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Learn more about how to manage your personal finances with RateCity's home loan articles, including how-to-guides on comparing home loan interest rates, fees, features and other benefits.

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Economy strengthens but buyer confidence flattens

Buyer confidence levels for purchasing property have flattened over the past year but they are still higher than 2008 levels. According to the September 2010 Genworth Homebuyer Confidence Index, our confidence in the home loan and property market has increased by 7.7 percentage points, from 92.4 in 2008 to 99.1 in 2010.

Home Loans

28 Oct, 2010

3 min read

Economy strengthens but buyer confidence flattens

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Tougher outlook for first home buyers

First home buyers are finding it tougher to enter the property market than last year, with some first home buyers pushed out altogether due to higher costs. But by taking the right turns and keeping to the map, the road ahead doesn't need to be as rough.

Home Loans

26 Oct, 2010

3 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

How to avoid mistakes first home buyers make

Many first home buyers are given advice from all directions on what to do, what not to do and which lender to use. But because everyone is different, what suits one may not suit another, especially when it comes to finding the right home loan.

Home Loans

22 Oct, 2010

3 min read

How to avoid mistakes first home buyers make

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Beat the major four banks by comparing home loans online

As the anticipation of a predicted rate rise before the end of the year draws nearer, experts worry there is a lack of competition in the mortgage lending market and borrowers aren't getting the best deals on their home loans.

Home Loans

21 Oct, 2010

3 min read

Beat the major four banks by comparing home loans online

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Aussies demand a better deal on home loans!

Homebuyers, especially those looking to refinance their existing home loans have taken advantage of an opportunity to make the most of stable interest rates

Home Loans

15 Oct, 2010

3 min read

Aussies demand a better deal on home loans!

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

How borrowers can beat the imminent rate rise

If you have a home loan or considering taking out one, there are steps that home owners can implement now that will not only help them take advantage of the current stable rates, but also prepare them for any rate increases before the year is out.

Home Loans

13 Oct, 2010

3 min read

How borrowers can beat the imminent rate rise

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Refinancing at the right time can save you $63,000

Refinancing your mortgage can be a great option for those whose circumstances may have changed since applying for the loan, such as welcoming another member to your family or a decrease in your salary. Other reasons why someone may refinance their home loan can include

Home Loans

08 Oct, 2010

3 min read

Refinancing at the right time can save you $63,000

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Five steps to owning your own home sooner

In order to buy the home of your dreams this mortgage season, you need the right mortgage. RateCity has compiled five ways to help you choose the best home loan to suit your lifestyle. Compare intro loans to variable loans. Intro rate home loans are generally targeted at first home buyers because of their lower interest rates for usually the first 12 months

Home Loans

08 Oct, 2010

4 min read

Five steps to owning your own home sooner

RateCity

Finding the best home loan for you

Your home is a direct result of your home loan so it's imperative to place as much importance on finding a loan that fits your budget and lifestyle, as it is to find your ideal home.

Home Loans

06 Oct, 2010

4 min read

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Getting ready for a rate rise

If and when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announces that the official cash rate will increase, there are a number of strategies that borrowers can implement to prepare for a rate rise. In order to better prepare for a rate rise, we've prepared a few suggestions for Australian borrowers.

Home Loans

06 Oct, 2010

3 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Is rent really dead money or are you better off buying?

It can be difficult to gauge if you will be better off buying or renting. For some people buying a home is simply not an option, but for those that can afford it, it is worth looking into both options. RateCity compared the difference between the average rental prices with the average mortgage repayments in Australia's five capital cities based on the current average standard variable rate of 7.05 percent for a 25-year loan term.

Home Loans

04 Oct, 2010

3 min read

Is rent really dead money or are you better off buying?

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Stay away from Mortgage Stress Street

While buying a home is an exciting and pivotal time in your life, it can also be very stressful. Interest rate rises, the higher cost of living and unemployment all impact the level of mortgage stress that households may feel, pushing some borrowers off Struggle Street and into Mortgage Stress Street.

Home Loans

04 Oct, 2010

3 min read