Fixed Rate

To fix or not to fix – that’s the question

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

There’s been quite a bit of talk lately about whether now is a good time to fix your loan, as rates level off and the pundits continue to speculate where things may go from here.

And the answer lies with you. Because if you’re prepared for rates to stabilise or even drop over the next year even after you lock in a higher rate – you’re probably the sort of person (and personality) who is comfortable with taking that risk.

But if you’re living from hand to mouth each month and every rate announcement sends you into a hot sweat – you need to consider whether you would be better with a fixed rate that will give you more certainty around your payments, or indeed whether that hot sweat means you need to drastically revise your whole approach to managing your finances.

So before we put ourselves in one corner or another – let’s have a look at the pros and cons of both types of loans….. (more…)

As rates continue to move and competition hots up, borrowers must look more closely at comparison rates

Wednesday, April 7th, 2010

Borrowers looking for a low interest rate need to pay just as much attention to the comparison rate on the loan to determine if the loan is as good as it seems.

As rates continue to move and competition hots up in the mortgage market, borrowers hunting around for the best standard variable rate need to also check the comparison rate because it will give them a better indication of the loan’s true cost. (more…)

When do you know it’s time to refinance?

Monday, March 29th, 2010

As competition between lenders heats up again, borrowers need to recognise the tell-tale signs that it could be time to refinance and see if they can get a better deal.  

Whilst it’s common for many borrowers to occasionally feel frustrated by their mortgage, it is another thing altogether to determine whether it’s financially worth acting and the time is right to move to greener pastures. (more…)

Non-Bank Lenders – a refreshing alternative!

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

2010 has turned into the year where non-bank lenders have escaped the shadow of the big banks! And with interest rates on the rise, competition is getting stronger which means consumers can gain greater value out of their loans if they do their research. (more…)

Competition set to intensify further over the next year as mortgage market continues to fragment

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Competition within the mortgage market is set to intensify further as rates rise, creating greater disparity among established lenders in relation to benchmark rates, loan-to- value ratios and sales and service models. 

However that as a result of this industry re-alignment, the borrower will be the clear winner and will benefit from a wider product choice, more concentrated levels of customer service and clearer segmentation across the lending market.

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WORRIED ABOUT RISING RATES? PICK UP THE PHONE AND TALK TO YOUR LENDER

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Borrowers concerned about future interest rate increases should pick up the phone and talk to their lender, rather than let their situation get out of control or switch institutions.

A conversation with your lender can assist you through this current climate and arm you with financial strategies which could improve your overall situation.

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