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.
1039 articles written by Mark Bristow
5 ways to protect yourself from fraud
With increased awareness of the threat of cyberattacks, it’s easy to feel concerned about the safety of your personal information. Criminals with access to your details could steal your identity, fraudulently run up debts in your name, and ruin your credit score, making accessing money and credit in the future much harder.
Mark Bristow -
21 Oct, 2023 -
5 min read
How much do electric cars cost in Australia?
Ready to join the electric revolution? Upgrading from your petrol-powered car to an electric vehicle (EV) may seem daunting, but it may be worth it in the end when it comes to saving on fuel, as well as the positive environmental impact. Getting an idea of how much you’ll be expected to pay for an electric car is essential when it comes to working out a budget and sourcing vehicle finance.
Mark Bristow -
20 Oct, 2023 -
5 min read
A short guide to getting solar for your home
Whether your focus is the environment or your budget, you may be thinking of installing solar panels on your roof to generate your own electricity. Household solar can contribute to a better environment by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels, leading to a cleaner grid. It can also help you save money by buying less electricity and selling your excess power back to the grid.
Mark Bristow -
17 Oct, 2023 -
6 min read
How will debt consolidation affect my credit score?
If you have more debts than you can comfortably afford to repay, consolidating these debts into a single loan may not have an immediate effect on your credit score. But if consolidating your debts can help you build healthy financial habits, it’s possible that this could lead to your credit score improving over time.
Mark Bristow -
17 Oct, 2023 -
4 min read
House Appraisal vs Market Value: how much is your home worth?
What is a property actually worth? The answer may depend on if you were to ask a real estate agent or a valuer working for a mortgage lender.
Mark Bristow -
17 Oct, 2023 -
6 min read
Some of the top-rated home loans for refinancers and investors in October 2023
With Australians reportedly putting more of their income towards their mortgage than any other developed nation on the planet, it’s little wonder that so many of us are looking to refinance. But with high levels of refinancing activity leading several lenders to withdraw some of their most competitive home loan discounts and cashback incentives, is it still possible to find a good home loan deal?
Mark Bristow -
17 Oct, 2023 -
3 min read
Heritage home renovations explained
Buying and renovating an older property can be an affordable and satisfying way to improve your quality of life at home, or to add more value to an investment. However, renovating a home old enough to qualify for heritage listing can bring with it a whole set of new complications. Be prepared for extra work and hassle, but also extra satisfaction!
Mark Bristow -
17 Oct, 2023 -
4 min read
How to apply for a personal loan
If you need money for a personal project like a renovation, an event like a wedding or a holiday, or a major purchase like a car, you may be in the market for a personal loan. But before you start firing off applications, it’s important to get an idea of what to look for in a personal loan, and how the application process works.
Mark Bristow -
16 Oct, 2023 -
7 min read
Energy experts concerned about El Nino summer: Are your air conditioners and appliances covered?
Australian energy experts are worried that heatwaves this summer could push the nation’s power grid to the limit. With many of us relying on air conditioners to stay cool, can we be confident that our household appliances are covered by insurance if disaster strikes?
Mark Bristow -
11 Oct, 2023 -
4 min read
What is a home insurance premium?
Your home insurance premium is what you pay your insurance provider for covering your home under their home insurance policy. It is calculated based on the type of coverage you choose for your home as well as any additional coverage you buy for either your possessions or specific incidents.
Mark Bristow -
10 Oct, 2023 -
5 min read