Teaching Kids about Finance
Worried about your kids not mastering the skills to manage their finances as adults? These tips for parents will help children develop good financial sense from a young age. Most parents want their children to achieve the Australian dream of home ownership. The good...
Interest Only on the out
New government regulations mean interest-only loans are on the decline. Given the changes, it may be time to reconsider your own loan structure. Rewind a few years and many people would have confidently assured you that an interest-only loan – a home loan on...
House Plants Perks
As the urban sprawl continues to develop we move further away from land, trees, and plants. Being close to nature is actually linked to our mental and physical well being. Here are a few reasons why House Plants can make you happier and healthier (also specifically...
Tips to clear debt
It’s all too easy to rack up debt – credit cards, HECS, car loans – and may seem all too hard to pay it off. Debt can also have a big impact on how much money you can borrow for a home loan, so reducing your debt is essential when you set out to buy your first home....
Investment Property Tips
So, you’re thinking of buying a residential investment property? Good for you! Here are ten top tips for important things to consider on your search for the right investment: Know your goal Understanding your financial objectives is key to finding the right investment...
Next Level Outdoor Living
Here are some savvy landscaping tips to get your outdoor space to that next level, for more enjoyment in the warmer weather! Freshen up If your garden is in reasonable shape but just needs a little spruce up, start with the basics. Mow the lawn and trim the edges, or...
5 Hacks to own your home
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of owning your home outright. No more loan repayments, no more worries about where interest rates are heading…just you and your home with plenty of extra cash left in the kitty each month. That is the dream, so here are 5 hot...
Brighten Your Home
Most people want their home to be light, bright and airy, but sometimes the stars just don’t align and you can end up with rooms that are unavoidably dark – low on windows or facing away from the sun. With a few smart tricks (and clever renovations, if you’re up to...
Tax Time Tips
Ah tax time, the time of year when you start to think about the amount of tax you pay and how you can reduce it! Well tax deductions are certain expenses you incurred in order to earn your income. Deductions reduce your taxable income before the tax is calculated,...
Overcapitalising
As a home owner or property investor, you may have heard the term ‘overcapitalising’. But what exactly is it and why is it considered bad? While adding a new deck or kitchen can increase the value and enjoyment of your property, overcapitalising can end up costing you...
Holiday Rentals – Things to Consider
There’s no denying that websites like Airbnb and Stayz have turned the holiday accommodation industry on its head. Anyone with a property, or even just a room to spare, can potentially make some handy cash from this new segment of the travel market. If you’re thinking...
A baby can impact your home loan
A new baby completely changes your life. Are you also prepared for how a new baby might affect your chances of buying a home? Here are some things to consider before you submit your application. When a lender assesses your home loan application, they look at your...
Refinancing could save you…
It’s often said that Australians are more likely to divorce their spouse than switch banks. But with plenty of competition in the home loan sector, refinancing can be a good move. There are a number of reasons why you may consider a refinance: you can consolidate debt...
Renovating to add Value
Renovating is one of the best ways for property owners to increase the value of their homes. If you’re looking to add value to your home, but don’t want to renovate every room, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Here are some ideas to help you decide which...
Loans for the Self Employed
There are many perks to working for yourself, but when it comes to applying for a home loan, it seems being your own boss sends up a red flag to banks and other lenders. Why? A salaried employee has a regular, steady income and is less likely to experience the cash...
Redraw and how it works
It’s one of the less glamorous home loan features, but the redraw facility deserves a second look. Here’s why: The redraw facility explained A redraw facility lets you make additional repayments to reduce your variable rate home loan balance and save on interest. If...
Offset Accounts Explained
Savvy borrowers have an endgame in sight before they even apply for a home loan, and with the right mortgage offset account, they could win that game even more quickly. Home buyers usually focus on the here and now, not the distant future. Rather than the size of...
Tips to clear your mortgage
Wondering how to pay off your home loan sooner? Here are some extra steps that can speed up loan repayments and reduce your loan balance. Make higher repayments One of the easiest ways to quickly reduce the balance of your mortgage is to make larger loan repayments....
Attracting Quality Tenants
When your investment property lies vacant for even a short time, your earnings can take a big hit. So how do you get the best out of your property in a competitive market? Here are some tips to make your property stand out from the pack. What tenants want Property...
Borrowing for Renovations
You’ve been dreaming of that new kitchen and dining room for as long as you can remember, and now the time has come to put your plans in motion. But do you really have the budget to afford the works? Here are a few things to think about before making the leap from...
Top 5 savvy financial tools
The dirty word BUDGET… Not anymore! In this day and age Budgets are now smart and shiny, with free and fantastic finance apps available. Whether you’re saving for something, getting out of debt or just trying to figure out where your money mysteriously...
Difficulty getting a loan?
It is important to remember each lending institution has their own very specific set of rules around who can and can’t get a loan. Having a loan declined is never easy, it can be disappointing and frustrating. Sometimes a loan application just can’t be approved if it...
Help your kids buy property
The real estate market can be tough for young adults, but as a parent you may be able to lend a helping hand. We tell you how. 1.Parent-to-child loan A parent-to-child loan is when a parent lends their child money. This is a formal, legally binding arrangement,...
Top Tax Time Tips
When tax time comes around it is often hard to think of all the deductions you may be eligible for. When doing your tax, you are entitled to claim deductions for some expenses, most of which are directly related to earning your income. A little in deductions can go a...
Divorcing your Agent
Are your rights sold from under you when you sell? Attract more buyers and fewer lawyers When selling your home though a real estate agent, there are State Government laws with which agents must comply. If a vendor has any issues relating to the sale of their...
Property Inspection Checklist
When you’re house hunting, it’s easy to get distracted by aesthetics. This checklist will help you focus on what’s really important at a property inspection. Is it right for you? Is a spare bedroom, second bathroom or ensuite a must? Will everyone be safe or...
Cant pay your mortgage?
What’s the answer if your mortgage repayment falls short? Whether you’re affected by fluctuating interest rates or by a change in your personal circumstances, the pressure of maintaining regular mortgage loan repayments can be overwhelming at times. Here is some...
Boost borrowing power
With tougher lending standards in place, borrowers need to be more proactive and prepared. While finance for your new home may be a little harder to secure, don’t despair. Here are some tips to help you on the path to an approval: Demonstrating your stability...
The Interest Rate Impact
Be prepared! As interest rates move up and down, it is important to understand what drives the change and consider ways to lessen the impact on your finances. The rate of interest you’ll pay on your mortgage depends on a combination of factors. This can include the...
Silly Season Saving Tips
It is a tradition for Australian shoppers to spend billions on Christmas. The festive season has an annual habit of becoming a costly splurge. So if you are wanting to indulge in Christmas without the credit card hangover in the New Year. Here are my top 5 tips to...
Mortgages & Break Ups
Breaking up is hard to do. On top of the emotional impact, there are practical ramifications as well. When there’s a separation or divorce, debts you’ve accrued during the relationship unfortunately don’t go away. The longer a couple is together, the harder it can be...
Negotiating with Agents
In most property transactions you are likely to have to deal with a real estate agent, so it’s worth taking time to understand what makes them tick. First up, it’s important to be clear on one important point – a real estate agent represents the seller, not the buyer....
Protecting your Property
When you own your own home, or investment property, there are a number of types of insurance you’ll need to consider: building or home insurance, contents insurance and mortgage protection insurance just to name a few. Building or home insurance Depending on...
LMI Explained
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) helps Australian homeowners enter the market earlier through allowing you to borrow a higher percentage of a property’s value. For first home buyers, particularly those struggling to save a deposit but are more than comfortable to...
Home Loan Products 101
With so many options available, it can be difficult knowing which product is right for you. Here is a comprehensive list of the most common loan types. Basic home loans Basic home loans or ‘no frills’ loans offer borrowers a loan with a low interest rate. This...Belinda Caesar is a Credit Representative No. 479482 of Buyers Choice Licencing Pty Ltd ACN 626 172 281 Australian Credit Licence No. 509484
P: 0401 796 425
E: belinda.caesar@buyerschoice.com.au