The real cost of buying a home that needs renovation

Purchasing a fixer-upper home could save you upfront costs but there are plenty of other things to consider, especially the cost of renovating your home.

What is the difference between owner-occupied and investor home loans?

If you're planning to buy a house, you'll most likely apply for a mortgage to pay for it. However, whether you apply for an owner-occupied or investor home loan will depend upon the purpose for which you're going to use the property. As the name implies, an owner-occupied home loan is for individuals who wish to purchase a house to live in. On the other hand, an investor loan is for people who plan to buy a house and use it to earn rental income.

Can I transfer my Amex Membership Rewards points to Qantas?

If you enjoy travelling, you can choose to turn your American Express Membership Rewards points into Qantas points to pay for your next vacation. However, to transfer your Amex points to Qantas, you need to be an Ascent Premium member.

Is there a minimum credit score for a car loan in Australia?

In promising news for prospective buyers with a shaky credit history, there’s no fixed minimum credit score for a car loan in Australia. However, as lenders refer to your credit score to determine the risk of providing a loan to you, a lower score might make them wary of lending to you.

What is the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common?

Increasing property prices have made it even more challenging to buy a house. To get around this hurdle, some friends or relatives are choosing to buy a house together by pooling their resources and taking out a joint mortgage.

What’s the difference between genuine savings and non-genuine savings?

It’s likely that you already know you need to provide a deposit to qualify for a home loan. That’s not all your lender will require however. Many lenders also want to see how you saved that deposit, especially if you wish to borrow more than 80 per cent of the property’s price. While it may seem unnecessary, your ability to save money can tell a lender a lot about your credibility as a borrower. 

What homeowners need to know about mortgage lenders going bankrupt

Ever paused and wondered what would happen if your mortgage company went bankrupt? Generally speaking, your home loan will most likely be transferred to a new bank that chooses to absorb the bankrupt mortgage lender.

Do I need multiple mortgage pre-approvals?

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help narrow down your property search considerably, as you’ll have a firm budget in mind while you go house hunting. Additionally, being pre-approved for a mortgage puts you in a better position to negotiate a price at an auction.