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
Is a fixed or variable home loan better?
The best choice between a fixed or variable home loan interest rate may depend on your personal and financial situation, as well as your home loan goals. There are advantages and disadvantages to fixed and variable interest rates, which could affect the value that different home loans offer you.
Mark Bristow -
16 Jun, 2021 -
5 min read
Some of the best home loans in June 2021
The era of record-low fixed rates may be ending, with leading banks starting to increase the rates fixed home loans – first for 4 and 5-year fixed rates, and now for 2 and 3-year fixed rates. However, there are still mortgage deals available to Australians wanting to lock in a low rate, as well as other rewarding options.
Mark Bristow -
12 Jun, 2021 -
3 min read
Can I borrow money for stamp duty?
Stamp duty can be a significant cost to consider when buying a property. As well as your deposit and other fees and charges, stamp duty can add thousands of dollars to your upfront costs, depending on the value of the property. So it’s not surprising that some Australians look for alternative ways to manage this expense, such as borrowing money for stamp duty.
Mark Bristow -
11 Jun, 2021 -
3 min read
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