It’s all too easy to rack up debt – credit cards, HECS, car loans – and may seem all too hard to pay it off. Debt can also have a big impact on how much money you can borrow for a home loan, so reducing your debt is essential when you set out to buy your first home. Here are seven steps you can take towards minimising your debt and moving into the property market. 1. Work out how much you’re spending Create a spreadsheet and track your expenses for a month – record everything so you can see where your money is going. You may be spending much more than you think on some things – more than you can really afford. 2. Decide where you can cut back With a clear idea of how much you spend each mo
Increase your chances of a fast approval with a well-prepared first home loan application. We show you how. Although applying for your first home loan may be the biggest financial decision you’ll make, it doesn’t need to be an overwhelming one. With the right preparation, a realistic understanding of your financial position and some professional guidance from a good mortgage broker, you can position yourself as an attractive first home loan customer and be approved in no time. Clean up your credit Before applying for your first home loan, make sure you are creditworthy in the eyes of a lender by obtaining a copy of your personal credit file. Your credit history will be a key factor that a le
