Ah…. to write in a style like your experience Ben is a true gift. A great read regardless of your bonus & the dogs outcome / intelligence level. Thanks for the laugh…Cheers V8

Generally, you will not get a cheaper rate than a competitive credit union or no frills lender from any of the majors (with the possible exception of NAB) unless you are paying for a 'annual package fee ' type loan – great if you have a couple of loans, run a few transaction accounts, and a credit card or two. Not so great if you just want 'a…[Read more]

Hi Craig.The method you mention IS the best way to pay of a homeloan – assuming it is contracted as monthly payments. THe only way you get the 'true' fortnitely payment you mention, is if the loan is actually contracted fortnitely or weekly instead of monthly – (not something I recommend, but many people 'demand' as a result of misunderstanding…[Read more]

HI Rose,I have had a bit of a look around east devonport when over in beautiful Tassie, and I must admit to being a bit dissapointed. THere are some pretty wild parts of down that way – with central and west dev being much nicer. Had a look at a couple with ocean views, but the streets and culdesacs there remind me of one of those yank movies…[Read more]

Yep Mr A – crj is spot on – this is why the final inspection of the property is advised the day before settlement in most (if not all ) contracts. IF it is sold as vacant possession, and is not vacant, you do not have to proceed on the day, and there is no penalty to you. THe vendor is the one who has 'breached' the contract. It will be in his/her…[Read more]

Hi Keiko,The deposit bond never actually gets paid – unless you do not have the funds (ie deposit) to complete the sale – then they come after you for that money. It sounds like you need to make arrangements for some of the purchase price to be deferred rather than what you mention with a deposit bond. Usually deposit bonds are only used (as in…[Read more]

I think this is heavily dependent on what (if any) other services you do or plan to have with that bank. A couple of bucks extra a month for interest pales into insignificance if you are saving money on credit card annual fees, rates, or monthly account fees. NAb have the best rates and a great package product, ANZ seem good 'all rounders', CBA…[Read more]

Hi Lukey – No there is not. You only get one bite of the cherry as they say. No one is eligible that is on the property title that has had any grant benefits before – or is living in marraige or defacto with anyone that has either.  Cheers

Benjamin Csikos wrote:
I'm going! http://www.youtube.com/benanamanThis is what I look like, you're welcome to spot me in the crowd and say Hi

Brilliantly Immature – loved it too!    Cheers

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You need to quick smart get a decent broker that has access either to a business banking source from one of the major banks, or someone like some of the credit unions who have someone there that can make a credit decision – not look at the computer screen. Alternatively, if you can keep it 80%lvr or under I cannot see why you would have difficulty…[Read more]

Equity (other than winning the lotto, a sharemarket lucky windfall, a generous gift, or being 'left' something in a will) is about the only way you will ever have funds for deposits, and property purchasing, developing, or improvemants – so yes, that is the way to 'get ahead'. But as already mentioned, that is only 2/3's of the battle – you still…[Read more]

A great point of discussion banker – one that I have had some …er 'discussions' over  (sounds better than heated disputes) in the past with bank credit areas. One major in particular is adamant in their business lending area that the all monies clause is the reason that all 'business lending' customers have to have residential loans crossed.…[Read more]

Even if you cant charm them, they do have up to $200 discretion on the base variable rate home loan (a lot of their managers would be oblivious  'cos they don't read much and are too busy reporting daily on their insurance sales, how many conversations their bankers had, and how many proactive phone calls they made. It is $600, less $100 if you…[Read more]

Only a Scalectrix one – to go with all the tracks we have in the cupboard.   A real Electric car? Over my dead body.  Now, where is that can of petrol – overdue for a sniff……

I agree banker with the gist of what you are saying – however imagine the scenario (and this one was not CBA) where credit say they are happy, and then come back to you 3 weeks later and say they need more info when the client is wondering why he has'nt got his docs yet a week before settlement! ! I've seen some terrible treatment of customers…[Read more]

Hi op9. Big believer in relationships – whehter it be with your bank, broker , or credit union. If you have one of the aforementioned you bank with or are comfortable with I would suggest seeing them first. If no joy, then it's open slather. All the best.  Cheers

….THe poor CBA staff (including the amusingly called 'mortgage innovators – ) are often told by everybody from credit thought to settlements 'dont call us about this customer / settlement / insert word here unless we have not got back to you no later than 2 weeks…'  Poor cows. How can you offer cusotmer service with that sort of attitude. M…[Read more]

I can see the reserve bank simulating their monumental 2007 stuff up all over again – regardless of the actual rate. Sad but true……Leave rates alone and hike up the income tax I reckon…..

Terryw wrote:
. I am getting out of the industry.

  What will you be doing out of interest Terry? After a brak I assume? All the best regardless. Cheers