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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 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

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

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How to apply for a home loan with bad credit

Even if you have a poor history of repaying money, you may still be able to get approval for a home loan in some circumstances. Learn more about the different options and if you may be eligible for a home loan with very bad credit.

Home Loans

09 Mar, 2021

4 min read

How to apply for a home loan with bad credit

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What are the tax benefits available to first-time homebuyers renting out their property?

Homeowners may qualify for tax deductions when they rent out the home and make improvements. They can also claim a deduction for loss in any equipment’s value.

Home Loans

04 Mar, 2021

4 min read

What are the tax benefits available to first-time homebuyers renting out their property?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What you should know about using super for home loan repayments

You can sometimes use super for mortgage repayments if you risk defaulting and losing your home or if you qualify for the First Home Super Saver Scheme.

Home Loans

26 Feb, 2021

3 min read

What you should know about using super for home loan repayments

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What factors can affect your mortgage rate?

You may have seen mortgage interest rates advertised on lenders websites or sites like RateCity and wondered how they are set and how you can get a better deal.

Home Loans

26 Feb, 2021

8 min read

What factors can affect your mortgage rate?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

Loans for first home buyers without any down payment: How they work

Are you trying to buy your first property with no deposit? It may be possible, but it’s worth exploring all the available options.

Home Loans

26 Feb, 2021

4 min read

Loans for first home buyers without any down payment: How they work

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How to get pre-approval for a home loan as a first-time buyer?

While planning to buy your first home, it’s good to understand how much you’re eligible to borrow. Learn more about the process of getting pre-approval on your home loan.

Home Loans

26 Feb, 2021

5 min read

How to get pre-approval for a home loan as a first-time buyer?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How can you get a home loan on a low income?

Even if you’re on a low income, you can still fulfil your dream of owning a home and getting a home loan. Getting home loan approval with a low income and bad credit may just take a little extra effort.

Home Loans

25 Feb, 2021

4 min read

How can you get a home loan on a low income?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How long does a home loan pre-approval last?

A great way to speed up the home buying process is by getting pre-approval, but you may wonder how long does a home loan pre-approval last? Can it be extended if needed? Find out.

Home Loans

25 Feb, 2021

5 min read

How long does a home loan pre-approval last?

RateCity

Take a sledgehammer to your mortgage rate in 2021

Over the past two years, the official cash rate has fallen by a whopping 1.4%. Put simply, if you haven’t checked your mortgage rate during this time, you could be overpaying by an alarming amount.

Home Loans

24 Feb, 2021

1 min read

Take a Sledgehammer to your Mortgage Rate in 2021 | RateCity

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What do I need to do after closing my home loan?

If you’ve repaid your home loan in full, you will go through the process of discharging or closing the loan. This process involves updating your home’s title and securing your sole ownership. It’s also a good time to examine your finances.

Home Loans

24 Feb, 2021

4 min read

What do I need to do after closing my home loan?

Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

What are the various home loan prepayment advantages and considerations?

Paying off your mortgage faster and owning your home free and clear is a tremendous achievement. There are both benefits and drawbacks to closing your home loan early that are worth considering.

Home Loans

23 Feb, 2021

4 min read