MyStart

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Building inspections and why they are an essential step in the home buying process.

We often get a lot of questions surrounding Building and pest inspections. So we spoke to Noel Flounders from Adelaide Property Inspections to answer some of his most common questions about building and pest checks. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 9 April 2020

How to cut small expenses for big savings!

Have you ever looked at your bank statements and noticed a tally of little expenses spread throughout? Whilst $4 here and $15 there doesn't sound like bank-breaking amounts, these small purchases quickly add up. That's why we have compiled a list ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer

Friday, 27 March 2020

Upfront costs explained

Imagine this: You work so hard to save a deposit, only to fall just short due to some unexpected upfront costs. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips

Wednesday, 11 March 2020

How to update your home décor for autumn

Transform your home without breaking the bank ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

How to get your finances back on track after Easter

The Easter break, coupled with school holidays can leave us exhausted - physically, and financially. After several weeks of outings, now's the time to take a breath and make a plan to get your savings back on track. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Monday, 6 May 2019

How to start a countertop veggie patch

You don't need a huge backyard to create a veggie patch. Armed with the right information, you can create a thriving veggie patch on your countertop. Here's how. ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips

Wednesday, 1 May 2019

What you need to know about ‘pay later’ options

Do the maths: Can you really handle pay later plans? ... | Read More

Home Loans Insurance

Wednesday, 24 April 2019

The benefits of loan and mortgage protection insurance

Take the worry out of repayments ... | Read More

Owning a Home Starting Over

Monday, 14 January 2019

Styling your home for Summer

Redecorating your home can be a fun task, especially when you can do it without breaking the bank. Here are some cheap ways to style your home this summer. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Monday, 7 January 2019

Three financial goals to set for 2019

With the New Year upon us, now is the perfect time to set some financial goals. Below are our top three tips to help you spend less, save more and manage your money better during 2019. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Should you buy or build?

Here's how you should tackle this age-old question ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

Storage solutions for small spaces

If you're a small-space dweller, you've likely struggled finding enough storage for your stuff at one point or another. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Buying Tips Finding a Home

Thursday, 29 November 2018

Tips for buying after divorce

Rebuilding your life after a relationship break-up is tough enough without adding in the stress that comes with buying a house. ... | Read More

Starting Over Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Friday, 16 November 2018

How a shared equity home loan can work for you

Compromise and buying a home go hand-in-hand. Finding a house that ticks all your boxes, including location and size, can seem impossible... ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Friday, 19 October 2018

What you need to know about property inspections

A building inspection can not only save you money by working out what improvements your potential new home needs, it can also be the factor which decides whether or not you go ahead and buy. Noel Flounders from Adelaide Property Inspections provides ... | Read More

Owning a Home First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

How to pet proof your new home

Keep your home free from pet destruction with these quick and simple steps ... | Read More

Budgeting

Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Use your tax return to help you buy a home… next year

With the average Australian tax return at more than $2000 these funds can have a considerable impact in setting your financial future, including buying a home. ... | Read More

MyStart

Tuesday, 15 May 2018

No Budget silver bullet, but there's still hope

The recent Federal Budget would certainly leave potential first home buyers feeling a bit left out, even deflated, with nothing of great note put on the table to improve housing affordability. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 3 May 2018

A survival guide for living with your adult children

Your child is officially grown up - they're over 18, can vote, drive a car and are studying or working towards becoming a self-sufficient member of society. In every sense of the word, they're an adult. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Home Loans

Wednesday, 28 March 2018

What is CPI and how does it affect your loan?

Have you seen this acronym pop up, but have no idea what it means? We'll explain what CPI actually is, and how it can affect your loan. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 30 November 2017

Terms busted for first home buyers

The terms you need to understand when buying your first home. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Wednesday, 1 November 2017

How to plug the leaks in your household budget

Here's the most common leaks in your household budget, and how to fix them ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Monday, 9 October 2017

How technology could be sabotaging your savings

Technology and innovation has changed the way we buy, shop and bank. But is it ruining your finances? ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Thursday, 7 September 2017

The ultimate spring clean

Follow these simple tips to declutter your home this spring. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 24 August 2017

What comes first - the baby or the first home?

In the 70s the ‘norm' was to marry, buy your first and for women to have a baby in their early 20s. But times have changed! ... | Read More

Budgeting First Home Buyer

Monday, 29 May 2017

How to buy your first home without a large deposit

You don't need 20% deposit to buy a home. Here are several ways to buy your first home without a large deposit. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting Buying Tips

Thursday, 18 May 2017

Budgeting made easy

Having trouble making and sticking to a budget? We've found 5 useful money management apps which are sure to get your budgeting back on track! ... | Read More

Budgeting First Home Buyer

Friday, 12 May 2017

First home buyers guide to the Federal Budget

Find out the Federal Budget measures that will impact first home buyers in Australia. ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips

Monday, 8 May 2017

Renovate or buy new - what you need to know

It is the question many home buyers face. Should they buy a brand new or newly renovated home, or a run down property and renovate? Here are the things to consider. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Saving Tips

Tuesday, 2 May 2017

Energy saving tips you need to know before this winter

With winter only a few weeks away, it's now more important than ever to know how to avoid an electricity bill blow out. Here are some tips to help combat soaring electricity prices. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Friday, 21 April 2017

The up and coming Adelaide suburbs for first home buyers

Here are the Adelaide suburbs first home buyers should be looking at. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Tuesday, 18 April 2017

The perfect plants for your indoor space

Indoor plants are a great way to transform a space and bring life to your home. Check out a few of our favourite plants for the perfect spot in your home. ... | Read More

Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 11 April 2017

Where's the best place in Australia for first-time buyers?

Where you live has a huge impact on how easy it is to break into the housing market. So where is the best place in Australia for first-time buyers? ... | Read More

Finding a Home Home Loans

Tuesday, 28 March 2017

Property you can buy around the world for Adelaide prices

How much house can you buy around the world for $440,000 - metropolitan Adelaide's median house price? Here's the answer ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer

Friday, 10 March 2017

Should you lend for love?

Should parents lend to first home buyers and what are the risks of this act of love? ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 1 March 2017

Home or wedding – what would you choose?

Buying your first home and getting married are two of the biggest financial commitments a couple can make together. What would you choose? ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

The five home truths every parent should share

We have the top five pieces of home buying advice every parent should teach their children. ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips

Wednesday, 15 February 2017

Rent vs buy? The evidence you can't ignore

It's an age-old debate - are you financially better off to rent or buy a home? ... | Read More

Owning a Home Budgeting Building a Home Buying Tips

Thursday, 2 February 2017

How to buy a home when you don't earn a lot

There's an idea out there that you need to be a university graduate to afford a home, but it isn't true... here's how you can buy a home on a moderate to low income. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Thursday, 26 January 2017

6 tips to keep your kids' room mess-free

Does it feel like you spend hours putting away toys? We've got some tips to help tame the bedroom mess. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Genius K-mart hacks to style your home on a budget

Need to give your home decor a lift, but don't have lots of cash to play with? We've found the best K-mart hacks to give you some homes-peration, on a budget. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 23 January 2017

Save thousands when buying your home

When buying a home, the lower the interest rate on your home loan the better - right? ... | Read More

Owning a Home Borrowing Tips Buying Tips Home Loans

Monday, 23 January 2017

6 ways to pay off your home loan sooner

Paying off your home loan doesn't need to take a lifetime. We've got some tips to reduce your loan term, and pay off your mortgage sooner. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting Buying Tips

Thursday, 12 January 2017

Who had it harder buying a home - you or your parents?

Generational conflict between Gen Y and the Baby Boomers on who had it harder when it comes to buying your first home is alive and well in Australia. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 2 January 2017

Want your own home in 2017? Start planning now!

If your heart is set on buying a home in 2017 we've got some advice on how to realise your dream. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Friday, 16 December 2016

What AFL and media stars think about buying a home

South Australian AFL and media stars share their first-time home buying tips and what they would do differently. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

The fastest way to buy a home

So you've decided it's time to buy a home and take that important step towards becoming a financially responsible adult. You jump online and run the sums. Reasonable income - tick. Houses in your price range - tick. Savings...BIG problem. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Buying Tips

Monday, 7 November 2016

8 tips to become an auction expert

With the spring home selling season now upon us, we've got some great tips to help you become a bidding expert at your next auction. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Monday, 24 October 2016

6 tips to start a killer veggie garden

Want to start a veggie garden but not sure where to begin? We've got some great tips to get your hands dirty. ... | Read More

MyStart

Monday, 17 October 2016

Spring cleaning – it’s more fun than it sounds

Cleaning your home can declutter your mind and your house. We've got some tips to help you get started. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 15 August 2016

7 tips on where to get your home loan advice

There's a lot of information out there about home loans. But where to start? We've got some tips to help you know your options when it comes to getting advice about home finance. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 11 August 2016

Why now is a great time to buy an apartment, off the plan

With the extension of stamp duty concessions, there's never been a better time for first home buyers to get into their own off-the-plan apartment. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 2 August 2016

What would you do with $20,000

If you were handed $20,000 in cash, how would you use it? That was the question put to 250 South Australian home buyers in our First Home Buyer Confidence Index. ... | Read More

Starting Over Home Loans

Monday, 18 July 2016

Boost your retirement plans

With an average retirement age of 65 and life expectancy in the low 80s in Australia, the majority of Australians are faced with the need to fund more than 15 years of retirement solely with superannuation and savings. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Wednesday, 6 July 2016

Making your home cozy this winter

While over 90% of South Australians have some form of heating in their house, it's a good time to think about how you can make your home look, and feel warmer. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting Managing Credit

Monday, 4 July 2016

7 tips to manage your home loan like a pro

With a new financial year beginning, now's a good time to check up on your loan and see how you're tracking. Here are some great tips to make your handling your home loan as well as you can. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

How to furnish your home when you can’t afford furniture

Getting into your own home often means using all (or most) of your hard-earned savings. So there's not much left when it comes to being able to furnish your new home, just as you want it. Here are some handy hints when it comes to furnishing your hom ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 5 May 2016

The sometimes-forgotten costs of buying a home

The first thing we think about when we're saving to buy a home is the deposit. But there are some extra costs to keep in mind when you're buying a property. Check out our list so you know what you're saving for. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 3 May 2016

8 tips to get ready for a home loan

Are you thinking about buying a home. but feeling a little daunted about taking on a mortgage? Being prepared is the key to feeling confident, so we've got some tips on how you can get yourself financially prepared for a home loan. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Monday, 2 May 2016

6 tips to find the right hood to call home

Whether you're looking for a new place to rent or buy, finding the right suburb to live in is a big decision. And while we all have our own opinions about what makes a neighbourhood great, it pays to do your research so you can feel confident about m ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips Finding a Home

Friday, 29 April 2016

Regional hotspots to build your own home

Good news for home buyers looking to buy in regional SA: the Murray Lands and Yorke Peninsula were recently announced in the top five least expensive regional markets in Australia! These hotspots are emerging as leading choices for home buyers, and e ... | Read More

Owning a Home Building a Home First Home Buyer

Friday, 22 April 2016

How to pick the perfect tradie

Having a trusted tradie is like having a good hairdresser or GP - once you find one, you won't want to let go. But how do you find the right tradesperson for the job? ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Wednesday, 20 April 2016

4 awesome long-weekend escapes in SA. On a budget.

Are you still deciding what to do on the long weekend, but not sure if you can afford to get away? Check out some of these affordable homes away from home in South Australia, and get inspired to get on the road this weekend. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips

Thursday, 14 April 2016

What does a conveyancer do?

If you're new to the home buying process, you may not be familiar with what conveyancers do and how they can help you with the process of buying your home. So, we asked conveyancer Sharyn Ingram from Ingram Rothe Midson to explain. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Finding a Home Home Loans

Thursday, 31 March 2016

HomeStart heads North

More and more first home buyers want to live North - so HomeStart has opened a new office in the Northern suburbs to help them get into their own home. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Building a Home

Wednesday, 30 March 2016

7 tips to paint like a pro

Want to paint your home but don't want to fork out thousands to hire a painter? If you're thinking about a DIY paint job, we've got some tips to get you painting like a pro. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Starting Over Finding a Home Home Loans

Tuesday, 8 March 2016

Stopping the single parent disadvantage

As we celebrate International Women's day, it's a good time to think of what the finance sector can do to help women find independence after life-changing events. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 4 February 2016

Applying for a home loan

The application process to buy your own home can be pretty overwhelming. Don't stress. We've got some handy tips to get you on your way. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 1 February 2016

Making the most of renting (before you buy your own home!)

Renting can really suck. And our survey explains what annoys renters the most! But while you're saving for your own home, here's some tips to help you make the most of your rental situation. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Friday, 29 January 2016

Avoiding home loan mistakes

Applying for a home loan can be really confusing, and it's easy to make mistakes along the way. We've got some tips to help you avoid the bad stuff when it comes to your home loan. ... | Read More

Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 28 January 2016

Why first home buyers want to live by the beach

Everyone has that ‘dream suburb' they would love to live in, and we wanted to know what they were for first home buyers. Turns out the beach is where it's at. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

The frustrations of renters

If you have ever rented a home before, you'll know that it comes with limitations. We asked home buyers and homeowners what their biggest frustrations with renting have been. ... | Read More

Owning a Home First Home Buyer

Sunday, 10 January 2016

Getting arty in your home

Artwork is a great way to bring a room to life, adding interest and beauty to your home. But where do you start when trying to choose art? Don't stress. We've got you sorted! ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 7 January 2016

Beach suburbs are so hot right now

HomeStart research shows that buying a home within Adelaide's beachside suburbs tops the wish list for homebuyers. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 4 January 2016

Home ownership makes perfect cents

Turns out that the majority of young South Australians believe that buying a home is one of the best financial decisions they will ever make. Well, aren't you glad you bought your own home! ... | Read More

Owning a Home First Home Buyer

Sunday, 3 January 2016

How to throw a killer garage sale

The start of the New Year is a good time to rid your home of clutter and make some extra cash to boost your savings. And a great garage sale is the perfect way to do it. Here are some tips to get you started. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 2 November 2015

Your guide to auctions

Auctions can be pretty daunting for first home buyers, particularly with all the excitement and expectations about getting into your own home. Don't stress - we've got some tips for you to consider, and help get you started before auction day. ... | Read More

Owning a Home First Home Buyer

Sunday, 1 November 2015

6 housewarming presents people actually want

Owning a home is possibly the largest investment you'll ever make. So it's important to ensure that your insurance cover will deliver on your expectations. ... | Read More

Owning a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 5 October 2015

Home owners: breathe a sigh of relief

It is a well-known fact that breaking into home ownership is a growing challenge for young South Australians. However, more unknown is how the challenge of entering the housing market has impacted the mindsets of young homebuyers in the state. ... | Read More

Owning a Home

Monday, 5 October 2015

The key to succulent success

If your gardening thumb is a little more brown than green, succulents could be the answer. They're extremely low maintenance, forgiving and gorgeous (the perfect companion, right?). ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 5 October 2015

Don’t fear your finances

If a fear of your financial state is making you want to avoid opening your bills or looking at your bank statement, you're not alone. ... | Read More

Buying Tips

Wednesday, 5 August 2015

The home buying process – different methods of sale

There are several different ways to buy a home, including by auction and private treaty. But what really happens and what's the process for these different sales methods? ... | Read More

MyStart

Monday, 3 August 2015

Shared equity loans - sharing the home ownership dream

Shared equity home loans work by allowing homebuyers to borrow a greater amount of money in return for sharing part of the capital growth (the increase in value over time) in the property, and can be a great way for homebuyers to get their foot in th ... | Read More

Owning a Home First Home Buyer

Sunday, 2 August 2015

What does your garden say about you?

For some people, gardening is a hobby, while for others, it's an art form. Styling your garden is a way to channel your passion and imagination, and add value to your home at the same time. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

Guide to hidden home buying costs

It's important to get the whole picture when it comes to the costs associated with buying your own home, so there are no surprises along the way! ... | Read More

MyStart

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

Security for single parent households

Single parent families make up one in six Australian households, meaning most of us would have personally experienced the unique challenges single parents face. Is homeownership important for single parent homes? ... | Read More

MyStart

Wednesday, 1 July 2015

Reversing your retirement plans

With an ageing population placing increasing pressure on Australia's pension system, reverse mortgages are beginning to emerge as an important part of sustainable retirement planning. ... | Read More

Home Loans

Monday, 22 June 2015

Making the most of a low interest rate environment

Interest rates are at a record low, which is great for homeowners with a variable rate. But how can you take full advantage of this unique interest rate climate? ... | Read More

Owning a Home Finding a Home

Thursday, 11 June 2015

What does your living room say about you?

It's called the ‘living room' for a reason - it's the room in the house that's most lived in - the place for TV marathons, slumber parties, where nights out begin and where dinner parties end up. It's also home to that extra bed you need when s ... | Read More

Budgeting First Home Buyer

Thursday, 30 April 2015

What is LMI and why do you have to pay it?

LMI stands for Lenders Mortgage Insurance and it is designed to provide lenders (banks and home finance providers) with an extra level of protection in case the borrower defaults on (can't repay) their loan. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO

Friday, 24 April 2015

Preparing for a home loan

Taking on a home loan is a big financial commitment, so it's important to put in place good money habits before you take the plunge. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the demands of a mortgage. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Call in the conveyancer

What happens after you make an offer on a home and it gets accepted? This is the stage that every homebuyer should have a conveyancer ready to step-in. ... | Read More

MyStart

Thursday, 2 April 2015

South Australia's most hipster suburbs

If your neighbourhood boasts a local street market, intimate coffee shops, converted warehouses or microbreweries, you may just find yourself within a Hipster haven. Take a look at some of our most Hipster suburbs. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Home Loans

Sunday, 29 March 2015

Low rates build confidence

First homebuyers are starting to return to the property market this year, but more needs to be done to help them get a start. ... | Read More

MyStart

Monday, 23 March 2015

Refinancing your loan

Home ownership is often not as simple as finding a house and finding the perfect home loan. For many people, getting a mortgage and sticking with it simply doesn't fit in with the twists and turns of life. So when should you think about refinancing? ... | Read More

Insurance

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Guide to reviewing your home insurance

Owning a home is possibly the largest investment you'll ever make. So it's important to ensure that your insurance cover will deliver on your expectations. Here are 5 tips on what to look out for from the RAA. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO

Sunday, 8 March 2015

The festival season on a budget

It is officially Mad March - that time of year when the city is buzzing with colour and activity, and Adelaide is suddenly the best place to be. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Sunday, 22 February 2015

Beating upfront costs

So, you've made the decision to buy your own home. How exciting! But before you can start picking out paint colours for the new house, you will need to work out how much money is required for the deposit and other upfront costs. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Thursday, 19 February 2015

Fuel your deposit with petrol savings

Falling petrol prices and February's official interest rate cut have both provided some much needed breathing space for household budgets. ... | Read More

Saving Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 12 January 2015

Get your homeownership plans on track

With house prices continuing the steady march upwards and the challenge to overcome upfront purchase costs as great as ever, buying a home isn't likely to get any easier in 2015. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 12 January 2015

Adelaide's North - hottest first homebuyer region

Adelaide's first homebuyers are rushing north with affordable housing and an abundance of cheaper land providing ideal buying conditions. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Budgeting Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 8 January 2015

Managing your home loan

While the focus can be on getting into your own home sooner, it's equally as important to consider how you will manage your home loan once you have one. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Sunday, 4 January 2015

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?

It's that time of year where we all start making promises to ourselves - so how can we make sure we stick to our goals? ... | Read More

Starting Over Building a Home

Monday, 15 December 2014

Is your home Feng Shui?

What's Feng Shui? We'll get you started on how to use the ancient Chinese art to make your home 'feel' good. ... | Read More

Building a Home

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Housing boost for SA’s Mid-North & Eyre Penisula

A $12 million HomeStart loan has helped to provide affordable housing in regional areas in northern SA. ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Avoiding costly mortgage insurance

When shopping around for a home loan, unless you have saved a deposit of at least 20%, chances are you will encounter Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Beating Christmas finance stress

Extra costs at Christmas can make it harder to meet regular home loan repayments, or derail your home-buying savings goal. John Oliver shares some tips on how to keep your Christmas spending in check. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Choosing the right broker

Brokers have become one of the most popular ways for home buyers to source a home loan. But how do you choose a broker that is right for you? John Oliver shares some tips to get you started. 1. ASK your friends and family for recommendations. Many ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Dispelling myths in the rent vs buy debate

With rising house prices and declining affordability, particularly for first homebuyers, there's been a growing chorus of backers advocating the benefits of renting over buying a home - what should we believe? ... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Monday, 17 November 2014

Unusual Video - Sooner Portraits

Nic Maumill, Copywriter/Art Director at Showpony Advertising, shares his insights on our somewhat unusual video about getting into your own home sooner! ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Friday, 31 October 2014

Graduating into home ownership

Each year, HomeStart conducts research with first homebuyers to understand, among other things, what the greates barriers to owning a home are. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Home Loans Saving Tips

Thursday, 23 October 2014

How much will I need upfront?

Buying your first home is a great achievement but the upfront costs can make it difficult to get started. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Owning a Home

Monday, 29 September 2014

It's our 25th birthday!

To celebrate 25 years and helping 65,000 households into home ownership, HomeStart went back to where it all began and spoke with its very first customers from 1989. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Owning a Home

Monday, 29 September 2014

Spring into action!

Spring has sprung, so get out the elbow grease and give your house a thorough spring clean to give some love back to your home, as well as your investment. We've got some tips on where to start... ... | Read More

Home Loans

Sunday, 28 September 2014

Say what? The 'housing bubble' explained

The term ‘housing bubble' keeps popping up in the media, but what does it really mean and what does it signify for South Australian homeowners? ... | Read More

Budgeting Home Loans Saving Tips

Sunday, 28 September 2014

Handling your home loan

Now that you have your home, it's important to make sure you are managing your home loan as well as you can. Here are some things you should be thinking about… ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Sunday, 7 September 2014

Budgeting for 20 somethings

Tips for graduates on budgeting after school or uni; how to save while paying off your HECS. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Enjoy the benefits of home ownership

For yet to be home buyers stuck in a rental cycle, John Oliver outlines eight reasons to get your home ownership journey moving. . ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Owning a Home

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Think twice before loaning for love

With today's cost of living, there is a huge amount of pressure on parents to help their kids get a financial leg up in life - particularly when it comes to entering the housing market. ... | Read More

Budgeting First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Friday, 1 August 2014

Saving your first deposit

The path to home ownership starts with saving for your first home deposit. For many, it requires a new attitude to financial responsibility and learning some new financial techniques to make your savings grow. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

The truth about home ownership

It's no secret that homebuyers face significant barriers when it comes to home ownership. But a quick review of HomeStart's annual Home Truths survey paints a refreshingly positive attitude. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans Saving Tips

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Choosing a loan that fits

With hundreds of home loan options out there, how do you choose one that's right for your situation? HomeStart's John Oliver offers some tips on what you should look out for. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans Owning a Home

Saturday, 12 July 2014

Loan repayments explained

Home loans come with different types of loan repayments. It's important to understand the different options, so you can chose the repayment type that best suits you. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Owning a Home

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Owning your piece of the puzzle

There are two forms of joint ownership so it's important to know the difference to be able to choose what's best for you. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Monday, 30 June 2014

Think you can’t afford to buy?

If you think that home ownership is out of reach, think again. At HomeStart, we help people get started in a home of their own - many of whom can't get a loan with a mainstream lender. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Owning a Home

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Putting money in your home

HomeStart's John Oliver looks at some of the many features that add value to your home whether you are looking to buy or sell. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Starting Over

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Taking a single minded view

For single parent households on one income, factors compound and make it a struggle to find money to pay the rent, let alone to buy a home of their own. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Buying Tips First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Avoid costly mistakes when buying a home

Buying a house can be complicated. HomeStart's John Oliver offers tips to help avoid common mistakes so you can save on time and money. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Home Loans Starting Over

Saturday, 21 June 2014

3 things to ask about shared appreciation

If you, like many other people, want to borrow more to buy the home you really want - but aren't keen on coughing up for bigger home loan repayments - a shared appreciation home loan could be the answer. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Home Loans

Tuesday, 20 May 2014

Should you buy before 1 July 2014?

The end of the $5,000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) for established homes on 30 June 2014 marks the first time in years that there hasn't been assistance available for purchasing existing homes. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Getting started in the market

For many recent graduates, leaving university is an exciting time.You've got the degree, you've started your working career - now it's time to finally move out of your parents' place or that crowded share-house. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Home Loans Managing Credit Starting Over

Thursday, 8 May 2014

How to borrow more

If you've found the home of your dreams, but reality says you can't borrow enough to buy it, don't give up hope yet. Here are a few tips to consider that could get you the keys to that door sooner than you thought. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Monday, 5 May 2014

8 Steps to your own home

Dreaming of owning a home? HomeStart's John Oliver gives you a step-by-step guide to make it happen sooner. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO First Home Buyer Home Loans Saving Tips

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Research can save you thousands

Doing some upfront research when buying a home can get you into your home sooner, and also save you money. HomeStart's John Oliver takes you through some of the factors to consider. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips Owning a Home

Monday, 7 April 2014

Landscaping tips on a budget

Ever looked at your garden and wished you could add value to it without breaking the bank? These five simple tips from Dave Limburg at Online Garden Design will help you do just that. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

How buying a home has changed their lives

Home ownership is a great achievement. You can watch how it's changed the lives of some of Homestart's customers. ... | Read More

Budgeting Home Loans Saving Tips Starting Over

Sunday, 30 March 2014

How single parents can get started

Being a single parent is a tough job and can really stretch the budget, but that doesn't mean you can't buy a home of your own. We've got some tips to help single parents on the path tow home ownership. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO First Home Buyer Starting Over

Sunday, 30 March 2014

Top tips for single parents

Starting again as a single parent can really stretch the budget, but that doesn't mean you can't buy a home of your own. HomeStart's John Oliver has these tips to help. ... | Read More

Home Loans Starting Over

Saturday, 29 March 2014

Buying after a split

The end of a relationship is a tough time for everyone, but it doesn't have to mean the end of your relationship with home ownership. If you're facing the prospect of having to leave your home due to a relationship breakdown, here's a few things to k ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Home Loans Owning a Home Starting Over

Friday, 28 March 2014

Use your equity to suit your lifestyle

Home owners over 60 years of age can take advantage of HomeStart's Seniors Equity Loan to fund a range of activities including home renovations. Watch how Cheryl and Allen got started on their dream renovations. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans Owning a Home

Friday, 28 March 2014

What do HomeStart customers say?

Are you interested in what others have to say about their HomeStart experience? Then take a look right here and listen to Moira's story. While working as a nurse and juggling single motherhood... ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home Owning a Home

Friday, 28 March 2014

Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours!

Held annually on the last Sunday in March, Neighbourhood Day is a celebration of community and a way to say thank you for being a great neighbour. ... | Read More

Building a Home Owning a Home

Thursday, 27 March 2014

Use your power

Make the commitment to take action and take better care of the planet in the year ahead. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans Managing Credit Starting Over

Thursday, 27 March 2014

Why your credit report matters

Your credit history is an important element of consideration for your home loan approval. It can indicate to your potential lender your previous history with credit commitments, including any defaults, missed repayments or history of bankruptcy. ... | Read More

Home Loans Owning a Home Starting Over

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Unlock your home’s equity with the Seniors Equity Loan

If you're over 60, HomeStart's Seniors Equity Loan can help you unlock your home's equity. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 13 March 2014

8 questions to ask your lender

If you're booked in for a loan interview and wonder what you should ask, here are a few tips to help. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Building a Home First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Don’t get caught out by extra costs

Buying or building a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, so it's important to be aware of all of the costs involved. Let's explore some of the less obvious costs so you can prepare and budget for them. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

What is a valuation?

Despite house valuations being an essential part of almost every home loan application, many people are often unaware of their purpose, how they work and the role they play in getting your home loan approved so here's some insight from HomeStart CEO, ... | Read More

Budgeting

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Budget Test calculator

Calculate how much of your income you want to put towards various expenses like housing, food and savings. 2 minutes to complete quick and easy to fill out provides a rough idea of the percentage of your income you can expect to put towards t ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips Starting Over

Friday, 17 January 2014

Helping divorcees get back on their feet

While the emotional strain of divorce is well recognised, the financial stress and impact on housing can have a more lasting impact, particularly for mothers with dependent children. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Owning a Home

Friday, 17 January 2014

Insurance routine provides peace of mind

Reviewing your home insurance isn't normally high on the to-do list, but getting into the routine of evaluating your cover at the beginning of each New Year is a smart habit to adopt. ... | Read More

Finding a Home Insurance Owning a Home

Thursday, 16 January 2014

5 tips to secure your home

Nothing ruins a holiday like coming home to find your house has been broken into while you were away. You work hard to acquire and maintain your home, so anything you can do to minimise the risks is a good idea. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 2 January 2014

First home owner grants

First home buyers can apply for government grants to help them into home ownership. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips

Wednesday, 1 January 2014

Build or buy?

Have you ever wondered whether to buy an existing property or build a home? If so, here are some ideas to consider before making your choice. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Curb your holiday spending

HomeStart's John Oliver shares his tips on how to ensure Christmas spending doesn't derail your savings goal for buying a home. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Get started in 2014

Have you made a New Year's resolution to buy your own home in 2014? HomeStart's John Oliver shares his tips on how to reach your goal sooner. ... | Read More

Budgeting First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

How to save through Christmas

Christmas is predictably an expensive time for any household budget. There are plenty of gifts to give and food to share and none of it comes cheap. Planning is the key... ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips Owning a Home Saving Tips Starting Over

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Switch to save

Have you ever considered switching a bad habit for a good one to help you save money? ... | Read More

Owning a Home Saving Tips

Monday, 9 September 2013

Simple energy saving tips for the kitchen

Here are some quick and easy options to help you save energy in the kitchen. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Budgeting First Home Buyer Saving Tips

Friday, 6 September 2013

A fear of finances

If a fear of your financial state is making you want to avoid opening your bills or looking at your bank statement, you're not alone. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 5 September 2013

Picking between buying or building

Are you a first home buyer trying to work out whether to buy or build? HomeStart's John Oliver has these top tips to help. ... | Read More

Finding a Home Owning a Home

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Painting tips to suit your home

Looking at painting your home? Your colour choices can have a big impact on not only the look and feel of your rooms, but also over your mood and behaviour as you spend time in your home. ... | Read More

Budgeting First Home Buyer Managing Credit Saving Tips

Monday, 26 August 2013

What’s your money personality?

We are all individual with different personalities and habits that influence how we live our lives, including the way that we handle money. Understanding the traits of your ‘money personality' could help you manage your finances by recognising ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Real estate in South Australia

If you're looking to buy a home, it's an opportune time to do some research and learn more about the real estate in South Australia. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Buying Tips Home Loans

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Interview tips for success

Want to succeed at your interview and secure that home loan? HomeStart's John Oliver has these tips to help. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Managing Credit Saving Tips

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Calculate all your questions

Hate doing the maths? We can help you calculate! Whether you're trying to find out how much you can borrow to buy a home, how much you'll need upfront or where your spending leaks are, there's a calculator to help. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Budgeting Saving Tips

Wednesday, 10 July 2013

Take charge of your finances

Have a savings goal and need help to stay on budget? HomeStart's John Oliver has these top tips to help you set a budget and stick to it. ... | Read More

Home Loans

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

The truth about low deposit loans

Low deposit loans are a great way to get started when buying a home, but it's worth knowing the in's and out's. Here's three myths about low deposit loans busted! ... | Read More

Budgeting Building a Home

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Budgeting for building a home

Building a home can be a cost effective way of getting in to your own place. With realistic expectations and a careful approach to managing your budget, getting a brand new place exactly as you'd like it could be within reach. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Buying with confidence

Securing pre-approved finance could mean the difference between just finding your dream home and actually being able to buy it. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Owning a Home Starting Over

Monday, 25 March 2013

Getting the most out of your agent

Real estate agents come with a wealth of knowledge that will help them sell your home, but they also come at a price. To get the most out of your agent... ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans Owning a Home Starting Over

Thursday, 21 March 2013

What is equity?

If you're just getting started in the property market, you'll hear the word ‘equity' come up frequently. So, what is it? ... | Read More

Budgeting Buying Tips Owning a Home

Tuesday, 5 March 2013

Why less is more when renovating

Here are some ideas on managing renovating spending from Paul Eadon of Eadon Home Loans. Strategic spending, rather than splurging, is the safest way to ensure you reap the best possible returns from your next renovation project. ... | Read More

Budgeting Managing Credit Saving Tips

Friday, 8 February 2013

Holidaying on a budget

With summer winding down, a holiday could be what you need - and it doesn't have to interfere with your home ownership goals. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 4 February 2013

3 things to avoid at a loan interview

Imagine you've finally got to loan interview stage, know what you need to bring, and think you're all set to be approved for a home loan. So what could go wrong? We asked our lending consultants the three most common reasons loans are declined at int ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips

Thursday, 31 January 2013

5 savvy supermarket shopping tips

The most consistent feature on any household budget is the cost of groceries. It's a significant chunk of spending so keeping this as low as possible is one way to help you achieve your home ownership goals sooner. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Owning a Home

Wednesday, 30 January 2013

Get started on cleansing your home

Have you considered taking better care of your home as a New Year's resolution? An annual spruce-up is a great way to maintain the value of your property. Here are some ideas from HomeStart's CEO John Oliver to help you get started on cleansi ... | Read More

Budgeting Saving Tips Starting Over

Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Kid’s fun on a budget

Are you looking for savings tips to help your family into a home of your own? Then saving on entertaining the kids could help you get started sooner. Here are some ideas that could help. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Owning a Home

Friday, 4 January 2013

Be a water-wise homeowner

Being water-wise is the role of any responsible homeowner but it can also save you big dollars on your next water bill. Here are some tips to keep in mind this summer and some fast facts to get you thinking about your water use. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Saving Tips

Monday, 17 December 2012

Make a credit resolution

Is your New Year's resolution to crack down on credit? Then here are five tips that could help you become credit smart. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Starting Over

Monday, 17 December 2012

5 tips to improve the value of your home

Once you're a home owner, it's important to look after the value of your home. It also doesn't have to be a major project or expense for you to see the benefits. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Starting Over Finding a Home

Friday, 30 November 2012

Settling into your new home

After all the excitement and anticipation of buying a new home, the big move can be daunting. There's a long to-do list once you've moved in so here are some tips to keep in mind. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Friday, 16 November 2012

Spending Leaks

All of us are guilty of spending money on things without thinking twice about it. Whether it's buying a cup of coffee on the way to work each day or buying your lunch instead of making it, you can find cheaper alternatives. Use this tool to find ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 12 November 2012

SA mortgage repayments under national average

New 2011 Census figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show South Aussies' mortgage repayments are 20% below the national average of $1,800 a month. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Wednesday, 7 November 2012

The value of research

When people understand the make-up of their home loan, including their obligations and entitlements, they will be better placed to continue managing their loan or perhaps find a better deal. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Finding a Home

Thursday, 6 September 2012

5 Tips to keep the pests out of your home

Defending your home against pests is the role of any responsible home owner. Termites can destroy the structure of your home and spiders, flies, cockroaches and other pests can also affect the health of your family. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Borrowing Tips Budgeting

Thursday, 6 September 2012

How can a financial planner help me?

You might think financial planners are for high flying CEOs with money to burn, or maybe only for those in dire financial straits. The reality is a financial planner can be a sound investment for anyone with an interest in their long term financial f ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips

Thursday, 30 August 2012

Can versus should

Just because you can afford to buy something, does that mean you should? Paul Eadon from Eadon Home Loans helps us answer this frequently asked question. Here is his insight into the matter. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

How can HomeStart help me?

Watch HomeStart CEO John Oliver discuss the HomeStart difference on Channel 9's Building Ideas TV program. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Need help? Try an accountant!

If you've discovered you're just not a numbers person when it comes to budgeting and accounting for your expenses, you might need the help of an accountant. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Share your ideas for MyStart!

Are you looking for more information about home ownership? Is there a topic you'd like to read more about? Why not email us your suggestions! ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips Finding a Home

Tuesday, 10 July 2012

5 Ways to review your home insurance

Owning a home is possibly the largest investment you'll ever make. So it's important to ensure that your insurance cover will deliver on your expectations. ... | Read More

Saving Tips

Monday, 18 June 2012

Planning to buy a home

Find out how others got started on the home ownership journey by watching their stories. ... | Read More

Budgeting First Home Buyer

Friday, 8 June 2012

Budgeting tips from home owners

Watch this video for budgeting tips from home owners who've been in your shoes. ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 30 May 2012

How to buy a house

Watch the key stages of buying a house through sale by negotiation. When buying a house through a sale by negotiation, the real estate agent will give you a Notice of Offer form. Use the form to state the price you are offering for the house, review ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Finding a house

Watch Vikki, Lending Team Leader at HomeStart, discuss the questions you need to ask yourself when looking for a home. Be prepared when buying a house by doing your research, asking lots of questions, and decide what's important to you such as si ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Friday, 25 May 2012

Building inspection

HomeStart explains what is involved in getting a building inspection when buying a home, and how this could save you a lot of money in the future. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Benefits of owning a home

Watch John Oliver, CEO of HomeStart, discuss the key benefits of buying a home, such as providing financial security and flexibility to turn a house into a home with your own personal touches. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

The role of the Conveyancer

Conveyancers are property specialists, who handle the legal transfer of property or land. A conveyancer will provide you with services including advice about your contract, document checks, ordering Government searches and legal documentation prepara ... | Read More

Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

What is LVR?

HomeStart's Lending Team Leader, Vikki, explains the Loan to Value Ratio (LVR). LVR is the percentage that the bank or lender is willing to lend towards the purchase of a new home. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Home buying tips

Don't know what an LVR is? Weighing up the pros and cons of home ownership? Here's a series of short videos to help you find the answers to some of the most common questions about buying a home. ... | Read More

Saving Tips

Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Start saving tips

Is your next goal to go on holiday, buy a car, or buy a home? Have you considered how you will afford to pay for this expense? Whatever goal you have coming up, and however far away it seems now, it's a good idea to start saving for it. ... | Read More

Buying Tips

Monday, 16 April 2012

Buying versus renting

Buy or rent? Here are some of the pros and cons for each scenario. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Home Loans

Sunday, 15 April 2012

Saving for a home deposit

Saving for a home deposit can seem like an uphill battle, especially when you're buying your first home. Here are three key areas that can influence how much you need to save for a deposit. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Starting Over Buying Tips Home Loans

Thursday, 12 April 2012

Buying for a second time

Just because you're not a first home buyer doesn't mean buying a home is simple or straight forward. Re-entering the market can be just as involved as the first time around, and becoming a home owner again can seem like an impossible goal. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting Managing Credit

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Credit Card Calculator

Do you find yourself constantly reaching for your credit card to pay for things? Do you struggle to pay off your balance each month? To get an idea of what your credit card may be costing you... ... | Read More

Budgeting

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Starting a budget

Starting a budget for yourself or your family is useful to keep track of your regular expenses, how much you're earning and spending, and can help you start saving for a goal. ... | Read More

Home Loans

Thursday, 5 April 2012

Extra help for low income earners

Just because you're on a limited income, doesn't mean that home ownership is out of reach. All kinds of South Australians, from single parents to retirees, from Centrelink recipients to Housing SA tenants, have bought a home of their own and with car ... | Read More

Managing Credit

Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Cost of credit

All loans come with interest, fees and charges. The type of costs you pay will depend on the product, lender and type of credit. Here's a list of the common fees and charges. ... | Read More

Managing Credit

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Pros and cons of credit

Credit has both pros and cons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of credit. ... | Read More

Managing Credit

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Before using credit

Think about whether you can avoid using credit. If you are going to use credit, it pays to do your homework. ... | Read More

Managing Credit

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Interest rates matter

Find out more about the types of interest such as fixed or variable interest, interest free days and comparison rates, when you're looking into getting a loan. ... | Read More

Saving Tips

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

What to look for in a savings account

Looking for a savings account, but not sure which will suit you best? Here are the key features of different savings accounts and what to compare. ... | Read More

Saving Tips

Monday, 2 April 2012

Start a savings account

Find out about the types of savings accounts available and some of their features, to help you get started saving. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips

Monday, 2 April 2012

Want to buy a house?

Are you ready to buy a home? Here are some tips on getting your finances prepared for when you have a loan interview. ... | Read More

Managing Credit

Monday, 2 April 2012

How credit works

Want to know what credit is and how it works? Find out more about credit, types of credit and repayments. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips

Sunday, 1 April 2012

When should you call a lender?

While many people prefer to do their initial research about buying a home online, there comes a time when picking up the phone and speaking with an expert is the next best step. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips

Sunday, 1 April 2012

What to ask at loan interview

Going through the process of applying for a home loan can be information overload. However, as it's probably going to be the biggest financial commitment of your life, it's worth taking the time and effort to make sure you understand exactly what you ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips

Sunday, 1 April 2012

Employment and home loans

When you apply for a home loan, you will need to provide details of how you get your income. Not every lender accepts every type of employment as income, and it's important to know what counts before you get started. ... | Read More

Saving Tips

Sunday, 1 April 2012

How to save and still have a life

To start saving doesn't mean you have to stop socialising or become ‘boring'. Here are a few ideas to help you get started. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Thursday, 29 March 2012

3 tips for first home buyers

The journey to home ownership can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the process of buying a home. Here are 3 tips to help you get prepared. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Thursday, 29 March 2012

3 tips to a smooth loan interview

Applying for a loan is crucial to getting started on the home ownership journey. To get the loan, you'll need to meet with a lender who'll assess your eligibility. The better prepared you are for this loan interview, the smoother the process will be. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Thursday, 29 March 2012

3 tips for first home buyers

The journey to home ownership can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the process of buying a home. Here are 3 tips to help you get prepared. ... | Read More

Buying Tips

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Real estate negotiating 101

When you've finally found the house you've been looking for - it's time to negotiate! ... | Read More

Budgeting

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

7 ways to pay a bill

Did you know that there are at least seven ways to pay most bills? Here are some of the many ways to pay a standard phone bill. ... | Read More

Budgeting

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Compare different ways to pay

There are an increasing number of ways you can pay for items in person, over the phone, or online. Here are the different ways to pay, and we compare the advantages and disadvantages of paying via Cash, Credit and Debit Card. ... | Read More

Budgeting

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

5 warning signs of going over budget

Here are 5 warning signs to look out for when you're worried about going over budget. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

What's a building inspection?

Before you buy a house, it's important to have your new home checked out professionally so there are no nasty surprises. Organising a building inspection is essential; it could potentially save you from expensive mistakes. ... | Read More

Finding a Home

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

House hunting tips

Looking for a house? There are many ways to find just what you're looking for, so here are a few ideas to help you get started. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Buying Tips

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

The hidden costs of home ownership

Buying a home is an exciting time, and a great start toward your future wellbeing. However, it's important to be aware that you've also made a long term financial commitment which requires careful management to make sure you stay on track. Here are s ... | Read More

Finding a Home

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

Looking for an affordable house?

Are you looking for a house in an affordable price range? The Affordable Homes Program could help. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Graduates can get started too!

Getting your foot in the door can be the hardest part of home ownership, especially if you're only just starting out as a recent graduate. HomeStart has options for graduates that can help you start sooner. ... | Read More

Building a Home

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Finalising your build

It can seem like forever to get your home built, but it's definitely worth the wait when you finally get those keys! Here Rob Stewart, CEO of the Master Builders Association (MBA) South Australia, shares the final stages of the building process. ... | Read More

Building a Home

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

3 tips to keep your build on track

Once the build is underway and your property is finally being constructed, it's important to stay involved in the project to make sure things stay on track. Here's some tips from Rob Stewart, CEO of the Master Builders Association (MBA) South Austral ... | Read More

Building a Home

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Building contracts: what it all means

So you've found a builder and negotiated on the home you want, and now they've offered you a contract to sign. But what does it all mean? Here, CEO of the Master Builders Association Rob Stewart, offers some insight into what to look out for. ... | Read More

Building a Home

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Choosing a builder

Choosing a builder is one of the most important aspects of building a home. You're about to make a major financial commitment to creating the house of your dreams - it pays to make sure your builder is just as committed to bringing the project to lif ... | Read More

Building a Home

Tuesday, 27 March 2012

Where to start if you want to build

Building a home can be a very exciting time. For most people, building a home doesn't happen every day, so it's important to feel as comfortable as possible along the way. ... | Read More

Finding a Home

Monday, 26 March 2012

Tips for finding a good real estate agent

Are you looking for a real estate agent to sell your current home? If you've opted to use a real estate agent to head up the selling process, finding the right agent could help you sell your home faster and for a better price ... | Read More

Buying Tips

Sunday, 25 March 2012

Home buying process

If you haven't bought a house before, you may be wondering what's involved and the sequence of events. The process starts off with saving to buy a house. ... | Read More

Starting Over Buying Tips Home Loans

Sunday, 4 March 2012

5 tips for buying after a divorce

Buying a home after a divorce can be challenging. Here are five tips to help you get started on the right track. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Tuesday, 6 September 2011

Start smart and avoid disappointment

Thinking about getting a home loan? While it's great to get excited about home ownership, it's important to be well informed. Here are three things that take people by surprise when they start their home ownership journey. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Are you ready to buy?

With experts claiming the return of a ‘buyer's market', many people are asking themselves - is now the time to buy a home? ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Tuesday, 7 June 2011

Save and start sooner

Are you struggling to save for a deposit to buy a home? You're not alone. Our latest ‘Home Truths' survey found South Australians think saving for a deposit is the biggest hurdle to achieving their home ownership goals. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Thursday, 10 March 2011

Smart steps to managing debt

In this age of credit cards and retail store interest free offers, it's easy to 'buy now, pay later' without a second thought. But many people aren't aware of just how much you might 'pay later' if you don't manage debt ca ... | Read More

Owning a Home Ask the CEO

Tuesday, 8 February 2011

Help your children become home owners

Most parents would love to help their kids into a place of their own. Not only does it start them on a path to independence and financial stability, it can also encourage them to finally leave the nest. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO

Tuesday, 5 October 2010

Why you should still buy

Buying a home is a journey that, for many, can prove to have a number of hurdles. However if people can overcome these obstacles, home ownership can provide many positive benefits. ... | Read More

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