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mark-bristow

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

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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.

1009 articles written by Mark Bristow

Home Loans

How often should you refinance your home loan?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should refinance your home loan, though many Australian borrowers switch loans after five or six years. There are also certain events that could trigger a desire to shop around for a better mortgage deal.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

31 Mar, 2023 -

8 min read

Home Loans

What to expect from the RBA meeting in April 2023

Forecasting the next move by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board may not be as easy as it used to be. With a wide range of factors in play, economists from Australia’s big banks have not reached consensus on whether the RBA will hike the cash rate in April 2023, whether a rate pause may be on the cards, or when rates may be cut.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

30 Mar, 2023 -

6 min read

Home Loans

Does refinancing really save you money?

In a time when every dollar counts for household budgets, it’s no surprise so many Australians are looking to get a little breathing room from their mortgage repayments. But can refinancing your home loan really make a difference to an everyday household budget?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

28 Mar, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

Should you refinance your home loan?

There are many different reasons why people choose to refinance their home loans, with each person’s decision being based on their own unique circumstances. Here are a few popular reasons why some people choose to refinance, to help you work out if one or more may apply to you at this time:

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

28 Mar, 2023 -

8 min read

Home Loans

How long does it take to refinance?

Refinancing your home loan can help you enjoy a range of benefits, from lower interest rates to flexible features and benefits. However, the process of refinancing will require some time and effort. Depending on the lender and your financial situation, the refinancing process could take anywhere from a few weeks to just three days.

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Mark Bristow -

27 Mar, 2023 -

7 min read

Home Loans

A guide to single-parent home loans

If you’re a single parent with a single income, getting a home loan approved may seem daunting. However, being prepared and not rushing into a decision may help you get through the process with minimal stress. Spending some time doing your research and preparing your finances early can help make the process as smooth as possible.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

20 Mar, 2023 -

5 min read

Home Loans

How to find the right home loan when self-employed

While there may not be restrictions on the kinds of loan you can apply for as a self-employed borrower, you may have to work harder to prove to lenders that you can repay the home loan. It’s important to study all borrowing options available to you before choosing a mortgage, as the best home loan for a self-employed borrower may not be the best choice for another.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

17 Mar, 2023 -

4 min read

Home Loans

What happens to a home loan when someone dies?

Because a home loan is a considerable debt, most lenders won’t write it off if the borrower dies. Who inherits the debt and what options they have to repay it may vary depending on the exact circumstances.

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Mark Bristow -

16 Mar, 2023 -

3 min read

Home Loans

What is a negative equity home loan?

When you buy a house or other property, you may expect its value to keep rising. However, there are certain conditions that could lead to the house and land value falling. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

14 Mar, 2023 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Some of the best home loans for investors and refinancers in March 2023

Following the most recent hike to the national cash rate, low home loan interest rates are becoming much harder to find. Australians hoping to refinance the mortgage on their home or investment property may need to carefully compare the available options to make sure they’re getting a deal that suits their budget and personal goals.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

14 Mar, 2023 -

3 min read