Interest Rates

Rate Watch – it’s a 24 hour job

Monday, August 29th, 2011

Thanks to a 24 hour news cycle, we now have rolling updates on everything from around the world, if we choose to keep glued to our TV and computer screens.

And for some it’s quite addictive. Because just as reality TV has capitalised on people’s fixation to watch the good, the bad and the ugly of people’s everyday lives - so too has society’s appetite grown for watching global events unfold before our very eyes.

If we need a recent example, who can ever forget the Japanese tsunami?

But this has had more serious implications on matters of economic importance such as what might happen to official interest rates, because expert’s predictions can now change from da- to- day.

Just take the events of the last few weeks…

In early August analysts were tipping rates to rise because of higher than expected inflation figures for the June quarter.  And then… as global sharemarkets all took a huge tumble thanks a still tenuous US economy and the economic situation in Europe, a rate cut was then being more widely predicted.

And most recently, RBA Governor Glenn Stevens last week told a parliamentary committee, that Australia is well positioned to tackle any further weakening of international conditions and that inflation data is “still concerning,” easing speculation they will cut interest rates.

It’s a bit like watching a tennis match, with volleys going back and forth. When really, all consumers want is some semblance of stability - which is difficult to attain in an information rich world where everyone can so easily promote their opinion.

So for borrowers, this abundance of information can be overwhelming and needs to be balanced out by starting to think about their goals again so that no matter what happens, you have a clear path to follow.

Keep your eyes on the prize, but remember that too much information can sometimes be a dangerous thing.  And perspective is a wonderful bedfellow.

Rates up, or down? What borrowers can do to protect their position

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Will official rates move up or down?

That’s still up for debate…but what is becoming more apparent is that an increasing number of people are exercising financial caution, whatever way the next rate decision goes.

And with day-to day-financial news dominating our TV screens, it’s not hard to see why.

So whether you ‘re an owner occupier, first home buyer or investor, every borrower should take some time now to evaluate their own financial position to protect themselves for whatever lays ahead.

Here are some simple strategies to consider:

OWNER OCCUPIERS: should review your budget to try and direct more funds towards your current mortgage repayments which will give you breathing space if rates rise – or if you need to carry out any necessary works on your property.

OWNER OCCUPIERS: should limit discretionary spending, particularly toward the end of the year period when budgets routinely blow out.

FIRST HOME BUYERS: should hold off on purchasing everything new to go with the new house and instead acquire household items as you can afford to pay for them – preferably in cash.  Don’t unnecessarily rack up additional debt.

FIRST HOME BUYERS: may want to consider taking in someone to rent a room and help you pay the mortgage. With rental demand still high and provided your living circumstances allow for it, this can be a viable option to help you meet budget shortfalls.

INVESTORS: shouldn’t take it for granted you will always have tenants to help you pay the mortgage. Have a plan B ready in case the property is untenanted for any period, such as having funds set aside to continue paying the mortgage or moving in yourself if your situation allows for it.

Avoid the Panic

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

With global markets still in turmoil from events emanating from the US and news reports suggesting this is the beginning of the end, it’s easy for property investors and borrowers to panic.

But that’s the last thing you should be doing.

If – and I use the term ‘if’ – the current slide in our sharemarket and currency puts our economy in the doldrums for any amount of time, as a property owner, one of the last things you would want to do now is panic and sell.

Why?

A buyer can spot a nervous seller at 100 feet and is likely to result in you getting far less than you would if you bunkered down to ride out the storm. 

No one is really prepared to say exactly how this current turn of events will manifest over the short to medium term for Australia but there is now certainly more talk that official interest rates may indeed be cut in September.

So that being said, if your repayments are likely to decrease, it makes sense to hold onto that property the loan is against because it’s now costing you less – and wait for things to calm down.

And that’s because the property market – like interest rates – is cyclical by nature.

An opportunity may even exist for some borrowers to keep their repayments at the same level they are currently at now (if rates do go down) and take the opportunity to pay more off their mortgage while they can.

Rather than being convinced it’s all doom and gloom, there may be some silver lining in that cloud.

Exit strategy just plain wrong

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

So disappointing to see the Federal Government’s legislation on the abolition of exit fees eventually get passed yesterday, after such an overwhelming number of industry groups pointed out the obvious flaws in introducing such a move.

It would seem that despite the efforts of many, commonsense did not win out on the day and it will be interesting to see if there’s any real impact on borrowers behaviour at all. (more…)

Mortgage waters run calm and still

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

You may have noticed there hasn’t been a lot of speculation lately about cash rates and what as a consequence may happen to mortgage rates.

Sure there have been a slew of reports on the government’s abolishment of exit fees, now set to be introduced on July 1 –and the possible effect on borrowers, but not much about interest rates themselves.

And that’s largely because, generally speaking, there’s not much to report. (more…)

The politics of home ownership

Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

They say even a week can be a long time in politics but it was good to see newly elected NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell make one of his first announcements in the new job over the weekend, with a move designed to provide more opportunities to those looking to get out of the rental market and into their own home. (more…)

Back into rate mode

Friday, January 28th, 2011

With the Reserve Bank returning back for their monthly meetings next Tuesday, speculation is mounting once more about what will happen to official interest rates. (more…)

More detail needed on banking reforms

Monday, December 13th, 2010

There is much debate on what the newly proposed Federal Government reforms for the banking industry will actually deliver in terms of tangible benefits for the industry and in turn borrowers – and much of that is because there is certainly more detail needed. (more…)

Weighing up when to sell?

Tuesday, December 7th, 2010

Working out exactly when the right time is to sell, is a little like working out the right time to fix a loan. In other words, it’s a tough one to call.

And at the moment (notwithstanding we’re coming into the Christmas season), it’s a challenging period to try and choose the right time to sell if that’s part of your game plan. (more…)

The rate wobbles

Friday, November 26th, 2010

With yet another official rate announcement expected in just over a week to cap off the year, there are some sectors of the market with an obvious case of the rate wobbles.
This condition is characterised by the following symptoms: (more…)