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Articles



2009 Articles



December 2009


Don’t Blow Your Mortgage Savings This Christmas!


It's hard not to get carried away at Christmas and find yourself spending more than you'd otherwise planned. The problem is, once the money has been spent, the presents given out and the plum pudding consumed, the dent that your extra unplanned spending leaves on your mortgage may still be with you when Christmas comes around next year. Read the full article

Managing the Mortgage on Your First Home – Find Out What the RAMS’ Pulse Check Discovered.


The second edition of the RAMS First Home Buyers’ Pulse Check survey, which was conducted in August, explored the behaviour and attitudes of first home buyers and first home seekers.

The survey revealed some interesting information about the attitudes and aims that home seekers and home buyers have to managing and repaying their mortgage.

Find out more about what home seekers and home buyers have to say – and tell us if you feel the same way... Read the full article

Looking to Buy Your First Home?
Why Not Consider a No Cash Deposit Loan?


If you're looking to buy your first home and are having trouble saving up enough money for the deposit, perhaps a no-deposit home loan is the right path for you. In this issue, we’ve outlined a few things you need to know about these types of home loans... Read the full article

What Determines House Prices?


If you're looking to buy a home, it's worth giving some consideration to house prices and the different factors that determine what a house costs and why.

Remember - because of property cycles, it’s often more about “time in” the market than “ timing” the market. The key rule is to have a strategy in place and ensure your purchase is in line with that. Read the full article

Finding Your Home – a Checklist


Finding the right home, at the right price, in the right location and at the right time for you can be a challenge. There are so many different things to consider and hence can mean lots of days and nights spent researching and searching.

We’ve created a list of ‘helpful hints’ that you can follow on your quest to find a home... Read the full article



November 2009


What First Home Buyers Value When Applying For a Loan - Check Out Our Blog!


The recently conducted 2nd edition of the RAMS First Home Buyers' Pulse Check has revealed some interesting information about what home seekers value when looking to take out a home loan to buy their first home.

Find out more about what first home seekers and first home owners had to say and see how this may apply to you. Read the full article

Buying Into a Strata Scheme? Things You Need to Know


The property market as it is today means some people are favouring apartment living and are choosing to buy into strata schemes - where there's little or no garden to maintain, the chance to take advantage of a 'close community vibe' and the opportunity to afford real estate close to the action - be it cityside, seaside or other.

Here are a few tips to help you along the way. Read the full article

10 Tips to Keep Your Mortgage Under Control... or If All Else Fails - Refinance!


The RAMS team has compiled a list of ten handy hints that can help you maximise your mortgage repayments and still enjoy the quality of life you desire... while chipping away at the goal of owning your own home 100%. Read the full article

Thinking About Your First Investment Property? Download Our Property Investment Checklist!


If you're thinking that it's time you invested in property, there are few things you need to consider before you jump into any arrangements.

For instance, when investing, it's just as important to make the right purchase - in an area that will improve and for a property that will hold its own value - as it is to find the right financial arrangement to suit your current lifestyle and make your investment work for you! Read the full article



October 2009


Will First Home Buyers Survive Rising Interest Rates?


We're able to provide you a preview to the 2nd edition of RAMS First Home Buyers Pulse Check which is soon to be released later this month. The August survey has revealed some interesting findings about the behaviour and attitudes of first home buyers and seekers. More than 800 Australians (823 respondents in total) between the age of 20 and 40 participated in this recent survey. Read the full article

Interested in First Time Property Investing?


If you're among the many people around Australia who are keen to invest, but have been uncertain about the timing, here's some really good news. Read the full article

Great Home Loan Options - Off-set And Home Saver Accounts, What Works For You?


When considering the purchase of your first home, in much the same way as there are lots of different types of homes you can buy and different areas in which you can live, there are lots of different home loan options that you can consider.

In this issue we look at the differences between offset and first home saver accounts, what they offer and how they can help you turn your dream of owning a home into a reality. Read the full article

The Best Web Links on Buying a Home - Download Your Checklist Now!


'Research' is the key to making the right decisions when considering what, for most people is the biggest expense of their lives... buying a home.

The RAMS team has created a list of different websites that you can use as part of your research strategy. While this is by no means a finite list, it will help you start your detective work. Download your copy of the Home Buyer's Web Link checklist here...Read the full article



September 2009


2nd First Home Buyer Pulse Check – Hot Off The Press!


RAMS Home Loans recently conducted the second edition of its unique market research study which looks at the attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of recent first home buyers and first home seekers... Read the full article

Visit RAMS at the Home Buyer Show 2009 in Melbourne


If you are looking to purchase a home and want to speak with a RAMS consultant in person, why not come and see us at the Home Buyer Show 2009 in Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October in Melbourne?

The Home Buyer Show is the only major event in Australia that is dedicated to helping people actually buy or sell a new or established home or apartment, whether as a primary residence or investment property. So, there’ll be lots of information for you to access if you’re looking to purchase property.

RAMS Home Loan Specialists (stand number #H65) will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer advice to help you get the best home loan to suit your needs. There will be lots to see, do and learn... Read the full article

Co-Ownership – A Good Way To Buy Property?


Looking to buy property but don’t quite have the deposit or the means to service the sort of loan you need to buy the place of your dreams? Perhaps co-ownership (also sometime called ‘shared ownership’) is for you!

Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the influx of first home buyers to the property market has jumped up by 30% in the last six months. This has led to increases in property prices in some parts of the country of up to $50,000.

Maybe co-ownership is a way for you to get into the property market... Read the full article

Use Your Tax Return Wisely – A Quick Tax Checklist


It’s that time of year again… tax return time! Try to make the most out of it - if you’re smart and you put in the extra effort, you might just be able to get some money back which you can use towards a deposit on your home loan!

We’ve created a list of ‘helpful hints’ that you can follow in order to get the most from your tax return... Read the full article



August 2009


Don’t forget – the First Home Owners Grant Boost Will Reduce in October!


In June the Federal Government extended the First Home Owners Boost scheme for three months as part of its recently announced Federal Budget. While the Boost was extended for first home buyers entering into contracts until 31 December, 2009, the Boost will only continue at its full rate until 30 September, 2009. It’s time to act if you want to take advantage of this offer before it closes... Read the full article

Why You May Be Rejected For a Loan – What You Need To Do To Be Prepared


There are many different reasons why you may be rejected by a lender when applying for a home loan. Understanding the possible ‘hurdles’ you many need to overcome and having all your information in order will give you the best possible chance of being successful in your home loan application. Find out how you can be prepared... Read the full article

Self Employed and Looking To Buy Your First Home? RAMS Can Help!


If you’re self employed, you may think that you’ve got very little chance of securing the finances you need to help you buy a home – well, you’re wrong!

Even if you’re self employed and potentially open to more financial risks, RAMS has a range of home loan options created specifically for people who are self employed but also want the security and stability of owning their own home. Find out more about how we can help you get into the property market... Read the full article

Buying Property – What ‘Other’ Costs Will You Face?


So, you’re looking to buy a new home? Well, before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few ‘extra costs’ that you need to factor into your plans... and your budget. We’ve outlined the main costs that you will need to consider and have created a checklist that you can download and use for your budget. Read the full article



July 2009


First Home Buyers’ Pulse Check – Participate in Our Next Survey Today!


In February 2009, RAMS Home Loans conducted new research that gathered some interesting insights into the attitudes and behaviours of Australian first home seekers and first home owners.

Now, RAMS and consumer research agency, Nature Pty Ltd are preparing to conduct the second ‘First Home Buyers’ Pulse Check’. The survey will again look at the trends and perceptions that first home buyers and first home owners have in relation to owning their first home.

Take the survey and have your say now! Read the full article

Saving For a Deposit – How to Avoid Unnecessary Fees and Charges


When looking to purchase your first home, saving a deposit can seem like a painstaking and somewhat unachievable goal, especially given the other costs of day to day living. However, if you look at the many ways in which you are currently incurring unnecessary fees and charges and how you can avoid them, you will find that saving a deposit becomes that bit easier... Read the full article

Fixed Rate or Variable Rate Home Loan? Why Not Have The Best of Both Worlds!


When it comes to securing a home loan, you can look at a fixed rate loan, which locks in an agreed rate for a certain fixed rate period, or a variable rate home loan, where the interest and repayments are influenced by changes to interest rates.

To benefit from both the security of a fixed rate home loan and the potential to save when interest rates drop, you can combine the two with a split home loan that will give you ‘the best of both worlds’. Find out more about fixed, variable and split home loans and what they can do for you. Read the full article

Pre-purchase Inspection Reports – Find Out What You’re Really Buying!


Before purchasing a property, it is advisable to have a Pre-purchase Inspection Report done to identify any significant building defects or problems that may exist with the property – so that you know what it is that you are buying and can decide whether it’s the right property for you. Read the full article



June 2009


RAMS Wins

Money

magazine’s Non-Bank Lender of the Year Award 2009


Drum roll please... and the winner is... RAMS Home Loans!

RAMS Home Loans is thrilled to announce that it is the winner of Money magazine’s Non-Bank Lender of the Year Award! Find out what put us above the rest... Read the full article

Visit RAMS At The Home Buyer Show 2009


If you are looking to purchase a home and want to speak with a RAMS consultant in person, why not come and see us at the Home Buyer Show 2009?

The Home Buyer Show is the only major event in Australia that is dedicated to helping people actually buy or sell a new or established home or apartment, whether as a primary residence or investment property. So, there’ll be lots of information for you to access if you’re looking to purchase property.

Our mortgage advisers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer advice to help you get the best home loan to suit your needs. There will be lots to see, do and learn… Read the full article

RAMS ‘No Deposit’ And ‘Low Deposit’ Loans – Options To Secure Your First Home


The time it can take to save a deposit when purchasing your first home can sometimes mean the difference between being able to afford to buy the home of your dreams as soon as you find it, or missing out because of lack of immediate funds.

RAMS Home Loans can offer a range of low deposit home loan packages that will help you secure your finances and your dream home with no deposit or a small deposit. Find out how we can help.
Read the full article

Buying Off The Plan


Buying property off the plan can be a good way to get your foot into the property market and secure a new home at a competitive price. However, there are a number of things you need to consider when looking to buy property off the plan. Let’s take a look at some of them… Read the full article



May 2009


First Home Buyers Grant Boost Has Been Extended!


Great news for first home buyers - the first-home owner boost will be extended for another three months. The 12 May release of the federal government’s budget reveals that the boost to the first home owner grant will be continued in full until 30 September 2009.

In late 2008, in an attempt to boost the Australian economy, the Government doubled the grant for first home buyers and tripled it for those purchasing newly constructed homes. The grant, part of the Government’s $10.4 billion stimulus package, was increased from $7,000 to $14,000 for the purchase of existing dwellings and from $14,000 to $21,000 for the purchase of newly constructed homes.

Many states also increased their financial support for first-home purchasers ranging from Stamp duty concessions to additional grants. To be eligible for the full grant, contracts must be exchanged by 30 September 2009. First home buyers better be quick though as the grant will decrease from 1 October 2009.

Due to the time required to find a property, exchange contracts, first home seekers who wish to apply for the grant do not have long to act to take advantage of the increased grant before it ends. If you want a financial step up for your first home purchase, act now! Read the full article

RAMS First Home Buyer Pulse Check


RAMS Home Loans recently conducted new research that discovered some interesting insights into the attitudes and behaviours of Australian first home seekers and first home owners. Find out what first home owners and first home seekers have to say in the ‘RAMS First Home Buyers’ Pulse Check’... Read the full article

RAMS Easy Start - Give Your Home Loan A Honeymoon!


RAMS ‘Easy Start’ Home Loan can assist first home buyers establish the finance to purchase their first home and take advantage of the boost to the First Home Owners Grant. What’s more, the ‘three year honeymoon’ offered by the RAMS Easy Start Home Loan gives RAMS’ customers a lot of assistance in the first years of their loan. Read the full article

The Buying Agent – Why Not Benefit From Expert Sales Advice?


When looking to purchase your first home, you may consider consulting a Buyer’s Agent to assist you in the process. A Buyer’s Agent can help you negotiate the best possible price, terms and conditions for the property you want to purchase and lots, lots more... Read the full article



April 2009


Property Reports


When purchasing a property, it’s always a good idea to do some research into areas that will suit your lifestyle as well as offering the potential for increased value and growth. Read the full article

Construction Loans


Can’t find your dream home? Then why not build it yourself? If you want to create the ideal home, built to your own unique specifications, then the RAMS Construction Option is just the loan to help you turn your dream into a bricks and mortar reality.

The RAMS Construction Option is available on a number of RAMS Full Doc and Low Doc home loans, which means not only do you get the design home of your dreams, you can use the home loan to match. Read the full article

Buying A Property - What You Need To Know: Part #2


The purchase of a property is one of the most important and impacting decisions you will make in your life and one of the largest financial commitments you’ll ever undertake.

So, it’s important that you understand the commitment you are entering into, your rights as the purchaser and what’s required of you. In this first issue of ‘Buying a property – what you need to know’ we will look at a range of different topics and the things that you need to consider when purchasing a property.
Read the full article



March 2009


Purchasing Property as ‘Tenants in Common’


One good way to get a start in the property market is to purchase a property with other people, so that you share in the outlay of initial costs and ongoing costs.

‘Tenants in Common’ is one type of ‘shared ownership’ that you can have with other parties for the ownership of a property.

In this article, we look at what the term ‘Tenants in Common’ means, what you need to consider and what you should do to protect yourself and your property when entering into such a shared ownership agreement. Read the full article

Fast Track Your Loan And Save Thousands, Use A Guarantor!


With RAMS Fast Track, you can buy your first home sooner AND save on mortgage insurance by enlisting the help of a guarantor to guarantee your loan. Read the full article

Buying A Property - What You Need To Know: Part #1


The purchase of a property is one of the most important and impacting decisions you will make in your life and one of the largest financial commitments you’ll ever undertake.

So, it’s important that you understand the commitment you are entering into, your rights as the purchaser and what’s required of you. In this first issue of ‘Buying a property – what you need to know’ we will look at a range of different topics that you need to consider when purchasing a property. Read the full article



February 2009


Credit Referencing – What You Need to Know


If you’ve ever applied for a loan, credit card or telephone account, chances are a credit reporting agency will hold a credit report on you.

When you apply for a home loan, your lender will usually obtain and check your credit report before deciding whether or not to lend to you. Having a good credit history will increase your likelihood of being approved for a loan.

This article explains what information is included in a credit report, how you can obtain a copy, and what to do if you find your report contains any errors. Read the full article

When To Fix Your Home Loan?


Home loans generally have either a fixed or variable interest rate. Both have their pro’s and cons. Splitting your home loan can enable you to take advantage of both. In this article we look at what you need to consider when deciding on a variable, fixed or split rate home loan. Read the full article

When’s The Right Time To Buy?


Falling interest rates, a softening property market and increased federal and State based incentives are encouraging many first home buyers to enter the market sooner than they might otherwise have considered.

However other potential home owners, worried about the impact of the global credit crunch on the Australian economy, property prices and the job market, are taking a more reserved approach, choosing to wait before they take the plunge into home ownership.

Which is the best approach? It really depends on your own personal circumstances. We review some of the factors that may help you decide when is the right time for you to buy. Read the full article



January 2009


Additional Benefits For First Home Buyers


Most first home buyers are aware of the benefits available under the federal government’s recently boosted First Home Owner Grant. What is less well understood are the additional grants and duty concessions available in each State when you purchase your first home.

In this article we look at some of these less well-known benefits and duty concessions and where to go to for further information. Read the full article

Will A Transactional Loan Work For You?


In this article we look at the benefits of transactional home loans, how they work, and the difference between an all-in-one account and a revolving line of credit account. Most importantly, we consider what types of borrowers are best suited to a transactional home loan. Read the full article

Why Use A Buyer’s Agent?


More and more Australians are using a buyer’s agent to assist them in finding, and purchasing their dream home. In this article we look at the services offered by a buyer’s agent, the benefits to you as the purchaser, and some key questions to ask before you appoint one to act on your behalf. Read the full article