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5 top tips for sorting out a home loan application with credit issues

Bad credit rating making it hard to get a home loan?

Lots of things can affect someone’s credit history, getting sick, redundancy, divorce, forgetting to redirect bills if you move, or just an accidental slip on timing can mean late or even missed payments.
If you have credit issues from these sorts of situations there are things you can do to help your chances of buying a home.
Here are five tips to help you get back on top.

1. Get your credit report under control

The first thing you should do if you do have credit problems is get a copy of your credit report – to make sure you are aware of all the problem records you might have against your name.
Knowing exactly what’s in your report means you can then make a plan to sort things out. Debts that are overdue will stay on your file for five years, but the good news is that your credit file can be updated if you pay out the balance of a debt. If you have credit issues then potential lenders will want to know what actions you’ve taken to address those problems, so it’s best to get any defaults paid off so they can see you’ve made good progress.
If any information on your file is not accurate, make an immediate request to have it corrected so it doesn’t continue to affect your home-buying plans. If you think there’s been an error speak to the credit reporting agency and the credit provider involved to get it sorted out.

2. Shop around more

If your credit file got a no with the first lender you tried, there are others you can approach; each lender has slightly different sets of boxes to tick. So if one lender didn’t look on your situation favourably, don’t give up – another might well take a different view.
EXTRA HOT TIP: Shopping around is a smart thing to do, but it’s important to remember that multiple credit applications in a short time frame can be bad for your credit score. So, it’s best to be cautious and only apply for one type of credit at a time. Working with someone like us will help you avoid these traps.

3. Explore the world of alternative lending

If your credit history is the only thing holding you back, you might be able to get a mortgage from a non-bank lender with a more flexible lending product. The banks tend to have very fixed home loan assessment rules. Once upon a time they were pretty much the only option. Thankfully the world has moved on and now alternative lenders like Pepper Money offer a different approach. They can consider your application on its individual merits and look at a wider range of things not a narrow set.

4. Make sure you are in a situation to afford the repayments

A non-bank lender is still responsible with their lending practices and they’ll want to be sure you are in a situation to comfortably manage the repayments. Make sure you are comfortable that the proposed repayments will not be to big a stretch. No one wants you to be in hardship.

5. Look at alternatives to Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

If you’re trying to buy a home with a deposit of less than 20 per cent, you’re likely to find you need to pay a fee for something called Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). It covers the lender if you were to miss payments down the line. LMI providers are a separate business and have their own lending rules – so they’ll consider any application as carefully as the main lender. They may turn down a LMI application because of credit history or income source, even when a lender has given an approval.

A different way of doing this is rather than using a third-party mortgage insurer, some lenders – like Pepper Money – can offer a Lender Protection Fee (LPF), which gives them the flexibility to assess your loan without having to get outside approval from LMI providers.
If you’d like more information, talk to us today about how we may be able to put you in touch with a lender that can help if the major banks say ‘no’ to your loan application. 0432 297 651

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Navigating the Path to Your First Property: A Guide to a Regret-Free Purchase

Buying your first home or property is an exciting milestone, but it’s a decision that comes with its fair share of challenges.

In a 2021 survey conducted by Statista, it was revealed that 34% of Australian homeowners expressed regret over their current home purchase. Remarkably, 44% of those surveyed admitted they would not make the same choice if given another opportunity.

The underlying reasons for this remorse varied, including ill-timed purchases, overpayment, unfavourable location selection, or acquiring properties needing extensive renovations.

“For a seamless and fulfilling journey towards owning your dream home or property, it is vital to carefully evaluate a diverse range of factors before committing to purchase,” said Olivia Jones, property and financing expert with Ask Funding.

In light of this, below is a comprehensive list of considerations to keep in mind when looking to purchase a home or property:

1. Assess Your Financial Situation

Before diving into the real estate market, evaluate your financial status. What can you afford? Are you financially prepared for the additional costs of buying a property?

According to the ME Bank survey in 2020, 11% of homeowners felt pressured to buy due to the fear of missing out (FOMO). To avoid this, establish a budget that includes not only the purchase price but also legal fees, stamp duty, and potential renovation costs.

2. Learn From Others’ Mistakes

The Statista survey also revealed that many regretful first-time homeowners cited buying at the wrong time as a primary reason for dissatisfaction. To avoid this pitfall:
● Stay informed about market trends.
● Don’t rush into a purchase; instead, take the time to research and analyse the property market in your desired location.
● Consider consulting with a real estate professional to gain valuable insights.

3. Define Your Priorities

The ME Bank survey also found that 23% of homeowners were unhappy with their purchase due to factors like the property’s size, design, condition and location.

To avoid dissatisfaction, clearly define your priorities. What features are non-negotiable?
What are you willing to compromise on?

Understanding your preferences will help streamline your property search.

4. Avoid Compromising Too Much

The Westpac survey in 2019 highlighted that over half of Australian homeowners wished they had bought a different property, with 44% admitting to compromising on what they truly wanted.

While compromise is often a part of the home-buying process, it’s essential to strike a balance. Identify your non-negotiables and be strategic about the compromises you will make.

5. Research The Neighborhood

Location is a critical factor in real estate satisfaction. The Finder survey emphasised that regretful buyers often chose the wrong location. Investigate the neighbourhood thoroughly. Consider factors like amenities, safety, proximity to schools and workplaces, and potential for future growth.

6. Seek Professional Advice

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or have experience in real estate, seeking professional advice is invaluable. Engage with a reliable real estate agent, mortgage broker, and legal counsel. Their expertise can guide you through the complexities of the buying process, ensuring you make informed decisions aligned with your goals.

Don’t Let Your Dream Property Become A Regretful Frown!

Buying your first home or property is an exciting and daunting journey. Take the time to research, seek professional advice, and make sure the location is right for you. With a bit of due diligence, you’ll be on the path to a successful real estate purchase.

Aussem Mortgage Solutions understands that home or property buying can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-timer. But fear not because Aussem specialises in making things simple and tailored just for you.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first home, eyeing an investment, or thinking about refinancing, they’ve got a range of options to suit your needs. There are no confusing terms or one-size-fits-all deals here – Aussem is all about giving you straightforward, personalised advice to help you snag the perfect loan.

So, why settle for confusion when you can opt for clarity with Aussem Mortgage Solutions?

Contact us today—your ideal home loan is just a chat away.

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Residential Real Estate Investment: Exploring Housing Market Trends and Profitable Opportunities

Australian Bureau of Statistics‘ March 2023 data shows that the total value of residential dwellings increased by $140.0 billion to $9,874.7 billion, with the number of houses rising by 52,000 to 11,020,300. Additionally, the mean price of residential homes went up by $8,500 to $896,000.

“Real estate investors utilise mortgages to finance property purchases, expanding homeownership opportunities and stimulating economic growth. By understanding market dynamics and identifying potential growth areas, they make well-informed decisions to achieve financial success in residential real estate,” says mortgage and investment expert Shane Perry of Max Funding—one of Australia’s leading funding facilitators.

Residential real estate investment remains an alluring avenue for investors seeking stable returns and long-term wealth accumulation through property ownership.

Here are some current housing market trends and profitable opportunities that savvy investors can capitalise on:

1. Growing Demand For Urban Living

The continued urbanisation trend has increased demand for residential properties in city centres. Millennials and young professionals, in particular, appreciate the ease of city living, which drives up rents and prices. Investors should concentrate on urban locations with robust job markets and well-developed infrastructure to optimise their prospective returns.

2. Suburban Resurgence

The epidemic has rekindled the desire in suburban life to value space, privacy, and access to green spaces. As remote work grows more common, suburban areas within commuting distance of cities are becoming more appealing. Investors can profit from this trend by purchasing properties in suburban hotspots that provide a compelling blend of city conveniences and quiet tranquillity.

3. Technological Integration

Virtual property tours, smart home gadgets, and data analytics assist investors in making better selections and streamlining property care. Adopting technological advances can enhance the overall investing experience and attract tech-savvy tenants.

4. Sustainable And Eco-Friendly Features

In recent years, eco-consciousness has become a crucial consideration for homebuyers and tenants. Properties with sustainable features, such as energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and green building materials, are more appealing and can command higher rents or sale prices. Investors should take note of this shift in preferences and consider eco-friendly upgrades for their properties.

5. Short-Term Rentals And The Sharing Economy

The advent of short-term rental services like Airbnb has disturbed the traditional rental business. Investors may capitalise on this trend by investigating short-term rental opportunities in tourist locations. Research local legislation and market demand to establish a profitable and compliant endeavour

6. Affordable Housing Initiatives

Amidst rising housing costs, governments and organisations focus on affordable housing initiatives to address the housing affordability crisis. Investors can participate in these programs, which often come with tax incentives and grants, helping them achieve financial goals while making a positive social impact.

7. Demographic Shifts And Senior Housing

As the population ages, so does the need for senior housing. Investing in retirement villages, assisted living facilities, or senior-friendly residential properties can be profitable. Understanding the demands of the ageing population and providing appropriate housing options can result in significant returns.

8. Real Estate Crowdfunding

Real estate crowdfunding platforms have emerged as an alternative investment avenue, allowing smaller investors to participate in large-scale projects. Diversifying a portfolio with crowdfunding investments can spread risk while providing access to a broader range of properties and locations.

Invest In Residential Real Estate With Aussem

Residential real estate investment remains a promising route to financial success. Investors can find profitable possibilities and make wise judgments for long-term prosperity by being updated about the newest housing market trends, embracing technological improvements, and recognising changing demographic preferences.

Aussem is a reputable mortgage solutions company offering comprehensive property investment solutions and loan services in Australia. Their expertise lies in assisting clients with strategic investment planning and property acquisition, making them a trusted partner for successful real estate ventures.

Contact us at info@aussem.com.au for more information and get to know Aussem—one of Australia’s top mortgage and investment solutions providers.

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Pros And Cons Of Taking Out A Personal Loan

Pros And Cons Of Taking Out A Personal Loan: Benefits And Risks To Consider

Moneysmart suggested that funds from a personal loan can be utilised for various purposes, including debt reduction and medical costs. If someone needs money quickly, this could be a viable option.

“Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of personal loans is essential when looking for a lender and determining whether or not to apply for money. While personal loans can be beneficial in various situations, they can also carry high-interest rates and have serious consequences for your credit score.” financial adviser and second mortgage loan provider Shane Perry of Max Funding said.

Here are some pros and cons of taking a personal loan to help you evaluate your choices.

Pros Of Personal Loans

Under the right conditions, personal loans can be incredibly beneficial. Personal loans may be
advantageous since they can:

1. Can Be Used For Almost Everything

Personal loans are a popular financing choice because they are versatile and can be used to
pay almost any expense. Personal loans are not permitted to be used to fund unlawful
behaviour. Refinancing your personal loan can also be a great way to get out of debt.

2. Get Rid Of The Need For Collateral

Most personal loans do not necessitate the use of collateral. It means you won't have to worry
about losing a valuable asset like your home or car if you default on the loan.

3. Allow Easy Access To Cash

Although many lenders offer same-day or next-day funding, personal loan application
processing and funding dates vary. A personal loan is a good option for unexpected or
emergency needs. It is also an excellent way to manage your money effectively.

Cons of Personal Loans

Loans can be a terrific method to meet costs, but there are certain dangers and disadvantages
to getting a personal loan. Consider the following factors before borrowing:

1. Charges For Excessive Interest

While the most creditworthy personal loan applicants may be able to qualify for low-interest
rates, others may face higher rates. This rate may be substantially higher than rates accessible
through other financing methods, depending on your loan offer. Before signing on the dotted
line, weigh your options for personal loans.

2. Fees And Penalties

Many lenders impose application and origination fees aside from the loan's interest to offset
processing costs. Similarly, borrowers may face penalties if they make a late payment or need
more funds. Always calculate your borrowing power and watch for additional fees or penalties
that may boost your borrowing costs during the loan time.

3. May Result In Unnecessary Debt

Depending on your motive for obtaining a personal loan, this financing may result in excessive
debt. Before you commit to a loan, big or small, consider why you're borrowing the money and
whether a personal loan is the best option.

Weigh Your Personal Loan Decision With Aussem Mortgage
Solutions

Make a strategy for using the funds and repaying them (with interest) before taking out a
personal loan. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of obtaining a personal loan rather
than another type of finance. Also, consider seeking help from financing experts for better
decisions.

Aussem Mortgage Solutions offers service-based choices to help you achieve financial freedom.
Aussem is dedicated to providing you with personalised service in a location that is convenient
for you.

Contact us at info@aussem.com.au for more information.

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How Financial Literacy Affects Household Wealth Accumulation.

In the Australian Government on Financial Stability, financial literacy has become increasingly important as our economy evolves. More people focus on becoming financially independent. It plays a crucial role in household wealth accumulation as it empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, manage debt, and plan for long-term financial security.

“People with higher financial literacy are more likely to save, invest in assets that appreciate, and make smart decisions with their money, leading to higher net worth and wealth accumulation over time,” said business funding expert and small business loan provider  Shane Perry of Fund Spot—one of Australia’s trusted businesses funding source for startups. 

A person can learn about efficient money, debt, and wealth-building management by developing various financial competencies and skills. The core concepts of financial literacy should be known and are listed below.

1. Budgeting

The four primary uses of money in budgeting—spending, investing, saving, and giving—determine the size of the budget. People can better utilise their income and achieve financial stability and prosperity by striking the correct balance among the primary uses of money.

2. Investing

People who want to become financially educated should educate themselves on important aspects of investment. Interest rates, price ranges, diversification, risk-reduction techniques, and indexes are a few elements that investors should become knowledgeable about to ensure profitable investments. People can make better financial decisions and boost their income by learning about crucial investment components.

3. Borrowing

In most circumstances, almost everyone needs to borrow money at some point. Understanding interest rates, compound interest, the time value of money, payment terms, and loan structures is essential to ensuring that borrowing is done efficiently. If the criteria mentioned above are fully grasped, a person’s financial literacy will rise, resulting in more helpful borrowing advice and a decrease in long-term financial stress.

Personal financial management, the most crucial factor, combines most of the elements mentioned above. The above economic mix must be balanced to strengthen and increase investments and savings while lowering borrowing and debt. A person’s level of financial literacy will rise as they thoroughly understand the financial elements covered above.

Being financially educated is a skill that offers a variety of advantages that can raise people’s standards of life by increasing their financial security. The variety of advantages of having financial literacy are listed below:

  • The capacity to make wiser financial choices
  • Effective debt and money management
  • More prepared to achieve financial objectives
  • Lowering costs through improved regulation
  • Less anxiety and stress related to money
  • An increase in moral judgment when choosing investments, loans, insurance, and credit cards
  • Creating a planned budget with efficiency

Accumulate Your Wealth Effectively With The Help Of Aussem Mortgage Solutions

Financial literacy is critical to the accumulation of household wealth. Individuals who understand the fundamentals of personal finance, investing, and risk management can make more informed financial decisions, resulting in increased savings and investments, improved credit scores, and overall financial stability and security. Individuals must continue to educate themselves about personal finance and make informed decisions to secure their financial future.

Aussem Mortgage Solutions provides service-based options that can aid in your financial independence. We at Aussem are committed to giving you personalised service in a setting that is convenient for you.

Contact us at info@aussem.com.au for more information.

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5 top tips for sorting out a home loan application with credit issues

Bad credit rating making it hard to get a home loan?

Lots of things can affect someone’s credit history, getting sick, redundancy, divorce, forgetting to redirect bills if you move, or just an accidental slip on timing can mean late or even missed payments.

If you have credit issues from these sorts of situations there are things you can do to help your chances of buying a home. Here are five tips to help you get back on top

1. Get your credit report under control

The first thing you should do if you do have credit problems is get a copy of your credit report – to make sure you are aware of all the problem records you might have against your name.
Knowing exactly what’s in your report means you can then make a plan to sort things out. Debts that are overdue will stay on your file for five years, but the good news is that your credit file can be updated if you pay out the balance of a debt. If you have credit issues then potential lenders will want to know what actions you’ve taken to address those problems, so it’s best to get any defaults paid off so they can see you’ve made good progress.
If any information on your file is not accurate, make an immediate request to have it corrected so it doesn’t continue to affect your home-buying plans. If you think there’s been an error speak to the credit reporting agency and the credit provider involved to get it sorted out

2. Shop around more

If your credit file got a no with the first lender you tried, there are others you can approach; each lender has slightly different sets of boxes to tick. So if one lender didn’t look on your situation favourably, don’t give up – another might well take a different view.

EXTRA HOT TIP: Shopping around is a smart thing to do, but it’s important to remember that multiple credit applications in a short time frame can be bad for your credit score. So, it’s best to be cautious and only apply for one type of credit at a time. Working with someone like us will help you avoid these traps.

3. Explore the world of alternative lending

If your credit history is the only thing holding you back, you might be able to get a mortgage from a non-bank lender with a more flexible lending product.

The banks tend to have very fixed home loan assessment rules. Once upon a time they were pretty much the only option. Thankfully the world has moved on and now alternative lenders like Pepper Money offer a different approach. They can consider your application on its individual merits and look at a wider range of things not a narrow set.

4. Make sure you are in a situation to afford the repayments

If your credit history is the only thing holding you back, you might be able to get a mortgage from a non-bank lender with a more flexible lending product. The banks tend to have very fixed home loan assessment rules. Once upon a time they were pretty much the only option. Thankfully the world has moved on and now alternative lenders like Pepper Money offer a different approach. They can consider your application on its individual merits and look at a wider range of things not a narrow set

5. Look at alternatives to Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI)  

If you’re trying to buy a home with a deposit of less than 20 per cent, you’re likely to find you need to pay a fee for something called Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). It covers the lender if you were to miss payments down the line. LMI providers are a separate business and have their own lending rules – so they’ll consider any application as carefully as the main lender. They may turn down a LMI application because of credit history or income source, even when a lender has given an approval.

A different way of doing this is rather than using a third-party mortgage insurer, some lenders – like Pepper Money – can offer a Lender Protection Fee (LPF), which gives them the flexibility to assess your loan without having to get outside approval from LMI providers. If you’d like more information, talk to us today about how we may be able to put you in touch with a lender that can help if the major banks say ‘no’ to your loan application. 0432297651.

Disclaimer: Original content source: Pepper Money. It is designed for publication through Accredited Brokers, to provide you with factual information only, and it is not intended to imply any recommendation about any financial product(s) or to constitute tax advice. If you need financial or tax advice you should consult a licensed financial or tax adviser. The information in the article is believed to be reliable at the time of distribution, but neither Pepper nor its accredited brokers warrant its completeness or accuracy. For information about whether a non-bank loan may be suitable for you, call us on 0432297651

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Six Biggest Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid in 2023

Are you looking to secure a mortgage on your dream home or investment property in 2023?

While mortgages are one of the most significant purchases you’ll make in your life, there are many ways to streamline the process and save money.

Still, mortgage mistakes are often made by borrowers despite many ways that they can be avoided. Whether you’re just getting started in the property market, or looking to add to an existing property portfolio, it pays to be educated.

So if you’re looking to secure a mortgage without any added headaches (or financial mistakes) here’s what you need to know.

Start By Figuring Out What Type of Borrower You Are

Before borrowing any money for the purchase of a property, questions should always be asked first.

You must determine which borrower type you are first.

This can be done by looking at the circumstances of your life. Taking into account whether you are buying a home for the first time, investing in a new home, or even refinancing will reveal a borrower type and will lead you to question what the goal you plan to accomplish is.

In 2019, the mortgage market is currently full of mortgage products. Your chosen broker should be able to find a product to suit your needs if you know your borrower type.

The following six mistakes are ones that are often made by borrowers.

1. Sticking With A Bank And Forgetting The Mortgage

You should never force yourself to only use products from one lender, and you shouldn’t forget to review your mortgage regularly. Robinson Accounting, an accounting team who have experience managing the finance of home buyers, says that loyalty to one bank is something that people think they have to practice. Often times, these banks may only have a limited selection of products.

They explain “brokers on the other hand, have a wide variety of products that can be useful for your particular situation. Finding out just how competitive your mortgage is in the current market is something that should be done regularly.”

Lenders will often have different costs for refinancing, but it can be possible to get a lower interest rate and get that money back as time passes.

2. Going With A Mortgage Just Because of The Interest Rate It Has

Interest rates for home loans are looking pretty attractive these days. The rates are lower now than they’ve ever been, but that doesn’t mean you should instantly jump on them. There is a downside associated with simply selecting a mortgage that looks better than the others.

The circumstances for which the loan needs to be applied and the loan’s features are the most important things to think about. For a better comparison of mortgage interest rates, comparison rates should be looked at because they include fees, discounts, and other rates.

3. Not Taking The Time to Prepare

When it comes to mortgages, those who have knowledge and their paperwork in order have all of the power.

Around 16,000 brokers are part of the mortgage broking industry, and those who have a faster and easier time getting a mortgage are often the applicants that have well organised documents.

That paperwork with all of your financial details should be ready when applying for a mortgage.

The value of preparation is emphasised by entrepreneur Pearl, who runs cake making business Pearl’s Creations. She explains, “my home is also my place of work. For this reason I had to make sure the process of finding the right property and applying for a mortgage did not receive setbacks – otherwise I risked setting back my business. By asking your broker upfront how much paperwork you’ll need, you can avoid any last minute missteps.”

4. Ignoring The Structure of A Mortgage

There are some mortgages that are simply bare bones with no additions. Others come with additional content, such as credit cards, redraw facilities, and even offset accounts.

You have to choose a product that fits your needs. The broker or bank who is guiding you can help you choose between interest only and interest and principal structures.

Choosing the wrong structure is a common mistake that can affect tax deductibility in more ways than one.

5. Going With A Fixed Term Without Knowing If It’s Needed

If you have to break a fixed-term interest rate mortgage for any reason, you may be faced with costs in the thousands. Only get a fixed-term mortgage when it necessary.

For those who need to stick within a certain budget, fixing the interest rate of a mortgage will be a preferred option. For some, it is a good choice, but for others, it’s not a wise decision, because a period of five years is a long time to be stuck on a fixed term.

6. Going in Without Getting A Pre-approval Done

When borrowing money for a property purchase, it shouldn’t be assumed that a pre-approval has already been given unless the lender specifically writes it.

Although borrowing calculators and other tools can be used to create borrowing figures, banks will want to know more before they lend out their money.

Chiropractor Keith Maitland recommends factoring in your income to ensure your pre-approval process is a success. He says “your income will impact both your pre-approval chances and your ability to successfully pay your repayments, so it should be central to your mortgage process. If you have a promotion in the future it may even be worth your while to wait until your income changes if it helps your application process.”

Did we miss any valuable mortgage mistakes to avoid in 2023?

Write in the comments below about any mortgage mistakes you’ve made in the past and how to avoid them.

Author Bio

Fiona White is an Australian freelance writer and Sydney-based university student. As an accounting student, she has a passion for learning about global changes in business culture and specialises in entrepreneurship and innovation-related topics. When Fiona isn’t at her desk, you’ll find him exploring National Parks.

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