Fixed vs Variable Home Loan 2026: Which Is Better for Illawarra Homeowners
If you’re staring down a rate decision and feeling like you need a finance degree just to make sense of it, you’re not the only one. Every month we sit down with Illawarra homeowners who are wrestling with the same question: should they fix, stay variable, or split the difference? There’s no absolute right answer, […]
Why Use a Mortgage Broker Instead of Going to Your Bank?
Melissa’s been at this for three nights running. Two comparison sites open in different tabs, a bank app she doesn’t fully trust, and a growing feeling that home loans are designed to be confusing on purpose. Every article she reads uses a different term for the same thing. Every calculator gives her a different number. […]
Understanding Negative Gearing After the 2026 Federal Budget
This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is not tax or financial advice. Speak to a qualified accountant or tax adviser about how these changes apply to you. If you own an investment property, or you’ve been weighing up buying one, you’ve […]
Is It Worth Refinancing My Mortgage? (Honest Answers for Illawarra Homeowners)
Your last home loan review was… when, exactly? If you can’t quite remember, you’re not alone, and there’s a good chance your current rate isn’t working as hard for you as it should be. With the cash rate holding at 4.35% since the Reserve Bank’s August meeting, plenty of Illawarra homeowners are asking the same […]
Understanding Construction Home Loans
A construction home loan is designed for people who want to build their home rather than purchase an existing one. It features a unique payment structure where you borrow in stages as the construction progresses. Typically, the payment structure is based on the completion of five stages: Foundation: This includes levelling, plumbing, and waterproofing.Frame: This […]
Quick Tips to Find the Right Home Loan and Pay It Off Fast
Finding the right home loan and paying it off quickly can seem overwhelming, but an experienced broker can make it easier. Here’s a quick guide to help you. Common Home Loans: Principal and Interest Loans: Regular payments on the amount borrowed plus interest over 25-30 years. Interest-Only Loans: Payments cover just the interest; the principal […]
The Benefits of Home Loan Pre-Approval in Australia
A pre-approval is when a lender approves you for a home loan before you actually decide on a house to buy. It’s essentially a guarantee that you will be approved for a home loan if you decide to apply for it. By being proactive with a pre-approval, you reap a host of benefits that can […]
Financing Your Home Renovation: Smart Options for Aussie Homeowners
Whether it’s adding a pool for the summer heat or building a granny flat for gran, renovations can add both monetary and practical value to your home. However, these improvements come at a cost and can be quite expensive unless you have a large amount of cash on hand. Choosing the right finance option can […]
Should You Refinance Your Home Loan? Wollongong’s Mortgage Brokers Explain
The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on your goals and make plans for the future. If buying a home is on your agenda for 2024, now is the time to start preparing. Creating a homebuying plan can help you stay organised, focused, and ready to take on the market with confidence. Here’s […]
The Truth About Deposit Size
Many homebuyers believe that a 20% deposit is necessary to secure a home loan, but this isn’t always the case. While a larger deposit has its benefits, such as lower monthly repayments and avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), it’s not a strict requirement. Smaller Deposits: A Viable Option Lenders now offer home loans with deposits […]