THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY in general (and the major banks in particular) have been under the microscope recently as a result of the Royal Commission. And that has provided a steady stream of negative headlines for the banks over the past 12 months.
As a result, the banks have instituted a number of changes including: [Read more…]
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MY BACKGROUND TRAINING is as an economist. And yet, trying to explain such things in an easy-to-understand way can often prove rather difficult.
Australia has been more fortunate than most countries emerging from the GFC. And yet, there seems to be a certain complacency regarding our economic well-being. [Read more…]
WITH BOTH SHORT AND LONGER term fixed rates currently at historical lows, discussions around fixing rates for commercial loans has increased markedly.
This article will focus on the major factors that should be taken into account when considering whether or not to fix a loan against a commercial investment property. [Read more…]
WHEN PURCHASING A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY, the valuation is a key element in the financing process and in providing the buyer with comfort in their purchase price.
For the wise investor, it is important to have some understanding of how valuations are conducted.
Doing so will establish confidence that the valuation will not pose an issue with finance and also act as a basic tool, to verify a purchase price or estimate asset value for existing properties. [Read more…]
ARE YOU THINKING about borrowing to buy property or other assets via a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF)?
If so, you may be wondering whether you need a bank to lend directly to your SMSF; or if there is a simpler and cheaper way to borrow? [Read more…]
IN MY LAST ARTICLE, you read about the various securities lenders can take over your property, in addition to mortgages.
This article will highlight various options for improving your security position when borrowing as a means of maximising your asset protection. [Read more…]
THE OTHER DAY, I was doing some analysis on the loans lodged over the past year … looking at the time-frames, and where the delays have occurred.
And I was struck by the number of stages a loan application needs to go through, before settlement. Plus the number of people the file depends upon, to go smoothly.
The people involved in this process can include the broker, the bank officer, credit analyst, valuer, borrower’s solicitor, bank’s solicitor, vendor’s solicitor, accountant, financial adviser (if financial advice is required), real estate agent and, possibly, the tenant.
As you can appreciate, delays can occur at the hands of any of these stakeholders with dire consequences. That’s why it is advisable (as far as possible) for you to retain as much control over the process as you can … in order to avoid potential pitfalls. [Read more…]
WHEN BORROWING against Residential or Commercial properties for investment, it is important to keep in mind the most effective ways of claiming tax benefits, if you wish to maximise the return from your investment.
This is particularly so, when the purchasers are couples — because working with the correct loan set-up can ensure the household tax burden is considerably reduced. [Read more…]
IT IS NO SURPRISE that banks are still rather coy about funding Developments, so maybe a few ideas on how to get your projects across the line could be helpful.
SHOULD YOU be fixing the interest rate for the term of your investment loan … or simply running with the best variable rate?
Lurking behind that question is another concern: Will interest rates fall any further; and if so, by how much?
