The real estate industry has expressed concerns that inaccurate automated valuations are having an adverse effect on the market. Real estate groups have opposed the labelling of computer estimates as “valuations”, with Coopers principal Paul Cooper claiming they can only legally be called an “opinion of value”. “Without a human element assessing it, I can’t […]
While proximity to family and friends and property feature may be most important when buying your family home, there are a number of other considerations that need to be made when purchasing an investment property. Before committing to an investment property, consider the following factors that can impact the success of your investment. […]
Summer is usually the time when we are most motivated to improve our lives, whether it’s by losing those extra winter kilos or finishing that weekend renovation you started. So while you are reassessing and changing other areas of your life, why not look in to your financial health with a quick check-up? Creating […]
The Property Investment Professional of Australia (PIPA) has introduced a set of initiatives aimed at reducing the activities of ‘unscrupulous operators’ within the property investment industry, including the launch of a new website and anti-spruiking advertising campaign, as well as heightened fee and commissions disclosure policies for its members. PIPA chair Ben Kingsley, says the […]
Bank of Queensland (BoQ) says it’s looking to expand its broker network – while simultaneously closing branches – in an effort to reach a broader range of customers. In its most recent strategy update, BoQ group executive, retail banking Matt Baxby, says the broker channel represents a ‘significant source of growth’ and that there are […]
Although housing finance commitments remain below the decade average, the rate is gradually rising according to a new report from CommSec. The State of the States October 2013 report shows housing finance commitments in every state except the ACT, Western Australia and Victoria are below the decade-average level. However, all states recorded a rise in […]
With much speculation that interest rates have reached their lowest point, mortgage holders are being urged to prepare for the impact of higher interest rates. Joe Sirianni, Smartline’s executive director, said there is widespread speculation interest rates will soon rise and it’s time for borrowers to start preparing. “Recent comments by the RBA indicate the […]
In a recent article from Mortgage news, before you sign on the dotted line, take a closer look at your prospective dream home because things are not always as they seem. Major problems with a property you might be eyeing could cost you thousands of dollars to fix, not to mention the stress of […]
In the Mortgage News Spring edition over 75 per cent of property owners having attempted their own repair or renovation according to Gumtree Tradie Trends Report, one in five has messed up a DIY job – with $380 million in repairs as a consequence. Here we look at the three most common failings of […]
As read in The Advisor recently, it reported that 57% of Australians now rate owning a home or paying off their home sooner as their top priority, according to The Westpac Home Ownership report. General Manager of Westpac mortgage broker distribution Tony MacRae said it is striking that people are prioritizing home ownership ahead […]
