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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

Can you change your mortgage broker, and is it a good idea?

Many Aussies have used a mortgage broker to help guide them through the process of getting a home loan. Some have had great experiences, and continue to use the same broker for refinancing or purchasing an additional property. Others have not had great experiences, which have made them ask if they can switch mortgage brokers.

Home Loans

29 Jun, 2021

6 min read

Can you change your mortgage broker, and is it a good idea?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Should I combine my first and second mortgages?

If you’ve taken out two mortgages on your property, you may want to look for ways to consolidate the first and second mortgage as this could help you save on interest.

Home Loans

29 Jun, 2021

3 min read

Should I combine my first and second mortgages?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How long does a valuation report take?

If you’re buying or selling a house, you may want to know how much the property is worth. A valuation report helps you get a number based on a professional evaluation.

Home Loans

23 Jun, 2021

3 min read

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is the difference between a real estate appraisal and evaluation?

There is a difference between an appraisal and an evaluation in real estate. You may need either when buying or selling a house, so find out what they mean.

Home Loans

22 Jun, 2021

3 min read

What is the difference between a real estate appraisal and evaluation?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

How do mortgage companies verify income?

When you apply for a home loan, you’ll need to show the lender that you can comfortably afford the repayments. But how exactly do banks and mortgage lenders check your income and confirm that you earn enough for a mortgage?

Home Loans

18 Jun, 2021

5 min read

How do mortgage companies verify income?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Is a fixed or variable home loan better?

The best choice between a fixed or variable home loan interest rate may depend on your personal and financial situation, as well as your home loan goals. There are advantages and disadvantages to fixed and variable interest rates, which could affect the value that different home loans offer you.

Home Loans

16 Jun, 2021

5 min read

Is a fixed or variable home loan better?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Can I borrow money for stamp duty?

Stamp duty can be a significant cost to consider when buying a property. As well as your deposit and other fees and charges, stamp duty can add thousands of dollars to your upfront costs, depending on the value of the property. So it’s not surprising that some Australians look for alternative ways to manage this expense, such as borrowing money for stamp duty.

Home Loans

11 Jun, 2021

3 min read

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is the maximum amount you can borrow with a reverse mortgage?

If you’re considering a reverse mortgage, several factors impact the maximum amount that you can borrow.

Home Loans

10 Jun, 2021

4 min read

What is the maximum amount you can borrow with a reverse mortgage?

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What can count towards a home loan deposit?

The first step on many a home loan journey is saving up the deposit. Unfortunately, it’s often also a step that many borrowers struggle with, thanks to the high property prices in some Australian cities. Fortunately, there are several methods available to supplement your savings, so you can get your deposit together to buy your property sooner.

Home Loans

09 Jun, 2021

6 min read

What can count towards a home loan deposit?

Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

What is a property history report, and how can it help you?

If you’re in the early stages of purchasing a property you may be curious to the history of the home you’re considering buying. After all, how can you move forward with a property if you don’t know its past, including rental yields and growth of its market value?

Home Loans

04 Jun, 2021

4 min read

What is a property history report, and how can it help you?

RateCity

How to get a home loan interest rate under 2%

There are currently several home loans with interest rates below 2 per cent available to both investors and owner-occupiers from lenders big and small.

Home Loans

01 Jun, 2021

1 min read

How to get a home loan interest rate under 2%

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What are reverse mortgage tax obligations?

If you’re over 60 and looking for an additional line of credit, you may want to consider a reverse mortgage. But what are your reverse mortgage tax implications?

Home Loans

01 Jun, 2021

3 min read