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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

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

Australia's top three most popular home loans

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Auction vs. private treaty: which one is right for you

In Australia, private treaty still proliferates with only around 15 percent of property sales the result of the auction process. Benefits of selling at auction: it puts a time frame on the sale.

Home Loans

28 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Auction vs. private treaty which one is right for you

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Mortgage offset accounts and all in one home loans

100 percent offset accounts are often confused with all in one home loans. Read this article to find out the difference between these two types of mortgages and how both can help reduce your interest repayments.

Home Loans

26 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Mortgage offset accounts and all in one home loans

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Buyers' agents numbers increase at auction

Using a professional agent to help you win at auction is becoming increasingly popular. Not to be confused with a selling agent who works for the vendor, a buyer’s agent can help you find the right property, decide what you’re willing to pay and handle all negotiations.

Home Loans

25 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Buyers' agents numbers increase at auction

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Don't attend an auction without bidding

Graeme Hennessy, Principle of Premier Property Auctions in Sydney, says the biggest mistake people make at auction is to hang back and not bid.

Home Loans

24 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Ultimate home buyer checklist

Type A personalities will possibly enjoy the home buying process more than others as the potential for lists, checklists and cross-referencing is vast. Here’s a list of lists you will find useful.

Home Loans

23 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

First home owners: how much can you really afford to borrow?

There's so much more to buying your first home than applying for your First Home Owner's Grant. Just because you get approval to borrow a huge sum of money, doesn't mean you should. Using home loan calculators is a great way to work out how much you should borrow but there are a few extra factors to consider.

Home Loans

22 Apr, 2011

2 min read