Beware dodgy home loans

Most of us are familiar with the saying “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. It’s often used in the context of spruikers of investment products (including property investment) where promises are made of high rates of return with little or no risk to your capital. This mantra is in fact a warning to stay clear of such investments because in pretty much all cases what’s being marketed is definitely too good to be true. And you should be as equally mindful of what’s being promised when it comes to choosing your home loan and lender.

Cost of living killing home ownership dreams

With Australia becoming an increasingly expensive place to live the Government must act to ensure the Australia way of life remains affordable.

Ten DIY projects to add value to your home

These home improvements will add value to property that's about to go onto the market.

Is residential property a worthwhile investment?

The key in property investment is to know where in the cycle you are buying so you can judge whether you're getting a good price and whether prices have further to fall.

Bad-to-worse-to-better: Resolving service disputes

It can be frustrating dealing with service provider help desks, but there are strategies that can help resolve disputes quickly and painlessly.

How to find a property bargain

Steps you can take to help improve your chances of identifying an undervalued property.

Beware of property bargains

It goes without saying we all want to buy a property at the lowest possible price. But when it comes to residential real estate, caution is required because property bargains are a rare commodity.

Home ownership halved

What options are there for the average Australian to become a home owner or property investor when affordability constraints are now an inherent part of the property market? One option is to co-own.

Twenty home loan myths: Part one

For anyone looking at taking out a loan, but for first home buyers especially, it's particularly important to split fact from fiction. So, over the next two columns I'll debunk 20 of the bigger mortgage myths you might have come across.

Twenty home loan myths: Part One

Over the next two columns I'll debunk 20 of the bigger mortgage myths you might have come across.

No exit: Are loan exit fees a bad thing?

If these fees are removed more borrowers will be inclined to shop around, spurring competition.

Putting a price on pollution

The Government's plan to introduce a carbon tax has polarised the nation.

Manage your money better in 2011

Unfortunately I fear this initial financial pain will extend beyond Christmas spending and be felt well into 2011.

Living in a global market

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for supporting Australian business, especially our small to medium enterprises.

Banking on a profit