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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

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

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

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

How to sail smoothly through your loan approval process

Take some of the angst out of waiting for your home loan to be approved by following these foolproof tips.

Home Loans

21 Apr, 2011

2 min read

How to sail smoothly through your loan approval process

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Get rid of your mortgage faster

If the thought of being chained to your home loan for 30 years sends you into a cold sweat you may want to consider these tips to fast track your way to a peaceful night's sleep. Overall, aim to pay off at least an extra month of payments per year.

Home Loans

20 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Ask the right questions about your mortgage

So, you know how much you can borrow, and how much you can afford to repay. But when you’re shopping around for your mortgage, there are other important questions that must be asked before you sign on the dotted line.

Home Loans

19 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Ask the right questions about your mortgage

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Tips for saving money for your home loan

What do you need, what do you want and how can you cut back? Here's how to figure it out and save money in the process.

Home Loans

16 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Tips for saving money for your home loan

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Property valuation: what to look for

You've found the home you simply have to have. Now comes the task of figuring out exactly what your dream home is worth. These simple tips can help make sure you pay the right price.

Home Loans

15 Apr, 2011

2 min read