Early Inheritance vs Family Gifts: What’s the Difference When Buying a Home?

Early Inheritance vs Family Gifts: What’s the Difference When Buying a Home?

Early Inheritance vs Family Gifts: What’s the Difference When Buying a Home? Many families choose to help buyers by providing money earlier than originally planned, often referring to it as an “early inheritance”. While this may make sense within the family, lenders assess early inheritance very similarly to other forms of family assistance. Understanding the […]

How Lenders Assess Risk When Approving Home Loans

How Lenders Assess Risk When Approving Home Loans

How Lenders Assess Risk When Approving Home Loans When you apply for a home loan, lenders aren’t just deciding whether you can afford repayments today — they’re assessing the risk of lending to you over the long term. Understanding how lenders assess risk when approving home loans can help you prepare your finances properly and […]

Being loyal to your bank?

Being loyal to your bank

Why Loyalty to Your Bank Can Quietly Cost You Most of us like to think loyalty counts for something. You stay with the same bank for years, make your repayments on time, don’t cause any trouble — and assume that must mean you’re being looked after. Unfortunately, when it comes to home loans, that’s rarely […]

Is Negative Gearing Right for Me?

Is Negative Gearing Right for Me?

Is Negative Gearing Right for Me? Negative gearing is one of the most talked-about property investment strategies in Australia — but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. If you’re asking this question, you’re already doing the right thing. Negative gearing isn’t something to jump into blindly. It works best when it aligns with your […]

Understanding a refinance!

Refinancing basics

The Real Benefits of Refinancing (What It Actually Does for You) Refinancing gets talked about a lot — but often in vague terms. You’ll hear things like “better rates” or “more flexibility”, but that doesn’t always answer the real question homeowners have: what difference does refinancing actually make? When you break it down, refinancing isn’t […]

Is it time to refinance?

Refinance time

Thinking About Refinancing? Now Is the Time to Take Action If you’ve been thinking about refinancing your home loan — even just quietly in the back of your mind — chances are your mortgage hasn’t been reviewed in a while. And here’s the truth: most homeowners don’t refinance because something is “wrong” with their loan. […]

Preparing for Future Family Plans When Getting Mortgage Ready

Preparing for Future Family Plans When Getting Mortgage Ready

Preparing for Future Family Plans When Getting Mortgage Ready When preparing to buy a home, many people focus on their current situation and try not to think too far ahead. However, future family plans — whether children, caregiving, or lifestyle changes — often play a major role in long-term comfort. Preparing with these possibilities in […]

Buying Solo When You’re in a Relationship

Buying Solo When You’re in a Relationship

Buying Solo When You’re in a Relationship Being in a relationship doesn’t automatically mean buying a home together. Many people choose — or need — to buy solo while partnered, and this decision can feel awkward or confusing. Questions around fairness, future plans, and lender expectations often come up. The reality is simple: buying solo […]

What If One Partner Has Credit Issues?

What If One Partner Has Credit Issues?

What If One Partner Has Credit Issues? In many couples, one partner may have credit issues while the other does not. This situation can create anxiety, guilt, or fear that buying a home together may be impossible. The reality is more nuanced. Credit differences are common, and they don’t automatically prevent couples from buying — […]

Alternatives to Guarantor Loans: Other Ways Family Can Help

Alternatives to Guarantor Loans: Other Ways Family Can Help

Alternatives to Guarantor Loans: Other Ways Family Can Help Not every family is comfortable taking on the responsibilities of a guarantor loan. The good news is there are other ways family members can help buyers enter the property market without guaranteeing a loan. Understanding the alternatives to guarantor loans can help families choose the option […]