Yearly Archives: 2011


Westpac, ANZ report strong profits

An article from The Adviser reports Westpac has followed in ANZ’s footsteps, announcing a strong net profit for the first half of the 2011 financial year. ANZ recorded a 38 per cent increase in its first half year profits to 2.64 billion. Similarly, Westpac also announced a 38 per cent increase in statutory net profit […]

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Exit fee ban could force up rates

According to the Advisor, the ABC has reported that the Federal Government’s plans to abolish exit fees could have an adverse impact on first home buyers. While the Government is hopeful its blanket ban on exit fees will encourage consumers to switch loans and get a better deal, Treasury documents obtained by the ABC, show […]


Banks ‘drag feet’ on discharges

In an article by Adam Smith from Australian Broker News he states that the Finance Brokers Association of Australia’s president Peter White has accused banks of dragging their feet in discharging loans. White told Australian Broker News that even following the 1st July ban on exit fees, banks will make it difficult for borrowers to […]

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Brokers prove popular with borrowers

In an article by the Advisor the popularity of mortgage brokers has grown significantly in the last three years, according to the latest MFAA/Bankwest Home Finance index. The index found the overall proportion of consumers understanding the benefits of using a broker is now at its highest level, sitting at 35.7 per cent- considerably higher […]


Financial Ombudsman Service compares lenders’dispute performance

In an article recently from Brokernews it states that the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) has released its annual review, showing how lenders performed in terms of disputes brought to the service. As part of the new ASIC regulations, the FOS has published comparative tables showing the dispute performance of major financial service providers for the […]

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MAXIMISE YOUR RENO POTENTIAL

A smart renovation can add thousands to your property if you set a solid plan from the outset. Renovating is a national pastime- just one look at a TV guide and the plethora of shows dedicated to renovating will instantly highlight this. The process of turning an old house into a new one is engrained […]


MANAGING YOUR EXPECTATIONS

It might be tempting to make your first home your dream home, but first home buyers should be careful not to overburden themselves. When it comes to making that first move into the property market, many first home buyers begin their foray by browsing the market for properties they really like. Make no mistake- it’s […]

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ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL

As we move from one phase in our life to another, so to do our priorities- and our financial needs. There are no guarantees that a home loan that was suited to your needs a few years ago is still the best product for you today. This could be down to changes in your personal […]


DEMAND SOARS FOR FIXED RATES

Fixed home loan demand has reached a 31 month high, new figures have revealed. According to recent data from Mortgage Choice, appetite for fixed rate home loans soared for the third consecutive month, with every state enjoying a lift in demand despite the continued rising cost of fixed rates. Mortgage Choice spokesperson Kristy Sheppard said […]

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