Damien Zanin

" Property Prices, Rents to Soar By Second Half Of 2009"

With predictions of a looming economic recession and escalating unemployment rates, many property buyers are scared of venturing into the property market even as interest rates fall to record lows and bargains begin to emerge.

However, the current buying opportunity may end sooner than you think when the property market recovers towards the end of this year, according to a property expert.

Malcolm Reid, a property developer and a former economist for the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Post Office, said that, after a sluggish performance in the beginning of the year, property prices will rise again, significantly.

"As an economist who follows many economic sources each month in the USA, UK and Australia and all the property issues in Australia, I am completely convinced that the second half of 2009 will see an enormous rise in most residential rents and prices after a mild low in the first half. As usual, it will take all but the hardened property investors and respected property forecasters by surprise," he said.
 

Source: Your Mortgage Magazine: 22/01/2009

"Fixed Rate Loans Jump 78%"

The low fixed-rate loans offered by some lenders are enticing a growing number of borrowers to lock their rates in - according to a new report.

The Australian Finance Group Mortgage Index revealed that the proportion of fixed rates rebounded from an all-time low of 3.2% to 5.7% in December 2008 - a rise of 78%. This is the first monthly increase since February 2008 according to the mortgage broker.

The data also showed a marked improvement in mortgage sales with the December figure exceeding expectations after volume climbed by 11% compared to 12 months ago. AFG attributed the solid increase to the continued robust demand from first homebuyers and strong activity among owners looking to refinance. First-time buyers accounted for 21.2% of all mortgage sold by AFG while 37% of borrowers were refinancing. Investors also got into the action pushing the overall number to 28%, up from 27.6% in the previous month.

Source Your Mortgage Magazine: 14/01/2009

" Australian Property To Return 9% Per Annum"

Australian property investors who can ride out the current downturn are poised to reap at least 9% per annum return on their investments over the next five years according to Residex.

John Edwards, CEO, Residex said that while housing won't provide capital growth like we've seen in the past two decades, it's still offering a better return compared to shares.

"2008 has been a year that has proved to all that housing is a lower risk asset than any other," Edwards said. "Our models are generally predicting housing prices will just keep up with inflation or marginally do a little worse, however, in the current economic climate, this is a good outcome. I'd be surprised if shares achieved the same outcome over the same period, simply because earnings are going to be depressed and therefore dividends."

Source Your Mortgage Magazine: 19/12/2008

"Do You Know Your Numbers"

Do you know your numbers?

Happy new year! Lets make 2009 our best year so far.

I've been making significant improvements to my mortgage consulting practise over the past few months, it's been quite an intense and eye opening experience.

When I say 'Do you know your numbers?', I'm talking about your complete numbers, your income, monthly mortgage payment, and especially your monthly living expenses.

Becoming clear on my monthly living expenses was the real eye opener. By completing a simple spreadsheet I've been able to save myself over $200 per month on expenses I no longer needed.

Because of the value I've received from this process, I'm now freely including this service within my mortgage consulting practise, so if you'd like to know your numbers, let me know and I'll guide you through this important process too.

Sincerely,

Damien Zanin
Your Personal Mortgage Consultant - Lending By Referral

" A Nice Break"

Here is a photo of me on my recent holiday to New Caledonia, Wow what a beautiful place to relax and unwind.

I hope you and your family had a safe and relaxing Christmas break.