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Home Loans Articles

Learn more about how to manage your personal finances with RateCity's home loan articles, including how-to-guides on comparing home loan interest rates, fees, features and other benefits.

Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Can a bank revoke a mortgage?

While it’s uncommon, it is possible for banks and mortgage lenders to revoke your home loan before you settle on a new property purchase.

Home Loans

16 Oct, 2024

4 min read

Can a bank revoke a mortgage?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Can you be your own mortgage broker?

Any Australian who thoroughly researches the home loan market and carefully compares mortgage offers could effectively serve as their own mortgage broker.

Home Loans

15 Oct, 2024

5 min read

Can you be your own mortgage broker?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

Can you use shares as equity for a home loan?

Your equity investments cannot be treated as security but could strengthen your case when applying for a home loan.

Home Loans

14 Oct, 2024

3 min read

Can you use shares as equity for a home loan?
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

When do you start paying off your mortgage?

Once your mortgage is in place, you need to make repayments every month. When should you start repaying your mortgage? 

Home Loans

14 Oct, 2024

3 min read

When do you start paying off your mortgage?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

Asking for a rate cut: how to negotiate a better home loan rate

If you don't ask you don't get. If you are unhappy with your current home loan it's perfectly acceptable to approach your lender and ask for a better rate.

Home Loans

03 Oct, 2024

8 min read

Asking for a rate cut: how to negotiate a better home loan rate
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

How long does a guarantor stay on a mortgage?

Have you bought your first home by keeping your parents as guarantors on the mortgage? Work out when it is the right time to release them as guarantors.

Home Loans

30 Sep, 2024

5 min read

How long does a guarantor stay on a mortgage?
Alex Ritchie

Personal Finance Editor

What is lending criteria? The factors that may impact eligibility criteria

By understanding the eligibility criteria for mortgage approval before applying for a home loan, you can increase the chances of your application getting over the line.

Home Loans

18 Sep, 2024

7 min read

What is lending criteria? The factors that may impact eligibility criteria
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early vs buying an investment property

Paying off your mortgage early lets you own your home sooner and save money on interest charges. But could investing in a rental property be a better choice when it comes to wealth creation?

Home Loans

10 Sep, 2024

6 min read

The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early vs buying an investment property
Mark Bristow

Personal Finance Editor

What do house valuers look for?

A professional valuation can be a little different to a real estate appraisal or online report. Understanding some of the differences could help to make sure your valuation is accurate.

Home Loans

10 Sep, 2024

4 min read

What do house valuers look for?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

What is a good rental yield?

Learn what is considered a good rental yield, how to calculate rental yield, and best places for rental yield in Australia.

Home Loans

29 Aug, 2024

7 min read

What is a good rental yield?
Jodie Humphries

Personal Finance Editor

How does a guarantor mortgage work?

A guarantor home loan allows family members to use their home equity as security for your loan. If you cannot repay the loan, your guarantor then becomes responsible for making the monthly payments. 

Home Loans

29 Aug, 2024

5 min read

How does a guarantor mortgage work?
Vidhu Bajaj

Personal Finance Writer

What is a property development loan?

Learn what a property development loan is, how it works, the differences between residential and commercial loans, and how much you can borrow for your project.

Home Loans

28 Aug, 2024

6 min read

What is a property development loan?