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Home Loans Articles

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.

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Do I need a house valuation for probate? What you to know about deceased estates

Becoming the executor for a deceased estate can be daunting. While you’re dealing with your grief for the departed, you’re also taking responsibility for the will they left behind. Understanding some of the requirements and responsibilities involved when dealing with a deceased estate can help to ensure that everybody is well looked after, financially and emotionally.

Home Loans

16 Aug, 2022

3 min read

Do I need a house valuation for probate? What you to know about deceased estates
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Home renovations that may give you the best return on investment

If you can’t afford to renovate your entire home, you may want to think carefully about where you want to commit your time and money. Whether you’re renovating to sell, or looking to grow your home’s long-term value, renovating certain areas of the home could provide a much bigger return on investment.

Home Loans

16 Aug, 2022

5 min read

Home renovations that may give you the best return on investment
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Most common renovation mistakes and how to avoid them

Renovating a property can give you or your tenants a more comfortable place to live, and potentially help to improve its value for easier refinancing or selling in the future. But there are also some easy mistakes to make that could affect both the results of your renovation project and your financial future.

Home Loans

12 Aug, 2022

5 min read

Most common renovation mistakes and how to avoid them
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Selling a home with a mortgage: your guide

Ready to sell your property, but still owe money on the home loan? In many cases, having an outstanding mortgage shouldn’t be too large an obstacle between you and a hassle-free home sale, though you may want help from a legal professional to walk you through the process.

Home Loans

11 Aug, 2022

5 min read

Selling a home with a mortgage: your guide
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What is a revolving credit mortgage?

A revolving credit mortgage is another name for a home equity line of credit, often used in countries such as New Zealand. A revolving line of credit lets you borrow up to a maximum limit based on your equity in property, and enjoy the flexibility to make repayments when you choose.

Home Loans

11 Aug, 2022

3 min read

What is a revolving credit mortgage?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What do valuers look for when valuing a house?

A property valuation may be required when a property is bought, sold, or refinanced. But a professional valuation can be a little different to a real estate appraisal or online report. Understanding some of the differences could help to make sure your valuation is accurate, for a more streamlined and hassle-free transaction.

Home Loans

10 Aug, 2022

5 min read

What do valuers look for when valuing a house?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

What to know before buying a house with your parents or anybody else

Buying a house with your family members or others can make the purchase more affordable for everyone but there are some important things to consider.

Home Loans

10 Aug, 2022

5 min read

What to know before buying a house with your parents or anybody else
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Does working from home void your home insurance?

Home and contents insurance covers your home and possessions if they are damaged or destroyed, providing homeowners with valuable peace of mind. But there’s also a risk that these homeowners could miss out if they also run a business from their insured home.

Home Loans

10 Aug, 2022

3 min read

Does working from home void your home insurance?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Principal and interest: how to pay off your mortgage faster

Your mortgage’s “principal” refers to the amount you’ve borrowed and will need to repay to the lender in time. Paying off your mortgage principal can not only bring you closer to owning your property outright and getting out of debt, but potentially help you pay less in interest charges over time. There are a few home loan features and options that may be able to help you pay off your home loan faster.

Home Loans

09 Aug, 2022

6 min read

Principal and interest: how to pay off your mortgage faster
Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

The pros and cons of negative gearing: how does it affect investors?

Come tax time, investors can reduce their taxable income by claiming negative gearing losses, ultimately lowering the amount of tax they must pay to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Home Loans

04 Aug, 2022

5 min read

The pros and cons of negative gearing: how does it affect investors?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How long does it take to get a home loan approved?

Getting a home loan approved could be a short and simple or lengthy and complex process, depending on your application and your financial situation. While the average time from home loan application to formal approval and settlement can take between four and six weeks, some mortgage lenders advertise that they can approve a home loan in as little as 10 minutes.

Home Loans

03 Aug, 2022

5 min read

How long does it take to get a home loan approved?
Peter Terlato

Personal Finance Editor

Shared equity schemes vs guarantor loans

Sharing the burden of home loan costs can expedite the approval process. There are a few different options to consider when deciding who can help you secure the necessary finances to purchase a property.

Home Loans

01 Aug, 2022

9 min read

Shared equity schemes vs guarantor loans