Buying First Home
FAQs for First Home Buyers
How much do I need to save for a deposit?
This can depend on the type of loan you are looking for and the Institution you are lending from, however... Full story
Do you qualify for the First Home Buyer Grant
Eligibility for the first home owner's grant from the federal government is applicable to first home buyers buying existing homes and those... Full story
Auction Tips
So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced. Here are some tips to... Full story
The Return of the First Home Buyer
It's not easy getting your foot on the property ladder, especially if you're a first home buyer. In the past, the various first home buyer grants... Full story
Looking for a mortgage but don't know where to start
Choosing a home loan that suits your needs takes some time. Just like searching for a new home, home loan shopping involves time researching and... Full story
Tips for Investing in Property
As with investing in any asset class you should do your homework before jumping in. Like most things get it right at the start with careful... Full story
Negotiating a Sale
5 rules for negotiating real estate
1. Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace.
Knowledge is power when... Full story
First Home Saver Accounts
Thanks to an Australian Government initiative the release of the First Home Saver Account is making it simpler to buy your first home. By... Full story
Building Checklist
When hiring a builder it is always a good start to ask any friends or associates for referrals. If none are forthcoming drive around and take... Full story
Buying Next Home
Auction Tips
So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced. Here are some tips to... Full story
Building your own home
Renovating an existing property can sometimes be much harder than starting from scratch. There are fewer unfamiliarity's and more definite... Full story
Ready To Buy Your Next Home
Whether you are relocating, upgrading to a larger home or downsizing your empty nest, chances are your home loan needs are also changing. Whatever... Full story
Buying your next home
Buying your next home can be daunting and sometimes the process is not made simpler when you are also trying to sell your current home. However... Full story
Building Checklist
When hiring a builder it is always a good start to ask any friends or associates for referrals. If none are forthcoming drive around and take... Full story
Negotiating a Sale
5 rules for negotiating real estate1. Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace.Knowledge is power when... Full story
Investing in Property
Auction Tips
So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced. Here are some tips to... Full story
Splitting the cost
Splitting the costBuying a property with family or friends can be a nifty way to kick start your property portfolio, provided it's done... Full story
Purchasing a holiday home as an investment strategy
Purchasing a holiday home as an investment strategyInvesting in a holiday home sounds like a dream, but it's one that suits some investors more than... Full story
The positives of Property Investment
There are many things to consider when investing in property and the first is what the objectives of your investment are; is it to generate long term... Full story
Can I claim depreciation on my investment property
Depreciation is a legitimate tax deduction and unfortunately even the ATO believes that more than half of property investors don't claim what they... Full story
Negative Gearing
With the correct financial advice combined with the right property, negatively gearing is a great way for you to enter the property investment market... Full story
Negotiating a sale for an Investment Property
Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace.Knowledge is power when negotiating. Research is the key here attend... Full story
Refinancing or Debt Consolidation
Saving thousands from refinancing
Because circumstances change regularly the attraction of paying less interest on a home loan / mortgage or investment property loan for some... Full story
Refinancing Basics
There has never been a better time to refinance your home loan especially now as rates have increased and lenders are offering more... Full story
Top tips for mortgage reductions
With interest rates increasing again the secret to financial security is making your money work for you.
Here are some tips to obtain... Full story
New Motivations to Combine Your Debt
What is Debt Consolidation?When two or more loans are combined into one with the aim of reducing monthly or weekly repayment amounts. Debt... Full story
Renovating and the real costs
At some point many homeowners decide to improve their property. This can be to enhance their lifestyle, improve the value of the property or... Full story
Home Buyer Centre
Auction Tips
So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced. Here are some tips to... Full story
Home loan calculators. A good place to start the home loan search
How much money can I borrow?
Use free online home loan calculators
Work with an expert to lodge your home loan application
Ever wondered how... Full story
Banks Fighting for Your Business
The big banks have their boxing gloves on and they're out to fight for your business. Once scrutinised for high fees, poor customer satisfaction and... Full story
New Year, new ways to save money
The New Year provides most people one small luxury - extra time at home. Whether you have one day off or are enjoying an extended summer break,... Full story
Selecting The Right Mortgage
Have you been focusing on buying a home but giving little thought to how you'll structure the mortgage or secure financing? Hunting for the right... Full story
Australian First Mortgage Voted The Best Non Bank Lender 2010
HIGHER STANDARDS. HIGHER SERVICE.
In a little over seven years, the vision of the three Directors of AFM has been realised: to be the BEST NON BANK... Full story
The next move is yours
The next move is yoursAs celebrations of your recent property purchase start to die down, the next thing to consider is whether you should do the... Full story
Types of Loans Available
When you first set out to apply for your new home loan, there are some factors you should be aware of. The amount you can borrow generally... Full story
Home Loans Process
The Loan Application Process1. Interview During the interview(s), we will discuss and help you to select the most appropriate product and lender that... Full story
Buying off the Plan
Buying off the plan is the practice of purchasing property when the development is still in the planning stage and is awaiting construction.
To... Full story
Top tips for building your own home
Estimate your budget.
Always allow for costs not outlined in the base price. There can always be unforeseen things under the soil when they... Full story
Preparing for the big move
Moving home is a stressful time for all concerned, however to simplify this, here are some tips for the "BIG MOVE". It all starts with the... Full story
Negotiating a Sale
5 rules for negotiating real estate1. Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace.Knowledge is power when... Full story
LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance)
When borrowing more than the 80% of the value of the property most banks and financial institutions require LMI. This is added to the cost of the... Full story
Conveyancing
This is the process of transferring the legal ownership of property from one person to another.
You may do this yourself however it is recommended... Full story
Document Checklist
In terms of the information required this largely depends on the chosen lender and the type of loan you are applying for. Here is a rough... Full story
Home Loan Types
Is the low doc and no doc home loan dead
News about low doc or no doc home loans have really died down over the last year. That's because the new federal government regulations have impacted... Full story
Low Doc Home Loans
With people self-employed or employed on contract their income patterns do not let them qualify for a traditional type of loan.
A low documentation... Full story
Intro Rate Home Loans
Also known as a honeymoon rate, this low interest rate is offered at the start of a loan to get the borrower started. After a set period the rate... Full story
Non Conforming Home Loans
This is the loan for borrowers that do not meet 'standard' bank criteria which could include those with a poor credit history, small or no-deposit... Full story
Professional Package Home Loans
It is a common misconception that this loan is for professionals only and depending on the loan size can offer great interest rate discounts. ... Full story
Line of Credit Home Loans
A revolving line of credit that is secured against a property. It becomes a fully functional account so if cash is needed the borrower draws against... Full story
Variable Rate Home Loans
This is the most common loan offered by lenders and with repayment periods of up to 30 years is used by many people to buy their homes . To motivate... Full story
Fixed Rate Home Loans
With a fixed rate loan your interest rate and repayments are fixed for a set period, usually between one and five years. Most fixed loans will... Full story
Reverse Mortgage Home Loans
This type of mortgage is available to residential property owners over 60. By using equity in the home it enables those eligible to release... Full story
Basic Home Loans
One of the most popular home loans. Commonly called ‘No Frills Loans' with rates that are generally cheaper than the Standard... Full story
A Guide to fixed rate home loans
The interest rate attached to your home loan or mortgage determines what your home loan costs you each month. Fluctuations in interest rates, even... Full story
A Great Home Loan Research Tool
We love to compare and shop around for good deals. And it's not just large purchases like TV's, holidays or cars that we are comparing. Even... Full story
About the Lenders
Our Lenders
Adelaide Bank
The Adelaide Bank is one of Australia's new regional banks formed on 1 January 1994. Originally the Co-Operative Building... Full story
Glossary
Glossary on Home Loans
Amortising loan A loan in which the principal and interest will be repaid fully through regular installments by the time the loan's term ends.... Full story
Tips
Home Loans Tip # 1
Add up all the fees when buying Don't forget to take into account all of the extra fees when you purchase a home, these... Full story
LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance)
When borrowing more than the 80% of the value of the property most banks and financial institutions require LMI. This is added to the cost of the... Full story
Glossary on Real Estate
Acceptance The agreement of the terms and conditions of the offer by the person receiving the... Full story
Market Update
February 2012
Feb 7, 2012
Transforming the Humble Lounge Room into an Entertainment Centre Is Easy If You Have the Right Home Loan
It seems that these days... Full story
January 2012
Jan 5, 2012
Is the walk-in wardrobe the ultimate women's retreat?
For many women the walk-in wardrobe is the ultimate storage solution and... Full story
December 2011
Dec 6th
Tips on how to move house with your pet
The team at Rates Online has come up with our very own moving guide for homebuyers with... Full story
November 2011
Nov 2, 2011
Homebuyers may benefit from interest rate cuts
Homebuyers may benefit from recent changes to the inflation rate, which... Full story
October 2011
Oct 6st, 2011
RBA keeps interest rate steady for another month
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have announced its decision to keep the cash... Full story
September 2011
Sep 1st, 2011
Melbourne ranked most liveable city in the world
The Victorian capital has beaten out Vancouver and 138 other countries to take... Full story
August 2011
Aug 3rd, 2011
Reserve Bank keeps interest rate steady
The cash rate will remain unchanged at 4.75 per cent after yesterday's (August 2)... Full story
July 2011
July 5th, 2011
Official Interest Rates Stable for another Month
As anticipated by economists, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the... Full story
June 2011
June 6, 2011
$1 Credit Cards and $100 Cash
Australia's biggest bank, the Commonwealth Bank, is offering $1 credit cards with a $100 up front... Full story
May 2011
May 9, 2011
Aussie dollar at record high against the greenback
The Australian dollar peaked at a record $US1.10 last week. This high has... Full story
April 2011
April 8, 2011
Australian Government Still Supports Smaller Lenders
The Government will continue to support vital funding, to the tune of $4... Full story
March 2011
March 7th The battle of the banks continue
The big banks want your business and it looks like they will do anything to get it - waving fees,... Full story
February 2011
Is the low doc or no doc home loan dead?Posted 22nd Feb.News about low doc or no doc home loans have really died down over the last year. That's... Full story
January 2011
Start the New Year with a Financial Health CheckPosted 20th JanuaryThe New Year provides most people one small luxury - extra time at home. Whether... Full story
December 2010
THE Reserve Bank to keep rates on hold
RBA governor Glenn Stevens made the decision to hold the cash rate at 4.5% for potentially several months... Full story
November 2010
WHERE DO RATES GO FROM HERE...POSTED 28/11/2010 RBA governor Glenn Stevens speaking about the cash rate to a parliamentary committee recently... Full story
October 2010
ING RAMP UP COMPETITIONPOSTED 20/10/2010 ING DIRECT has announced its plans to launch a $500 million RMBS issue and this issue securitises a... Full story
September 2010
Bankwest drops 3 year fixed rate home loanGreat news for those wanting to lock in fixed rate home loans. Bankwest has just aken 0.44% off its... Full story
August 2010
ADELAIDE BANK INCREASES LVRPosted 19th August In a win for borrowers Adelaide Bank is about to reintroduce lending up to 95% of the value of... Full story
July 2010
Bankwest Announce 90% LVR ChangePosted 5th JulyFollowing recent improvements in Bankwest securing quality funds they have chosen to move the LVR for... Full story
June 2010
BANKWEST CUTS FIXED RATE HOME LOANSPosted 22/06/10Bankwest has just slashed its 3 and 5 year fixed rates to be among the cheapest in the... Full story
February 2009
ALMOST 30,000 FIRST HOME OWNER GRANTS APPLICATIONS.
Posted 25/02/09
The Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek revealed today that... Full story
May 2010
ANZ CUT FIXED RATESPosted 27th MayANZ has cut fixed rates to become more competitive in the fixed rate mortgage arena.Yesterday ANZ decreased its... Full story
April 2010
RATES MAY BE SETTLINGPOSTED 22/04/10The RBA has indicated that rate rises may be coming to an end.
RBA governor Glenn Stevens said at a business... Full story
March 2010
AMP CUTS VARIABLE RATESPosted 10/03/10In a move that has been welcomed by the Federal Governement AMP has cut its introductory variable... Full story
February 2010
RBA LEAVES AT 3.75%Posted 03/02/2010In a move that has surprised many the RBA decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 3.75%.Most... Full story
January 2010
CHIEF ECONOMIST BELIVES RATE RELIEF CLOSEPosted 26/01/2010
In a new report from Access Economics Chris Richardson predicts interest rates will... Full story
December 2009
ANZ & CBA MOVE ON RATES
Posted 07/12/09
The ANZ have just announced it will increase its rates by 0.35%, 10 basis points above... Full story
November 2009
BIG FOUR MOVE ON RBA DECISIONPosted 06/11/09
As expected the RBA lifted rates by 0.25% for the second consecutive month, raising the... Full story
October 2009
OUTLOOK FOR PROPERTY STRONG.Posted 14/10/09House prices are expected to surge by about 20% between now and 2012, according to the Housing... Full story
September 2009
LOW DOC LOANS REQUIRE MORE DOC.Posted 24/09/09Westpac, St. George and RAMS have all tightened up their policy for self-employed borrowers.
St George... Full story
August 2009
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS SOLID.Posted 12/08/09
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has for the fourth consecutive month left the official cash rate on... Full story
July 2009
WILL RATES RISE SHORTLY?Posted 29/07/09
Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Glenn Stevens has hinted interest rates could rise before an... Full story
June 2009
RBA TOLD TO BE CAREFUL.Posted 26/06/09
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has claimed that the Reserve Bank should take extra caution if it... Full story
May 2009
TO FIX OR NOT.Posted 27/05/09With interest rates at historic lows the dilemma to fix or not to fix is the question that is on a lot of... Full story
April 2009
ST GEORGE RAISES ITS FIXED RATES.
Posted 29/04/09
Effective today, St George has raised its three year fixed rates by 0.35% to 5.69% and its four... Full story
March 2009
WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO RATES.Posted 21/03/09As we approach the April RBA meeting, some of the major banks are forecasting a cut in interest rates... Full story
January 2009
RESERVE EXPECTED TO SLASH RATES AGAIN.
Posted 29/01/09With the latest inflation figures showing the Consumer Price Index falling by 0.3 per cent... Full story
November 2008
NEW HOME SALES RISE
Posted 29/11/08
October has seen the sale of new homes rise strongly. This has coincided with the tripling of the first... Full story
December 2008
FIXED RATES HURT MORE THAN 43,000 HOME OWNERS
Posted 12/12/08
More than 43,000 home owners who took out fixed interest rates between March &... Full story
Insurance
How a Job Change or Promotion Can Affect Your Income Protection Insurance
Hypothetical Scenario One: A promotion at work.Congratulations! You're moving up in the world and taking on more responsibility at work. Most likely,... Full story
How an unexpected pay increase can change your life
Often knowledge and experience in the work force is rewarded with a pay increase. Raises in your monthly pay packet can impact your life positively... Full story
Life Insurance inside or outside of super
Life Insurance inside superannuation
Do you feel complacent about life insurance (also known as death cover) because you feel that your... Full story
More About Income Protection
If you rely on a wage to live, income protection insurance can help cover your costs and protect your lifestyle in the event of a sickness or injury.... Full story
What You Should Know About Group Income Protection Insurance
Businesses typically protect their computers, equipment, machinery and buildings with insurance but tend to overlook their most valuable assets -... Full story
How Losing Weight and Improved Health Can Save You Money
Have your lost weight or improved your health since you purchased or reviewed your life insurance?
"There are hundreds of health related issue that... Full story
The Four Main Types of Life Insurance
Did you know there are four main types of life insurance?
1. Life insurance (death cover)
In the event... Full story
What is Trauma insurance
Trauma (also called critical illness) cover provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a specified ‘trauma' condition. The types of... Full story
New Year, new ways to protecting your lifestyle
The New Year provides most people one small luxury - extra time at home. Whether you just have one day off or you are enjoying an extended summer... Full story
Income Protection Waiting Periods
A ‘waiting period' is part of every income protection insurance policy in Australia. It refers to the length of time the accident or... Full story
The Role of an Insurance Advisor
The insurance advisory industry is heavily regulated protecting consumers with a complete and open policy with full... Full story
Is Your Business Properly Insured
Most business owners don't think about the importance of insuring their business partners or even themselves in the event of sickness or death.
Most... Full story
Ensuring income continuity
Income protection means you can receive up to 75 per cent of your income, in the event of not being able to work due to illness or injury. And the... Full story
Life Insurance
What is it?Life/ Death cover is an insurance cover that makes a lump sum payment to your family if you were to die or be diagnosed with a terminal... Full story
Trauma
What is it?Trauma cover provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a specified ‘trauma' condition. The types of conditions that... Full story
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD)
What is it?TPD insurance cover provides a lump sum payment if you became totally and permanently disabled.Why do you need it?What would happen to you... Full story
Income Protection
What is it?If you had a "machine" in your back yard producing you $70,000 a year, would you insure this machine just in case it breaks... Full story
The Myths of Life Insurance
#1 It's bundled in with my super.
Unfortunately whilst this is true in a... Full story
Insurance Glossary
Accidental Death
Means a visible and external event that was unexpected and unintended which caused the injury and death of the person.
Agreed... Full story