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
You can now earn frequent flyer points on your personal loan
Most Australians are familiar with rewards credit cards, where you can earn points on your spending that can be redeemed for airline tickets or other benefits. But an Australian fintech may now allow Australians to earn reward points on personal loans.
Mark Bristow -
09 Jun, 2021 -
2 min read
What can count towards a home loan deposit?
The first step on many a home loan journey is saving up the deposit. Unfortunately, it’s often also a step that many borrowers struggle with, thanks to the high property prices in some Australian cities. Fortunately, there are several methods available to supplement your savings, so you can get your deposit together to buy your property sooner.
Mark Bristow -
09 Jun, 2021 -
6 min read
UBank cuts fixed rates for end of financial year home loan sale
Just in time for the end of the financial year, UBank has slashed fixed interest rates on selected home loan deals by up to 24 basis points, for borrowers who apply before 30 June 2021.
Mark Bristow -
03 Jun, 2021 -
2 min read
What adds value to a house appraisal?
Thinking about selling your property? By making a few changes to enhance your property’s appeal to potential buyers, you may be able to maximise the house value at your real estate agent’s appraisal. This could help to set buyer expectations, leading to a higher sale price.
Mark Bristow -
31 May, 2021 -
5 min read
What should I ask a lender when I apply for a home loan?
According to a recent survey, eighty-four per cent of Aussies who are yet to buy a property say they need to know more about financial products such as home loans, rates and deposits. With this in mind, it’s important to ask the right questions before you start filling out application forms.
Mark Bristow -
29 May, 2021 -
6 min read
Can a student get a home loan?
It is possible for students in Australia to get home loans, provided they can fulfil a mortgage lender’s eligibility requirements. This may not be easy for many students, who already have significant study commitments.
Mark Bristow -
28 May, 2021 -
4 min read
How to pay off your mortgage faster
Not a fan of being in debt? Here are a few tips that could help you get your home loan paid off sooner, so you can own your home or investment property outright, without a mortgage hanging over your head.
Mark Bristow -
27 May, 2021 -
4 min read
How to value a property for insurance
Home insurance can provide much-needed peace of mind by covering your property in case of accidents, damage, or other disasters. Plus, it’s often a necessary requirement when applying for a home loan with many lenders.
Mark Bristow -
24 May, 2021 -
2 min read
How do banks value property?
Different banks use different methods to calculate the value of a property. Also known as a “bank property valuation”, the method your mortgage lender chooses may depend on their own internal policies, and other reasons, too.
Mark Bristow -
22 May, 2021 -
3 min read
Some of the best home loans in May 2021
While first home buyers have been active in Australian property markets over the past few months, thanks in part to low interest rates, recent figures have shown that refinancers and investors are starting to take their place. This is understood to be partially due to property prices in some popular areas rising beyond what’s affordable for many first home buyers.
Mark Bristow -
14 May, 2021 -
3 min read