Recent content by artlez

Get a sample done to give you peace of mind. It'll only set you back $50 per sample

Keep in mind the costs of changing loan providers can be quite high, i.e. the fees for exiting CBA and the fees for joining ANZ. The time it takes to recover the costs may take a year or more.

Hi all Just wondering what your thoughts are on this... I've got an applicant from another country on a working visa who's only been in this country for 3-4 months and renting for about the same in a short term lease. His referees therefore can only tell me about his 3-4 months and so I...

It was pretty well answered earlier in this thread but you can just not sell and just service the mortgage easily off the rent coming from it. The rent will increase over time so it will become cashflow positive, and over time the loan gets whittled away by inflation. Most people just refinance...

I just switched to a 1 year fixed with ANZ at 6.99% with no switch fees as it was an internal switch. Considering I was getting 7.3% before that and with the rates more likely to go up than down within a year, I think it was a good move! Even if it stays at its current rates for the year, I will...

A reckon a couple coats of white knight laminate paint will make the kitchen cabinets look a lot nicer. Do a search on this site for some examples but it definitely takes many years off tired looking cabinets. I've painted mine and it looks great.

Don't cut out insurance. It's one of the smallest expenses you're paying but it can save you plenty. I'd never trust a tenant on my property without properly insuring it... less than $6 a week is nothing.

state custodians looks alright... 6.97% with offset and no entry/on going fees. the exit fees are a bit steep though (1% in the first 3 yrs i think)

Is it normal to get a discount from the SVR if you're only borrowing about $240k? I thought the only way to get discounts were through professional packages but it seems like people are getting them even without them?? I'm currently on 6.91% with anz breakfree and I feel as though I'm getting...

I can't image a drafter doing anything but drafting (i.e. computer drawing). Otherwise they're technically not drafters.

I had mine done in about a week or so. It really helps if you're in contact with the loan manager and make sure they're aware of a deadline.

If you take 200k out to use it on non-investment purposes like a new home to live in, your future IP will lose its full tax deductability!

Go with interest only (+ offset if required). I once had the same mentality like you but the wise people here convinced me to go the other direction. It's a lot better to buy additional properties now (or in the near future) rather than wait until you free up more cash by which stage you would...

You mean ceramic tiles right?

Thanks... I'll probably get a sample first! :)