Blog Articles

21 articles

5 handy apps to help your finances

“There’s an app for that” is quickly becoming a common turn of phrase, because there really is an app for almost everything. Your budget is no exception, with a multitude of different options on the…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

5 things to look for in an investment property

Investing in property can be a fantastic means of strengthening your financial position and generating wealth. However, when undertaken without the proper research, knowledge, and general understandi…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

A beginner's guide to property investment

Property investment has long been a ‘go to’ strategy for Australian investors. Understandably, like all unchartered waters, it can prove a little bit daunting for first timers. To help make things ea…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Auction bidding 101

If you are in the market for your very first home, you are probably a novice when its comes to the art of the auction. Let's be honest, auctions can be daunting, overwhelming and emotional experience…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Buy then sell, or sell then buy?

When you first moved into your two bedroom, one bathroom unit, it was as sweet and cosy as could be. 10 years and two kids later, the word 'cosy' can quickly be substituted for 'cramped'. The once sn…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Child-friendly home decor ideas

Just because you have kids, doesn't mean your once flawlessly presented decor should be replaced with an explosion of plastic toys and grubby walls. Sure, with little ones running around it can be a…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Does it matter where my deposit comes from?

In short, when you are applying for a home loan, it does matter where your deposit comes from. In recent years, many Australian lenders have implemented a policy whereby a borrower is required to hav…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Green living at home for kids

With environmental issues becoming more apparent over the past 20 years, rolling up your green sleeves and making eco-wise decisions should be second nature by now. But what about teaching the next g…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Honesty is the best policy

So, its time to buy your first home. You’re all excited and ready to get started. That is, until you start researching. You’ve found out what information you need to provide to get approved for a hom…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How close is your house?

When you are buying a new house, you need to consider its proximity. Not just to the city, or the beach, or to particular affluent suburbs. There are other facilities and services that people require…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How debt consolidation can save you money

It is no secret that the practise of spending with borrowed money can sometimes get out of hand. It’s all too easy to swipe your credit card for a quick grocery shop, or choose the more expensive all…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How do house and land packages work?

Buying a house that isn't even built yet is a strange concept, but one that more and more Australians are embracing, as high market prices force them out toward undeveloped pockets of land. What exac…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How much deposit do I need?

"How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?" This is a grey area when it comes to finance. While it seems like a pretty straightforward question, it can be very difficult to get a straightforwa…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How saying 'no' can get you that 'yes'

Saving for your first home can be an extremely tough gig, especially in a society driven by consumerism. Everywhere you look you are encouraged buy the latest technologies, eat at the coolest cafes,…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How should I use my equity?

With Australian property prices on the up, up and up, homeowners have likely earned equity on their existing mortgages since purchasing. ' What is equity?' , I hear you ask. One step ahead of you - t…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How to handle rejection

So you applied for a home loan. You waited anxiously for a week while the lender scoured your credit file, your pay slips, your bank statements and your loan documents, only for them to come back wit…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

How to sell your home quickly

Buying a new home is exciting, but it’s also very challenging. Great homes don’t show up for sale every day, so it’s important to know how to sell your old home as quickly as possible. By preparing y…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Loan types explained

So, you’re looking for a home loan. Fantastic! The only trouble is, the term ‘home loan’ can refer to a number of different products- fixed, variable, construction, and so on. It’s great that we have…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Make your house a place of 'ZEN'

When I moved out of my family home to rent with a friend, the only piece of furniture I bought with me was my bed. I was pretty lucky and managed to snag the huge master bedroom, so my space looked d…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Making the most of your redraw facility

Redraw facilities are under-utilised - fact. Many don't realise that such a feature has the ability to save hundreds - no, thousands - over the lifetime of your home loan. It's common for first home…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor

Navigating through the loan process

When you are buying your first home, the loan process may seem somewhat daunting (to say the least!). With so many unfamiliar obstacles ahead, it may feel like you're walking blind; just lucking your…

Updated by Daniel O'Connor