With an uncertain global economy, many prospective home buyers have developed the jitters and are unsure whether its safe to invest in property. No one knows what developments will emerge in Europe and the US, and how it will affect us here in Australia. Nevertheless, there are analysts who say this is the best time to buy, and if you follow a few rules, it can be a stress-free experience.
The first thing you need to think about is your future and how your new property will fit into this future. Before you even start looking at home loans, make sure you are certain you can commit to the property for at least five years. Any less than that and you are unlikely to break even on your mortgage.
If you want lenders to evaluate your application favourably, then it is recommended to save at least 20 per cent of the purchase price to put down as a deposit. This proves to lenders you are able to save, it will give you higher equity in your house, and you will pay back less interest overall. Term deposits can be an excellent way to save money. There is a guaranteed return on your investment, and early withdrawal fees mean you will be less likely to use the money for purchases you don’t really need.
Look seriously at what you can afford and don’t go over your budget. Your home loan should be no more than 25 per cent of your gross income. This can be stretched to 28 per cent if have no other debts. Use an online calculator and speak to a professional if you need advice. If you over-stretch your budget, then it could mean losing your house in the long-run.
Researching what home loans are on offer is essential, especially with the current competition between providers. Big banks will not always offer you the best deal. Check out smaller institutions, as they have lower operating costs and may be able to offer you better rates.
The last item on the list is the choice between fixed-rate and variable home loans. Recently, providers have been offering some excellent options to those looking for fixed-rate home loans. But while the security of fixed-rate can be appealing, you may want to consider a variable rate for your mortgage. There has been speculation about more rate cuts being introduced in the near future, and the last thing you want is to be locked into a fixed-rate home loan while variable rates plummet.
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