
Mortgage offset accounts: Making your loan work for you
Savvy borrowers have an endgame in sight before they even apply for a home loan, and with the right mortgage offset account, they could win that game even more quickly. Home buyers usually focus on the here and now, not the distant future. Rather than the size of their loan balance in 10 or 20 years, they are more likely to think about how much they can borrow and the kind of house they can afford. But smart borrowers know the future matters. The years roll around and it’s al

What to be aware of when buying off the plan
The rise of new apartment developments in our cities provides greater opportunities for potential home owners to buy off the plan. There are benefits to this, but also a number of things to be mindful of. We look at some of the things to consider when buying off the plan. The benefits A major benefit of purchasing off the plan is that you’ll own a brand new property. There are also financial benefits. For example, you’ll have the security of knowing how much you’ll pay for th

Six winning strategies for auctions
Auctions are competitive and stressful for most bidders. Here are six smart strategies that could improve your chances of winning. 1. Don’t show your hand Revealing your maximum bid limit to the agent before the auction could encourage them to push you a little further. For example, during the auction the agent might indicate you’re close to meeting the vendor’s expectations, to try to persuade you to bid above your limit. It’s in their interest because they’re usually earnin