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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.

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What rights and responsibilities does a mortgage guarantor have?

Before you agree to become a guarantor on a home loan, be sure to check the loan terms and the borrower’s financial circumstances to avoid potential pitfalls.

Home Loans

24 Mar, 2022

4 min read

What rights and responsibilities does a mortgage guarantor have?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is the difference between a home equity loan and a personal loan?

Which is the better choice between a home equity loan and a personal loan in the case of a financial emergency? Let us help you decide.

Home Loans

24 Mar, 2022

4 min read

What is the difference between a home equity loan and a personal loan?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How much does it cost to add a granny flat to your property?

Installing a granny flat on your property can provide additional space for family and friends while potentially boosting your property value. But just how expensive and extensive is the process of adding a granny flat?

Home Loans

23 Mar, 2022

3 min read

How much does it cost to add a granny flat to your property?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How does a bank charge interest on your home loan?

Interest rates are one of the most significant costs associated with a home loan, so you may be curious exactly how interest is calculated and charged to you.

Home Loans

23 Mar, 2022

4 min read

How does a bank charge interest on your home loan?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Does paying extra on a mortgage reduce your interest?

By making extra home loan repayments and shrinking your home loan principal, you can reduce the interest you are charged on your mortgage. This could give you the choice between taking steps to pay off your property sooner, or adding some breathing room to your household budget.

Home Loans

22 Mar, 2022

3 min read

Does paying extra on a mortgage reduce your interest?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Which credit report is used for home loans?

When reviewing your home loan application, lenders may request your credit report from one of three credit reporting bureaus, but only with your permission.

Home Loans

22 Mar, 2022

4 min read

Which credit report is used for home loans?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What are the total bank charges for a home loan?

When you are planning on buying a home, understanding the different types of costs involved can help avoid any unpleasant surprises later.

Home Loans

21 Mar, 2022

4 min read

What are the total bank charges for a home loan?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Is a benchmark interest rate the average home loan rate?

A benchmark interest rate is the term given to describe the average interest rate among Australia’s major four banks – ANZ, Commonwealth, NAB and Westpac. It is also the term commonly used to refer to the minimum interest rate investors will accept when investing in a non-Treasury security.

Home Loans

21 Mar, 2022

4 min read

Is a benchmark interest rate the average home loan rate?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is the Shared Ownership Home Loan scheme in Western Australia?

The Shared Ownership Home Loan scheme in WA may help home buyers tp get into their own home faster with only a 2% deposit, and without having to pay costly Lender's Mortgage Insurance.

Home Loans

21 Mar, 2022

4 min read

What is the Shared Ownership Home Loan scheme in Western Australia?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How to prepare for rising home loan interest rates

With leading banks raising fixed rates and slashing variable rates, many borrowers may be reconsidering variable rate home loans. But with almost one in four new mortgages taking on unsafe debt levels, and banks forecasting that interest rates could start rising as soon as June 2022, what steps can you take to help minimise the risk of bill shock before the next rate rise?

Home Loans

17 Mar, 2022

5 min read

How to prepare for rising home loan interest rates

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How much should you borrow for a mortgage?

Based on your financial situation, you have a certain borrowing capacity for a home loan. Even if you can borrow more, you need to exercise financial discipline and only take on as much debt as you can comfortably repay.

Home Loans

16 Mar, 2022

3 min read

How much should you borrow for a mortgage?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

How much does it cost to paint a house?

Painting a house can cost you anywhere from $2,400 to $35,000. The costing can depend on whether the home is single or double storey and whether you are painting the interior or exterior of the home.

Home Loans

16 Mar, 2022

4 min read