Posted in First Home Buyers

Firstly, a holiday budget should include ALL your expenses. Often the biggest holiday spending culprits aren't just the gifts you put under the tree, there are also the annual get-togethers with friends, tickets for raffles around the office to support local charities, teacher gifts, the office Secret Santa - the list goes on. Here are six ways to have a great holiday season on a budget. Make a list Make a list of who you have to shop for and ask yourself if you're really e...

Which home loan is right for you? How can you tell when there's so many different lenders, loan types and features to choose from? How do you choose what is the most appropriate solution for you? Finding the most appropriate home loan for your situation is a process that can be confusing, particularly for first-timers. That is why it is more important than ever to ensure you partner with someone you can trust that can match features and benefits of loan products to your individual ...

Considering buying a property off the plan? It sounds good in theory, with the possibility of stamp duty concessions and other benefits for first home buyers. But in 2018 there were quite a few people who got caught out by the hidden risks. Read on to find out what you need to know if you're thinking about buying off the plan this year, or if you're having second thoughts about an off the plan purchase. What does 'buying off the plan' mean? When you buy 'off the...

Selecting paint colours is all fun and games until someone has to pick a white. With a kaleidoscope of hues to choose from, it can be overwhelming knowing which one will best complement your home's overall aesthetic and mood. So, if you're looking for a little interior tint-spiration, Dulux colour expert Andrea Lucena-Orr shares her top dos and don'ts for working with colour. Picking paint colours for your home is never black and white. You can sift through swatches until y...

Pre-approval is a green light from a lender. Put simply, it confirms you're eligible to apply for a home loan up to a certain amount. Essentially, the lender checks your financial circumstances, to decide if you'll meet their criteria and can afford to repay a mortgage. A home loan pre-approval usually lasts for three to six months and gives you a set budget during your property search. Here's why home loan pre-approval is so important. To confirm your borrowing power B...