Downsizing – is it right for you? If you are heading towards retirement, or perhaps already in it, downsizing may have crossed your mind. And you might have some questions – does it make sense financially? Is a smaller home better suited to my situation? At first glance, it would seem that downsizing is a popular choice amongst older Australians. However recent research (Downsizers and Other Movers – The Housing Options Choices and Dilemmas …
Tips for selling your home How to prepare your property for a successful sale Property is a hot topic. Like most of us, you’ve probably found yourself around the backyard BBQ discussing house prices, interest rates and local demand. But we don’t tend to move that often – more than half of us have been in our present house for over five years.[1] So if you’re selling your house it’s important to get it right. …
Understanding lender’s mortgage insurance Find out what lender’s mortgage insurance is and how it may affect your home loan. You’re looking for the house of your dreams or maybe you’ve already found it. It’s an exciting time but it can be daunting when it comes to arranging finance and meeting all the upfront and ongoing costs, such as lender’s mortgage insurance. How lender’s mortgage insurance works When it comes to arranging a home loan, if …
Time to sell the family home? With children gone and things slowing down it may be time to downsize. When you’ve got a family a big house with plenty of room may make sense. But these days a smaller place may suit you better. Dreams of a change may be beckoning… you may be yearning to wake up to the smell of eucalyptus or doze off with an evening sea breeze. And if you have …
3 ways to get a foot on the property ladder Creative ideas for younger Australians to invest in property It won’t come as a huge surprise to learn that Australian homes are among the most expensive in the world. In a recent survey[1] every Australian town and suburb was rated as ‘seriously’ or ‘severely’ unaffordable. And if you’re in a capital city it’s even worse, with the average Sydney home costing nine times average household …
Renovate your way to a better property Some tips to get the most out of your renovation, whether you’re staying or going Granite bench tops, sleek Euro appliances, free-floating staircases, a marble bathroom or a new pool…the possibilities are endless. But sadly your budget is limited. So where to start? The first question to ask is—are you going to sell up or stay where you are? Renovating to live If you’re renovating for the long …
All you need to know about buying at auction Five simple steps―and our checklist―can help you be ready for auction! Bidding for a property at auction can be stressful but you can reduce the stress involved. Before you consider bidding use our tips to make sure you’re prepared and know what to expect. Step 1: Work out the costs Working out how much you can afford to repay on a home loan plus all the …
Investing in a holiday home Is it really your great Aussie dream? Read more. It happens every year. You’re strolling down the high street of your local beachside town enjoying a long hot summer with the family when a holiday home in the real estate agents’ window catches your eye. And you start thinking: “If we had our own place, we could go there all year ‘round and instead of contributing to someone else’s …
