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
Which bank is best for first home loans?
Because a home loan is a major financial commitment, it makes sense to look for the best possible option for your first mortgage. To find the best mortgage lender for your needs, you may need to look beyond just the interest rates and consider each lender’s features and benefits, including their customer service.
Mark Bristow -
06 Mar, 2023 -
6 min read
What to expect from the RBA meeting in March 2023
In February 2023, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) sprung out of the blocks ready to take on inflation, hiking the cash rate by 25 points. Most of Australia’s major banks are expecting a repeat performance at the March 2023 meeting, though it’s not certain when the cash rate will reach its peak, or when the RBA will start cutting rates.
Mark Bristow -
03 Mar, 2023 -
5 min read
Why lenders may use exposure limits to curb the size of your mortgage
Exposure limits are the maximum amounts that lenders will let you borrow, taking all your current debts into account. For property investors taking out a mortgage when they’re already paying off others, debt exposure can be a dealbreaker.
Mark Bristow -
02 Mar, 2023 -
5 min read
Some of the best home loans in March 2023
Interest rates are widely tipped to rise at the next meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), with at least one more hike expected to follow. As the cash rate potentially approaches its peak, what will this mean for Australian homeowners and first home buyers?
Mark Bristow -
01 Mar, 2023 -
2 min read
How to get multiple mortgages for investment properties
Investing in real estate can let you benefit from rental income today and potentially capital gains in the future if your investment property’s value increases. The more investment properties you add to your portfolio, the more of these benefits you could potentially enjoy.
Mark Bristow -
28 Feb, 2023 -
7 min read
Is it worth considering a credit card balance transfer?
A credit card balance transfer is a type of debt consolidation that can help you pay down your mounting credit card debt faster. It involves transferring your debt from one or more credit cards onto a new card with a temporary low interest rate to minimise your interest charges while you pay off your outstanding debt.
Mark Bristow -
28 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
Which eco-friendly car should you buy?
Whether you are looking for an SUV to accommodate your growing family or a compact city car to zip through the traffic, there are some eco-friendly options out there that could help you save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
Mark Bristow -
24 Feb, 2023 -
5 min read
What is a car subscription service?
In a subscription economy, it isn’t surprising to see an increasing demand for pay-as-you-drive cars. Just like you pay a fixed amount regularly to listen to your choice of music on Spotify or similar streaming services, a car subscription service lets you pay a regular fee to use a car of your choice.
Mark Bristow -
24 Feb, 2023 -
7 min read
Can you buy a house with a reverse mortgage?
Unlike a typical home loan, a reverse mortgage is often taken out by people who already own a home. A reverse mortgage allows equity in the home to be unlocked and used on other expenses, but it may not be easy or even possible to buy a home with a reverse mortgage.
Mark Bristow -
23 Feb, 2023 -
4 min read
Rate rises costing us sleep: five stress-relieving savings tips
Interest rates and inflation aren’t just affecting our wallets, but our mental health. New data shows that young Australians are literally losing sleep over the rising cost of living.
Mark Bristow -
23 Feb, 2023 -
3 min read