look more favourably upon your industry. Get Expert Assistance You don’t need to endure being consistently turned down for a loan, and you don’t need to give up on your property ambitions. We have the inside knowledge to help you identify the lenders who are receptive to your employment circumstances. Talk us about your financial history and the amount of your deposit in relation to the type of property you wish to buy, and they will be able to find a loan package that suits your circumstances from a lender who sees you as a good risk.

01.01.2022 Understanding the buying and loan process Purchasing a new home or an investment property can be a daunting prospect, and you might find it difficult to identify the first logical step. Here we look at the process of securing a loan so you can buy the property that suits your needs and your budget. Ask yourself what you want to achieve...Continue reading