Renovate or Sell/Buy

If your present home is where you want to be, meaning it is a great neighbourhood, amenities are just right, transport is handy and the family and kids love the school and friends, but you need more room, you have a tough decision to make.

Minimise Interest Rise Exposure

Variable or fixed: Which is best for you?For most of this year commentators have been saying there is likely to be another rate rise by Christmas. A few months ago they were predicting this as if it were an absolute certainty. Just recently however many have changed their tone and are now saying that the Reserve Bank may leave interest rates on hold or even drop them.In the current uncertainty about the future direction of rates, it may be worthwhile for you to review if your existing loan is the best one to minimise your exposure.

Auctions - The finance musts!

From time to time we are asked how people can make sure that finance will be available if they make a successful bid at an auction. When the hammer goes down on the final bid at an auction, the offer is final and there is no cooling off period. This contrasts with the situation where you purchase a property 'through the Real Estate Agent's window' because the offer in this type of purchase can be made 'subject to finance' and it also includes a cooling off period (except in WA). In an auction you cannot afford to bid more at than you can borrow. It is good to attend an auction in the security that you know your borrowing limits.

Sub Prime crisis - Is it likely in Australia?

RBA concludes a low risk of sub prime meltdown in Australia The subject of the sub prime credit crisis in the United States is coming up regularly on the evening news and some television reporters are implying terrible flow-on effects in Australia. Many home owners and property investors are wondering how the sub prime crisis may affect their financial arrangements.

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