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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

Quitting smoking can save you $100,000 off your mortgage

RateCity investigates the huge savings smokers can make by quitting and paying down their mortgage. The latest interest rate rises have put pressure on most households with a mortgage. And if you’re a smoker, the federal government’s new 25 percent tax hike on packs of cigarettes will be sure to put an extra sting on your finances.

Home Loans

27 May, 2010

3 min read

Quitting smoking can save you $100,000 off your mortgage

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Playing scrooge: beating banks at their own home loans game

Australian home buyers are facing some of the strictest lending requirements in recent years, as financial institutions demand more genuine savings before securing a home loan. But are Australians getting a raw deal, or are these the necessary precautions that every lender must make?

Home Loans

27 May, 2010

3 min read

Playing scrooge beating banks at their own home loans game

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Investors set to heat up property market

RateCity looks at the surprise investment boom in the property market as higher rates push home owners out. An increase in the size of home loans taken on by Australians is a concern, especially for first home buyers who generally earn less money, and will have a harder time affording any increased mortgage repayments.

Home Loans

27 May, 2010

3 min read

Investors set to heat up property market

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Lenders keep a tight grip on home loan criteria

Lenders are showing no signs of easing their tight lending criteria for home loans. RateCity shows you its new findings as well as tips on how to score the best home loan for first home buyers.

Home Loans

24 May, 2010

3 min read

Lenders keep a tight grip on home loan criteria

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

How to save your home from another rate increase

With six rate rises over the past eight months and four rate rises this year alone, home owners are feeling the pinch after yet another rate hike this month. RateCity looks at why refinancing your mortgage may aid in reducing the financial pressure.

Home Loans

10 May, 2010

3 min read

How to save your home from another rate increase

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Getting a home loan in spite of a bad credit history

Have you ever forgotten to pay a bill or two? Or previously been declined for a loan? You may be one of the many credit-impaired people with a desire to get into the housing market but are unsure if your past is going to catch up with you. RateCity shows you how owning a home can be possible for those with a bad credit history.

Home Loans

10 May, 2010

3 min read

Getting a home loan in spite of a bad credit history

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What happens if I miss mortgage repayments?

When we sign up for a mortgage we can get so caught up in the dream of owning a home that we haven't suitably prepared for the actual impact the repayments will have on our life. The main problem is, if you have a bad week and miss a payment, you will be stung with a fee, magnifying to your home loan repayment woes.

Home Loans

09 May, 2010

4 min read

What happens if I miss mortgage repayments?

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Make late mortgage repayments a thing of the past

Are you thinking of skipping a home-loan repayment? With late fees costing up to $195, you may want to think twice. RateCity looks at what you can do to avoid late mortgage repayment fees.

Home Loans

04 May, 2010

3 min read

Make late mortgage repayments a thing of the past

Patricia Babalis

What are mortgage rates and types?

You start feeling all grown up when someone starts talking to you about mortgage rates but what exactely does fixed or variable insterest rates mean for you on a daily basis? Like all loans, we know we have to pay it off but how the rates are set and when we make payments vary from lender to lender.

Home Loans

03 May, 2010

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Investors take advantage of rate hikes

As interest rates rise, home buyers are taking a back seat with applying for home loans and investors are back in the game.

Home Loans

27 Apr, 2010

3 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Unlock your equity the easy way

If you own your home but require extra money for whatever reason, taking out a reverse mortgage could be one option to consider.

Home Loans

23 Apr, 2010

3 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Relief for home buyers with smaller lenders

Housing finance numbers have declined according to new research. RateCity investigates how Australians can make buying a home a reality as interest rates rise.

Home Loans

19 Apr, 2010

3 min read