Have you ever wondered how lenders decide whether to grant you that desired home loan? Your credit report holds significant importance in their decision-making process. Think of it as your financial report card, showcasing your payment habits and borrowing history.Discover what you need to know about credit reports and why your credit score plays a vital role in your journey toward homeownership.What is a credit report and why is it important?A credit report summarises your credit behaviour a...

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. With so much focus on finding the perfect property, many first-home buyers overlook one critical step: understanding your maximum repayment limits. This single decision can make or break your financial future.So, how do you make sure you’re buying smart and not paying more than you should? Here are four practical steps to help you approach the market with confidence.Step 1: Know your budget before you searchBefore you sta...

In today’s competitive property market, more first-home buyers are teaming up with friends or family to purchase property. Recent NAB research shows joint mortgages have surged by over 33% in just one year, with the biggest increases in Victoria, South Australia, and NSW.If you’re considering co-buying, FinancePath can help you assess whether this option suits your personal and financial circumstances and guide you through the process with expert advice.BOOK NOWPros of co-buying a home1) ...

If you’ve got a HECS-HELP debt and you're planning to buy a home, you might be wondering how it impacts your borrowing capacity. The good news? Recent changes to HECS-HELP repayments and indexation could make it easier to qualify for a home loan.Thinking about buying your first home? Understanding how your student debt affects your loan application is key to borrowing smarter.What’s new with HECS-HELP?The federal government has introduced several changes to ease the pressure on student loa...

There are many reasons to consider renovating, from making your property more liveable to driving up its market value and increasing the rental income if it’s an investment.  So, which renovations should you consider when looking to generate a return on investment?Here’s some inspiration:The Kitchen UpdateThe kitchen is often the focal point of a property, and it gets a lot of use, so it’s little wonder kitchen updates often drive-up resale value. Consider giving your kitchen ...