Blogs
Keep up to date with the latest news, information, tips and insights from our team of Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter Valley loan specialists.
Tips for first-time auction bidders
Buying property at auction can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. But careful planning can make the process a whole lot easier. Here are our top tips for nailing the bidding experience and maximising your chances of success on the day. Attend plenty of auctions before you bid Before your bidding debut, it’s important to observe [...]
4 key benefits of downsizing for your next home
If you think downsizing is a step backwards, think again. There are many reasons why downsizing has become a popular choice for homeowners, especially retirees. Let’s take a look. 1. Less maintenance and upkeep While larger properties offer more space, they also require more cleaning, gardening and upkeep. For some, the time and money involved [...]
A Beginner’s Guide to Deposit Bonds
Struggling to get access to a 10% cash deposit for your property purchase? You’re not alone. Whether you’re a first home buyer, downsizing or investing, getting the deposit together is one of the major hurdles facing home buyers today. But more and more Australians are realising there’s a smart alternative to a cash deposit: a [...]
Why use a mortgage broker to refinance
Refinancing could potentially save you on interest, so it’s worth regularly reviewing your mortgage. Here’s why it’s a good idea to use a mortgage broker to refinance, rather than going direct to a lender. Expertise you can trust The mortgage industry has gone through a great deal of change over the years. With so many [...]
Tips for nabbing a bargain this spring
Spring is generally the busiest time of year in the Australian property market, and this season could be a ripper. In recent months, we’ve seen ongoing signs of improving market conditions, driven by a Coalition federal election win, interest rate cuts and a softening of lending restrictions. And it’s clear that buyers are returning to the [...]
Riding the rollercoaster: 6 feelings you’re likely to experience as a first-time buyer
There’s no doubt about it – buying your first home is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! However, it is an emotional journey. Here are 6 feelings you may experience as part of the purchasing roller coaster (buckle your seatbelts – it’s quite a ride!). 1) Excitement at the prospect of buying You’ve been [...]
4 habits of successful property investors
Australians love investing in property, and it’s no wonder why. The property market offers a myriad of opportunities to potentially grow wealth, irrespective of one’s professional background or skillset. However, there are certain habits that successful property investors often have in common. Let’s take a look. They are proactive about self-education In order to stay [...]
Everything you need to know about Rentvesting
Rentvesting has become increasingly popular in recent times. Last year, research from the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) found that one third of first-time buyers opted to become ‘rentvestors’, rather than homeowners. Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether rentvesting is right for you. But first, let’s look at an age-old question. To rent [...]
Is one phone call really all it takes to secure a lower interest rate?
With official interest rates trending downward, shrewd mortgage holders may take the opportunity to call their lender to ask for a better deal. But when even a small interest rate reduction means potential savings of thousands of dollars, is a simple phone call really enough to get you there? In 2019, ‘your interest rate should [...]