Mark Bristow is RateCity's Home & Personal Finances Editor, and an experienced analyst, researcher, and producer. While primarily focused on Australian mortgage and home loan expertise, he has experience across energy, home and travel insurances. Mark has been a journalist and writer in the financial space for over ten years, previously researching and writing commercial real estate at CoreLogic. In the years since, Mark has worked for the Winning Group, Expedia, and has seen articles published at Lifehacker and Business Insider. Mark has also completed RG 146 (Tier 1), making him compliant to provide general advice for general insurance products like car, home, travel and health insurance, as well as giving him knowledge of investment options such as shares, derivatives, futures, managed investments, currencies and commodities.
306 articles written by Mark Bristow

What is vintage car insurance?
If you own a vintage car, you likely spend a lot of time and money on preserving this piece of motoring history. A vintage car insurance policy can help you protect your prized possession.

Mark Bristow -
16 Aug, 2023 -
4 min read

How to find affordable car insurance for young drivers
Car insurance is usually more expensive for young drivers, as insurers consider them to be more at risk of being in an accident. But there are ways you can try to lower the cost.

Mark Bristow -
15 Aug, 2023 -
4 min read

Do EVs cost more to insure?
Electric Vehicles (EVs) generally cost more to purchase than their petrol-powered equivalents, and may also often cost more to insure. However, the fuel cost savings may be able to help offset some of these higher expenses.

Mark Bristow -
14 Aug, 2023 -
4 min read

What credit score do I need for a home loan in Australia?
Borrowers with fair or higher credit scores may have an easier time getting their mortgage applications approved. But even if you have a poor or below average credit score, if you can fulfil the lender’s other eligibility criteria, there may be steps you can take to confidently apply for a home loan in Australia.

Mark Bristow -
08 Aug, 2023 -
3 min read

Who is eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme?
The Australian Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) can help Australians purchase their first property. First home buyers, regional home buyers, and single parents may all be eligible for the program, provided they also fulfil the other eligibility criteria.

Mark Bristow -
07 Aug, 2023 -
7 min read

Three great reasons checking your credit score can help you
Your credit score is an assessment of your financial responsibility. If you have a good credit score, lenders may feel more confident about lending you more money at lower interest rates. But if you have a bad credit score, you may find it harder to successfully apply for credit.

Mark Bristow -
30 Jul, 2023 -
2 min read

What is a commercial finance broker?
Commercial finance brokers put borrowers in touch with lenders to organise loan deals, much like mortgage brokers. The difference is that commercial finance brokers specialise in brokering deals for commercial purposes, such as loans to start or run a business, or to purchase property or equipment for work use.

Mark Bristow -
24 Jul, 2023 -
3 min read

What is the average Australian home loan amount?
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average home loan amount in Australia for owner-occupier dwellings as of May 2023 is about $584,836, which may seem like a lot. But you must remember that the state and capital city you reside in is an important factor that determines the property values, which in turn influences the average Australian home loan.

Mark Bristow -
17 Jul, 2023 -
2 min read

How long do banks keep mortgage records?
While you’re a customer of a bank or mortgage lender, they should keep records of your home loan, including interest rates and charges, repayments and much more. You should be able to request access to these records if required, though there may be a maximum time limit for how far back you can go.

Mark Bristow -
03 Jul, 2023 -
3 min read

Who pays the mortgage when separated?
Separation is never easy, and the financial questions may be the last thing on your mind. However, bills and mortgage payments will continue, which leads to the question: Who pays the mortgage when you’re separated?

Mark Bristow -
29 Jun, 2023 -
5 min read