It’s hard to believe that it’s almost the end of the year, and what a year it’s been in the property world! Let’s look at some of the highlights from 2023. Interest rates climbed and then plateaued From May 2022, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) began an aggressive cycle of tightening the cash rate to get inflation under control. In 2023, we saw the RBA lift the cash rate in February, March, May, June, and November, leaving mortgage holders grappling with rising...

Planning to purchase a property soon?Here’s what you can do today to enhance your chances of being approved for a home loan down the track.1) Do your researchIt’s a good idea to do some research and start thinking about what kind of home loan may suit your needs.If you like the idea of knowing exactly what your ongoing repayment will be so that you can budget for it, a fixed home loan may work for you. However, keep in mind there’s talk of interest rates going down in 2024. Opting for a...

It’s an amazing time to go house hunting this summer! Here’s why hitting up those open homes during the summer could be a really smart move: 1. Eager sellers alert! Spring is usually the time when everyone’s out buying houses, so if a place is still up for grabs by summer, the seller is probably itching to make a deal. With this year’s spring auctions not as hot as usual, there could be lots of choices out there. This means sellers might be more up for a chat about ...

You’ve picked out your dream home, your offer has been given the thumbs up, and now there’s just one big step left – settlement day. Settlement day is a mix of fun and formalities. As your mortgage manager, we’re here to make sure settlement ticks along without a hitch. What’s settlement day all about? Settlement day is the final step in your home-buying journey – it’s when the property is legally yours and you get those new keys. Your conveyancer ...

Are you looking to transform your totally loveable but less than spectacular property into your dream home? With property prices on the rise in many markets, renovating may be a more suitable option for many people rather than moving on to another property. Whether you’re looking to rework your garden into a tropical oasis, update your 1960s bathroom or remodel your retro blue kitchen, there are several ways to fund your renovation. 1. Use your equity Equity is the difference betwee...