With interest rates at record low levels, the number of homeowners refinancing skyrocketed to an all-time high in July. Today we’ll run you through why so many people are refinancing, and why you should consider doing so too.

We’re currently seeing more people refinance their home loans than ever before, and the latest ABS figures out this week prove we’re not imagining things.

Refinanced home loans reached an all-time high of $17.2 billion in July, which is a 6% increase on June.

It’s also more than double the value that was refinanced exactly two years prior in July 2019.

So why are homeowners refinancing in record numbers?

For starters, the RBA cash rate is at an all-time low of 0.1% following six rate cuts in three years.

As such, competition amongst lenders is fierce, with many offering record-low home loan rates in a bid to win over as many customers as possible.

In fact, RateCity reports the number of variable rates under 2% on its database has jumped from 28 to 46 in just two months.

Borrowers are also opting to lock in their interest rate too, says the ABS, following reports that lenders have started increasing the rates on 3-5 year fixed-rate loans.

“Borrowers are seeking out lower interest rates, particularly for fixed-rate loans, and cashback deals across a large number of major and non-major lenders,” says ABS head of Finance and Wealth, Katherine Keenan.

COVID-19 is likely increasing the number of homeowners refinancing, too.

With many households and businesses around the country doing it tough right now, one simple way to reduce your monthly mortgage repayments is by refinancing.

How we help you refinance the right way

Now, fixed-rate loans and cashback deals might look super appealing at first glance, but they might not always be the best fit for your situation.

And that’s why it helps to have someone like us in your corner.

We can help you go through the fine print, fees and limitations that might exist within these loan options.

We can also help you determine whether a fixed, variable or split loan is better suited to your needs.

The other thing we’re great at is negotiating with your lender.

Your current lender won’t automatically give you their lowest rate going. You’ve got to ask them for it.

And you’ve also got to make it clear that if they don’t reduce your interest rate, you’re willing to find another lender who will.

This can be both intimidating, not to mention time-consuming and frustrating if they don’t want to play ball.

But lucky for you, we can do the leg-work for you.

So if you haven’t refinanced in the past few years, get in touch with us today and we could help you save thousands of dollars in interest repayments on your mortgage.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Do you know how the people in your world are really doing right now? Chances are you know someone who’s doing it tough, but silently pressing on. As always, we’re here to support you, and for R U OK? Day we’re sharing ways you can help others.

Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are you know someone who is struggling right now.

They might not have seen their family for months, their business could be operating under the strains of COVID-19, or they might be having trouble meeting their mortgage repayments.

And here’s the thing: we’re not all blessed with the natural conversation instincts and EQ of someone like Andrew Denton.

So sometimes we put off tough conversations for fear of making the situation worse.

But rather than wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis before offering them support, we wanted to mark R U OK? Day by sharing the charity’s tips for starting the conversation.

1. Pick your moment

Meaningful moments are more likely to take place when we’re spending quality time together.

While this can be difficult to do during a lockdown, below is an example of some everyday situations that may be a good time to ask someone if they’re ok:

– while exercising together
– when spending time together socially or during an activity
– during breaks from work or study
– when connecting or doing activities together online
– while sharing a meal
– while travelling together – even a short trip can be a good time to talk.

2. How to ask ‘R U OK?’

Start the conversation at a time and in a place where you’ll both be comfortable.

Be relaxed and friendly in your approach. And think about how you can ease into the conversation.

If they don’t want to talk, let them know you’ll be there for them when they’re ready, or ask if there’s someone else they’d be more comfortable chatting to.

Examples of how to check in with them include:

– I haven’t seen much of you lately, is everything going ok?
– So, how are you travelling these days?
– You’ve been a bit tired, how are things going?

3. Listen with an open mind

Once they start to open up to you, be prepared to listen. Don’t try to solve their problems right away and have an open mind.

Some other tips include:

– don’t rush them or interrupt. Let them speak in their own time
– encourage them to explain
– show you’ve listened by repeating back what you have heard and asking if you have understood them correctly.

4. How to encourage action

You don’t have to have the answers or be able to offer professional advice but you can help them consider the next steps they can take to manage their situation.

You can get the ball rolling by asking them:

– Where do you think we can go from here?
– What do you need from me? How can I help?
– Have you thought about going to see your GP?

5. Check-in again soon after

Be sure to follow up in a few days to see how they’re doing.

During the conversation, ask them to suggest a time that’s good for them, or simply ask: “Do you mind if I drop by again soon to see how you’re travelling?”

When you check in, ask how they are feeling and if anything has helped since the last time you spoke. If they have not taken any steps yet, be patient and ask if they would like to find some options together.

Understand that it can take time for people to seek help. Stick with them. Your genuine support will mean a lot to them.

Feel free to reach out to us, too

We like to think of ourselves as more than just your broker who you turn to when you need a loan – but also a friend you can turn to in times of need.

So if you’re not feeling OK today, tomorrow, or next month, feel free to give us a call whenever you need. We’re always here to listen and help in any way we can.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.

Remember that classic TV ad: ‘nine out of 10 dentists recommend using [toothpaste brand]?’ Well, it turns out we’ve earned a similar level of trust when it comes to helping first home buyers sink their teeth into the property market. 

That’s because nine out of 10 first home buyers (FHBs) recently said they trust a mortgage broker to help them buy their first property.

And, unlike dentists, we’re actually allowed to show our faces!

So why do so many first home buyers trust mortgage brokers?

The Genworth First Home Buyer Report 2021 surveyed 2,077 prospective FHBs, and 1,008 recent FHBs – and we’re pretty chuffed with the results.

Here’s what one respondent said:

“Go and see a professional broker in-person early on in the process. That way they know your situation and are able to best guide you through and help you out,” the 32-year-old recent FHB from WA said.

And he wasn’t alone.

Almost nine in 10 FHBs believe mortgage brokers help cut through the complexity in the home buying process.

The report also found a similar proportion of FHBs believe mortgage brokers provide reliable, trusted advice and information.

And finally, close to 90% of respondents said mortgage brokers provide valuable support during the home buying process.

So in a nutshell:

Trusted = tick.
Jargon busters = tick.
Reliable advice and information = tick.
Valuable support = tick.

How we could help you buy your first home

You might have noticed the property market has picked-up over the past 12 months, to say the least.

It’s left a lot of prospective first home buyers frustrated that the suburbs they were once focusing on have moved out of their price range.

While this may be the case for a lot of people, it’s not always the case.

There are a number of federal government schemes available to FHBs, including the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme – which can allow you to buy your first home with a deposit of just 5% without paying for Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

There’s also a range of state and territory government schemes designed to give FHBs a leg up into the property market, including first home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions.

For more information, give us a call today – we’d love to discuss your situation and help you make the leap from renter to first home buyer, and get you smiling as proudly as your dentist does!

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.