• Learning Hub

Our learning hub offers a variety of tips, tricks and strategies to help you kick-start your investments.

Have a read through the blog posts, calculate answers or download some free resources for insider mortgage and lending advice.

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Answers to your Questions

Did you know that having a $5,000 credit card limit can drastically reduce your borrowing capacity?

Clear your credit card and consolidate them into your home loan to reduce your monthly outgoings, commonly referred to as debt consolidation. There is more you can do to reach your goals

Separating? Understand your home loan options

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are making headlines, having reportedly called time on their 19-year marriage. If you’re also facing a relationship break-up, it’s important to know where you stand on practical issues, such as how to hold onto the family home, if that’s your goal.
01/10/2025/by Ben Behar

99% of brokers have helped their clients secure a lower rate

Switching to a new home loan might sound like a hassle. But new research shows brokers don’t just make refinancing easier, they can also help home owners secure a lower interest rate – and much more.
24/09/2025/by Ben Behar

Countdown to be in your new home by Christmas

The clock is ticking towards the festive season, and home buyers still have a small window of opportunity to be settled in their new place by Christmas Day. The good news is that a broker can help you get there.
17/09/2025/by Ben Behar

Jump into the market up to 4 years sooner with 5% deposit scheme

If you’re like most first home buyers, you’ve probably realised by now that saving up for a 20% deposit can be a real slog. But what if we told you that you now only need a 5% deposit? And better yet, you could already have that amount ready to go now.
10/09/2025/by Ben Behar

5 steps to help you find a competitive edge this home-buying season

Spring is traditionally the peak season for property, and three rate cuts this year could further fuel buyer competition. Check out five steps that can give you a valuable head start this spring.
03/09/2025/by Ben Behar

5% deposit scheme expands early – will it increase house prices?

The popular Home Guarantee Scheme that lets first home buyers get into the market with just a 5% deposit has been expanded sooner than expected. But an unexpected twist means first home buyers may want to bring forward their buying plans.
27/08/2025/by Ben Behar

Surge in switching: 1,000 home loans refinanced every day

Three rate cuts since February have spurred home owners to take a closer look at their home loan. Turns out plenty have found a loan better suited to their needs elsewhere, with 100,000 home loans refinanced in the past quarter.
20/08/2025/by Ben Behar

Third rate cut delivered this year as RBA trims cash rate to 3.60%

Borrowers around the country have been delivered a sunnier financial outlook this month after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) today trimmed the cash rate by another 25 basis points to 3.60%. How much could your monthly mortgage repayments decrease?
12/08/2025/by Ben Behar

Skipping pre-approval sees 1-in-10 first home buyers miss out

Buying a first home isn’t always easy, and first-timers sometimes miss out on a place they’ve set their heart on. But more than one-in-ten first-time buyers have missed out simply because they didn’t have home loan pre-approval.
06/08/2025/by Ben Behar

How your home can help your kids get a great education

Location, location, location. Or should we say: education, education, education. New research shows homes in the catchment areas of sought-after public schools can command six-figure price premiums. Here's why.
30/07/2025/by Ben Behar
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CALCULATORS

 

Explore our popular range of calculators to work out your home loan repayments, stamp duty, savings targets, budget planning, purchase and selling costs, offset account savings and more.

 

Loan Repayment Calculator

What do I have to pay per month, fortnight or per week for my home loan?

 

Borrowing Capacity Calculator

Get and indication of how much you can borrow from our lending panel

 

Online Budget Planner

Work out what you spend versus what you earn – how much is leftover to save?

 

Compound Interest Calculator

Our calculator can show you the power of compounding interest on your savings?

Home Loan Offset Calculator

How much interest can you save by offsetting your savings against your loan?

 

Credit Card Calculator

See how quickly you can pay off your credit card debt by making extra repayments?

 

Extra Repayment Calculator

Learn how extra repayments can save you time and money on your home loan?

 

How Long To Repay Calculator

Work out how long it will take you to be mortgage free?

Income Tax Calculator

Will help you calculate what you earn after tax – your net income.

 

Interest Only Calculator

Calculate the true cost of taking out an interest only home loan

 

Lump Sum Repayments

Can I pay a lump sum? How does it affect my loan?

 

Home Buying Costs Calculator

Calculate upfront and ongoing costs when buying your new home.

Property Selling Charges

Calculate the costs associated with selling your property.

 

Increase Your Savings

By making regular deposits work out what your future savings will be?

 

Stamp Duty Calculator

Calculate the stamp duty on any property bought in Australia.

 

Rent vs Buy Calculator

The age old question, do I rent or do I buy a property in which to live?

Resources

There’s a lot, you need to get your head around, when comes to buying a house and getting a home loan. That’s why we’ve assembled these free resources, to help you successfully navigate The Property and Finance Minefield. (Subtle plug of my book written for the first time home owner and property investor)

TLO Melbourne (560266) trading as The Loan Operator, Steve Morrison (387547) and Ben Behar (469505) are credit representatives of NewCo Financial Services Pty Limited Australia Credit Licence 385054.
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