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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
What the new bank levy could cost you
One surprise to come out of Australia’s 2017 Federal Budget was the introduction of a new 'budget repair' levy on Australia’s big banks.
Home Loans
15 May, 2017
5 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Good debt and bad debt, how to consolidate and save
Even if you didn’t pay much attention to the 2017 federal budget, you may remember how it was presented a little differently. Rather than focusing solely on surpluses versus deficits, the federal government sorted its borrowing into "good debt" and "bad debt".
Home Loans
11 May, 2017
7 min read
Nick Bendel
Property & Personal Finance Writer
Don't make this big refinancing mistake!
The main reason people refinance their home loan is to save money. But sometimes people make a crucial mistake and actually lose money.
Home Loans
08 May, 2017
2 min read
Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
How offset accounts can strip years off your home loan
Unless you have a bachelor degree in finance, really smart friends or a great financial advisor, you may never learn all the tricks of the trade. For instance, did you know that offset accounts reward the conscious saver by saving you thousands in interest charges and shaving years of your loan term?
Home Loans
08 May, 2017
8 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
How will the big four's interest rate increases affect you?
Yet another of the big four banks has increased home loan rates, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) raising borrowing costs for owner-occupiers and property investors.
Home Loans
28 Mar, 2017
2 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
What is a Mortgage Discharge Fee?
Also known as a termination or settlement fee, a discharge fee is paid when you finish paying off the balance on a loan, or refinance with another lender.
Home Loans
23 Mar, 2017
1 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
The secrets to getting the lowest home loan rate
Did you know some banks compete to give certain borrowers a home loan?
Home Loans
22 Mar, 2017
3 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
The Trump Factor, Will fixed rates protect you from volatility?
When US President Trump was first elected, a wave of uncertainty washed over the world of finance, causing investors to seek safe havens for their wealth. The 45th president’s election victory led to the price of gold breaking through the US$1300 an ounce mark, while US treasuries rose 10 points. There was also speculation that investors could start moving their money from shares to property – specifically Australian property, generally considered to be one of the safest markets in the world – as they wait to see the fallout.
Home Loans
20 Mar, 2017
5 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
8 cities that are more affordable than Sydney
When you examine the average Australian house prices in December 2016 (according to the Domain Rental & House Pricing Report) the average price of a house in Sydney is $1,123,991.
Home Loans
17 Mar, 2017
3 min read
Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Will US rate rises affect Australia?
Last night’s meeting of the US Federal Reserve increased America’s benchmark interest rate from 0.75% to 1%. Leading up to this widely-forecast increase, finance industry experts predicted that rising US interest rates may influence Australia and other countries where lenders could struggle with increased overseas funding costs, and raise their own interest rates to compensate.
Home Loans
16 Mar, 2017
2 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
Can you afford a mortgage?
For many Australians, buying your own home is something you dream about (while indulging in a smashed avocado brunch), but is it an unobtainable dream?
Home Loans
07 Mar, 2017
4 min read
Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
Renting vs. buying, what should you choose?
Choosing between renting or buying property can be a daunting process.
Home Loans
20 Feb, 2017
4 min read
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Personal Finance Editor
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Personal Finance Editor
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