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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

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

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Mortgage health: does your home loan need a check-up?

Since the federal government released their new Competitive and Sustainable Banking System Package banning mortgage exit fees, it's predicted 2011 will be the year of the great mortgage switch.

Home Loans

14 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Mortgage health does your home loan need a check up?

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

How to evaluate your finances and create a budget

Whether you're trying to get a foot on the property ladder for the first time or would simply like to shave a little time off the life of your home loan by making extra repayments, you first need to take a good, hard look at your finances. The key here is to manage your money not have your money manage you.

Home Loans

12 Apr, 2011

2 min read

How to evaluate your finances and create a budget

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Cost of living on the rise: time to fix your mortgage

With the rising cost of power, food, fuel, and an interest rate hike on the horizon, now might be a good time to fix your mortgage.

Home Loans

11 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Cost of living on the rise time to fix your mortgage

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Mortgage insurance: what's the deal?

The most important thing to realise about lender's mortgage insurance (LMI) is that it insures your lender, not you. If you default on the loan repayments and your home is sold for less than your loan amount, the insurance will compensate your home loan organisation.

Home Loans

08 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Perks and pitfalls to watch out for when you're mortgage shopping

It’s not just interest rates that can hurt your bottom dollar. Fees and establishment costs can make a big difference to the amount you pay for your mortgage.

Home Loans

08 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Perks and pitfalls to watch out for when you're mortgage shopping

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Mortgage comparisons: top tips on how to get the best deal

There are countless mortgage comparison facilities available, but what do you really need to know when you’re looking for a home loan? Here are some essential criteria to help you choose the best mortgage.

Home Loans

06 Apr, 2011

2 min read

Mortgage comparisons top tips on how to get the best deal

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

How do low introductory rate mortgages stack up?

Competition in the banking sector fired up last month when CUA launched a new home loan package with one of the cheapest introductory rates on the market. But how does it compare with top mortgages monitored by RateCity?

Home Loans

06 Apr, 2011

3 min read

How do low introductory rate mortgages stack up?

Laine Gordon

Money Editor

Reduce mortgage stress with a few simple steps

If you are a few months behind on your mortgage repayments and facing a default notice, you are not alone. You'll likely find there is often a really easy fix to mortgage stress, such as looking to go interest-free for a while to reduce the repayment or consolidating other loans.

Home Loans

06 Apr, 2011

3 min read