Yearly Archives: 2013


Borrowers urged to prepare for rate rise – The Advisor

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 […]


Failings of a ‘fixer upper’

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 […]


Home ownership revealed as top priority

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 […]


Con artists again impersonating ASIC

The Australian Broker Magazine reported Con artists are again impersonating ASIC in an effort to scam money out of consumers, according to the regulator, who’s warning Australians to be ‘wary’ of cold callers claiming to represent ASIC. “These offshore cold callers claim that your credit union, building society or bank have overcharged you and ask […]


FBT change creates confusion and additional work for brokers

In a recent article from the Australian Broker Magazine, a planned federal government change to fringe benefits tax (FBT) claims for cars would increase costs and the administrative burden for brokers and their clients, argues MFAA CEO, Phil Naylor. This has created confusion and will increase costs for member finance brokers dealing with clients on […]


Rate cut in line for November

Business conditions hovered at four-year lows in July as confidence slumped to and eight-month dip, according to NAB’S Monthly Business Survey, July 2013 – and business credit continues to be a significant area of contention, according to Australian Broker Online. A falling Australian dollar and the ‘lure of lower interest rates’ proved unable to improve […]


‘Buy to renovate investment strategy’

Renovation has long been an effective tool, not only to better your own lifestyle but also can add value to your property. If you’re looking to renovate your property for maximum value, keep these tips in mind: Make sure the property’s structure is actually capable of supporting an extension or renovation and is structurally sound. […]