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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.
Kate Cowling
The real costs of a home loan
Disguised by a league of various names including application, start-up, set-up or up-front fees, whatever you call it, an application fee will always be applied when signing up for a new home. But along with this, what are the other costs, the real costs, of a home loan?
Home Loans
15 Jun, 2011
3 min read
Kate Cowling
Should you be rewarded for your home loan loyalty?
These days it pays to be a loyal customer. More and more companies, including home loan lenders, are realising the importance of customer retention because of the competitive Australian market. In order to keep their customers from looking and going elsewhere they need to offer further incentives to keep their customers loyal.
Home Loans
09 Jun, 2011
3 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Does your mortgage reward your loyalty?
The number of lenders offering loyalty discounts to mortgage customers has almost doubled in six months, as competition in the home loans market heats up. Loyalty discount home loans reward borrowers with a rate discount after they have held the loan for a certain period of time such as one or two years, encouraging continued loyalty.
Home Loans
09 Jun, 2011
3 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Home loan wars heat up
As the housing market remains flat, it certainly pays to compare home loans. The major banks are offering discounted interest rates and larger mortgages in a bid to entice borrowers back to the market.
Home Loans
08 Jun, 2011
2 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Is your mortgage really an 'award winner'?
Any foray into the complex world of trying to find the best mortgage is bound to yield an array of products that claim to be award-winning leaders in the field. But as Choice magazine’s Ingrid Just says, it pays to look beyond the gold medals and blue ribbons.
Home Loans
07 Jun, 2011
2 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Aussies skip mortgage repayments at record highs
Skipping a mortgage repayment is becoming more common among Australian households, according to new research from Fitch Ratings. The number of homes that missed a monthly home loan repayment set a new record high in the March quarter.
Home Loans
07 Jun, 2011
3 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Economic slump will not save us from a rate rise
Homeowners hoping that interest rates remain steady as Australia's export earnings continue to drop look set to be disappointed.
Home Loans
06 Jun, 2011
2 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Home loan spotlight: Second mortgages
Thinking of taking out a second mortgage? Ask yourself first if you would be better off refinancing and, if you still wish to go ahead, make sure you consider the good the bad and the ugly.
Home Loans
05 Jun, 2011
2 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Top mistakes people make when choosing a home loan
Phil Naylor, CEO of MFAA, reveals where you can go wrong trying to find the right mortgage products in a crowded market place.
Home Loans
03 Jun, 2011
2 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Home loans for the over-45s now tougher to obtain
Legally, anyone aged over 18 can apply for a mortgage. In reality, lenders are wary of approving older applicants because, to put it bluntly, they need to know you’re going to be around to service the debt.
Home Loans
02 Jun, 2011
2 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Is rural Australia the next investment property boom zone?
With many property investors taking advantage of the threat of rising interest rates and other financial factors keeping first homebuyers out of the market, Australia’s rural areas are emerging as an investment hot spot.
Home Loans
31 May, 2011
3 min read
Laine Gordon
Head of Public Relations
Get into your own home sooner
Get into your own home sooner by capitalising your Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Home Loans
27 May, 2011
2 min read
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