Hi GodiverI would also seek advice from a tax professional about transferring any assets to a spouse solely for a tax benefit; I'm pretty sure that you may be caught under the anti-avoidance rules of the ATO.Tim McGrath, Tick Mortgage [email protected] (03) 9877-7077

ING can be a little anal at times. However on borrowings of $750k, the potential LMI savings for the customer might be  too significant to ignore.Tim could use his Offset account cash for a deposit (negotiate with real estate agent for <10% deposit), provide a Contract of Sale to ING and all would be good. Tim McGrathTick Mortgage So…[Read more]

Hi P & JI have no idea which way rates are headed. To me, you are asking the wrong question. I really like Michael's comment about "beating the market". The best way to look at a fixed rate is as an insurance against rising rates. People with a tight budget are more suited to a fixed rate because they cannot afford rate rises. On the other hand,…[Read more]

Hi TimJust a bit more info for you…Let’s say you buy an IP for $400,000.00 and your Gov. legal and Bank costs total $20k. I would seriously consider leaving SGB for a low cost LMI provider (as per Richard's suggestion) and almost certainly a better rate with lower fees.Approx numbers as follows:             Purchase price            $400k     …[Read more]

Your initial offer should detail your conditions (settlement date, deposit amount, B & P, finance etc…). The other clauses involving longer settlements etc… is your call but it might unsettle the vendor and compromise/confuse your offer. Just make sure your Conveyancer/Bank/Broker can settle by your chosen date and go for it!Good luckTim M…[Read more]

Hi GrantosA 30 day settlement should be reasonably comfortable at this time of year. I am assuming the S32 is prepared. Speak to your conveyancer and make sure they are OK with proposed settlement date.The critical issues are the valuation (especially if ppty is not vacant), the FHOG (if the funds are required to complete purchase) and the Bank…[Read more]