#xchangefinance / 29 posts found
Top ways to cut your expenses and increase your savings
Is the key to saving a home deposit as simple as giving up smashed avo toast for breakfast? Well not quite, but spending less does make a difference. On top of a budget, a savings plan and strategies such as a high-interest savings account, an effective way to save is to reduce or eliminate expenses. Start by understanding your spend It can be easy to lose track of how you’re spending money, especially due to cashless payments and credit cards. Many online banking systems include tools to categorise debits and make a budget – take advantage of them. Or download an […]
Concerned about servicing your loans?
If you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to your local mortgage broker for help. As Australians everywhere take a close look at their financial circumstances, mortgage brokers stand ready to lend a helping hand. Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number of Australians may be struggling to balance their books as a result of the Coronavirus, and in many cases are wondering how they will continue to pay the bills. Difficulty with repayments According to research conducted by Finder in early 2020, about one in five […]
Concerned about servicing your loans?
If you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to your local mortgage broker for help. As Australians everywhere take a close look at their financial circumstances, mortgage brokers stand ready to lend a helping hand. Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number of Australians may be struggling to balance their books as a result of the Coronavirus, and in many cases are wondering how they will continue to pay the bills. Difficulty with repayments According to research conducted by Finder in early 2020, about one in five […]
What are the Extra Costs of Buying a Home?
(Application & establishment fees, stamp duty + more.) When taking out a mortgage, many people forget to consider the associated fees and expenses. Here are some of the extra costs that you’ll need to consider when you take out a home loan. Home loan application fees Most lenders charge a home loan application fee. This can range from loan to loan, and covers: Loan contracts Property title checks Credit checks Attending a settlement Mortgage fees and costs Mortgage establishment fees – Lenders generally charge a mortgage establishment fee – a fee for setting up a mortgage. Property valuation – A […]
Stamp duty explained
Stamp duty is a charge which is applied by state governments in Australia on transactions relating to the transfer of land or property. It is paid upfront and needs to be budgeted for in addition to your loan deposit. The amount of stamp duty you are required to pay differs in each state, however there are three factors, along with the value of the property, that determine how much stamp duty you will pay. Contributing factors include: whether or not the property is a primary residence or investment property; whether or not you are a first home buyer; and if […]
A Preparation Checklist for a Business Loan
Applying for a business loan is a completely different process to that of a home loan application. To ensure you don’t lose your way, we’ve set out a clear path for you to follow. 1. Find a specialised broker Commercial lending is very different to residential, so when searching for a broker, it is important to seek one who is not only accredited, but also experienced in commercial and business finance. “The first things you should ask a broker is what experience they have with commercial and business loans, and how many lenders they are accredited with in the commercial space,” […]
Paying off your education is no reason to put off buying property. You can remember it now: sitting in a chair at the back of the lecture theatre, chatting to your friends and ignoring the debt that each day at university was plunging you into. But now you’re older and wiser, and reality has set in. You want to buy a property, but you’re unsure how your student HECS or HELP debt could impact your ability to take out a loan. When you apply for a home loan, you’ll need to reveal information about your liabilities, poor credit ratings […]
Case study: avoiding settlement penalties
Jarrod Harrison** was well on his way to becoming a first-home owner when issues cropped up prior to settlement that threatened to cost him his deposit. Having found the house he wanted to buy, and exchanged contracts for sale, Jarrod found himself considering a costly settlement extension due to unexpected problems with his deposit. While he had thought that having a deposit sitting in his account would make the process simple, Jarrod had not realised that he needed to have the funds in his account for a minimum of three months before a lender would consider them genuine savings. His […]
Home loans 101
There are a range of home loans available in Australia, so it can be hard to understand their features and whether they are right for you. This guide explains all you need to know. Variable loans Variable loans are loans that are subject to interest rate fluctuations. Whenever your bank increases or decreases interest rates, you will end up either paying more or less for your loan, depending on what the bank has decided to do. A typical owner-occupied mortgage is taken out over 25 or 30 years, although you can reduce the overall term by making higher or more […]
Six mistakes business owners make when taking out a business loan
A small business loan can be invaluable when you’re establishing your business or when an unforeseen setback occurs, but you don’t want a loan to be short-term gain and long-term pain. Here are six common mistakes businesses should avoid when it comes to commercial finance. Mistake #1: Not getting the right loan A thriving business requires enough capital to meet expenses, expand and invest, but it’s important to know why you need the funds and what loan best suits that need. Do you need to cover short-term cash flow shortages, for example? A line of credit could help, where you […]