WHITE PICKET MORTGAGES ARTICLES & NEWS
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Articles & News
Thinking of buying a holiday home? Hereβs what to weigh up
The coming weeks will see millions of Aussies enjoy a well-earned getaway, and for some, a memorable holiday will inspire plans to buy a holiday home. But is it a good idea? And can a weekender still stack up financially? We explain what to consider plus tips to fund a vacation property.
Thinking of installing a swimming pool for summer?
There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than floating in your very own pool. With a range of price points to choose from, a pool can be affordable, but will it add value to your property? And how will you pay for your backyard oasis?
Buying land to build on later: what you need to know
Youβve seen the perfect piece of land but youβre not quite ready to build. No problem β a land loan can be a handy finance solution. However, it can work a bit differently from a regular home loan. Hereβs what you need to know.
Do you really need a building inspection?
Your home is possibly the most valuable asset you will ever own. So itβs worth taking precautions to help ensure you buy a place that has a clean bill of health, free from budget-busting hidden nasties.
Can we expect the RBA to cut back rates this summer?
With just one RBA rate decision left for 2024, homeowners may be holding onto hopes of a summer cut. We look at when rates may start falling β and how you could possibly give yourself a rate cut before Christmas.
How much does LMI really add to a homeβs cost?
Saving for a 20% house deposit is like house training a wilful Labrador. It requires plenty of patience and persistence. Not your thing? You could take out lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). But how much extra does that cost? And can you avoid paying for it? (for the LMI, not the dogβ¦)
How to nail a home loan if youβre self-employed
Itβs the great Australian dream for many: giving the 9-to-5 grind the flick and running your own show. But when it comes to taking out a home loan, being your own boss can dish up some unexpected hammer blows.
Whatβs going on with negative gearing?
Negative gearing is in the headlines again. But what is it all about, and could it affect you? We explain how negative gearing works, why itβs so popular among investors, and why itβs attracting fresh attention.
How long it takes to save a deposit (and how to fast-track it)
Planning to buy your first home? It takes (on average) about five to six years to save a deposit at present. But whoβs got the patience to save for six years? Today weβll look at four ways you could fast-track home ownership.
Could rate cuts mean house prices heat up again?
Thinking of holding off buying until interest rates fall? Wait until you see what could happen to home prices. Hereβs why it could make sense to buy sooner rather than later if youβre home loan-ready.
Why 9 out of 10 first-home buyers use a mortgage broker
Remember the first time you stepped into a gym? Itβs unlikely you swaggered your way over to the free weights rack and started busting out squats. Well, it turns out buying your first home can be just as daunting, with 91% of first-home buyers turning to a mortgage broker for guidance.
TikTok vs talking to your broker? Itβs no contest
TikTok and Instagram reels are fun, fast and free β but itβs important to be picky about whose content youβre viewing, especially if youβre in the market for a home loan.
Fixed rates tumble: a sign of things to come?
When will interest rates fall? Itβs the question everyone is asking right now, and while speculation swirls about future rate cuts, the latest moves in fixed rates suggest we may not have to wait too much longer for variable interest rates to head south.
The home loan feature 70% of new borrowers are hooked on
When it comes to home loan features weβre spoiled for choice. Even basic loans can come with a fishermanβs basket full of options. But one feature in particular is being targeted by seven out of 10 home buyers.
How much has your homeβs value risen by?
Weβve all heard the rule of thumb about property being a long-term investment. Well, get this: many home owners have seen the value of their property quintuple within the timeframe of a typical 30-year mortgage.
Property market set to blossom this spring
The sun is out β and so are the buyers! Spring is traditionally a peak period for property, and thereβs a good reason why spring 2024 is shaping up to be a bumper season. Hereβs how to prepare if youβre planning to buy in the weeks ahead.
How to buy an investment property using your homeβs equity
Want to grow your investment portfolio but have most of your wealth tied up in your family home? You may be able to leverage recent gains in the property market as equity for an investment property. Letβs take a look.
Does your job come with home loan perks?
Your job can provide more than an income. When it comes to being approved for a home loan, certain roles can enjoy favourable treatment from lenders. So today weβll look at some of the occupations that can offer up home loan perks.
Why multi-bedroom homes could be appealing for investors
A cost of living crunch is driving a new trend among renters β and itβs changing the wish lists of some property investors. We reveal whatβs happening across the rental and investment markets.
Low deposit scheme opens up to New Zealander visa holders
Kiwis hoping to buy a first home in Australia have just scored gold! The popular Aussie low-deposit home buying scheme has been opened up to visa holders from across the Tasman. Hereβs what you need to know.
