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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

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

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

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

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

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

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Buying Tips First Home Buyer

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

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

Starting Over Buying Tips Home Loans Managing Credit

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

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

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

Owning a Home Building a Home Buying Tips

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

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

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

Owning a Home Buying Tips Finding 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

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

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

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

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

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

Owning a Home Saving Tips Starting Over Budgeting Buying Tips

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

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

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 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

Owning a Home Starting Over Buying Tips

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

Owning a Home Budgeting Buying Tips

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

Owning a Home Buying Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buying Tips Finding a Home

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

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

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