The process for refinancing a home loan isn’t as complicated as you might think. In this step-by-step guide, we show you how to go about it, including what to tell your existing lender, what you need to know about applying for a new loan and how to figure out whether refinancing is really worth it.…
Here’s what happened to property in April. The national property price index grew a slight 0.3 per cent in April against a backdrop of significantly reduced market activity and consumer confidence. Hobart (-0.1 per cent) and Melbourne (-0.3 per cent) were the only capital cities to record a fall in property values, according to the…
Affected by COVID-19? There might be a better way to ease financial pressure than taking a mortgage holiday. As of mid-May nearly 3 million Australians are asking for a rent reduction or mortgage repayment pause as the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc on Aussies’ ability to pay bills. Of those 2.9 million Australians, 1.2 million are…
If you’re registered for GST, you’ll have a regular business activity statement to sort out. Here’s how to get on top of it and make BAS preparation easier. Let’s start with the basics: what is BAS? It’s an acronym for business activity statement. Whether it’s monthly, quarterly or yearly, every Australian business registered for the…
Refinancing may be a great way to save money or free up some extra cash during these uncertain times. With many Australians experiencing financial uncertainty during the COVID-19 crisis, refinancing your home loan is a viable option for those looking to save money on their mortgage repayments or free up some cash, and you can…
Home loan refinancers are on the move and we look at reasons why this is happening now during COVID-19. The number of mortgage-holders looking to refinance their home loan has surged in recent weeks, as home owners take advantage of record-low interest rates. Recent data released by CoreLogic has shown that just over 75 per cent…
But don’t worry! It’s a good thing for most people. Previously, when applying for a home loan, banks and credit providers would only look at your ability to service the mortgage; so, basically, your income. That was before the introduction of Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR). Now, borrowers are assessed on their full financial history, including…
Your home loan repayment is most likely the biggest outlay in your everyday budget and it will continue to be for many years to come. Thankfully, there are ways you can potentially save on interest to help you reduce the length of time you need to pay off your home loan. But one often hidden…
Many first home buyers struggle to get into the property market. Here are some ways parents are providing much needed support. As the cost of housing has gone up, a growing number of parents are offering to help their children buy their first property. So, if you’re a parent looking to provide financial support to…
Cut through confusion and contact a lending specialist. Given the uncertainty created by COVID-19, many customers are wondering what finance options they have. A good first step is to reach out to a LJ Hooker Home Loans lending specialist as they can guide you through your options to manage your repayments and access any extra…