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When you take out a home loan there are a few options you can choose to make repayments more manageable. However, choosing a financial institution and interest rates aren't the only things you need to consider. It’s also important to look for eligible home loan options which can reduce your interest repayments and give you flexibility to pay off your home loan sooner.

Buying a house is likely the biggest investment you will ever make. Over the last three years, Tasmania has seen record rises in real estate prices meaning saving for a deposit to get your start in the property market is no small task. Recently released statistics show that almost 60% of first home buyers rely on help from the 'bank of mum and dad' when buying their first home.

Refinancing your home loan could be a value saving option if you're looking to access additional funds. With housing prices rising so dramatically over the last couple of years, existing homeowners have the opportunity to access the equity in their home to spend on things like home improvements, debt consolidation, buying a new car or another large ticket item such as a caravan or motorbike. You could even help your child break into the housing market!

A reverse mortgage is similar to a home loan but without the need to make regular payments. It gives people living on a pension or fixed income the ability to draw on part of the equity in their home; enabling them to live more comfortably.

When you consider a ‘hike’, what is the first thing that springs to mind? A walk through the bush or a sharp rise? The RBA lifted the official cash rate by 25 points to .35 percent last week – the first rise in 11 years. While we understand that a rate rise is never a good thing, interest rates are still at historic lows and we wonder if the use of the word ‘hike’ is a necessary one!

Self-managed super funds (SMSF) are a different way of saving for retirement. A SMSF gives flexibility and control over where your retirement funds are invested, including the opportunity to invest in residential and commercial property.

Commonly, people start their property search by attending open homes, talking to agents, making offers, applying for their loan and then waiting for approval… but this doesn’t have to be the case. Applying and being accepted for a loan can be your first step, and while not essential, it is great way to ensure you don't miss out!

We've all had to pay more than we expect. Maybe it's the extra 50 cents for a sauce sachet with your pie, or a $1 additional shot in your morning latte.

Buying a property is no different. You'll have to pay a little extra on top of the purchasing price. The official term is call stamp duty.

Be aware that every forgotten electricity bill, loan repayment, and credit card application is being tracked… But you can put away your tin foil hat! You’re being assessed for your credit score.

When applying for a loan, you’ll hear terms such as “borrowing power”, “borrowing capacity”, and “assessment rate”. But how do they relate? What do they mean? We’ll break it down for you in a simple equation.

During your research into your financial situation, you may have clicked on our calculator section – and been overwhelmed with the number of different types available! What do they all mean and what are they used for?!

Homebuyers, builders, and renovators take note! You may be eligible for a government incentive to help you with your dream home.