Home
Home Loans
Articles

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.

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is a debt-to-income ratio, and how does it impact your mortgage application?

A debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares the amount of money you earn to the amount of money you owe to various lenders and credit card providers. It’s used by lenders to judge whether you can repay your mortgage comfortably or not.

Home Loans

21 Apr, 2021

5 min read

What is a debt-to-income ratio, and how does it impact your mortgage application?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What happens to a reverse mortgage when the owner dies?

When a homeowner dies with an outstanding reverse mortgage, their home may be sold to repay the debt. However, their family may need to move out of the house first.

Home Loans

19 Apr, 2021

4 min read

What happens to a reverse mortgage when the owner dies?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can a reverse mortgage calculator help me estimate my borrowing limit?

While you can borrow at least $10,000 through a reverse mortgage, consider using a reverse mortgage calculator to estimate how much more you could borrow.

Home Loans

15 Apr, 2021

4 min read

Can a reverse mortgage calculator help me estimate my borrowing limit?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is a reverse mortgage and are you eligible?

Using a reverse mortgage, you can convert the equity of your home into cash if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about reverse mortgages and find out if you’re eligible.

Home Loans

30 Mar, 2021

4 min read

What is a reverse mortgage and are you eligible?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can I get a home loan with a low credit score?

You can apply for a home loan with a low credit score, but you may not get the best deal in the market. Check how to improve your credit score before applying.

Home Loans

30 Mar, 2021

5 min read

Can I get a home loan with a low credit score?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What you should know about historical mortgage rates

Studying historical home loan interest rates can help prepare for future trends, which can be useful for homebuyers in deciding when to apply for a mortgage.

Home Loans

22 Mar, 2021

3 min read

What you should know about historical mortgage rates

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How do banks approve home loan applications?

Knowing how banks approve home loans will help you prepare correctly and maximise your chances of getting your application approved.

Home Loans

17 Mar, 2021

4 min read

How do banks approve home loan applications?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can I take out a second mortgage on my home?

You may take out a second mortgage on your home if your first mortgage lender allows it. Consider checking the pros and cons before applying for a second mortgage.

Home Loans

17 Mar, 2021

3 min read

Can I take out a second mortgage on my home?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What you need to know before converting your home into a rental property

There are many reasons why you might want to move house. Perhaps you found a job in a different city, or your family has grown and the house or apartment no longer fits your needs. Whatever may be the reason for the change, you don’t need to give up the home you own when you move to another.

Home Loans

16 Mar, 2021

5 min read

Changing from owner occupier to investment property | RateCity

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Can stamp duty be added to your mortgage?

Stamp duty is an upfront cost associated with buying property. It can be costly, and you may wonder if a lender will let you add this amount to your mortgage.

Home Loans

15 Mar, 2021

3 min read

Can stamp duty be added to your mortgage? | RateCity

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How can mortgage reduction strategies improve my financial situation?

Few of us want to hang onto the mortgage for longer than we have to. Luckily there are several strategies you can use to pay down your home loan faster.

Home Loans

09 Mar, 2021

4 min read

How can mortgage reduction strategies improve my financial situation?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What is a rate lock and what happens if it expires before your home loan closes?

Some Aussies opt for a rate lock to ensure they are not hit with an unexpected interest rate hike while their home loan is being processed. Learn more about how you can lock in your mortgage rate.

Home Loans

09 Mar, 2021

4 min read