After the unexpected decision by The Reserve Bank Of Australia yesterday to keep the official cash rate on hold, there is much speculation today that the banks may increase their standard variable rate mortgages.
We have heard from the banks that the cost of borrowing money has increased since the credit crunch, and at the moment shows no signs of easing, with the crisis with sovereign debt levels, especially in European countries.
Most, if not all banks have increased there lending margins by at least 1% since the credit crunch, so there has been a considerable cost to all mortgage holders already.
I guess the interesting point is, if or when funding does get cheaper, will the banks pass on the cheaper rates to there customers? I guess we will see.
On the positive side, there is still much competition between the banks and lenders. Some of the smaller banks and lenders are offering extremely competitive rates these days. A mortgage broker is only a phone or email away, to see if you could save money with your current home loan. It really only costs nothing more than a little bit of your time to compare you current home loan.
It is important though, when thinking about switching your current home loan, to consider the fees, like mortgage exit fees, application fees, government fees, as these costs may impact any possible savings a new home loan may give you.
A good mortgage broker will take into account these fees, so you will get an idea of how much you may save when considering new home loan.
If you would like to contact a mortgage broker in Perth, please contact me anytime. Also too, please leave any comments below, we love reading what you have to say.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Reserve Bank Cuts Interest Rates.
Some fantastic news today as The Reserve Bank Of Australia cut the official cash rate from 4.75% to 4.5%. Welcome relief for all mortgage holders, especially as Christmas approaches quickly.
In his statement Glenn Steven’s, governor of monetary policy noted that inflationary pressures have eased; with generally speaking, a more cautious outlook with consumer’s spending habits. While the resources and related business sector’s seem to be going from strength to strength, other sectors of the economy are not so robust, and have been affected by reduced spending and concerns over the debt crisis in Europe and America.
Will interest rates reduce again? The big question! If inflation stays under control, and with the uncertainty on global markets, there is the possibility of a further rate reduction in the future. Let’s hope so.
The Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor, Monetary Policy Decision -
At its meeting today, the Board decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.5 per cent, effective 2 November 2011.
Recent information is consistent with a moderation in the pace of global growth, though fears of a major downturn have not been borne out so far. The pace of US economic expansion picked up in the September quarter, but is still only moderate and leaves considerable spare capacity. China's growth has slowed, as policymakers there had intended. Output in Asia has now recovered from the effects of the Japanese earthquake, and domestic demand in the region is generally expanding. Trade performance, however, is starting to see some effects of a significant slowing in economic activity in Europe, where the prospects are for economic weakness to continue. Commodity prices, while still at high levels, have generally declined over recent months.
Financial markets have recovered somewhat from the turmoil of recent months, helped by stronger economic data in the United States and by signs that European governments are making progress in their efforts to deal with the sovereign debt and banking problems. Equity markets have gained ground and the Australian dollar has risen significantly as risk aversion has lessened. But it is likely to be some time yet before concerns about the European situation can definitively be laid to rest and the effects of the recent turmoil on confidence may result in a period of precautionary behaviour by firms and households.
Information about the Australian economy suggests moderate growth overall. The terms of trade have now peaked and will decline somewhat in the near term, but they remain very high. In response, investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly, with much more to come. Some related service sectors are enjoying better-than-average conditions. In other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the high exchange rate have had a noticeable dampening effect. The unemployment rate has increased a little over recent months, though it remains close to 5 per cent.
After underlying inflation started to pick up in the first half of the year, recent information suggests the subdued demand conditions and the high exchange rate have contained inflation more recently, notwithstanding continuing sizeable increases in utilities charges. CPI inflation on a year-ended basis remains above the target, due to the effects of weather events last summer, but is now starting to decline as production of key crops recovers. Moreover, with labour market conditions now softer, the likelihood of a significant acceleration in labour costs outside the resources and related sectors in the near term has lessened. Accordingly, the Bank's current judgement is that inflation is likely to be consistent with the 2–3 per cent target in 2012 and 2013, abstracting from the impact of the carbon pricing scheme.
Financial conditions have been easing somewhat recently, with market interest rates declining a little and competition to lend increasing. But overall conditions have remained tighter than normal, with borrowing rates still a little higher than average, credit growth subdued and asset prices lower than earlier in the year. The exchange rate has been very variable over the past few months, but on the whole has remained at historically high levels.
Over the past year, the Board has maintained a mildly restrictive stance of monetary policy, in view of its concerns about inflation. With overall growth moderate, inflation now likely to be close to target and confidence subdued outside the resources sector, the Board concluded that a more neutral stance of monetary policy would now be consistent with achieving sustainable growth and 2–3 per cent inflation over time.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like some mortgage advice, or to use a mortgage broker in the Perth metro area, please contact me anytime.
In his statement Glenn Steven’s, governor of monetary policy noted that inflationary pressures have eased; with generally speaking, a more cautious outlook with consumer’s spending habits. While the resources and related business sector’s seem to be going from strength to strength, other sectors of the economy are not so robust, and have been affected by reduced spending and concerns over the debt crisis in Europe and America.
Will interest rates reduce again? The big question! If inflation stays under control, and with the uncertainty on global markets, there is the possibility of a further rate reduction in the future. Let’s hope so.
The Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor, Monetary Policy Decision -
At its meeting today, the Board decided to lower the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.5 per cent, effective 2 November 2011.
Recent information is consistent with a moderation in the pace of global growth, though fears of a major downturn have not been borne out so far. The pace of US economic expansion picked up in the September quarter, but is still only moderate and leaves considerable spare capacity. China's growth has slowed, as policymakers there had intended. Output in Asia has now recovered from the effects of the Japanese earthquake, and domestic demand in the region is generally expanding. Trade performance, however, is starting to see some effects of a significant slowing in economic activity in Europe, where the prospects are for economic weakness to continue. Commodity prices, while still at high levels, have generally declined over recent months.
Financial markets have recovered somewhat from the turmoil of recent months, helped by stronger economic data in the United States and by signs that European governments are making progress in their efforts to deal with the sovereign debt and banking problems. Equity markets have gained ground and the Australian dollar has risen significantly as risk aversion has lessened. But it is likely to be some time yet before concerns about the European situation can definitively be laid to rest and the effects of the recent turmoil on confidence may result in a period of precautionary behaviour by firms and households.
Information about the Australian economy suggests moderate growth overall. The terms of trade have now peaked and will decline somewhat in the near term, but they remain very high. In response, investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly, with much more to come. Some related service sectors are enjoying better-than-average conditions. In other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the high exchange rate have had a noticeable dampening effect. The unemployment rate has increased a little over recent months, though it remains close to 5 per cent.
After underlying inflation started to pick up in the first half of the year, recent information suggests the subdued demand conditions and the high exchange rate have contained inflation more recently, notwithstanding continuing sizeable increases in utilities charges. CPI inflation on a year-ended basis remains above the target, due to the effects of weather events last summer, but is now starting to decline as production of key crops recovers. Moreover, with labour market conditions now softer, the likelihood of a significant acceleration in labour costs outside the resources and related sectors in the near term has lessened. Accordingly, the Bank's current judgement is that inflation is likely to be consistent with the 2–3 per cent target in 2012 and 2013, abstracting from the impact of the carbon pricing scheme.
Financial conditions have been easing somewhat recently, with market interest rates declining a little and competition to lend increasing. But overall conditions have remained tighter than normal, with borrowing rates still a little higher than average, credit growth subdued and asset prices lower than earlier in the year. The exchange rate has been very variable over the past few months, but on the whole has remained at historically high levels.
Over the past year, the Board has maintained a mildly restrictive stance of monetary policy, in view of its concerns about inflation. With overall growth moderate, inflation now likely to be close to target and confidence subdued outside the resources sector, the Board concluded that a more neutral stance of monetary policy would now be consistent with achieving sustainable growth and 2–3 per cent inflation over time.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like some mortgage advice, or to use a mortgage broker in the Perth metro area, please contact me anytime.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Reserve Bank Keeps Rates On Hold And Hints At A Rate Cut.
The Reserve Bank Of Australia has decided to keep the official cash rate on hold at its meeting today. Great news for all mortgage holders. More great news may be ahead, as the Reserve Bank Governor, Glenn Stevens also indicated a possible rate reduction in his statement today.
With all the turmoil in the financial markets at the moment, like the sovereign debt issues in Europe and the United States, some small concerns over growth in Asia and share market volatility, inflation in Australia seems to have abated somewhat.
Real concerns by many Australians of a possible increase in unemployment, house value declines and uncertainty with the global economy has seen spending cut back and an increase in savings. These factors have contributed to inflationary pressures abating, and may give the RBA some real consideration and scope for an easing of current monetary policy (a rate decrease). Lets hope so. Certainly many businesses would welcome a rate decrease, especially those in the retail sector, which have been hit hard by a decrease in spending in recent times.
The official statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision –
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
Conditions in global financial markets have continued to be very unsettled, with uncertainty increasing about both the prospects for resolution of the sovereign debt and banking problems in Europe, and the outlook for global economic growth. While temporary impediments that had contributed to a slowing in growth in some countries over recent months are lessening, recent data suggest a continuing period of soft economic conditions in both Europe and the United States. Moreover, the uncertainty and financial volatility have reduced confidence, which could result in more cautious behaviour by firms and households in major countries.
It will take more time for evidence of any effects of the recent European and US financial turbulence on economic activity in other regions to emerge. Thus far, indications are that economic activity is continuing to expand in China and most of Asia. Nonetheless, recent events have led forecasters to reduce their estimates for global GDP growth, which is now expected to be about average this year and next. Prices for commodities have declined over recent weeks, though in general they remain high.
Australia's terms of trade are very high, which has increased national income considerably. Investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly and some related service sectors are enjoying better than average conditions. In other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the earlier rise in the exchange rate have had a noticeable dampening effect. The impetus from earlier Australian Government spending programs is now also abating, as had been intended. While there remain good reasons to expect solid growth over the medium term, the indications are that the pace of near-term growth is unlikely to be as strong as earlier expected, due both to local and global factors, including the financial turmoil and related effects on business confidence.
Underlying inflation stopped falling and began to increase earlier this year. The Board has been concerned about the prospect of a further pick-up over the period ahead, but over recent months has been weighing the question of whether a period of weaker than expected conditions would contain that pick-up in inflation. Recently revised data show a pick-up to date in the underlying pace of price rises that was less sharp than initially indicated. Moreover, with labour market conditions now a little softer and households more concerned about the possibility of unemployment rising, the likelihood of a significant acceleration in labour costs outside the resources and related sectors is lessening.
Taking into account all the recent information, the path for inflation may now be more consistent with the 2–3 per cent target in 2012 and 2013, abstracting from the impact of the carbon pricing scheme. This assessment will be reviewed on receipt of further data on prices ahead of the Board's next meeting. An improved inflation outlook would increase the scope for monetary policy to provide some support to demand, should that prove necessary.
The Board noted that financial conditions have been easing somewhat, with interest rates for some housing and business loans declining slightly due to increased competition and the fall in some funding costs in financial markets. The exchange rate has also declined from the very high levels of a few months ago. Credit growth remains low, however, and asset prices have declined.
At today's meeting the Board judged the current cash rate remained appropriate. As always, the Board will continue to assess carefully the evolving outlook for growth and inflation.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like some mortgage information, or to speak to a qualified mortgage broker, please contact me anytime.
With all the turmoil in the financial markets at the moment, like the sovereign debt issues in Europe and the United States, some small concerns over growth in Asia and share market volatility, inflation in Australia seems to have abated somewhat.
Real concerns by many Australians of a possible increase in unemployment, house value declines and uncertainty with the global economy has seen spending cut back and an increase in savings. These factors have contributed to inflationary pressures abating, and may give the RBA some real consideration and scope for an easing of current monetary policy (a rate decrease). Lets hope so. Certainly many businesses would welcome a rate decrease, especially those in the retail sector, which have been hit hard by a decrease in spending in recent times.
The official statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision –
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
Conditions in global financial markets have continued to be very unsettled, with uncertainty increasing about both the prospects for resolution of the sovereign debt and banking problems in Europe, and the outlook for global economic growth. While temporary impediments that had contributed to a slowing in growth in some countries over recent months are lessening, recent data suggest a continuing period of soft economic conditions in both Europe and the United States. Moreover, the uncertainty and financial volatility have reduced confidence, which could result in more cautious behaviour by firms and households in major countries.
It will take more time for evidence of any effects of the recent European and US financial turbulence on economic activity in other regions to emerge. Thus far, indications are that economic activity is continuing to expand in China and most of Asia. Nonetheless, recent events have led forecasters to reduce their estimates for global GDP growth, which is now expected to be about average this year and next. Prices for commodities have declined over recent weeks, though in general they remain high.
Australia's terms of trade are very high, which has increased national income considerably. Investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly and some related service sectors are enjoying better than average conditions. In other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the earlier rise in the exchange rate have had a noticeable dampening effect. The impetus from earlier Australian Government spending programs is now also abating, as had been intended. While there remain good reasons to expect solid growth over the medium term, the indications are that the pace of near-term growth is unlikely to be as strong as earlier expected, due both to local and global factors, including the financial turmoil and related effects on business confidence.
Underlying inflation stopped falling and began to increase earlier this year. The Board has been concerned about the prospect of a further pick-up over the period ahead, but over recent months has been weighing the question of whether a period of weaker than expected conditions would contain that pick-up in inflation. Recently revised data show a pick-up to date in the underlying pace of price rises that was less sharp than initially indicated. Moreover, with labour market conditions now a little softer and households more concerned about the possibility of unemployment rising, the likelihood of a significant acceleration in labour costs outside the resources and related sectors is lessening.
Taking into account all the recent information, the path for inflation may now be more consistent with the 2–3 per cent target in 2012 and 2013, abstracting from the impact of the carbon pricing scheme. This assessment will be reviewed on receipt of further data on prices ahead of the Board's next meeting. An improved inflation outlook would increase the scope for monetary policy to provide some support to demand, should that prove necessary.
The Board noted that financial conditions have been easing somewhat, with interest rates for some housing and business loans declining slightly due to increased competition and the fall in some funding costs in financial markets. The exchange rate has also declined from the very high levels of a few months ago. Credit growth remains low, however, and asset prices have declined.
At today's meeting the Board judged the current cash rate remained appropriate. As always, the Board will continue to assess carefully the evolving outlook for growth and inflation.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like some mortgage information, or to speak to a qualified mortgage broker, please contact me anytime.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
The Reserve Bank Of Australia Leaves Rates Unchanged.
Some welcome news for mortgage holders today, with the Reserve Bank Of Australia leaving mortgage interest rates on hold. With all the recent global turmoil on the share market, and concerns over sovereign debt levels of other countries, the RBA decided to err on the side of caution, leaving the official cash rate on hold.
Employment growth in Australia has been moderate this year, but wage growth levels have increased. The RBA is still a little concerned about inflation, but at this stage inflation remains in the 2 to 3 per cent target range.
There was some speculation that the RBA maybe considering a rate decrease, certainly in my opinion, it would be welcome, but with keeping rates on hold, it gives the RBA some scope for movement, if some international economies don’t improve (specifically Europe and the United States).
The Official statement from Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision -
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
Conditions in global financial markets have been very unsettled over recent weeks, as participants have confronted uncertainty about both the resolution of sovereign debt problems and the prospects for economic growth in Europe and the United States. As a result, the outlook for the global economy is less clear than it was earlier in the year. Some temporary impediments that had contributed to a slowing in growth in some countries over recent months, such as the supply-chain disruptions from the Japanese earthquake and the dampening effects of rising commodity prices, are lessening. But the uncertainty and financial volatility is reducing confidence and may result in more cautious behaviour by firms and households in major countries. A number of forecasters have scaled back their global growth estimates over the past couple of months.
At this stage, little evidence is available to gauge any effects of the European and US problems on other regions. Prices for key Australian commodities have remained very high thus far, with growth in China continuing to look solid. As a result, Australia's terms of trade are now at very high levels and national income has been growing strongly. Investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly and some related service sectors are enjoying better than average conditions. In other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the high level of the exchange rate are having a noticeable dampening effect. The impetus from earlier Australian Government spending programs is now also abating, as had been intended. Overall, the near-term growth outlook continues to look somewhat weaker than was expected a few months ago. Beyond the near term, growth is still likely to be at trend or higher, unless the world economic outlook continues to deteriorate.
Growth in employment has been moderate this year and the unemployment rate has been little changed, near 5 per cent, for some time now. Reports of skills shortages remain confined to the resources and related sectors. After the significant decline in 2009, growth in wages has returned to rates seen prior to the downturn, though productivity growth has been weak.
Year-ended CPI inflation should start to decline towards the end of the year, as temporary weather-related effects reverse. But measures of underlying inflation have been increasing this year, after declining for the previous two years. While they have, to date, remained consistent with the 2–3 per cent target on a year-ended basis, the Board remains concerned about the medium-term outlook for inflation. A key question will be the extent to which softer global and domestic growth will work, in due course, to contain inflation.
Most financial indicators suggest that monetary policy has been exerting a degree of restraint. Credit growth has declined over recent months and is very subdued by historical standards, even with evidence of greater willingness to lend. Most asset prices, including housing prices, have also softened. The exchange rate is high. Each of these variables is affected by other factors as well, but together they point to financial conditions being tighter than normal.
At today's meeting, the Board judged that it was prudent to maintain the current stance of monetary policy. In future meetings, the Board will continue to assess carefully the evolving outlook for growth and inflation.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you are looking for a mortgage broker in the Perth metro area, please contact me anytime.
Employment growth in Australia has been moderate this year, but wage growth levels have increased. The RBA is still a little concerned about inflation, but at this stage inflation remains in the 2 to 3 per cent target range.
There was some speculation that the RBA maybe considering a rate decrease, certainly in my opinion, it would be welcome, but with keeping rates on hold, it gives the RBA some scope for movement, if some international economies don’t improve (specifically Europe and the United States).
The Official statement from Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision -
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
Conditions in global financial markets have been very unsettled over recent weeks, as participants have confronted uncertainty about both the resolution of sovereign debt problems and the prospects for economic growth in Europe and the United States. As a result, the outlook for the global economy is less clear than it was earlier in the year. Some temporary impediments that had contributed to a slowing in growth in some countries over recent months, such as the supply-chain disruptions from the Japanese earthquake and the dampening effects of rising commodity prices, are lessening. But the uncertainty and financial volatility is reducing confidence and may result in more cautious behaviour by firms and households in major countries. A number of forecasters have scaled back their global growth estimates over the past couple of months.
At this stage, little evidence is available to gauge any effects of the European and US problems on other regions. Prices for key Australian commodities have remained very high thus far, with growth in China continuing to look solid. As a result, Australia's terms of trade are now at very high levels and national income has been growing strongly. Investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly and some related service sectors are enjoying better than average conditions. In other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the high level of the exchange rate are having a noticeable dampening effect. The impetus from earlier Australian Government spending programs is now also abating, as had been intended. Overall, the near-term growth outlook continues to look somewhat weaker than was expected a few months ago. Beyond the near term, growth is still likely to be at trend or higher, unless the world economic outlook continues to deteriorate.
Growth in employment has been moderate this year and the unemployment rate has been little changed, near 5 per cent, for some time now. Reports of skills shortages remain confined to the resources and related sectors. After the significant decline in 2009, growth in wages has returned to rates seen prior to the downturn, though productivity growth has been weak.
Year-ended CPI inflation should start to decline towards the end of the year, as temporary weather-related effects reverse. But measures of underlying inflation have been increasing this year, after declining for the previous two years. While they have, to date, remained consistent with the 2–3 per cent target on a year-ended basis, the Board remains concerned about the medium-term outlook for inflation. A key question will be the extent to which softer global and domestic growth will work, in due course, to contain inflation.
Most financial indicators suggest that monetary policy has been exerting a degree of restraint. Credit growth has declined over recent months and is very subdued by historical standards, even with evidence of greater willingness to lend. Most asset prices, including housing prices, have also softened. The exchange rate is high. Each of these variables is affected by other factors as well, but together they point to financial conditions being tighter than normal.
At today's meeting, the Board judged that it was prudent to maintain the current stance of monetary policy. In future meetings, the Board will continue to assess carefully the evolving outlook for growth and inflation.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you are looking for a mortgage broker in the Perth metro area, please contact me anytime.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Fixed Mortgage Interest Rates Falling.
With all the turmoil in the world share markets in recent weeks, and real concerns over many countries sovereign debt, fixed mortgage interest rates have started to fall with some banks and lenders. In many cases a 3 year fixed rate home loan is a fair bit cheaper than the discounted variable rate mortgages the banks and lenders are offering.
There is even talk of the Reserve Bank Of Australia possibly dropping the official cash rate, which currently stands at 4.75%. Let’s hope if this happens, the banks and lenders pass on the full rate cut the RBA might pass (there may be a few rate cuts, if the world economies cant get there debt levels under control). There are certainly some genuine concerns about some of the biggest economies in the world at the moment. Australia though, at this stage, is in a good position fiscally, with our banks very healthy, and the demand for our resources still remaining strong.
In the past couple of years, generally speaking the banks and lender’s haven’t passed the full rate cut at times, they have increased there margins, stating that whole sale funding costs have increased. A lot of our banks and lenders in Australia borrow money from overseas to fund mortgages, and since the global financial crisis, there has been more reluctance from banks to lend to one another, hence the higher costs of borrowing (a basic explanation).
Now with fixed rates falling, and in some cases cheaper than the discounted variable rate, should you fix your home loan?
It may be a good time to consider fixing your home loan, or fixing part of your home loan. There are pro’s and con’s to fixing your mortgage.
Some of the pro’s are –
•You might have a cheaper interest rate than your variable loan
•You know that at least for the fixed interest rate period, how much your repayments are
Some of the con’s are –
•If the reserve bank does drop rates, you maybe paying more with your fixed rate home loan
•Generally most banks only allow a certain amount extra to be paid off with a fixed rate mortgage, if you pay more than what your lender allows, you may get charged extra fees
•You may not be able to have an offset account with a fixed rate home loan.
•Exit fees can be very high, if you pay off your fixed rate home loan, before the end your fixed rate period.
There are 2 very good articles I have written, in terms of fixed rate mortgages. They are worth a read, to learn more able the pro’s and con’s of a fixed rate mortgage –
1.What are the exit fees on a fixed rate mortgage?
2.Fixed rate home loans.
Have a read of these articles, and think what maybe better for your personal financial situation. A talk to a qualified mortgage broker, is a good place to start too, to help decide what is best for your personal needs.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like more personal mortgage information, please contact me anytime.
There is even talk of the Reserve Bank Of Australia possibly dropping the official cash rate, which currently stands at 4.75%. Let’s hope if this happens, the banks and lenders pass on the full rate cut the RBA might pass (there may be a few rate cuts, if the world economies cant get there debt levels under control). There are certainly some genuine concerns about some of the biggest economies in the world at the moment. Australia though, at this stage, is in a good position fiscally, with our banks very healthy, and the demand for our resources still remaining strong.
In the past couple of years, generally speaking the banks and lender’s haven’t passed the full rate cut at times, they have increased there margins, stating that whole sale funding costs have increased. A lot of our banks and lenders in Australia borrow money from overseas to fund mortgages, and since the global financial crisis, there has been more reluctance from banks to lend to one another, hence the higher costs of borrowing (a basic explanation).
Now with fixed rates falling, and in some cases cheaper than the discounted variable rate, should you fix your home loan?
It may be a good time to consider fixing your home loan, or fixing part of your home loan. There are pro’s and con’s to fixing your mortgage.
Some of the pro’s are –
•You might have a cheaper interest rate than your variable loan
•You know that at least for the fixed interest rate period, how much your repayments are
Some of the con’s are –
•If the reserve bank does drop rates, you maybe paying more with your fixed rate home loan
•Generally most banks only allow a certain amount extra to be paid off with a fixed rate mortgage, if you pay more than what your lender allows, you may get charged extra fees
•You may not be able to have an offset account with a fixed rate home loan.
•Exit fees can be very high, if you pay off your fixed rate home loan, before the end your fixed rate period.
There are 2 very good articles I have written, in terms of fixed rate mortgages. They are worth a read, to learn more able the pro’s and con’s of a fixed rate mortgage –
1.What are the exit fees on a fixed rate mortgage?
2.Fixed rate home loans.
Have a read of these articles, and think what maybe better for your personal financial situation. A talk to a qualified mortgage broker, is a good place to start too, to help decide what is best for your personal needs.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like more personal mortgage information, please contact me anytime.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The RBA Keeps Interest Rates On hold.
The RBA Keeps Interest Rates On hold?
Some great news for mortgage holders today, as The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the official cash rate on hold, at 4.75%. There had been high speculation that the RBA may increase the official cash rate today, but thankfully mortgage holders have been spared a rate rise.
There is still an expectation that the RBA may increase the cash rate in the coming months, but they look like they are taking a wait and see approach, as there is still a fair bit of uncertainty with both European and American public finances.
Credit growth in Australia has declined in recent months, and low by historical standards. House prices too, have also softened over recent months, and with a few other factors, may have helped the RBA decide to keep rates on hold. I personally think this is a great decision for us all.
The official statement from Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision: -
Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
The global economy is continuing its expansion, but the pace of growth slowed in the June quarter. The supply-chain disruptions from the Japanese earthquake and the dampening effects of high commodity prices on income and spending in major countries both contributed to the slowing. It is still not clear how persistent this slower growth will be. The supply-chain disruptions are now gradually abating and commodity prices have softened of late, though they generally remain high. In China most indications suggest only a mild slowdown so far.
The central scenario for the world economy over the next couple of years envisaged by most forecasters remains one of growth below the pace of 2010, but at or above long-term averages. Downside risks have increased, however, as concerns have grown over the outlook for the public finances of both Europe and the United States.
Australia's terms of trade are now at very high levels and national income has been growing strongly. Investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly and some related service sectors are enjoying better than average conditions. But in other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the high level of the exchange rate are having a noticeable dampening effect. The impetus from earlier Australian Government spending programs is now also abating, as had been intended.
The resumption of coal production continues, but a full recovery of flood-affected production now looks unlikely before early next year. Precautionary behaviour by households also looks likely to keep some areas of demand weaker in the near term than earlier expected. Overall, growth in real GDP through 2011 is now likely to be at about trend. Over the medium term, overall growth is still likely to be at trend or higher, unless the world economy deteriorates noticeably.
Growth in employment has moderated and the unemployment rate has been little changed, near 5 per cent, for some time now. Reports of skills shortages remain confined, at this point, to the resources and related sectors. After the significant decline in 2009, growth in wages has returned to rates seen prior to the downturn, though productivity growth remains weak.
Year-ended CPI inflation has been high, affected by the extreme weather events earlier in the year. As these effects reverse over the next couple of quarters, CPI inflation should decline. But measures that give a better indication of the trend in inflation have begun to rise over the past six months, after declining for the previous two years. While they have, to date, remained consistent with the 2–3 per cent target on a year-ended basis, the Board remains concerned about the medium-term outlook for inflation.
It is appropriate under such circumstances for monetary policy to exert a degree of restraint. Most financial indicators suggest that it has been doing so, as a result of the Board's decisions last year. Credit growth has declined over recent months and is very subdued by historical standards, even with evidence of greater willingness to lend. Most asset prices, including housing prices, have also softened over recent months. The exchange rate is high. Each of these variables is affected by other factors as well, but together they point to financial conditions being tighter than normal.
At today's meeting, the Board considered whether the recent information warranted further policy tightening. On balance, the Board judged that it was prudent to maintain the current setting of monetary policy, particularly in view of the acute sense of uncertainty in global financial markets over recent weeks. In future meetings, the Board will continue to assess carefully the evolving outlook for growth and inflation.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like to contact a mortgage broker, please contact me anytime. I work the Perth metro area.
Some great news for mortgage holders today, as The Reserve Bank of Australia kept the official cash rate on hold, at 4.75%. There had been high speculation that the RBA may increase the official cash rate today, but thankfully mortgage holders have been spared a rate rise.
There is still an expectation that the RBA may increase the cash rate in the coming months, but they look like they are taking a wait and see approach, as there is still a fair bit of uncertainty with both European and American public finances.
Credit growth in Australia has declined in recent months, and low by historical standards. House prices too, have also softened over recent months, and with a few other factors, may have helped the RBA decide to keep rates on hold. I personally think this is a great decision for us all.
The official statement from Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision: -
Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent.
The global economy is continuing its expansion, but the pace of growth slowed in the June quarter. The supply-chain disruptions from the Japanese earthquake and the dampening effects of high commodity prices on income and spending in major countries both contributed to the slowing. It is still not clear how persistent this slower growth will be. The supply-chain disruptions are now gradually abating and commodity prices have softened of late, though they generally remain high. In China most indications suggest only a mild slowdown so far.
The central scenario for the world economy over the next couple of years envisaged by most forecasters remains one of growth below the pace of 2010, but at or above long-term averages. Downside risks have increased, however, as concerns have grown over the outlook for the public finances of both Europe and the United States.
Australia's terms of trade are now at very high levels and national income has been growing strongly. Investment in the resources sector is picking up very strongly and some related service sectors are enjoying better than average conditions. But in other sectors, cautious behaviour by households and the high level of the exchange rate are having a noticeable dampening effect. The impetus from earlier Australian Government spending programs is now also abating, as had been intended.
The resumption of coal production continues, but a full recovery of flood-affected production now looks unlikely before early next year. Precautionary behaviour by households also looks likely to keep some areas of demand weaker in the near term than earlier expected. Overall, growth in real GDP through 2011 is now likely to be at about trend. Over the medium term, overall growth is still likely to be at trend or higher, unless the world economy deteriorates noticeably.
Growth in employment has moderated and the unemployment rate has been little changed, near 5 per cent, for some time now. Reports of skills shortages remain confined, at this point, to the resources and related sectors. After the significant decline in 2009, growth in wages has returned to rates seen prior to the downturn, though productivity growth remains weak.
Year-ended CPI inflation has been high, affected by the extreme weather events earlier in the year. As these effects reverse over the next couple of quarters, CPI inflation should decline. But measures that give a better indication of the trend in inflation have begun to rise over the past six months, after declining for the previous two years. While they have, to date, remained consistent with the 2–3 per cent target on a year-ended basis, the Board remains concerned about the medium-term outlook for inflation.
It is appropriate under such circumstances for monetary policy to exert a degree of restraint. Most financial indicators suggest that it has been doing so, as a result of the Board's decisions last year. Credit growth has declined over recent months and is very subdued by historical standards, even with evidence of greater willingness to lend. Most asset prices, including housing prices, have also softened over recent months. The exchange rate is high. Each of these variables is affected by other factors as well, but together they point to financial conditions being tighter than normal.
At today's meeting, the Board considered whether the recent information warranted further policy tightening. On balance, the Board judged that it was prudent to maintain the current setting of monetary policy, particularly in view of the acute sense of uncertainty in global financial markets over recent weeks. In future meetings, the Board will continue to assess carefully the evolving outlook for growth and inflation.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. If you would like to contact a mortgage broker, please contact me anytime. I work the Perth metro area.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
How Much Deposit Do I Need To Buy A $475,000 Home In Western Australia?
How Much Deposit Do I Need To Buy A $475,000 Home?
Time for my next article, with the how much deposit do I need series, we will look at how much deposit do you need to purchase a $475,000 property in Western Australia, both as a first home buyer, and non first home buyer (buying your second, third home, etc or investment property). We will look at the approx fees and charges too, to give you a guide to how much deposit you need to purchase your next home.
Lets look at how much deposit you need to purchase a $475,000 property in Western Australia, both as a first home buyer, and non first home buyer. We will look at the minimum deposit required, which with most banks or lenders is 5% of the purchase price, plus the associated fees. Of course the more deposit you have the better, and generally speaking your 5% deposit, has to be saved over at least 3 months in a bank account (this is called genuine savings). The deposit can also come the sale of shares, sale of a previous home etc.
Ok, lets look at fees, and the minimum deposit you will need to purchase a $475,000 property in Western Australia (unless you have a guarantor for your home loan, which you may not need a deposit at all) -
First Home Buyers ($475,000 Property).
Property Purchase Price - $475,000
Transfer Stamp Duty - $0
Settlement Agent Fee - $1,700 (Approx)
Balance Of Water Shire Rates - $2,000 (Approx)
Mortgage Registration / Legal Fees - $350 (approx)
Bank Application Fee - $600 ( Some mortgages have no application fee)
Total including Fees - $479,650 (Including The Fees)
Deposit Required $23,750 (5% of $475,000)
You will need $23,750 deposit, as a first home buyer to purchase a property costing $475,000 in Western Australia.
To work out your how much your home loan would be, as a first home buyer purchasing your home for $475,000 in Western Australia –
Purchase price (including fees) - $479,650
Minus Your Deposit - $23,750
Minus The First Home Owners Grant - $7,000
Home Loan Required $448,900
When you borrow more than 80% of the property value, you will pay a once off mortgage insurance fee, which with most banks can be added to the home loan.
Based on purchasing a $475,000 property, with a $448,900 home loan, the mortgage insurance fee would be approximately $14,316 (this fee will vary between the lenders). This fee can generally be added to the home loan. The more deposit you have, the cheaper the mortgage insurance fee will be. Lets add the mortgage insurance fee to the home loan and see what your total home loan will be, and the monthly repayments -
Home Loan $448,900
+
Mortgage Insurance Fee $14,316
Total Home Loan $463,216
Your approx repayments on a $463,216 home loan over 30 years, at an average mortgage interest rate of 7.1% is $3,112.96 per month,
Buying Your Next Home Or Investment Property ($475,000 Property).
If you have already purchased a home, or you are buying an investment property, you may not qualify for the first home owners grant. You can still purchase a home with as little as 5% deposit, and you will still require 5% genuine savings (this can come from the proceeds of a sale of property, savings in the bank, sale of shares). The biggest difference is you will have to have the funds to also pay for the transfer stamp duty, settlement agent fees, balance of the shire and water rates.
Also too, please note that if you have equity in your current home, and you are buying another property, you may not need a deposit at all, as the equity in your current home, may be able to be used as deposit to fund your new property. You also may not need a deposit either, when buying your next home, if you have a guarantor for your home loan. If using a guarantor for your home loan, you also may be able to borrow the associated fees, so you may require no deposit at all.
Lets look at how much deposit you will need to purchase a $475,000 property, if you are buying your next home or an investment property in Western Australia –
Property Purchase Price - $475,000
Transfer Stamp Duty - $16,578
Settlement Agent Fee - $1,700 (Approx)
Balance Of Water Shire Rates - $2,000 (Approx)
Mortgage Registration / Legal Fees - $350 (approx)
Bank Application Fee - $600 ( Some mortgages have no application fee)
Total including Fees - $496,228 (Including The Fees)
Deposit Required $23,750 (5% of $475,000)
Plus Fees (as above) $21,228
Total Deposit Required $44,978
You will need $44,978 deposit, as a non first home buyer to purchase a property costing $475,000 in Western Australia.
To work out your how much your home loan would be, as a non first home buyer purchasing your home for $475,000 in Western Australia –
Purchase price (including fees) - $496,228
Minus Your Deposit - $44,978
Home Loan Required - $451,250
When you borrow more than 80% of the property value, you will pay a once off mortgage insurance fee, which with most banks can be added to the home loan.
Based on purchasing a $475,000 property, with a $451,250 home loan, the mortgage insurance fee would be approximately $14,391 (this fee will vary between the lenders). This fee can generally be added to the home loan. The more deposit you have, the cheaper the mortgage insurance fee will be. Lets add the mortgage insurance fee to the home loan and see what your total home loan will be, and the monthly repayments -
Home Loan $451,250
+
Mortgage Insurance Fee $14,391
Total Home Loan $465,641
Your approx repayments on a $465,641 home loan over 30 years, at an average mortgage interest rate of 7.1% is $3,129.26 per month.
This is an approximate guide to how much deposit you will need to purchase a property costing $475,000 in Western Australia. If you are unsure, or would like more advice specific to your own personal situation, please contact me anytime. I am a mortgage broker, based in Yokine, Western Australia, with many years of experience. If you have any comments, please leave below, I enjoy reading your feedback.
Time for my next article, with the how much deposit do I need series, we will look at how much deposit do you need to purchase a $475,000 property in Western Australia, both as a first home buyer, and non first home buyer (buying your second, third home, etc or investment property). We will look at the approx fees and charges too, to give you a guide to how much deposit you need to purchase your next home.
Lets look at how much deposit you need to purchase a $475,000 property in Western Australia, both as a first home buyer, and non first home buyer. We will look at the minimum deposit required, which with most banks or lenders is 5% of the purchase price, plus the associated fees. Of course the more deposit you have the better, and generally speaking your 5% deposit, has to be saved over at least 3 months in a bank account (this is called genuine savings). The deposit can also come the sale of shares, sale of a previous home etc.
Ok, lets look at fees, and the minimum deposit you will need to purchase a $475,000 property in Western Australia (unless you have a guarantor for your home loan, which you may not need a deposit at all) -
First Home Buyers ($475,000 Property).
Property Purchase Price - $475,000
Transfer Stamp Duty - $0
Settlement Agent Fee - $1,700 (Approx)
Balance Of Water Shire Rates - $2,000 (Approx)
Mortgage Registration / Legal Fees - $350 (approx)
Bank Application Fee - $600 ( Some mortgages have no application fee)
Total including Fees - $479,650 (Including The Fees)
Deposit Required $23,750 (5% of $475,000)
You will need $23,750 deposit, as a first home buyer to purchase a property costing $475,000 in Western Australia.
To work out your how much your home loan would be, as a first home buyer purchasing your home for $475,000 in Western Australia –
Purchase price (including fees) - $479,650
Minus Your Deposit - $23,750
Minus The First Home Owners Grant - $7,000
Home Loan Required $448,900
When you borrow more than 80% of the property value, you will pay a once off mortgage insurance fee, which with most banks can be added to the home loan.
Based on purchasing a $475,000 property, with a $448,900 home loan, the mortgage insurance fee would be approximately $14,316 (this fee will vary between the lenders). This fee can generally be added to the home loan. The more deposit you have, the cheaper the mortgage insurance fee will be. Lets add the mortgage insurance fee to the home loan and see what your total home loan will be, and the monthly repayments -
Home Loan $448,900
+
Mortgage Insurance Fee $14,316
Total Home Loan $463,216
Your approx repayments on a $463,216 home loan over 30 years, at an average mortgage interest rate of 7.1% is $3,112.96 per month,
Buying Your Next Home Or Investment Property ($475,000 Property).
If you have already purchased a home, or you are buying an investment property, you may not qualify for the first home owners grant. You can still purchase a home with as little as 5% deposit, and you will still require 5% genuine savings (this can come from the proceeds of a sale of property, savings in the bank, sale of shares). The biggest difference is you will have to have the funds to also pay for the transfer stamp duty, settlement agent fees, balance of the shire and water rates.
Also too, please note that if you have equity in your current home, and you are buying another property, you may not need a deposit at all, as the equity in your current home, may be able to be used as deposit to fund your new property. You also may not need a deposit either, when buying your next home, if you have a guarantor for your home loan. If using a guarantor for your home loan, you also may be able to borrow the associated fees, so you may require no deposit at all.
Lets look at how much deposit you will need to purchase a $475,000 property, if you are buying your next home or an investment property in Western Australia –
Property Purchase Price - $475,000
Transfer Stamp Duty - $16,578
Settlement Agent Fee - $1,700 (Approx)
Balance Of Water Shire Rates - $2,000 (Approx)
Mortgage Registration / Legal Fees - $350 (approx)
Bank Application Fee - $600 ( Some mortgages have no application fee)
Total including Fees - $496,228 (Including The Fees)
Deposit Required $23,750 (5% of $475,000)
Plus Fees (as above) $21,228
Total Deposit Required $44,978
You will need $44,978 deposit, as a non first home buyer to purchase a property costing $475,000 in Western Australia.
To work out your how much your home loan would be, as a non first home buyer purchasing your home for $475,000 in Western Australia –
Purchase price (including fees) - $496,228
Minus Your Deposit - $44,978
Home Loan Required - $451,250
When you borrow more than 80% of the property value, you will pay a once off mortgage insurance fee, which with most banks can be added to the home loan.
Based on purchasing a $475,000 property, with a $451,250 home loan, the mortgage insurance fee would be approximately $14,391 (this fee will vary between the lenders). This fee can generally be added to the home loan. The more deposit you have, the cheaper the mortgage insurance fee will be. Lets add the mortgage insurance fee to the home loan and see what your total home loan will be, and the monthly repayments -
Home Loan $451,250
+
Mortgage Insurance Fee $14,391
Total Home Loan $465,641
Your approx repayments on a $465,641 home loan over 30 years, at an average mortgage interest rate of 7.1% is $3,129.26 per month.
This is an approximate guide to how much deposit you will need to purchase a property costing $475,000 in Western Australia. If you are unsure, or would like more advice specific to your own personal situation, please contact me anytime. I am a mortgage broker, based in Yokine, Western Australia, with many years of experience. If you have any comments, please leave below, I enjoy reading your feedback.
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