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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.

1027 articles written by Mark Bristow

Home Loans

RBA says inflation is due to supply issues: so why are rates still going up?

With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) having hiked the national cash rate by 50 basis points in back to back months, and with more hikes likely to come in the future, Australian mortgage holders are under increasing financial pressure. But what effect are these rate rises expected to have on high inflation, especially when several of the factors driving it upwards are coming from overseas?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

06 Jul, 2022 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Some of the best home loans in July 2022

Following back-to-back 50-point hikes to the national cash rate from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), first home buyers and other owner occupiers could be facing a delicate balancing act. While higher rates could make securing finance for your property purchase more challenging, they could also lead to property prices falling in some areas.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

06 Jul, 2022 -

3 min read

Home Loans

What is a digital home loan?

With interest rates on the rise as the RBA looks at further raising the cash rate to tackle inflation, many Australian mortgage holders may be looking at their refinancing options. If the home loans offered by the big banks aren’t as competitive as you’d like, a digital home loan may be an alternative to consider. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

04 Jul, 2022 -

3 min read

Home Loans

What to expect from the RBA meeting in July 2022

When it comes to hiking the national cash rate, will three times prove a charm for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)? Here’s what some of the nation’s big banks are forecasting for the July 2022 meeting.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

04 Jul, 2022 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Fixed vs variable interest rates: how to choose in 2022

Interest rates have been on the rise, with more increases predicted to come. Many borrowers may be eager to lock in a fixed interest rate to avoid being slammed with multiple rate rises, but will this really leave them better off?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

29 Jun, 2022 -

6 min read

Home Loans

2.5 million live in apartments: what the Census reveals about housing in Australia

While the classic image of the Australian Dream is a freestanding house in the suburbs, recently released figures from the 2021 Census show that around 10 per cent of Australians now live in apartments. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

28 Jun, 2022 -

2 min read

Car Loans

Why are used cars so expensive right now?

If you’ve been looking for a used car and have been shocked by how high prices have risen, you’re not alone. While there are several factors that may have pushed used car prices upward, there are also several car financing options available for Australians in the market for a used car.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

27 Jun, 2022 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Young Australians relocate to the regions: what support is available?

New data has found that more young people are moving from Australia’s cities to its regions, almost literally in search of greener pastures. So what support is available for Australians looking for a tree change?

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

24 Jun, 2022 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Should I pay off my mortgage early?

Paying off your mortgage early may not always be easy, but there may be benefits to consider, such as saving money on interest charges. 

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

22 Jun, 2022 -

4 min read

Home Loans

Credit scores can affect your home loan application - what you need to know

It’s important to get your finances in order before applying for a home loan. As well as thinking about your income, expenses, assets and liabilities, you may want to also consider your credit score, as this could affect how quickly our application gets assessed, and even whether you’ll be eligible for a some home loan products.

mark-bristow

Mark Bristow -

22 Jun, 2022 -

4 min read