There’s always lots of talk about the high price of property and how hard it is for first home buyers to get into the market – particularly in Sydney. This may be true – but it’s not looking like it will get any easier, so if your plan is to buy property, it’s up to you to make it happen. Here’s a few tips that could help: Save harder – it may sound simple, but putting a little extra aside each week does make a Read More +

Whilst the weather is heating up, the sun is shining and people are getting ready for Christmas celebrations, there are a few things you need to remember if you want to buy property: Do your research. See what’s out there, how long properties are sitting on the market before they’re sold and what the average price is for the type of property you’re looking for. Talk to local agents. Let them know your intentions. They’re usually hungry for a sale at this time of year and Read More +

What a great story behind the Melbourne Cup win on Tuesday. Whether you like horse racing or not, it’s always good to hear the “story behind the story”. It’s the same with real estate. You need to look past the bricks and mortar to see what’s really there. If you’re looking for a home, you need to fall in love with the property, or its potential. It needs to be in the right location, with all or most of your “must haves” ticked off. The Read More +

The sun is out, auction clearance rates are down, and although Sydney has been a seller’s market, the figures are showing that the market is starting to turn towards the buyer. Which means now is a great time to act! If you need to sell a property, get to it! If you’re planning on buying, it’s time to get serious. In my opinion, if you’re buying a home, the most important thing you need to think about is where you want to live. It sounds Read More +

Spring has arrived, which means just one thing if you’re thinking about buying property – the selling season is beginning in earnest. With so many properties in Sydney sold at auction, we thought we’d give you some tips for auction day, so here goes… Set a “walk away price”. Look at what you’ve got and what the lender will give you, but do you have any room to stretch if the bidding goes just beyond your limit? Can you do some extra overtime, sell some Read More +

Spring is here and we’re offering you a special deal to celebrate. For all NEW loan enquiries over $250,000 made between today and 30th September, we’ll send you a $200 Bunnings voucher. Loan must be approved by 31st October 2015. This is available to new and existing clients – so tell your friends! Think of all the odd jobs around your new home that this could help you with. Voucher doesn’t include sausage sizzle, that’s just the added bonus you can treat yourself to while Read More +

In the current market, properties can sell quickly and, if you’re not organised, you could miss out on your dream home. Here’s 7 tips to help you buy quickly. Arrange pre-approval on finance and have your solicitor and building/pest inspectors ready to go. Create a list of non-negotiable features and stick to it. This will help you quickly sort through new listings and schedule your inspections. Attend the first inspection, which might be midweek. Contact local agencies to have your contact details put on their Read More +

If you’re a property investor or planning to invest soon, there are some major changes to lending that you need to know about. These changes affect investment loans for new and existing clients. As reported in the media lately, Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the federal regulator, is implementing some major and unprecedented changes to the Australian mortgage industry. These changes have come about due to concern at the current level of property investment and the fear of “over-lending”. Property price growth, particularly in Sydney Read More +

In response to concern from banking regulator, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), lenders have changed their borrowing criteria for property investors. These changes include: reduced discounts on investment and interest only loans, limited Loan to Value ratios (LVR) to 80-90% for investors, adding 2.25 to 2.75% to a typical variable interest rate for investment loans. Property expert John McGrath offers six tips to increase your borrowing capacity for property investments. The most effective way to reduce your LVR (Loan to Value ratio) is to Read More +

I’m back from holidays, reviatilised and ready for the new financial year. It’s going to be a big year for me, personally and professionally. I’m already planning my next holiday, I’ve bought another puppy and I’ve set some lofty financial goals. I’m about to settle on an investment property in Newcastle and I will buy another property off the plan this year. Professionally, I’m going to continue building the business and will employ another broker to grow the team. I find that the new financial Read More +