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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.

Jodie Humphries
Personal Finance Editor
What credit score do I need to buy a home?
When you are starting the home loan application process, you could have some anxious moments about how lenders will view your application. Typically, lenders look at factors such as age, occupation, and income. In addition to those, your credit score plays an important role in evaluating your application.
Home Loans
02 Oct, 2020
5 min read


Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
Can you include renovation costs in a mortgage?
Traditional real estate advice says to buy the worst house in the best street – you can pay less today and renovate tomorrow. But renovating still costs money, so you may want to look into the options for using your home loan to help take care of your budget.
Home Loans
11 Sep, 2020
5 min read


Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
What is a reverse mortgage, and what are the risks?
A reverse mortgage is a financial product that allows retirees to unlock the value of their family home. Sometimes called an equity release loan, a reverse mortgage lets you access a lump sum, line of credit or income stream to support your lifestyle in retirement. But just like any other financial product, there are risks involved with reverse mortgages, which you should be aware of before you apply.
Home Loans
07 Sep, 2020
5 min read


RateCity
Top 5 refinancing home loan rates in July 2020
Is your home loan rate still competitive? If you’ve let it go for a while, chances are you’ll be paying more than you should.
Home Loans
30 Jun, 2020
1 min read


Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
How much is Lender's Mortgage Insurance?
Because Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can be a significant extra expense when purchasing a property, it’s important to include it in your budget when calculating whether you can afford a home loan, to avoid finding yourself in financial stress at the very start of a 30-year mortgage term.
Home Loans
21 Nov, 2017
3 min read


Mark Bristow
Personal Finance Editor
What is LVR?
LVR stands for Loan to Value Ratio, and is a comparison of how much you’re borrowing with your mortgage (the Loan) to how much the property you’re purchasing is worth (the Value).
Home Loans
31 Oct, 2017
2 min read


Alex Ritchie
Personal Finance Editor
The 5 mistakes people make with home loans
A home loan is arguably the most expensive purchase you will make, so you can’t afford to make mistakes. RateCity has compiled a list of the most common miscalculations you can make when choosing a home loan.
Home Loans
22 Jun, 2017
2 min read

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