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.
1049 articles written by Mark Bristow
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Can you lock in a fixed home loan rate if you're still looking for a house?
So you decided to lock in a fixed rate home loan while the rates are hot? But what happens if you haven't settled on your new home yet? While you would be inclined to panic every time there was talk of an interest rate rise, there is a way to avoid this and lock in your fixed rate before you're approved.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 Apr, 2022 -
3 min read
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What is the Reserve Bank of Australia and what does it do?
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is Australia's central bank. Part of its role involves setting Australia’s monetary policy, which can make a significant impact on the cost of loans, as well as your ability to grow your savings.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 Apr, 2022 -
4 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220413/covid-still-hitting-young-people-in-the-wallet-how-can-you-get-your-finances-back-on-track-d_pNo9Nzj.jpg)
COVID still hitting young people in the wallet – how can you get your finances back on track?
While much of Australia is on a road to recovery after the past few years of financial ups and downs, Australians under 24 are still struggling to shake off the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
13 Apr, 2022 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20171116173239/AUD16.jpg)
How to reduce home loan debt
Finding ways to lower your outstanding mortgage debt could potentially help to lower your risk of financial stress, and even make more options available for managing your personal finances.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
08 Apr, 2022 -
5 min read
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How to borrow money in Australia
Borrowing money in Australia isn’t as easy as walking into a bank and walking back out with a big bag of cash. Whether you’re borrowing money to buy a home or for other purposes, you’ll need to fulfil certain eligibility criteria to see your loan application approved.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
08 Apr, 2022 -
4 min read
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How to understand your mortgage repayments
Whether you’re working out if you can afford a home loan, or if you already have a mortgage, it’s worth understanding exactly what goes into your mortgage repayments, so you can be confident that you’re getting value for money.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
08 Apr, 2022 -
5 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220407/rush-to-the-regions-which-areas-offer-affordable-house-prices-xzOXRDYGv.jpg)
Rush to the regions: which areas offer affordable house prices?
Thinking of moving to the country, or investing in a piece of regional property? The recent Roaring Regions report from PRD Real Estate’s research division lists the top 10 affordable regional areas for 2022.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
08 Apr, 2022 -
3 min read
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Is there such a thing as loyalty discount home loans?
Are you a loyal home loan customer? If so, you could be rewarded with lower interest rates, provided your mortgage is with a lender that offers loyalty discounts.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
05 Apr, 2022 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20220405/some-of-the-best-home-loans-in-april-2022-pGpGpvRmV.jpg)
Some of the best home loans in April 2022
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept its promise to be patient with the national cash rate, holding it at the record low of 0.1 per cent for another month. But with some big banks forecasting that rates could start rising later this year, what are some of the options available to home buyers and mortgage holders?
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
05 Apr, 2022 -
3 min read
![](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20171116173044/AUD5.jpg)
Six ways to enter the property market
If you have ambitions to build a property portfolio and retire by 30, or simply want to own your forever home, there are a few different potential strategies that could help you take that first step onto Australia’s property ladder.
![mark-bristow](https://images.ratecity.com.au/large/20241119/mark-b-ac-07-b-2-pr-y-4sZZkez7Y.jpg)
Mark Bristow -
04 Apr, 2022 -
6 min read