For 2018’s first announcement RBA has opted to leave the official cash rate on hold at 1.5%
With the new year underway, we’ve come to the first rate news for 2018. I’d like to share today’s rate announcement and the thoughts on why the Reserve Bank of Australia has made this decision. In its first meeting of the year, the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to once again leave the official cash […]
Which way to sell? Auction vs Private Treaty

It’s a perennial question when it comes to real estate: should you sell at auction or via private treaty? Some sellers prefer the predictability of setting a price, while others are prepared to let their property go to the highest bidder. There is no right or wrong and each vendor’s situation is unique. We’ve put […]
Constructive contracts – the paperwork and planning behind your build

You’ve dog-eared magazines, spent countless weekends at display villages and finally made the bold decision to build rather than buy a home. While choosing where and what to build are exciting and giant steps, you might not feel as enthusiastic about the necessary building contracts and approvals. But knowing your legal rights and responsibilities will […]
Don’t bank on it
SMEs are turning away from traditional banks as lending to small businesses becomes big business for a slew of innovative new lenders. Traditional methods of getting a business loan involve patience, piles of paperwork and a few trips to the bank and your accountant. These days, SMEs can apply online and get loans approved within […]
Show me the money

“Flipping” might be the new word on the block but Australians have long been part of the reno revolution. Some are looking for fast returns (the flip), while others are upgrading after being in a home for several years. Whichever your strategy, chances are the goal remains the same: to renovate for profit. Here are […]
The new Facebook algorithm update and what it means for your business
Earlier this month, Mark Zuckerburg, co-founder and CEO of Facebook, announced the latest update to Facebook’s algorithm, which will result in changes to the content that users are presented with on their news feed. Originally intended to be a social platform whereby users can interact and communicate with their friends and family, Facebook more recently […]
Victorians paying more: Mortgage Index – December 2017
AFG (ASX: AFG) has today released the AFG Mortgage Index figures for the final quarter of 2017. As the year drew to a close, Victoria stands out as the state to watch with an increase in average loan size over the past 12 months nearly double the size of the increase in New South Wales. […]
Majors lose focus as all eyes on Canberra. Competition Index – December 2017
AFG has today released Competition index figures for the final quarter of 2017. Once again, Australia’s major lenders have taken a hit with their market share now down to a post-GFC low of 62.57% of the mortgage market. The majors lost ground in all categories since the time of the last AFG Competition Index, including […]
AFG VIC State Christmas Celebrations 2017
2017 has been an eventful year for the broking industry, and with the year coming to an end, it’s time to take a step back and reflect on the achievements and challenges experienced by our state team and members. Earlier this month, approximately 300 of our brokers in VIC, and AFG state office staff celebrated […]
AFG SA State Christmas Celebrations 2017
2017 has been an eventful year for the broking industry, and with the year coming to an end, it’s time to take a step back and reflect on the achievements and challenges experienced by our state team and members. Earlier this month, our SA brokers and AFG state office staff celebrated the successes of the […]