Melanie Hearse
Single parents set to receive assistance buying a home
The Australian Government has set out a lending hand to single parents to receive assistance when buying a home, according to the 2021-22 Federal Budget.
11 May 2021 | 4 min read
From flat to family home – buying your first house
Buying your first house is a big 'life moment' - especially when you have a family in tow. We list the things to consider before signing the dotted line.
03 May 2021 | 7 min read
The pros and cons of buying a display home
What are the pros and cons of buying a display home? Is it better to build your own home instead? We discuss what to watch out for.
27 Apr 2021 | 6 min read
Home loan approvals fall slightly in February 2021 but remain high
Home loan approvals for Aussies have fell slightly in February 2021, but still remain high compared to previous years as shown by ABS data.
26 Apr 2021 | 3 min read
Home-buyers stretch their budgets to avoid asking for more cash
Some Aussie homebuyers are trying to stretch out their budgets so they would avoid asking the bank for more money when buying a property.
15 Apr 2021 | 4 min read
Have we reached the end of low mortgage rates?
With the RBA cash rate still at an all time low, will mortgage rates stay low or have we reached the end? Australia's rates are changing so read up!
08 Apr 2021 | 4 min read
How to get rid of mould naturally
A pesky occurrence in many a home, left unchecked mould can quickly grow out of control. How to get rid of mould without jumping to harsh chemicals.
23 Mar 2021 | 7 min read
First home buyers drive property market through government stimulus
Demand for housing is high, and first home buyers are leading the charge. We look at incentives available.
22 Mar 2021 | 8 min read
15 Castile Soap Uses You’ve Never Thought of Before
Ever heard of a cleaning product that can be used on your hair and face as well as around the house? Castile soap, the ultimate cleaning hack.
16 Mar 2021 | 6 min read
Should you sell before you buy your next home?
Many homeowners looking to move often ask themselves if they should buy before selling. To answer this question, you need to consider financial conditions and market settings, as well as the benefits ...
10 Mar 2021 | 7 min read
What’s happening to stamp duty for Australian housing?
NSW is considering stamp duty reforms which could see buyers choose between paying the cost outright or as an annual tax.
08 Mar 2021 | 7 min read
Morrison’s ‘gas-led recovery’ – will it really save households money?
The Morrison government says it's willing to fund a new gas infrastructure project if the private sector won't. But will it increase household savings?
13 Nov 2020 | 6 min read
What does Victoria’s eviction ban extension mean for tenants and landlords?
The Victorian Government has extended its moratorium on evictions to 28 March 2021. Here's everything landlords and investors need to know.
12 Nov 2020 | 6 min read
Home loan questions to ask before buying your first investment property
Looking into buying your first investment property? Everything you need to know about financing and home loan options for investment properties.
19 Oct 2020 | 12 min read
How COVID-19 is changing Australian home ownership goals
This years lockdown as well as a new work and study from home lifestyle has radically changed what we want in our homes and where we want to live.
16 Sep 2020 | 7 min read
Can casual employees get a home loan?
Want a home loan but worried your casual employee status will get in the way? We explain the ins and outs of home loan approval for casuals.
08 Jul 2020 | 8 min read
How to protect your assets as a sole trader
Being a sole trader can be both freeing but also financially challenging. The low-down on strategies to protect your assets as a sole trader.
06 Jul 2020 | 6 min read
Do Zip Pay and Afterpay affect your credit score?
Referred to as interest-free payment providers, Zip Pay and Afterpay are not classed as credit cards or loans, but can they affect your chances of mortgage approval?
03 Jul 2020 | 6 min read
COVID-19 may cost expats thousands if they can’t sell their home by end of financial year
The combination of a change to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption rules and COVID-19 restrictions could cause a headache for expats trying to sell.
13 May 2020 | 8 min read
Here’s how to create a great garden with those extra iso-hours
Get back to nature and make the most of those extra iso-hours with some potted good: how to create your very own garden escape.
09 May 2020 | 7 min read
What is a dual income property?
Looking to earn more money from the one property? Here's what you need to know about dual income properties.
09 Apr 2020 | 4 min read
Work-out from home: Don’t miss out on getting that killer body
Desperate to ward off any extra isolation-related weight? The news is good on the fitness front - there are limitless options out there to meet all tastes.
04 Apr 2020 | 5 min read
How to help your go-to businesses and services survive the COVID-19 shutdown
Small business is adapting in creative ways to ride-out the Covid-19 shutdown, so it's only fitting we do our part too. Here's to supporting your local.
01 Apr 2020 | 6 min read
Is Sydney Airport in debt? Fingers are pointing to Coronavirus and Climate Change
While coronavirus and climate change vie to sink our tourism and travel industries, lending has found an interesting way to create the change we need to see in the world.
27 Mar 2020 | 6 min read
The car designed for millennials
Both fuel-efficient and not costing the earth, while admitting less CO2 than a petrol engine, a hybrid could be the vehicle solution you've been looking for.
15 Mar 2020 | 5 min read
How to protect your credit score during the Coronavirus shutdown
While the Covid-19 pandemic has led the banks to expand their hardship criteria, open communication with your lender remains the most sage financial advice.
09 Mar 2020 | 4 min read
Smarter ways to budget on your home loan (and still have fun)
A way to budget your spending while still having fun? Sounds impossible. Whether you're saving for a deposit or to meet repayments you can still have fun - just follow these tips!
21 Feb 2020 | 5 min read
How is climate change affecting property investment?
Australians have always yearned for an investment property by the beach, but according to science-backed analysis, climate change will leave 1 in 19 properties uninsurable by the end of the decade.
20 Feb 2020 | 5 min read
Good versus bad debt
While debt is often talked of in a negative fashion, it's not all bad. But in this big wide world, what determines good versus bad debt?
02 Jan 2020 | 5 min read
Hacks to make your rental feel like home
Make your new rental feel more like home with these tips to personalise the space to your style - without breaking your bond.
13 Nov 2019 | 4 min read
Should I refinance my mortgage to buy an investment property?
Got a mortgage but want to take advantage of the low rates and nab an investment property? According to PGA, now's a good time so join us as we tell you how - including all the dos and don'ts.
23 Oct 2019 | 4 min read
We’re spending more money on our kitchen revamps
A recent widescale study found kitchens top our to-do list when it comes to home renovations. Here’s what else it reveals about Australian reno habits.
01 Oct 2019 | 3 min read
Understanding conveyancing and how it works
Conveyancing: What is it and why is it necessary? And, is it possible to do it yourself? Join us as we talk to OpenAget's Ellen Orton.
21 Aug 2019 | 6 min read
Tradey VS DIY home maintenance: When to call in the expert?
What jobs are DIY-able and what should be left to the professionals?
06 Aug 2019 | 6 min read
What to do if your house isn’t selling
House been on the market, but failing to move? Here's some real estate agent approved tips and tricks to improve your chances.
15 Jul 2019 | 4 min read
What is overcapitalisation?
All homes have a maximum value they'll achieve based on location and size. So, if your purchase price and renovation costs exceed this amount, you've overcapitalised. Here's how to avoid doing it.
09 Jul 2019 | 4 min read
How to take the emotion out of buying your first home
A buyers' agent shares her top tips for keeping your emotions at arm's length when picking and purchasing your first home.
09 Jul 2019 | 4 min read
Is it worth seeing a financial advisor?
Whether you're feeling on top of your finances or tend to fly by the seat of your pants, a financial planner may offer more than you thought.
08 Jul 2019 | 5 min read
“We’ll save tens of thousands from refinancing our mortgage”
When one couple decided they wanted better service from their lender, they didn't realise they'd also be saving tens of thousands of dollars and shaving a decade off their loan by refinancing their mo...
20 Jun 2019 | 4 min read
Property jargon decoded
Buying or selling property? Keep our handy property jargon cheat sheet on hand to save you nodding along blankly during the proceedings!
11 Jun 2019 | 6 min read
5 retirement hotspots for your next investment property
With an increasingly ageing population, investing in future retirement living hotspots is a great focus for your property investment portfolio. Here are five suburbs worth considering.
21 May 2019 | 5 min read
A buyers’ agent’s tips on negotiating on property price
From practising the art of silence to making an offer with your pre-approvals in order, a buyers' agent shares their tips for negotiating the best possible price on your next property purchase.
29 Apr 2019 | 4 min read
Turning an investment property into an Airbnb rental
If you've ever considered turning your investment property into a short term rental, here's what you need to know before diving in.
09 Apr 2019 | 5 min read
How to teach your kids about the value of money
In an increasingly cashless society, it can be challenging to teach children to value and manage money. Here are some simple ways to help them grow up to be financially savvy.
01 Apr 2019 | 4 min read
How to spot and beat a scam
Scammers consistently change their methods to capitalise on current trends or events. Get to know the most common scams. Here's what to watch out for.
19 Mar 2019 | 5 min read
What is the KonMari Method?
Heard all the buzz about Marie Kondo’s revolutionary new way to declutter and keep your home tidy and want to know more? Here’s a quick guide to the basics of the KonMari Method.
06 Mar 2019 | 4 min read
What do lenders look for in a mortgage applicant?
There have been many recently changes to the lending environment, with lenders becoming more cautious. Here's how you could improve your 'lendability'.
01 Mar 2019 | 4 min read
4 easy-care plants to add style to your home
Tiffany Benn, Director of Hart Home Decor, shares her favourite easy-care indoor plants to add style and flair to any room.
10 Jan 2019 | 4 min read
How to keep your fencing up-to-date
Often overlooked during a renovation planning process, fences form a frame for your home and can make or break your home’s curb appeal. Here’s what’s hot for 2019 in fencing.
04 Jan 2019 | 4 min read
The 2019 paint colour trends that pass the ‘classic’ test
Here’s our pick of the year's paint colour trends, designed to remind us to unwind and log out daily. Best of all, they won’t look dated by 2020.
02 Jan 2019 | 5 min read
Pantone announces its Colour of the Year for 2019
This year's Pantone Colour of the Year - Living Coral - has been dubbed "an animating and life-affirming hue that energises and enlivens".
06 Dec 2018 | 4 min read