4 in 5 hopeful buyers don’t understand key financial concepts

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While most Australians dream of owning their own home, the majority of hopeful homeowners admit they don’t fully understand how home loans or mortgage rates work. That’s why we make it our mission to enlighten you during your home buying journey.

They say knowledge is power.

But this week we stumbled across some interesting stats from UBank’s Know Your Numbers survey.

It found that 84% of Australians who are yet to buy a property admit they don’t know enough about how home loans, mortgage rates and deposits work, while 3 in 10 admitted to knowing nothing at all and having no idea where to start.

But if you start by jumping at the first seemingly attractive rate you see advertised, well, that can lead to big problems down the track.

“Entering the property market with little to no knowledge of some essential financial terms and concepts could see Australians falling into common traps or getting themselves into situations they cannot manage,” explains UBank CEO, Philippa Watson.

How we help demystify finance for you

Now, the purpose of this article isn’t to shame anyone who hasn’t already done their homework. Far from it.

Rather, we want to reassure you that when you come to us for a finance solution, we’ll be sure to explain any financial terms or products you don’t fully have your head around yet.

And that’s one of the key differences between us and the big banks.

We’re not just satisfied with matching you up with a home loan, we want you to be confident that it’s the right one for you, and for you to understand the reasons why.

Some of the most common financial terms we explain to our clients

There’s no denying the world of finance is full of jargon and seemingly complicated language.

To help get you started, below are some of the most common financial terms people ask us about.

Loan to Value Ratio (LVR): LVR is the percentage of the property’s value (as assessed by the lender) that your loan equates to.

For example, if the property you want to purchase is valued at $500,000, and you need to borrow $400,000 to pay for it, the loan is worth 80% of the property value, making your LVR 80%.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): LMI is insurance that protects the bank or lender in case you can’t pay your residential mortgage.

It’s usually paid by borrowers who have an LVR higher than 80% – that is, borrowers with a deposit of less than 20%.

Offset account: an offset account is just like a regular transaction account, except it’s linked to your home loan. The money held in the account is counted as if it’s been paid off your home loan, which reduces the balance of the loan and in turn, reduces the interest you need to pay.

And because the offset account acts like a regular transaction account, the money you’ve put in there is still accessible whenever you need it.

Refinancing: refinancing is the process of switching your home loan to take advantage of another, more suitable home loan for your present circumstances, such as one with a lower interest rate that might save you money.

Got any other finance terms you’d like explained?

If you’re keen to buy your first home but find all the terminology a bit daunting, then please reach out to us today.

We’re always happy to sit down and demystify the home buying process, so that when you do take the leap into ownership, you can be confident that you’re armed with all the knowledge you need.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Want to switch home loans? Here are ASIC’s top tips for refinancing

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With interest rates at record low levels, we’ve seen a big increase in homeowners wanting to refinance this year. So this week we’ll look at some of ASIC’s top tips for refinancing, plus some of our own for good measure.

More and more mortgage holders are looking for a better deal on their home loan.

According to ABS data, the total number of home loan customers who switched providers last year increased by 27% – from 143,664 in 2019 to 182,016 in 2020.

And a further 200,000 Australian families are expected to switch lenders and save in 2021.

But there’s switching lenders the wrong way, and switching lenders the right way.

Fortunately, Laura Higgins, ASIC’s Senior Executive Leader Consumer Insights and Communication, recently shared some important tips with ABC radio, which we’ve compiled for you below.

1. See if your current lender can cut you a better deal

Here’s the thing about the big banks and home loans: customer loyalty is rarely rewarded.

In fact, the RBA found that for loans written four years ago, borrowers were charged an average of 40 basis points higher interest than new loans.

For a loan balance of $250,000, that could cost you an extra $1,000 in interest payments per year.

“Many times, new customers are offered a better deal than existing borrowers, so if you have a home loan that is a few years old you could potentially get a better deal that saves you thousands of dollars over time,” explains Ms Higgins.

“Even if you’re happy with your current lender, it’s worth checking you’re not paying for features or add-ons you’re not using.”

2. Don’t jump at the easy money: do the maths

There are a lot of incentives out there to entice you to switch mortgages quickly, such as cashback offers or very low-interest rates.

But Ms Higgins urges borrowers to closely compare these offers with the long term costs.

“For example, it’s worth doing the maths to ensure a cashback offer still puts you ahead over the long term when considered against other aspects of the loan, like interest rates and fees,” she explains.

“If you decide to switch lenders, you may end up with a longer-term loan.

It’s also important to consider whether lenders mortgage insurance or other costs, like discharge and loan arrangement fees, may be payable.

“These additional costs can outweigh the benefit of a lower interest rate,” she adds.

“A mortgage broker can also help you compare loans and decide whether to switch.”

Which is very true, if we do say so ourselves!

3. Consider switching to an offset account or redraw facility option

With interest rates so low, many borrowers are aiming to pay off their mortgage faster by making extra repayments.

“Interest rates may be low now, but probably won’t be this low forever. Making some extra repayments now can benefit customers in the long term,” says Ms Higgins.

But if you’re worried about tying up all your funds in your home loan, then you can consider switching to a mortgage redraw facility or offset account, which can allow you to make extra repayments but withdraw them if you need to.

“Either of these options might work for you depending on your goals,” Ms Higgins adds.

“Not all home loans can be linked to an offset account, and often those that can may have a fee charged or a slightly higher interest rate, so it’s worth making sure you’d be saving enough in there to warrant any extra costs.”

4. To fix the rate or not? Or both?

Last but not least, a refinancing tip that we think is worth considering in this climate of record-low interest rates (which probably won’t be around forever).

One of the most common ‘big decision’ questions we get asked when it comes to refinancing is: should I fix my home loan rate or not?

But did you know a third option exists?

Yep, you can fix the rate on some of your mortgage, but not all of it.

This allows you to lock in a low rate for a portion of your home loan, while also taking advantage of some of the flexibility that a variable rate can offer, such as the ability to make extensive additional payments.

If you’d like to know more about it – or any of the other refinancing tips in this article – then get in touch today.

We’d be more than happy to help you refinance your home loan, whether that be renegotiating with your current lender or exploring your options elsewhere.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

7 ways to make your property more attractive to potential buyers

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Did you know more than a third of Australian homeowners are considering putting their property up for sale so they can take advantage of the current boom in prices? Here’s how to get your property looking spick and span for prospective buyers.

New data shows seller confidence is now higher than it was prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 35% of homeowners considering selling by 2026, Westpac says.

And 12% of homeowners are already in the process of putting their house on the market or are planning to do so in the next 12 months.

So, if you’re a homeowner keen to sell your property in the current hot market, below are seven ways you could make it more attractive to potential buyers.

1. Bathroom boost

We hate to say it, but your bathroom/s will likely attract more scrutiny from prospective buyers than any other room.

If your bathroom is moderately new and not too dated, simply pay some professional cleaners to get it sparkling.

However, if your bathroom is fairly dated, consider updating some of the obvious essentials such as a new sink or tapware, updated countertops and cabinets, and a fresh coat of paint.

Also, ensure the taps and shower head are shiny and not leaking, and the toilet is spotless.

2. Kitchen kit-out

Giving the bathroom a good run for its money in terms of scrutiny is the kitchen.

Rest assured there are ways you can revitalise it without blowing the budget, such as replacing old cupboards and pantry doors, upgrading the benchtops, and making sure the taps and electrical fittings are in good working order.

And don’t forget that your kitchen appliances also act as sales props. If they’re old and outdated, they’ll bring the rest of the kitchen down with them. The good news is if you have to buy new appliances, at least you can take them with you!

3. Floor flaws

Nothing screams “I’ve seen better days” like stained carpet, scuffed floorboards, or chipped tiles.

If the floor a prospective buyer is standing on is dirty and dated, it won’t be long until they start thinking about what else is wrong with the house that they can’t immediately see.

If it’s within your budget, definitely consider giving this part of your property a makeover before inviting potential buyers in.

4. Pot plants

One of the quickest and cheapest ways of making the inside of your home feel more alive is to add a bit of greenery in each room.

Pot plants are fantastic because they’re low maintenance, make your place look great, and are great for your health.

And once again, rather than leaving them behind, like most other things on this list, you can take them with you when you sell your property.

5. Energy efficiency

Properties with high energy-efficiency ratings typically sell for up to 10% more, a review of international research shows.

The government’s Your Home website is a great starting point when it comes to making your property more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.

It includes information and tips on how to include more energy-saving features in your home, which may include improved lighting technologies, insulation, draught sealing and batteries, to name a few.

6. Paint pizzazz

A fresh coat of paint can make a property look and feel new again. And fortunately, it’s among the most affordable ideas on this list.

Best to play it a little safe though and go for neutral creams and whites that will suit most people’s tastes – you’ll attract more interested buyers that way.

And remember, lighter shades like beige and white also give the impression of more spacious rooms.

Finally, don’t forget the ceilings, even if they’re hard to reach!

7. Gardening gains

First impressions last – so one way to instantly increase the initial ‘wow’ factor of your home is to upgrade its exterior.

Trim any overgrown bushes, mow the yard, apply grass seed where there are bare patches, get some new flowers and plants in the garden beds, and ensure the fence looks great.

If you don’t have the tools for the job, or you’re simply more of an indoors person, consider hiring a landscaper to help out.

Got your eye on your own property upgrade?

If you’re thinking about selling your current property to buy elsewhere, get in touch today to discuss your finance options and borrowing capacity.

We’d love to take some weight off your shoulders when it comes to everything finance, so you can focus on getting your current property ready for sale!

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Record-breaking: 5 big property trends in 2021

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After a bumpy 2020, 2021 is already rewriting the record books. From property prices, to interest rates, to refinancing – no matter which way you look records are being broken. Today we’ll look at why property market sentiment is riding so high.

How quickly things can turn around.

It wasn’t too long ago (9-10 months, to be more precise) that many highly-regarded economists were predicting property prices could plummet 30% due to COVID-19.

Instead, now we’re seeing official RBA documents predict that house prices could increase 30% over the next three years, so long as the official cash rate remains near record low levels (at or below 0.5%).

Suffice to say, market sentiment is soaring. So let’s take a look at some of the records currently being broken.

1. Record high housing values

Australian housing values have just reached a new record high as prices continue to rise across the country, according to CoreLogic.

In fact, housing values have surpassed pre-COVID levels by 1.0%, and the index is 0.7% higher than the previous September 2017 peak.

Every capital city and rest-of-state region recorded a rise in housing values in January, ranging from a 2.3% surge in Darwin to a relatively mild 0.4% rise in Sydney and Melbourne.

And unsurprisingly, regional housing values are rising at more than twice the pace of capital city markets due to COVID-19.

“Better housing affordability, an opportunity for a lifestyle upgrade and lower density housing options are factors that might be contributing to this trend, along with the new found popularity of remote working arrangements,” says CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless.

2. Record low interest rates

In case you missed it, the RBA cut the official cash rate three times in 2020, with the last reduction in November taking the rate to just 0.1%.

At the same time, competition amongst lenders is fierce, with many offering record-low home loan rates in a bid to win over as many customers as possible.

3. Record high refinancing numbers

With record-low interest rates, it makes sense that we’re also seeing a record number of mortgage holders refinance their home loans to save themselves thousands of dollars.

According to ABS data, last year, the total number of home loan customers who switched providers increased by 27% – from 143,664 in 2019 to 182,016 in 2020.

And experts are predicting the number of externally refinanced loans will grow by 9% this year, according to a recent Finder survey, meaning nearly 200,000 Aussies will switch to another lender in 2021.

4. Record house building approvals

Private house approvals rose for the sixth consecutive month in December and reached a record high, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data.

In fact, private house building approvals surged 55.6% over the year.

“Federal and state housing stimulus measures (such as HomeBuilder), along with record low-interest rates have contributed to strong demand for detached dwellings,” says Daniel Rossi, Director of Construction Statistics at the ABS.

5. Record-high market positivity

With all of the above in mind, it’s no wonder that buyer confidence is surging.

In fact, positive sentiment among those in the property market has reached a record high, and negative sentiment is at an all-time low, according to ME Bank’s latest Quarterly Property Sentiment Report.

The buoyed sentiment is being supported by expectations for residential property price increases, higher levels of market activity and a combination of record-low interest rates and government stimulus incentives, says ME Bank.

That’s pretty much everything we’ve just touched upon today.

So, if you’re feeling pretty confident yourself and are looking to buy, or you think you’re overdue for refinancing, get in touch today.

We’re here to help you with all your funding and refinancing needs.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

House prices tipped to surge 15%, RBA hints at cash rate cut

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Strap yourself in: Australian house prices are tipped to experience a mild COVID-19 dip before surging 15% over the following two years, according to some of the nation’s top economists.

And in more good news for homeowners, RBA Deputy Governor Guy Debelle has hinted at further reductions to interest rates, while not going into negative territory.

Both NAB and Westpac economists have been quick to jump on board the rate cut hype train, predicting the RBA could cut the cash rate by 15 basis points to a record low 0.10% as early as October.

But back to that tipped 15% price surge

Westpac’s Chief Economist Bill Evans and Senior Economist Matthew Hassan believe house prices are set to bottom out by June 2021 after a further 2.3% fall – which would mean a total fall of 5% from the peak in April.

But the good news is they’re tipping prices to bounce back hard and fast across the country.

Indeed, the duo expects national dwelling prices to “surge” 15% until mid-2023, or 7.5% per year, led by massive gains of 20% in Brisbane and 18% in Perth.

Sydney (14%), Melbourne (12%) and Adelaide (10%) wouldn’t miss out on the action, either.

If it plays out as predicted, we could see a cumulative increase in national prices of 10% from pre-COVID highs over a three year period.

“This recovery will be supported by sustained low [interest] rates, which are likely to be even lower than current levels,” Mr Evans says.

Such a rebound would also be assisted by ongoing support from regulators, substantially improved affordability, sustained government fiscal support, and a strengthening economic recovery.

Mr Evans adds the recovery would be further aided “once a vaccine becomes available, which we expect in 2021″.

Got your eye on a property?

For those who are confident in their financial circumstances at present, Westpac’s housing market prediction certainly makes it a tempting time to buy, especially if another RBA cash rate cut soon comes to pass.

So if you’re looking to add to your property portfolio, looking for a change of scene, or keen to buy your first home and break into the market, get in touch today.

We’re here to help you find a loan that’s just right for you.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.