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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.

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

First home buyers beware of intro-rate loans

First home buyers are being urged to consider introductory-rate home loans with caution, following an increase in uptake of the often surprisingly expensive honeymoon-period home loans.

Home Loans

11 May, 2011

3 min read

First home buyers beware of intro rate loans

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Five mortgage tips you probably never thought of

If you're thinking about purchasing your first mortgage or refinancing, read this news story to find out hints and tips you probably wouldn't have read anywhere else!

Home Loans

10 May, 2011

2 min read

Five mortgage tips you probably never thought of

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Home loan spotlight: home equity loans

A home equity loan is a home loan that allows you to use established equity to borrow money. Many people use this type of loan to renovate, invest in the share market or buy an investment property.

Home Loans

08 May, 2011

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Is your mortgage structured for maximum tax deductions?

Be aware of these simple rules when negotiating your investment home loan. In order for you to claim deductions, your investment property must produce income.

Home Loans

07 May, 2011

2 min read

Is your mortgage structured for maximum tax deductions?

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Fixing your mortgage now: the case for and against

With every finance expert offering an opinion on whether or not interest rates are set to soar, we look at both sides of the argument.

Home Loans

06 May, 2011

2 min read

Fixing your mortgage now the case for and against

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Ten tips for investment property buyers

With tax return time just around the corner, now could be a great time to buy your first investment property. Here are some tips to build your property portfolio faster.

Home Loans

05 May, 2011

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Is Australian home affordability on par with the world?

Home ownership rates have forged ahead in many developed countries, but Australia is not one of them. A new report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development found that 69.5 percent of Australians own their own home, down from 71.4 percent in the 1990s.

Home Loans

05 May, 2011

2 min read

Is Australian home affordability on par with the world?

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Avoid mortgage application traps and gain quick approval

Applying for your first mortgage can be an overwhelming process, with all of the paperwork and documentation required by a financial institution. So to give yourself the best chance at approval and to maximise the amount you can borrow, it's worth taking the time to get your affairs in order first

Home Loans

04 May, 2011

3 min read

Avoid mortgage application traps and gain quick approval

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Borrowers to benefit in home loan market slump

The number of home loans written in February this year was the lowest in a decade, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. But there is some good news for buyers and those looking to refinance, which are set to benefit from growing competition in the lending market.

Home Loans

04 May, 2011

3 min read

Borrowers to benefit in home loan market slump

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Investment property taxes, proposed changes for 2011

With Treasurer Wayne Swan busy tinkering with the next budget, there have been suggestions that cutbacks on tax concessions for investment properties are on the agenda.

Home Loans

03 May, 2011

2 min read

Investment property taxes - proposed changes for 2011

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

What does pre-approval really mean?

It’s easy to have your home loan pre-approved, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your lender will part with the funds at crunch time. There are dozens of lenders offering so-called online loan approval in 60 seconds, but it’s not until your application is assessed for risk by a live action human being that you’re in the clear

Home Loans

29 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Australia's top three most popular home loans

The variable rate home loan is Australia’s most popular. This loan calculates interest on your mortgage based on the Reserve Bank’s cash rate. If interest rates go up, you pay more, if you they go down you pay a less.

Home Loans

29 Apr, 2011

2 min read