Insurance for something you can’t see or touch, such as your income, may seem strange, but how would you pay your mortgage if you were unable to work? When considering insurance, it’s common for people to pass it off as a pesky added fee involved in owning a car, running a business, or protecting a … Continue reading Income protection insurance →

Soldier on and talk to a broker Despite owning a growing business and supplementing his income with a pension from the Australian Defence Forces, former soldier Jake Briggs was told by his bank that he could not secure finance to purchase a home. Somehow, he was able to get our contact from a friend of … Continue reading Banks Said No? →

When taking the plunge into the world of home loans and property investment, the challenge often lies in knowing which expert to approach for help. Brokers and financial planners, although similar in their professional outlook, cater to different financial endeavours. Brokers that deal in home loans must be qualified and licensed loan advisers with in-depth … Continue reading Do you need a finance broker or a financial planner? →

Offset accounts and redraw facilities work in similar ways. They both allow you to reduce the balance of your home loan, and therefore the interest charged, by applying extra money to your debt. Redraw facilities allow you to deposit spare income into your home loan account, allowing you to redraw a sum equal to the … Continue reading How redraw and offset accounts can save you money →

Stamp duty is revenue levied by states on transactions relating to the transfer of land or property. It is paid upfront and needs to be budgeted for, in addition to your loan deposit. The amount of stamp duty you are required to pay differs in each state, however there are three universal factors, along with … Continue reading Stamp Duty →

The mortgage industry is a wide, wondrous world with a language all of its own. One of the many acronyms bandied about is ‘LVR’, which stands for ‘Loan to Value Ratio’. Here’s what it means. When you are working out what amount you can borrow to purchase a property, the size of deposit you need … Continue reading What is a LVR? →

As a homeowner with a mortgage, chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘refinancing’. Refinancing involves reviewing your current mortgage, and potentially swapping your loan to another lender, who can better meet your current needs, wants and circumstances. Refinancing can also allow you to consolidate your debts or pay down your mortgage more quickly. Another … Continue reading When is the best time to refinance your home loan? →