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Using your home to build wealth

Published May 10th, 2010

Using Your Home to Build Wealth

Using your property’s equity can be a great way to purchase a rental property.  Property investment can provide income and capital growth and are great investments.

Investment properties can also provide tax advantages with depreciation and negative gearing.  You should talk to your accountant about how this works. If you have substantial equity with your property, you should be look into some sort of investment immediately.  

You may use this equity for a number of reasons like purchasing a car or for renovating your property. You may also build an investment portfolio to improve your lifestyle. However, you must only use the value that is within your means. To use your home to build wealth, you must choose your property wisely. There is a golden rule in real estate which says that you must buy low and sell high. Because of which, you must choose a property that is in an area of strong capital growth. Find the best street in this area and stay in this property for at least eight years. You must not overcapitalize on renovations as well.

Next, you must manage your debt like your assets. The home loan is possibly your biggest debt and so it must be managed wisely. You must take time to monitor bank fees and rates and never hesitate to refinance through another lender if it will save you more money in the long run. A one percent interest saving is equal to a one percent investment return increase. Then, you must learn to use interest rates to your advantage. Lower interest rates mean lower repayments. While you have low interest rates, you must take advantage of it by paying the principal amount of the loan more. You may also switch to a fixed home loan if there is an imminent interest rate hike but make sure that the fixed loan will be as long as your planned stay in that property.

You must also use the equity to build wealth. Though you have thousands of dollars in equity, you must use it in making sound investments. Redrawing the mortgage lets you use the equity in other investments. As long as you have at least 20 percent of the property’s equity, you can use this redraw facility. You may use this redraw to pay interest rates at low levels. And finally, treat your home more than just an investment. Investing in a residential property will give more returns than a cash management account but it offers less than property trusts and shares. Also, repairs and renovation jobs may cost money initially but they can add to the equity value of the property in the long run.

Time for an lifestyle upgrade? Learn more about mortgage refinance with eChoice.

So you've got that perfect apartment but you lack the feeling of quality apartment living. You want the furniture, appliances and soft furnishings to match, right? Well, it just might be time for you upgrade your apartment! Well, how do you get the finance for it? The answer is "mortgage refinance".

How does mortgage refinancing work?

Today the mortgage market is much broader than ten years ago, which means that there are probably better deals out there than the one you currently have. By refinancing you take out a new mortgage whilst getting some extra cash you can use to buy home furniture and appliances.

What else can I refinance for?

People usually refinance for the following reasons; renovations, pay off debts, getting a cheaper interest rate, raising cash, changing rate plans and more. It is important that you are clear on what your goals are with the refinancing and be sure that you can afford the costs that refinancing your mortgage might add up to. Be sure to read up on pitfalls to look out for when refinancing here.

What can I buy with my refinanced home loan?

Refinancing your mortgage can allow you to do many things. Ever wanted a bathroom spa or perhaps that 42 inch plasma screen to watch your favourite sporting events on. Perhaps a new kitchen is something you've wanted to do to improve your home and add to the value of your property investment.

Where can I find mortgage refinance loan advice?

Be sure to ask if the mortgage broker has experience in mortgage refinancing. Mortgage brokers like eChoice have experienced consultants to talk you through which home loan suits you. To apply for a home loan, visit eChoice.com.au.