http://www.ratesonline.com.au/Ratesonline - Valuable resource of information relating to First Home Buyer Grant, First Home Saver Accounts, FAQs for First Home Buyers, Auction Tips,Negotiating a Sale and investing in Property(c) 2010 Ratesonline.com.au. All rights Reserved. This content may not be published or re-used without the express written consent of Ratesonline.com.au.Rusware.comhttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-first-home/do-you-qualify-for-the-first-home-buyer-grant Eligibility for the first home owner's grant from the federal government is applicable to first home buyers buying existing homes and those being constructed. Houses, townhouses, apartments, flats and units all qualify for the grant as long as it we will be your principal place of residence. The grant is issued through each state and whilst some rules differ between them, there are......Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:52:57 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-first-home/first-home-saver-accounts Thanks to an Australian Government initiative the release of the First Home Saver Account is making it simpler to buy your first home.  By meeting some certain eligibility and savings criteria not only will your savings be taxed at a lower rate but the Government will also contribute to them. There are a variety of institutions including the ANZ & Commonwealth Bank of Australia who......Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:28:59 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-first-home/auction-tips So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced.  Here are some tips to help you buy well. 1. Know where you stand financially before looking. No point falling in love with a home that you can't afford.  Do these simple things first: Use our mortgage calculators to establish what you can......Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:55:52 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-first-home/faqs-for-first-home-buyers How much do I need to save for a deposit? This can depend on the type of loan you are looking for and the Institution you are lending from, however as a general rule if buying to live in you will require 5%of the purchase price.  If investing in property ideally 10% of the purchase price is what you need.  It is possible to purchase with less however there will be some guidelines......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:30:33 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/refinancing-or-debt-consolidation/top-tips-for-mortgage-reductions  With interest rates increasing again the secret to financial security is making your money work for you. Here are some tips to obtain financial security: Evaluate - review your current financial position comparing your total income against all outgoings. Budget - recording your day to day expenses is the key to financial control. By using your cash flow more effectively you......Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:41:26 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/refinancing-or-debt-consolidation/refinancing-basics  There has never been a better time to refinance your home loan especially now as rates have increased and lenders are offering more attractive deals in a bid to win new customers. But whilst it is true that refinancing has the potential to help you reduce the costs associated with borrowing money, it is not necessarily the right strategy in every situation. Refinancing your current......Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:44:05 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-first-home/negotiating-a-sale 5 rules for negotiating real estate 1. Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace. Knowledge is power when negotiating.  Research is the key here attend auctions, research recent sales, importantly talk to agents and go to open for inspections; become an expert in the area. Use your superior knowledge of the market combined with facts......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:06:52 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/home-loans-process The Loan Application Process 1. Interview During the interview(s), we will discuss and help you to select the most appropriate product and lender that best suits your needs. Once the most appropriate lender and loan product has been selected, the loan application process begins. 2. Loan Application Process Takes 24-48 hours. Your loan application will be lodged with the lender within......Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:51:36 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/document-checklist  In terms of the information required this largely depends on the chosen lender and the type of loan you are applying for. Here is a rough guide on what you need to have when meeting a ratesonline broker. The Proper Identification An Australian Passport, Birth Certificate, other passport and Permanent Residency Visa Marriage certificate if applicable Driver's License ......Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:12:58 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/about-the-lenders/our-lenders   Adelaide Bank The Adelaide Bank is one of Australia's new regional banks formed on 1 January 1994.  Originally the Co-Operative Building Society of South Australia Limited it recently merged with the Bendigo Bank of Victoria.  Today 75 per cent of its loans are outside the state of South Australia. Click here to search Adelaide Bank Home Loans Click here to......Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:39:04 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/glossary/glossary-on-home-loans Amortising loan A loan in which the principal and interest will be repaid fully through regular installments by the time the loan's term ends. Application The first step in the official loan approval process; this form is used to record important information about the potential borrower necessary to the underwriting process. Application fee This fee is paid by the customer for......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:38:35 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/glossary/glossary-on-real-estate  Acceptance The agreement of the terms and conditions of the offer by the person receiving the offer. Administrator                          The person to administer the estate of a person who died without a will (intestate).  Appointed by a Probate......Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:47:29 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-first-home/tips-for-investing-in-property As with investing in any asset class you should do your homework before jumping in.  Like most things get it right at the start with careful planning and research and a sound strategy can pay off. Choosing the right property in the right location is a sure way to make your investment really work for you. Here are some of the basic tips to help you with property investment. ......Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:53:50 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/glossary/tips  Home Loans Tip # 1 Add up all the fees when buying Don't forget to take into account all of the extra fees when you purchase a home, these could include: mortgage insurance, loan application fee, refinancing or switching fees, legal costs, stamp duty, builder's report and a valuation fee.   Home Loans Tip # 2 Additional repayments and the savings Consider lump......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:28:02 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/investing-in-property/negotiating-a-sale-for-an-investment-property Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace. Knowledge is power when negotiating. Research is the key here attend auctions, research recent sales, importantly talk to agents and go to open for inspections; become an expert in the area.  Use your superior knowledge of the market combined with facts and figures to negotiate back and forth until a mutually......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:08:26 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/refinancing-or-debt-consolidation/saving-thousands-from-refinancing  Because circumstances change regularly the attraction of paying less interest on a home loan / mortgage or investment property loan for some is a simple decision.  However when looking at refinancing you should always remember there may be costs involved in paying out your existing loan and establishing a new one.  It is imperative that all the figures be carefully checked......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:25:06 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/buying-off-the-plan Buying off the plan is the practice of purchasing property when the development is still in the planning stage and is awaiting construction. To assist purchasers many developers provide a demonstration unit, brochure and video presentations and importantly sample finishes so they can see what the property will look like.  This display should also outline details such as the layout, the......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:03:07 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/auction-tips So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced.  Here are some tips to help you buy well. 1. Know where you stand financially before looking. No point falling in love with a home that you can't afford.  Do these simple things first: Use our mortgage calculators to establish what you can comfortably......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:31:13 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/negotiating-a-sale 5 rules for negotiating real estate 1. Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace. Knowledge is power when negotiating.  Research is the key here attend auctions, research recent sales, importantly talk to agents and go to open for inspections; become an expert in the area. Use your superior knowledge of the market combined with facts and figures to......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:32:56 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/conveyancing This is the process of transferring the legal ownership of property from one person to another. You may do this yourself however it is recommended that you use a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to ensure the transaction runs smoothly and you are protected from the consequences of making a mistake. In choosing a conveyancer or solicitor make sure they have a license and professional......Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:22:34 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/glossary/lmi-(lenders-mortgage-insurance)- When borrowing more than the 80% of the value of the property most banks and financial institutions require LMI. This is added to the cost of the loan. Essentially this gives buyers the opportunity to purchase a property with a smaller deposit. As the name suggests mortgage insurance protects the lender if the borrower was to default and the property sells for less than the outstanding balance......Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:31:47 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/lmi-(lenders-mortgage-insurance) When borrowing more than the 80% of the value of the property most banks and financial institutions require LMI. This is added to the cost of the loan. Essentially this gives buyers the opportunity to purchase a property with a smaller deposit. As the name suggests mortgage insurance protects the lender if the borrower was to default and the property sells for less than the outstanding balance......Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:23:17 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/preparing-for-the-big-move Moving home is a stressful time for all concerned, however to simplify this, here are some tips for the "BIG MOVE".  It all starts with the right preparation. First Steps Choose your removal method either by professionals or do it yourself. Removalist companies not only save the aches and pain but also time and some even do the packing for you. Arrange for time off work, if......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:34:33 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/refinancing-or-debt-consolidation/renovating-and-the-real-costs At some point many homeowners decide to improve their property.  This can be to enhance their lifestyle, improve the value of the property or just simply because their family has grown. Here are some tips to get you started. If you improve your home at an amount much higher than the average property in your area there is a big chance it could become over captalised and harder to recoup......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:21:24 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/investing-in-property/auction-tips So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced.  Here are some tips to help you buy well. 1. Know where you stand financially before looking. No point falling in love with a home that you can't afford.  Do these simple things first: Use our mortgage calculators to establish what you can comfortably......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:12:57 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-next-home/building-checklistWhen hiring a builder it is always a good start to ask any friends or associates for referrals.  If none are forthcoming drive around and take down the details of the builder of any new homes that you like.  When buying House & Land, venture into as many display homes and choose something that reflects your taste and style as well as your budget. Here are some quick questions......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:42:52 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-first-home/building-checklist When hiring a builder it is always a good start to ask any friends or associates for referrals.  If none are forthcoming drive around and take down the details of the builder of any new homes that you like.  When buying House & Land, venture into as many display homes and choose something that reflects your taste and style as well as your budget. Here are some quick questions......Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:32:47 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-next-home/building-your-own-home Renovating an existing property can sometimes be much harder than starting from scratch.  There are fewer unfamiliarity's and more definite costs.  On the flip side, for homeowners, building from scratch can be more complicated.  Self Building Projects - What's the process... 1. Find a plot 2. Organising a self-build mortgage / Home Loan 3. Secure planning......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:02:41 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-next-home/auction-tips So you have found the home you love and it is going to Auction. Nervous times ahead, especially for the inexperienced.  Here are some tips to help you buy well. 1. Know where you stand financially before looking. No point falling in love with a home that you can't afford.  Do these simple things first: Use our mortgage calculators to establish what you can comfortably......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:04:41 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-buyer-centre/top-tips-for-building-your-own-home Estimate your budget. Always allow for costs not outlined in the base price.  There can always be unforeseen things under the soil when they prepare the base, changes you wish to make during the processes etc. Research projects in your area to ensure before you commence building you will have minimal delays with council. Before you purchase a block of land you will need to......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:35:39 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-next-home/negotiating-a-sale 5 rules for negotiating real estate 1. Do your research on the area and have superior knowledge of the marketplace. Knowledge is power when negotiating.  Research is the key here attend auctions, research recent sales, importantly talk to agents and go to open for inspections; become an expert in the area. Use your superior knowledge of the market combined with facts and figures to......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 06:07:43 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/variable-rate-home-loans This is the most common loan offered by lenders and with repayment periods of up to 30 years is used by many people to buy their homes . To motivate buyers to choose this type of loan lending institutions sometimes offer discounted start-up periods with lower interest rates.  These benefits can be short lived as once the initial period is over the loan reverts back to the standard variable......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:01:51 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/fixed-rate-home-loans With a fixed rate loan your interest rate and repayments are fixed for a set period, usually between one and five years.  Most fixed loans will automatically default to a variable loan at the end of the term, but can roll over to another fixed term. Advantages When rates are rising it is guaranteed that your interest rate will not go up. You know how much your repayments will......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:02:04 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/professional-package-home-loans It is a common misconception that this loan is for professionals only and depending on the loan size can offer great interest rate discounts.  In most cases the only requirement you need to access these loans is to meet the lender's minimum loan amount and this can be as little as $100,000.   Advantages Discounts on the standard variable rate. Eligibility for benefits......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 23:24:37 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/intro-rate-home-loans Also known as a honeymoon rate, this low interest rate is offered at the start of a loan to get the borrower started. After a set period the rate converts to a standard rate. Rates can be fixed or capped. Advantages       ......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:04:44 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/basic-home-loans One of the most popular home loans.   Commonly called ‘No Frills Loans' with rates that are generally cheaper than the Standard Variable Rate. They have very limited features and less flexibility than a Standard Variable Rate  Advantages Regular repayments are great for budgeting. A rate that is always amongst the lowest. Normally extra repayments are......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:05:09 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/line-of-credit-home-loans A revolving line of credit that is secured against a property. It becomes a fully functional account so if cash is needed the borrower draws against that limit by either a debit card or cheque. The borrower can withdraw funds at any time up to the limit however; they are required to at least cover the interest and fees on the loan when making payments. Advantages Savings are accessed......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:05:29 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/low-doc-home-loans With people self-employed or employed on contract their income patterns do not let them qualify for a traditional type of loan. A low documentation loan allows them to self-certify their income and avoid the trouble of providing current financials every time they wish to borrow.  Fees and the interest rate are higher but time and stress are saved. Advantages No financials need......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:05:57 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/non-conforming-home-loans This is the loan for borrowers that do not meet 'standard' bank criteria which could include those with a poor credit history, small or no-deposit holders and non-residents.  Advantages Helping get those started that don't meet traditional criteria. Lending rules are a lot more flexible. Disadvantages Higher interest rates and fees. Let a ratesonline......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:06:16 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/reverse-mortgage-home-loans   This type of mortgage is available to residential property owners over 60. By using equity in the home it enables those eligible to release funds and these funds then act as an income stream for personal lifestyle needs. Interest is payable however there are no monthly repayments and the interest is capitalised, meaning it's added to the loan amount.  When the property is......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:06:35 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/home-loan-types/split-home-loans-fixed-and-variable-rates This type of loan lets borrowers secure or fix part of the loan as well as let the remaining amount be put on a variable rate. A Split Home Loan is a cautious way of borrowing.   Advantages There is a protection against interest rate rises with the fixed rate component. If rates reduce there is less vulnerability due to the variable rate component. Additional payments......Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:56:29 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/march-2010 HOME LOAN APPROVALS FALL IN JANUARY Posted 10/03/10 Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed home loan approvals plummeted by 7.9 per cent in January, the biggest fall since June 2000. Moody's Analytics economist Matthew Circosta said ''This marks the fourth consecutive decline in housing finance since the Reserve Bank of Australia commenced tightening monetary policy,......Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:25:17 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/february-2010 RBA LEAVES AT 3.75% Posted 03/02/2010 In a move that has surprised many the RBA decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 3.75%. Most analysts had tipped a rate increase of 0.25% in light of the recent strong data coming out regarding property, employment and spending. In a statement released by the Governor explaining their position; Glenn Stevens said "Credit conditions......Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:40:09 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/january-2010 CHIEF ECONOMIST BELIVES RATE RELIEF CLOSE Posted 26/01/2010  In a new report from Access Economics Chris Richardson predicts interest rates will increase by 1% this year, however in order to claim a PR victory the majors may absorb 0.3% of that. Mr Richardson said many consumers were upset with the way banks had acted over the last few months and believes by undercutting the Reserve......Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:17:25 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/december-2009  ANZ & CBA MOVE ON RATES Posted 07/12/09  The ANZ have just announced it will increase its rates by 0.35%, 10 basis points above the RBA's Bank's 0.25% cash rate rise on Tuesday.  The ANZ's standard variable mortgage rate will now be 6.66% effective today. ANZ's Australia chief executive, Phil Chronican, in a statement wrote "Although interest rates remain......Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:30:47 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/november-2009 BIG FOUR MOVE ON RBA DECISION Posted 06/11/09   As expected the RBA lifted rates by 0.25% for the second consecutive month, raising the official cash rate to 3.5%. ANZ, CBA, NAB & Westpac, which control approximately 85% per cent of the home loan market wasted no time in passing on the Reserve Bank's 0.25% increase. The ANZ was first off the mark raising their standard......Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:12:17 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/october-2009   OUTLOOK FOR PROPERTY STRONG. Posted 14/10/09 House prices are expected to surge by about 20% between now and 2012, according to the Housing Outlook Report from 2010 to 2012 by mortgage insurer QBE Lenders' Mortgage Insurance (QBE LMI). Driven higher by on-going shortages QBE LMI chief executive Ian Graham said "Double digit house price growth is forecast across all capital......Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:50:46 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/september-2009 LOW DOC LOANS REQUIRE MORE DOC. Posted 24/09/09 Westpac, St. George and RAMS have all tightened up their policy for self-employed borrowers. St George last week announced that low doc home loan applications must be supported by a BAS for the last 12 months, the last statement being no more than 3 months old at the date of application. RAMS Home Loans also now require all low doc loan......Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:40:42 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/august-2009 ECONOMIC CONDITIONS SOLID. Posted 12/08/09 The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has for the fourth consecutive month left the official cash rate on hold at a 49-year low of three per cent. Glenn Stevens RBA Governor in a statement said "Economic conditions in Australia have been stronger than expected...  Measures of confidence have recovered a good deal of ground. "This......Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:18:46 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/july-2009 WILL RATES RISE SHORTLY? Posted 29/07/09 Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Glenn Stevens has hinted interest rates could rise before an expected peak in unemployment next year.  As the economy recovers in the second half of 2010 rates may rise to head off inflationary pressures. The RBA governor said  "It appears at this stage ... that the downturn we are having may......Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:40:12 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/june-2009 RBA TOLD TO BE CAREFUL. Posted 26/06/09 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has claimed that the Reserve Bank should take extra caution if it decides to increase the cash rate. In a document it released yesterday it emphasised that the RBA have the capacity to lower the rates and kick start the economy if they needed.  They praised the government for the stimulus policy......Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:39:06 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/may-2009   TO FIX OR NOT. Posted 27/05/09 With interest rates at historic lows the dilemma to fix or not to fix is the question that is on a lot of borrower's minds. Each situation needs to be judged on its merits and just because rates are low it doesn't mean that you should consider fixing.  AMP Capital's chief economist Shane Oliver says unfortunately "Most people get it......Wed, 27 May 2009 03:40:37 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/april-2009 ST GEORGE RAISES ITS FIXED RATES. Posted 29/04/09 Effective today, St George has raised its three year fixed rates by 0.35% to 5.69% and its four and five year fixed rates by 0.40% to 6.34%. Westpac, theCBA and NAB have all lifted their fixed rate products over the last few weeks. LVR'S FALL. Posted 22/04/09 The traditional focused lender for first home buyers......Wed, 29 Apr 2009 05:50:33 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/march-2009 WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO RATES. Posted 21/03/09 As we approach the April RBA meeting, some of the major banks are forecasting a cut in interest rates of 0.25%. With a rise in unemployment, a fall in non-private dwelling and commercial property construction this could be enough to help tip the RBA's hand on another rate cut.  However if the information that comes through is as......Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:35:55 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/february-2009   ALMOST 30,000 FIRST HOME OWNER GRANTS APPLICATIONS. Posted  25/02/09 The Housing Minister Tanya Plibersek revealed today that between mid October and the end of January, 29,489 first home buyers have taken advantage of the Rudd government grant. There were 12,000 applications in January this year alone as first home buyers make a rush before the grant expires on......Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:46:12 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/january-2009 RESERVE EXPECTED TO SLASH RATES AGAIN. Posted 29/01/09 With the latest inflation figures showing the Consumer Price Index falling by 0.3 per cent in the December quarter - the largest fall since 1997, the Reserve Bank is expected cut interest rates dramatically next week. The annual inflation rate fell to 3.7 per cent, thanks partly to an 18 per cent petrol price drop however......Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:39:38 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/buying-next-home/buying-your-next-home Buying your next home can be daunting and sometimes the process is not made simpler when you are also trying to sell your current home.  However there are some basic rules that can help you avoid many common and costly errors. To avoid not only financial problems but a lot of stress, it is highly recommended that you sell your existing home before purchasing another. Here are some......Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:19:10 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/december-2008 FIXED RATES HURT MORE THAN 43,000 HOME OWNERS Posted 12/12/08 More than 43,000 home owners who took out fixed interest rates between March & September this year (the highest level in a decade) have inadvertently denied themselves of any savings from the recent cuts.  They are now faced with a difficult decision; pay a higher interest rate, or incur thousands of dollars in......Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:54:18 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/investing-in-property/can-i-claim-depreciation-on-my-investment-property Depreciation is a legitimate tax deduction and unfortunately even the ATO believes that more than half of property investors don't claim what they are legally entitled to. Firstly to claim depreciation you will need to employ a licensed quantity surveyor to create a depreciation schedule.  This outlines the depreciation allowances that an investor is entitled to. The schedule......Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:50:20 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/investing-in-property/the-positives-of-property-investment There are many things to consider when investing in property and the first is what the objectives of your investment are; is it to generate long term growth or is it to provide an additional revenue stream.  Only you can answer that question however here are some of the reasons why Property Investment is so attractive to so many Australians. Property is an asset you can......Thu, 19 Feb 2009 06:15:51 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/investing-in-property/negative-gearing With the correct financial advice combined with the right property, negatively gearing is a great way for you to enter the property investment market and or increase your property portfolio. When the costs of owning a property exceed the income the property generates, it is said to be negatively geared. Once a loss is realised a tax claim or deduction can take place. Deductions can be......Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:43:00 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/insurance/income-protection What is it? If you had a "machine" in your back yard producing you $70,000 a year, would you insure this machine just in case it breaks down?   Income Protection, also known as salary continuance, is an insurance cover that can pay you a monthly benefit of up to 75% of your regular income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. Furthermore, if you were unable to return......Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:46:33 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/insurance/life-insurance What is it? Life/ Death cover is an insurance cover that makes a lump sum payment to your family if you were to die or be diagnosed with a terminal illness. Why do you need it? Death cover offers you the security that if the unexpected were to happen, at least your family won't have to worry about money. If you were to die unexpectedly and your surviving family were relying on you......Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:54:34 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/insurance/total-and-permanent-disability-(tpd) What is it? TPD insurance cover provides a lump sum payment if you became totally and permanently disabled. Why do you need it? What would happen to you and your family if you were to become Totally and Permanently Disabled?  How would you or your family pay for increased medical expenses, paying your existing loan arrangements (i.e. Car Loans, Credit Cards etc), your children's......Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:52:00 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/insurance/trauma What is it? Trauma cover provides a lump sum payment if you're diagnosed with a specified ‘trauma' condition. The types of conditions that trauma cover will cover you for include heart attack, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, major organ transplant, severe burns, cancers, dementia, stroke or paralysis - to name a few. Why do you need it? What would happen if you were to......Tue, 22 Sep 2009 02:52:48 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/insurance/insurance-glossary Accidental Death Means a visible and external event that was unexpected and unintended which caused the injury and death of the person. Agreed Value The Insured Monthly Benefit is agreed with you at the time of application and is based on your income at that time. Any Occupation Insurance option that covers any occupation for which you are reasonably suited by education,......Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:42:57 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/insurance/the-myths-of-life-insurance   #1           It's bundled in with my super . Unfortunately whilst this is true in a lot of cases the average level of cover through superannuation would provide for only about 20% of the needs of the average Australian.  Check to see if you have enough cover in the event of death or illness. ......Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:46:13 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/insurance/ensuring-income-continuity- Income protection means you can receive up to 75 per cent of your income, in the event of not being able to work due to illness or injury. And the good news is that it in most cases, it is 100 per cent tax deductible. While no one enjoys paying insurance, income protection really is one of the "must-haves". Without it, should illness or injury occur (and it easily can), you could......Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:02:16 GMThttp://www.ratesonline.com.au/resources/market-update/november-2008 NEW HOME SALES RISE Posted 29/11/08 October has seen the sale of new homes rise strongly.  This has coincided with the tripling of the first home buyers grant as well as further cuts in interest rates. The Housing Industry Association's (HIA) despite this increase believe a recovery in this sector is still some way off.   The New Home Sales Report compiled from a......Sun, 21 Dec 2008 11:53:24 GMT