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Articles




2008 Articles




How Much Can You Borrow?


One of the first questions asked by most people when taking out a home loan is ‘how much can I borrow?’ This brief guide will help you determine how much you can afford. Read the full article

Do You Qualify For The First Home Owners Grant?


The Federal Governments First Home Owners Grant Scheme offers eligible first home buyers a one-off payment up to $21,000 - that’s a great start when you’re saving to buy your first home!

The Grant is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. What’s more, there is no limit on the maximum price of the home you build or purchase. Whilst eligibility is not restricted by income or asset assessment tests, you must meet certain criteria in order to qualify.
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Are You Buying At Auction?


Buying a property at auction can be an emotionally charged and intimidating time, but planning ahead can make everything much simpler and easier.

The number one rule is to set your budget and stick to it. Be very clear about what you can afford and what the property is really worth - and remain calm on the day so the atmosphere doesn’t carry you away.
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No Deposit Home Loans


Home ownership is the dream of many Australians, but taking that first step onto the property ladder is now harder than ever. The current housing affordability crisis puts many properties out of the reach of first home buyer budgets. And spiralling rents make it increasingly difficult to save for a deposit without significantly impacting on your lifestyle. As a result, many young people put their dreams on hold and delay buying their first home until well into their 30’s. Read the full article

Are Home Loan ‘Extras’ Worth The Extra?


Home loan ‘bells and whistles’ need to be examined closely to see if they are worth having, remembering they usually come at additional cost. Consider the following factors to help you decide what is best for you. Read the full article

Avoid The Dream Home Nightmare


For many, building a home is too daunting a thought. However for some first home buyers, building their own home is the stuff dreams are made of. If it’s something you’re thinking about, take some time to considering a few important points. Read the full article

First Home Owner Boost – What You Need To Know


Last month the federal government announced its First Home Owner Grant Boost Scheme to supplement the State funded First Home Owner Grant. Under the terms of the Scheme, eligible first home buyers can now receive up to $21,000 tax-free.

This article outlines how much is available and the timelines you need to adhere to in order to qualify for the increased Grants.
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Top Tips When Choosing A Removalist


For some, moving home is easy; just pack up a few bags and boxes into the back of a friend’s ute and away you go. But for many, especially those who’ve had the time to accumulate a few more possessions, moving home takes a lot more planning. If you’re one of these, read on for our top tips to help you find a removalist who’ll help make your move as stress free and pleasant as possible. Read the full article

Honeymoon Home Loans – A Beginners Guide


Honeymoon home loans are a popular choice for many first home buyers. Below we discussed the advantages offered and some of the home loan options available. Read the full article

First Home Saver Account – What You Need To Know


First home saver accounts combine Government contributions and low taxes to provide first home buyers with a tax effective way to save for a bigger deposit.

This article reviews the benefits offered, who's eligible, how they work and where you can open a first home saver account.
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Taking Time Out From Your Home Loan


Sometimes your circumstances change unexpectedly and you no longer have the income available to meet your financial commitments as easily as you did before. Some home loans come with features that help to ease the financial pressure in times of difficulty.

In this article we explore two common options and how they work.
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What's In The Contract Of Sale?


You've found your dream home and the Vendor has accepted your offer. The real estate agent will usually give you a Contract of Sale which both you and the Vendor must sign to make the sale legally binding.

This article explains what to do with the Contract of Sale and some of the common conditions it may contain.
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First Home Owners Grant Boost Extension Providing ‘Financial Relief’


The Federal Government’s decision to extend the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) Boost for 3 months, before phasing it out on December 31, 2009 will give Australians looking to buy their first home the relief of additional financial assistance and more time to find their ideal home. Read the full article

Want To Get Into Your First Home Faster?


Perhaps your parents and RAMS can help!
A recent study, ‘the First Home Buyers Pulse Check’ which was conducted by RAMS, found that 43% of Australians felt that the biggest barrier to getting into the first home was saving the deposit.

Read the full article