Credit scores are an indicator of how you manage your money and repay your debt, based on personal and financial information kept in your credit record. When you apply for credit or a loan, lenders use credit scores to determine whether to approve your application or to lend you money. Knowing your credit score can help you negotiate better credit deals or understand why a credit application may have been declined. If you’re unsure what your credit score is, or how to access your credit report, here’s a helpful guide ..read more

Australians already struggling with a rising cost of living are bracing for more pain, as many homeowners will see ultra-low fixed rate mortgages expire in 2023. Thousands of home loans taken out in mid-2020 are due to roll over before the end of the year at much higher interest rates, with some homeowners facing repayments that could soar by up to 65 per cent. Get budget-ready for a fixed interest rate roll over and avoid paying “loyalty tax” with these 5 tips ..read more

Landlord insurance can be complicated and confusing. Sometimes it appears to only offer coverage in very specific circumstances, which can be quickly undone by technicalities. To help better understand it, we chatted to our friends at EBM RentCover (one of Australia’s leading landlord insurance specialists) to determine whether Landlord Insurance is a ‘nice to have’ or a ‘necessity’. We’ll let you be the judge ..read more

The post-holiday season can be a tough time for many Australians, as credit card statements arrive and a true assessment of Christmas overspending is made. If you’re facing a Christmas Debt Hangover after overspending during the holidays, the next few months will be critical to ensuring you get your finances back on track again. To help you manage your Christmas debt, and to ensure you avoid overspending this year, here are 3 tips from Mortgage Express ..read more

If you’ve paid off part of your mortgage or made improvements to your home that have increased its value, you may have equity that could be used to buy an investment property. Equity is the difference between your home’s current value and what you owe on your mortgage, and some lenders will allow you to tap into your home’s equity to use as collateral for a new loan. Done well, this type of property investment can yield excellent results, but it’s important you understand the risks too ..read more

Making healthy changes to lifestyle can feel challenging, even impossible, if you don’t know where to start, and many people quit before they even begin. But improving your health doesn’t have to be intimidating. By setting realistic health goals and making small changes to daily habits, it is possible to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Kickstart your wellness journey in the new year by following these 5 tips ..read more

On Sunday, 5 February 2023, our sister company, Harcourts will be hosting the largest property showcase in South East Queensland. Starting at 10am, 100 properties will be auctioned throughout the day, providing a platform for serious sellers to capture the focus of unconditional buyers and achieve premium prices. If you’re serious about selling (or buying), don’t miss the Harcourts’ Auction Festival ..read more

It’s never too early to get your affairs in order. To discuss with your family your wishes for medical care, arrange a Will and Power of Attorney, and ensure your important documents are stored in a safe place. Being prepared for any eventuality – having to leave your home in a hurry in the event of a natural disaster or being unexpectedly hospitalised or worse – makes a stressful situation a little easier to manage. Here are our tips for getting your affairs in order ..read more

Around two thirds of all fixed rate mortgages taken out during the pandemic will mature before the end of 2023*, with the remaining one third maturing in 2024. Most of these fixed rate borrowers will be making the tough transition to floating rate loans that are 3 to 4 per cent higher – essentially nearly double - than what they’re currently on. It’s inevitable that some households in Australia will face significant financial stress. Here are some tips on how to navigate a fixed rate rollover ..read more

From January 16, 2023, new legislation means first home buyers in New South Wales can choose to pay an annual land tax on their property instead of an upfront stamp duty when buying a first home. The First Home Buyer Choice policy aims to incentivize first home buyers and help them into their own homes sooner, by potentially shaving off nearly two years from the time needed to save a deposit. On the flipside however, increased housing demand from more first home buyers is likely to impact house values and property prices ..read more