Press releases
For further information on Smartline or any of our press releases call Liz Pater on 02 9855 4200.
- Refinancing more than a mere ‘tweak’ - January 2012
Those with a New Year resolution to search for the best deals from lenders may find the refinancing process very rewarding, but it is not simply a process of ‘tweaking’ your existing loan.
- Impact of children on borrowing capacity - December 2011
Families looking to borrow, trade-up or invest in property in the New Year, are advised to shop around, with lenders’ assessments of living expenses for those with children varying considerably from lender to lender.
- SMSF offers property investment opportunity - December 2011
Borrowing within a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) opens up property investment opportunities otherwise unavailable to some, but it is not without challenges.
- Refinancing now more worthwhile than ever - November 2011
While always a worthwhile consideration for mortgage holders, refinancing has become even more attractive in recent months in light of the fierce competition between lenders to grow their market share.
- ‘Devil in the detail’ can jeopardise finance options - October 2011
Not being aware of and managing the ‘devil in the detail’ of home loan and other credit repayment timings could jeopardise people’s chances of securing finance in the future.
- Lenders in the mood to talk - for now - October 2011
Increased competition between lenders, access to cheaper funds and a drop in overall lending volumes mean now is an ideal time for borrowers to negotiate with lenders – but not for long.
- Use high LVRs with caution - October 2011
Many people looking to secure a home loan might be pleased to see that banks have recently increased the amount they will lend, but have been cautioned that borrowing more than 80% still brings with it significant additional costs.
- Not all pre-approvals created equal - October 2011
When it comes to home loan pre-approvals, it appears not all are created equal.
- Commercial property lending advice essential for business owners - September 2011
Business owners considering purchasing an office or warehouse site to house their business are warned to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice.
- Secret formula leaves self-employed borrowers vulnerable - June 2011
Banks have developed increasingly complex secret formulas to assess borrowers in the current environment, leaving the self-employed particularly vulnerable.
- Loan approved? Could it be computer says no? - June 2011
“Computer says no” – the monotoned catchcry of Little Britain’s notorious Carol Beer – is not as far from the truth as many may believe when it comes to the assessment of loan applications in the current environment.
- Homework reaps rewards for growing renter-investor group - June 2011
The rise of the first homebuyer as ‘renter-investor’ demonstrates borrowers’ savvy approach to getting a foothold in the property market without compromising lifestyle, but a leading mortgage advisory group cautions borrowers to be vigilant.
- Be a proactive mortgage holder and save - June 2011
Be a proactive mortgage holder – ask for what you want and start saving. That is the suggestion from Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers to borrowers who may doubt whether they can cut the cost of their loan repayments.
- What is going on with house prices, building approvals and home loans?- June 2011
Peter Switzer speaks with Smartline Managing Director, Chris Acret, on Switzer TV to get his views on the housing sector. Watch the interview.
- Smartline takes out top franchise third year in a row - May 2011
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers franchisees continue to be the most satisfied in the country, with Smartline named Australia’s top franchise for the third year in a row.
- More home loan options back on offer for business owners - April 2011
Small business owners and the self-employed have more home loan options again as a result of bank and ‘second tier’ lenders once again opening up options on low-doc (low-documentation) home loans.
- Avoid credit shopping to improve home loan chances - March 2011
While many Australians have high levels of personal and credit card debt, those looking to borrow to buy a home in the near future are advised to jump off the consumption bandwagon by a leading mortgage advisory group.
- Low income no impediment to property investing - March 2011
Well considered property investment is a great vehicle for long-term wealth creation – and you don’t have to be wealthy to get started.
- Now the time for first property investment? - March 2011
For those who purchased their first home in recent years, it could be a case of ‘no-better-time-than-now’ to consider taking their first steps into property investment.
- Much to consider in property partnership - March 2011
Those who are keen to get on the first rung of the property ownership ladder but don’t have the deposit and/or income behind them to do it on their own might consider “buying in partnership”.
- First homebuyers: The new, old rules for buying property - March 2011
Buying your first home may not be as easy as it used to be, but it is definitely achievable, according to Smartline.
- Competition heating up in mortgage market - December 2010
The home lending market is hotting up and buyers are advised to go hunting for the best deal to meet their needs – but be warned, you need to know where to look.
- Home loan buffers not for daily expenses - November 2010
Home-owners should avoid using any ‘buffer’ they have built up in their home loan as a means to help manage future higher mortgage repayments or other living expenses.
- Real estate investment hidden costs - November 2010
As with any real estate purchase, there are a range of associated costs that are above and beyond the price of the property itself.
- Much to consider in moving mortgage - November 2010
Mortgage holders have been cautioned against making any hasty decisions about moving their home loan in the wake of the recent interest rate increases by some banks and offers of cash incentives by other lenders.
- Mortgages: To DIY or not to DIY? - November 2010
Taking on a mortgage is a big step, and finding the best lender and loan arrangements is not always straightforward. Borrowers can seek advice from a mortgage adviser, but why should you?
- Named Australia's best franchise for third time
- November 2010
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has been named Australia’s top franchise for the third consecutive time, further cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s leading franchise companies.
- The in's and out's of leveraging - October 2010
Buying your first home or investment property can be easy from the ground up with the power of leveraging.
- Review home loan arrangements for 2011 to avoid ‘mortgage fatigue’ - October 2010
Those people considering their goals for the coming year and making a raft of resolutions for 2011 might want to include the objective of avoiding ‘mortgage fatigue’.
- Winner, Australian mortgage broker group of the year - September 2010
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has been named Franchise Operation of the Year at the Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs) for the second consecutive year.
- ‘Going solo’ may be consideration in property purchase - July 2010
Being married or in a long-term relationship doesn’t automatically mean property finance has to be sought in joint names – there may be benefits in “going solo”.
- Refinancing to consolidate debt can be a valuable strategy - July 2010
Many homeowners are looking to consolidate debt as a ‘circuit breaker’ on household budget pressure.
- Asset levels increasingly important in lending decision - June 2010
A new generation of borrowers is finding it increasingly challenging to secure a home loan, despite having the financial means to meet repayments.
- Self-employed borrowers beware - May 2010
Self-employed business owners taking advantage of every claim at tax time could be severely limiting their borrowing capacity.
- Smartline Partners with Aon in Ground Breaking
Arrangement - May 2010
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has announced a ground breaking partnership with Aon Financial Planning and Protection, which will allow Smartline advisers to offer a unique risk insurance service to their clients.
- Personal Debt Level Linked to 'Mortgage Stress' - May 2010
Mortgage holders are being urged to assess their personal debt levels to ease – or avert – “mortgage stress”.
- Use Debt Consolidation with Caution - May 2010
Debt consolidation is used by many home-owners as a way to “clean up” their personal balance sheet and free up household cash flow – but it can have its drawbacks.
- Smartline Takes out Top Franchise Title Again - May 2010
Topfranchise.com.au ranked Smartline number one in its latest top 10 list released this week, following a comprehensive survey of franchisees from some of the best known franchise systems across the country.
- How to Improve Your Borrowing Capacity - April 2010
Since the mid 90s Australian mortgage providers have been operating under well-constructed regulatory guidelines designed to encourage responsible lending.
- Thousands Facing Fixed Rate Expiry Dilemma in Coming Months - April 2010
An unprecedented number of home-owners will come out their fixed rate home loan in the next six to 12 months, with many unsure what their next move should be in an environment of rising interest rates.
- Top Five Tips in Investment Property Financing - April 2010
There is a lot more to sourcing and managing the finance around your investment property purchase than simply telling your bank how much deposit you’ve got, what security you are offering and getting a loan ‘off the shelf’.
- Beware Exit Fees When Refinancing - February 2010
Home loan refinancing continues to be an increasingly popular strategy for home-owners.
- Review Home Loan Arrangements:
Avoid Mortgage Fatigue
- January 2010
Your home loan might be the right one for you at the time you take it out, but it is important to conduct regular reviews to avoid mortgage fatigue.
- Give LMI the Eagle-Eye - And Save Thousands
- January 2010
Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) can be a huge cost, particularly for property investors who generally look to borrow as much as possible.
- What Your Lender's Not Telling You - November 2009
There is a lot more to sourcing and managing the finance around your investment property purchase than simply telling your bank how much deposit you’ve got, what security you are offering and getting a loan ‘off the shelf’.
- Buying versus Renting - November 2009
The pros and cons of buying your own home versus renting and channelling surplus funds into investments are both financial and emotional.
- Smartline Named Australia's Top Franchise, Again - November 2009
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has again been named Australia’s top franchise.
- All Banks are not the Same - October 2009
The mistaken beliefs that all banks are the same and there is little competition in the lending market could be costing borrowers thousands of dollars.
- Franchisor of the Year Win at the Australian Mortgage Awards - September 2009
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has taken out the Franchise Operation of the Year Award at the 2009 Australian Mortgage Awards.
- Family Guarantees Popular in Scramble for Property - September 2009
Family guarantees are becoming increasingly popular as buyers scramble to get into the property market for the first time, ‘trade up’ or buy an investment property.
- Smartline’s Franchisee of the Year- September 2009
Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has named Cathy Anderson as its Franchise Owner of the Year for the second year in a row.
- Self-Employed Investors Beware - September 2009
Self-employed investors about to do their latest tax return should keep in mind unintended impacts that may limit their ability to access finance and lending.
- Smartline Named Australia's Top Franchise - August 2009
Topfranchise.com.au ranked Smartline number one franchise this week, following a comprehensive survey of franchisees from some of the best known franchise systems across the country.
- Don’t Drop the Ball Juggling Babies and Banking - August 2009
Many couples juggle mortgage repayments with bringing up baby on a single income, but a little planning goes a long way in helping new parents ease the financial burden.
- Right Advice Important in Challenging Times - August 2009
Dealing with banks and other financial institutions has never been anyone’s idea of a good time, hence the reason why the services of mortgage advisers and brokers have been increasingly sought after in recent years.
- Merger Positions Smartline for Continued Growth - July 2009
Smartline has formally merged with Western Australian broking group Mortgage Force, making the new group one of Australia’s largest franchised broking companies.
- ‘Perfect Storm’ Approaching for Investors - July 2009
Australian property investors are fast approaching the ‘perfect storm’ of a flattening property market, low interest rates and rising yields which could present once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
- Strategies in a Low Interest Rate Environment - March 2009
The record low interest rates have considerably changed the dynamics of property investment in Australia.
- Benefits of Smart Advice - May 2009
One of the most direct impacts of the global credit crisis on Australian homebuyers is that access to finance is growing more complex. There are still a large number of products and lenders available, however securing finance to purchase a property has become more challenging over the past 12 months.
- Look for Quality Mortgage Advice - May 2009
Whether an experienced or first-time property investor, your chances of investment success can be considerably enhanced with the support of the right experts.
- Trend Report - January 2008
Investors cautious but optimistic about property prices for the first time since 2004.
- Trend Report - October 2007
Australia’s ‘big 4’ capitalise on market uncertainty.
- Trend Report - June 2007
The big 4 regain lost ground with professional packages.
- Trend Report - April 2007
Reverse mortgages finally taking off in Australia
- Smartline Shines at Industry Awards - March 2007
National mortgage broking group Smartline has added to its impressive list of industry accolades, picking up the award for the mortgage group of the year at the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia’s (MFAA) National Excellence Awards held recently.
- Smartline Picks Up Top Industry Award - August 2006
National mortgage broking franchise Smartline has won the gong for ‘Franchise Operation of the Year’ at the annual Australian Mortgage Awards.
- Smartline Launches Commercial Broking Service - April 2006
National mortgage broking franchise group Smartline has launched a new commercial loan service – reflecting the diversification of Australian borrowers’ financial needs.