Laine Gordon
Money Editor
Laine Gordon is the Money Editor at RateCity and an experienced journalist and research specialist. With a background in news and feature writing, covering finance, media and even food (a passion of hers) at Reed Elsevier publications, Laine brings almost two decades of experience to the team. Having covered major areas of interest to the general public from hip pocket issues to rising and falling interest rates and the impact to mortgages, credit and saving in Australia, she is passionate about researching and telling people’s stories to help others make better decisions about their own finances.
974 articles written by Laine Gordon
Transaction fees exceed $413.5 million this year
More Australians are shopping smarter and using their transaction accounts for purchases rather than credit cards compared with this time last year, new figures have revealed.
Laine Gordon -
04 May, 2011 -
3 min read
Avoid mortgage application traps and gain quick approval
Applying for your first mortgage can be an overwhelming process, with all of the paperwork and documentation required by a financial institution. So to give yourself the best chance at approval and to maximise the amount you can borrow, it's worth taking the time to get your affairs in order first
Laine Gordon -
04 May, 2011 -
3 min read
Borrowers to benefit in home loan market slump
The number of home loans written in February this year was the lowest in a decade, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. But there is some good news for buyers and those looking to refinance, which are set to benefit from growing competition in the lending market.
Laine Gordon -
04 May, 2011 -
3 min read
Investment property taxes, proposed changes for 2011
With Treasurer Wayne Swan busy tinkering with the next budget, there have been suggestions that cutbacks on tax concessions for investment properties are on the agenda.
Laine Gordon -
03 May, 2011 -
2 min read
What does pre-approval really mean?
It’s easy to have your home loan pre-approved, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your lender will part with the funds at crunch time. There are dozens of lenders offering so-called online loan approval in 60 seconds, but it’s not until your application is assessed for risk by a live action human being that you’re in the clear
Laine Gordon -
29 Apr, 2011 -
2 min read
Australia's top three most popular home loans
The variable rate home loan is Australia’s most popular. This loan calculates interest on your mortgage based on the Reserve Bank’s cash rate. If interest rates go up, you pay more, if you they go down you pay a less.
Laine Gordon -
29 Apr, 2011 -
2 min read
Auction vs. private treaty: which one is right for you
In Australia, private treaty still proliferates with only around 15 percent of property sales the result of the auction process. Benefits of selling at auction: it puts a time frame on the sale.
Laine Gordon -
28 Apr, 2011 -
2 min read
Aussies waste $1.3 billion on credit card fees
Australians are spending in excess of $1.3 billion in credit card fees each year, despite the fact that more than two dozen fee-free cards now exist in the market, RateCity has found.
Laine Gordon -
28 Apr, 2011 -
3 min read
Mortgage offset accounts and all in one home loans
100 percent offset accounts are often confused with all in one home loans. Read this article to find out the difference between these two types of mortgages and how both can help reduce your interest repayments.
Laine Gordon -
26 Apr, 2011 -
2 min read
Buyers' agents numbers increase at auction
Using a professional agent to help you win at auction is becoming increasingly popular. Not to be confused with a selling agent who works for the vendor, a buyer’s agent can help you find the right property, decide what you’re willing to pay and handle all negotiations.
Laine Gordon -
25 Apr, 2011 -
2 min read