Taking on a mortgage means taking control of your finances. Adding an investment property to your loan portfolio requires additional discipline and planning. With interest rates lingering at record lows, it’s important those taking on another mortgage look beyond the here and now and invest in some long-term thinking.   Positive or negative? Positive gearing […]

The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to once again leave the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5% with the last rate move back in August 2016. I’d like to share today’s rate announcement and the thoughts on why the Reserve Bank of Australia has made this decision. With weak wages growth, continued low inflation and […]

The festive season might be a distant memory but many of us will still be paying for it well into the future. According to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), more than a third of us put our Christmas gifts on plastic, racking up an average individual debt of $1,6661.   The Christmas splurge […]

The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to once again leave the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5% with the last rate move back in August 2016. I’d like to share today’s rate announcement and the thoughts on why the Reserve Bank of Australia has made this decision. With wages growth remaining modest and concerns emerging […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

“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 […]

Tired houses are a yawn for their occupants and potential buyers when the time comes to sell. We look at some of the simpler ways you can add value and give your home a new lease on life, without turning yours upside down. Lighten up Natural light not only makes rooms brighter and appear larger, […]

You’ve done the hard yards and saved a deposit, hunted down the right property and bartered a better price. The Sold sticker is all but slapped on the for sale sign. Then you realise there’s more than the agreed price to consider. If a car has on-road costs, then you might say property comes with […]

We’ve come to the final rate news for 2017, in what has certainly been a jam packed year. We like to share today’s rate announcement and the thoughts on why the Reserve Bank of Australia has made this decision. The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to once again leave the official cash rate unchanged at […]

In an age when technology helps us research, shop and even – at times – think, we might wonder what other help we could possibly need when it’s time to buy our next home. But, unless you have weeks of spare time and a brain that can store hundreds of home loans, plus their fees […]

The countdown to Christmas seems an unlikely time to suggest ways to save. But why wait for the New Year to make financial resolutions? We’re tipping the spending season on its head to get your money working harder for you over Christmas and into 2018. Where does it all go? Keep tabs on your spending […]

Despite regulatory attempts to cool their heels, property investors still account for nearly one in three1 residential loans. Even first-time home buyers, who may not be able to own where they want to live, are dipping their toe in the investment market. With many Australians still eyeing property as part of their wealth and retirement […]

While many first home buyers might feel thwarted by escalating property prices in some capitals, plenty are still taking the plunge, spurred by low-interest rates and the great Australian dream of owning your own piece of turf. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics1, first-time buyers currently account for about one in six home loans. […]

With celebrations for the race that stops a nation in full swing, the Reserve Bank of Australia has made this decision. The Reserve Bank of Australia decided to once again leave the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5%. The rate has not changed since September 2016. This outcome was widely predicted by financial commentators. With […]

The trend for adult children to remain in the family home for longer is putting a strain on their parents. But there are ways to make it work for everyone. If you have a happy marriage and a comfortable home, studies indicate it’s more likely your children will delay moving out. Well, they’re not silly, […]

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: we are incredibly proud of all the hard work our brokers put into providing fantastic customer service and support. At AFG we champion our brokers’ ability to find a loan that matches your particular needs, at a time and a place that suits you. Our Victorian […]

If buying or selling for the first time, you might be bamboozled by all the real estate jargon bandied about. Here is our A-Z guide to what it all means. Accrued depreciation The total depreciation of a property over a period of time. Usually the difference between the replacement value at purchase and its present […]

Mention interior designers and most people think glossy magazines, luxe fit-outs and big bucks. But interior designers are not necessarily expensive, and the right advice from the right style guru could add some panache and pizzazz to your décor for fewer dollars than you think. It’s as much about knowing who to use as it […]

After a weekend of football excitement, all eyes were on the Reserve Bank of Australia board meeting today where it was decided to once again leave the official cash rate unchanged for the 14th consecutive month. With regulatory changes to investor lending appearing to have taken some heat out of the Sydney property market, in […]

Switching home loans could help pay down your mortgage sooner, providing you are refinancing for the right reasons and understand what’s involved. Here’s our guide to refinancing to help you make the right move when the time comes. Know the costs Paying 0.5 per cent less per annum on a $250,000 principal-and-interest mortgage will save […]

If you have seen the movie Money Pit, in which Tom Hanks and Shelley Long play a hapless couple whose home renovations plummet from bad to disastrous with every swing of the hammer, it’s easy to see why buyers should be beware. But it’s not just hidden and costly repairs that can snag home owners […]

With spring traditionally a busy time for the real estate market and for rate moves, all eyes were on today’s Reserve Bank of Australia board meeting, where once again it was decided to leave the official cash rate unchanged for the 13th consecutive month. The RBA avoided the temptation to follow other developed economies and […]

There’s nothing we love more than hearing about our brokers’ success in achieving great outcomes for their clients. Last week we recognised the efforts of our Western Australian brokers at our 2017 State Awards event. Are you looking for a broker in your local area? We can help. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners […]

Each year we reward our brokers across Australia for their efforts in helping you find the right loan. Considering using a broker? Read about the service and potential benefits they can provide you. We’d like to give a big congratulations to all of our South Australian award finalists and to the ultimate winners for each category […]

At AFG, we’re very proud of the continued success of our brokers in providing choice for their clients, and 2017 has been a year which has seen them nominated and awarded for this across the country. And it’s not even over yet! We want to make particular mention of South Australian mortgage broking and financial […]

June 30 signals the end of another financial year. There’s still a little time to get this year’s finances in order or take the opportunity to make some resolutions about how you manage your money from July 1. Here are our top tips for a more fiscally fabulous financial year. Manage your mortgage It’s easy […]

Finding the right home loan is as important as finding the right property. There are literally hundreds of home loans available, with new products emerging all the time. An AFG broker can help you find a loan that suits your particular needs, help you complete the paperwork, professionally package it with your supporting documents and […]

Find out what’s involved in taking out a loan, from start to finish. Talk to us, it costs nothing to speak to a friendly and professional AFG broker, who can quickly help find out how much you can borrow and which loan may suit your needs, plus answer any questions about the process. How does […]

Variable Variable rate loans often provide additional flexibility and are the most popular type of home loan in Australia. As the name suggests the interest rate is variable and therefore fluctuates with the Reserve Bank of Australia’s movement and the cost of the financial institution sourcing funds to lend. Variable rates are generally broken into […]

Research and having the right people to help you are the keys when investing in property. It definitely pays to do your research on the property market before you dive in, and we’re thrilled to be on board to help you when it comes to financing your decision. Recent share market slides, tight rental markets […]

Many people refinance their homes or investment properties to reduce their monthly home loan repayments. What other aspects of your finances can you review to help save money? 1. Review the frequency of your home loan repayments If you are paid weekly or fortnightly, see if you can change the frequency of your home loan […]

As time marches on, situations change. Perhaps you’ve changed jobs? Or there’s a new addition to the family? Maybe you would just like a better rate? Maybe it’s the advent of school fees, or perhaps the kids have flown the coop? Or maybe that leaking shower or tired kitchen has just reached the end of […]

My lender is charging me a higher home loan rate than I see advertised elsewhere. Can I change lenders? This is exactly the reason why most people change lenders. There may be a penalty clause in your current home loan, meaning you may need to pay a discharge fee, but it could still be in […]

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to home loans. Make sure you choose a loan with the features and benefits that are right for you. An AFG broker can recommend a loan for your particular needs – and take care of all the paperwork. When you’re ready, talk you your broker to discuss […]

The good news is that there are plenty of simple, low-cost steps you can take to greatly reduce your chance of getting burgled. Remember, it’s all about making your home a harder target to break into than other people’s. Most burglars enter via a garage door, back door, kitchen or bedroom window. Burglar-proof these and […]

Having an AFG broker negotiate finance on your behalf if the smart way to go as they look to save you time, stress, and money. When should I see a broker and what can I expect? You can see an AFG broker at any stage in your financial journey. You might still be saving for […]

We know that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in life and that it can be exciting and daunting at the same time. An AFG broker can ensure you’re armed with the all the information you need to help you on your way to owning your home. An AFG […]

Buying your first home is exciting, but it’s a big step to take and one that comes with many questions and decisions. The first big question is how much you can borrow and what your likely repayments will be. That’s where an AFG broker comes in. Your broker is there to do all the legwork for […]

Building your own house can be a wonderful and fun experience – but it can also be a long and expensive process. However, most people cannot afford to pay for the cost of home construction up front, and getting a mortgage can be tricky. After all, you’re asking a bank or a mortgage lender to […]

With the number of first home buyers in the mortgage market continuing to languish near record lows and property prices peaking 1, it’s clear first home buyers need a savvy savings strategy to round up a deposit. But getting ahead is often easier said than done. Life has to be lived and bills need to […]

By the time we save for our first home, upgrade to a bigger or better one, earn enough money to pay the mortgage and bills and live life in between, it’s not surprising many of us don’t contemplate investing in property until we are middle-aged or beyond. But like so many things in life, it’s not […]

The best things in life are free, especially when money is up for grabs. From government benefits to special grants and shopping rewards, there is plenty of funding available if you know where to look. Here’s our guide to help you cash in. Additional rules and restrictions apply in all cases (and are subject to […]

The property booms in Sydney and Melbourne have begun to affect investment lending and have ripple effects for borrowers throughout Australia. Earlier this year, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) grew concerned about skyrocketing property prices. They asked the major banks to ensure their investment lending did not grow by more than 10 percent. When investment lending […]

It’s been more than 25 years since Tom Hanks and Shelley Long showed us the calamitous side of renovating gone wrong in the comedy movie, The Money Pit, but the warnings ring loud and clear today. With a sluggish property market, many homeowners are opting to renovate rather than relocate. Before you hit the hardware […]

By world standards, Australia is a wealthy nation. We have a strong economy with high employment and a far rosier outlook than most developed countries. And yet almost half (47 per cent) of us are anxious about our finances, according to research by the Boston Consulting Group. Finance guru Paul Clitheroe reckons most Australians want […]

Consider this: 30 years ago it cost about 3.5 times the average annual salary to buy an average priced Australian home – today, it costs around 7.5 times our yearly earnings 1. With the average new home loan nudging $444,0002, it’s more important than ever to look at strategies to shrink your mortgage and work towards […]

New home sales are back on the rise, fueled in part by many investors and owner-occupiers buying off the plan.The concept is straightforward: put up a deposit (usually 10 per cent) to help the developer fund construction and pay the balance when the build is complete. Apartments are now springing up at a rapid rate […]

One in five Australians taking out a home loan is now opting to fix their interest rate, according to a recent AFG Mortgage Index. Not only are fixed rates proving popular in the midst of global economic uncertainty, many borrowers are cashing in on unprecedented, increased competition around fixed rate loans. Traditionally, lenders have set […]

From July 1 landlords in WA have been required to step up home security measures for tenants. If you own a rental property, are you doing enough to deter thieves? It’s worth checking with your relevant state authority for specific rules in your market. Here’s a brief round-up of what’s required where. Western Australia: The first state to spell out in detail minimum security requirements for rentals, […]

A record 101,000 properties – or around one in five of those put on the market in Australia last year – went to auction 1. And while clearance rates vary between markets, there is no denying plenty of buyers are willing to go head-to-head with the hammer. Onsite or in a room, auctions can be both exhilarating […]

Pets have been long maligned by landlords for their potential to make a mess and cause damage. But with pet ownership in Australia ranking the highest in the world, property investors who turn their backs on our furry friends could be missing out on tenants and dollars. Before they dismiss dogs and cats, landlords should […]

More than 80 per cent of Australians have insurance for their car but fewer than one-third of us have income protection insurance* to protect our livelihoods should the worst happen. While the odds of a crash are higher – once every seven years on average – being waylaid by injury or sickness for a lengthy […]

Low-interest rates, flat property prices and government grants continue to entice plenty of first-time buyers into the home market. In fact, one in seven home loans last year was for first homes, according to the latest AFG Mortgage Index. While home is where the heart is, savvy first home buyers are also using their heads. […]

Australia has once again become a nation of savers. No longer is debt de rigueur. In this post-GFC era, we prefer to play it safe with lower levels of debt and are looking for ways to be debt-free faster. Savvy savers are making the most of the low-interest rates and their savings by maximising offset accounts. […]

Australians’ “she’ll-be-right” attitude to life may be creating unnecessary angst when we die. More than 45 per cent of us don’t have a will, which means we risk any assets being distributed according to a government formula, not necessarily our wishes. If you want to make sure everything you have worked hard for is passed […]

Your home is likely to be the biggest purchase you make, so it’s something you want to get right. Mistakes can be stressful and costly. Here are the biggest ones buyers make and some tips to help you avoid them. Letting your heart rule your head. It’s often easy to be dispassionate about investment properties […]

You’ve taken the plunge into the investment property pool and now have to find tenants. Although most rental markets throughout Australia remain tight, there’s still a need to put your property’s best foot forward to attract optimum returns. Here are some of the ways you can add value and ask for more rent and get […]

The good news is interest rates are at record lows. The bad news is the average mortgage size in most Australian capitals has hit an all-time high. The challenge for many borrowers who are used to low rates could be keeping up with payments when rates inevitably rise. Those who want to get ahead will […]

“Money doesn’t grow on trees,” we tell our kids. But do we help them understand where it comes from and what to do with it? Like most good habits, financial responsibility needs to be taught and modelled. How you handle money probably has a lot to do with what your parents did or didn’t show […]

Summer once again highlighted the extremities of our harsh Australian weather. In addition to Dorothea Mackellar’s droughts and flooding rains, communities too often contend with bushfires, cyclones and severe storms; stark reminders of the need for adequate home insurance cover. But the wild weather is not to blame for every home insurance claim. Break-ins, fire […]

With electricity costs rising and temperatures dipping, now is the perfect time to get charged up about changing your home habits. We’ve put together our top tips to help take the shock out of your next electricity bill and help you save on electricity bill. You might be surprised how seemingly small changes can add […]

Gone are the days when the only home loan on offer was a principal and interest arrangement, paid by the month over 25 years. Now, home buyers face a bounty of borrowing options, designed for different needs. Choosing the right one for your situation starts with understanding the jargon. Here’s our guide to what all […]

Many buyers struggling to find the right home are going back to the drawing board and building rather than buying an existing home. There are obvious benefits to a brand new home: you can build exactly what you want and enjoy shiny new surrounds, with no wear and tear costs for years to come. But […]

With many property buyers in hibernation over winter, now is a great time for would-be vendors to spruce up their properties, ready for selling your house in the spring selling season. Here are our top tips to prepare: Make an entrance: First impressions count, so take stock of your front entrance. If your front door […]

Competition among lenders for a home loan remains steep but borrowers may still be missing out on great deals and important information that could save them thousands of dollars. YOU HAVE FREEDOM OF CHOICE Most lenders will pitch one or two loan products to customers. But that’s a tiny fraction of the number of loans […]

If you have equity stored away in your home, now could be the perfect time to tap into it for an investment property. Equity is simply the difference between the value of your home and what you owe on it. If you have a property valued at $500,000 and owe $200,000 on it, you have […]