
How much can you afford to borrow with your first home loan?
Understanding how much borrowing capacity you have when buying your first home is an essential step for all newcomers to home ownership. The question of “How much can I borrow?” rears its ugly head for all new home buyers. As daunting as it can be, understanding your borrowing power is important – and essential – for those ready to get their foot in the door with their first home purchase. Owning property in Australia is a dream for many young professionals and families. Asid

Borrowing money for renovations: What you need to know
You’ve been dreaming of that new kitchen and dining room for as long as you can remember, and now the time has come to put your plans in motion. But do you really have the budget to afford the works? Here are a few things to think about before making the leap from Pinterest board to blueprints. Work out your budget Before you look at borrowing any money, you first need to work out how much your renovation will cost. Get Ask An Architect to send you their comprehensive guide t

Ten renovation ideas that can increase your home’s value
Taking care of basic maintenance tasks before you sell your home is a no-brainer, but a quick and not-too-costly renovation can add a lot of appeal for potential buyers, and may boost the final sale price. 1. Basics first Fix those little faults that you no longer notice – leaky taps, rusty gutters, broken window catches. They can make a huge difference to a buyer’s perception of value. 2. Landscape the garden A well-kept garden can create a low-maintenance feel before buyers

Easy refinancing for a better deal on your home loan
While refinancing your home loan may seem overwhelming at first, it’s less complicated than you might think. With historically low interest rates and increased competition across the home loan industry, lenders are keen to get your business. When you first took out a home loan, you probably paid very close attention to interest rates. Over time many changes can occur and you should consider revisiting your home loan. Refinancing your mortgage may therefore be a relatively sim