If your credit cards are stolen while you’re travelling, there are some important steps to be aware of if you wish to make a claim – not only what you’re entitled to expect, but also what steps you’re expected to take.
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How Travel Insurance Kicks In For Lost or Stolen Credit Cards
Timing the Property Market: Is it a Good Time to Buy a House?
As in many other areas of the world, the housing market in Australia recently has been subject to close scrutiny. Multiple factors have contributed to Australia’s high property prices namely decades of the flowing credit with home loans requiring only 5% down (or less). Other factors include the strong economic conditions, homeowners desiring bigger residences, urban concentration, the influx of immigrants from Northern Europe, and perhaps shortages in available housing. According to the National Housing Supply Council, the gap between demand and supply could reach 640,000 dwellings in twenty years if things continue, as is.
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10 Ways to Cut Costs
Like many people you will be looking to cut your spending and save your money after the Christmas spending splurge, so you may need some help to learn how not to spend as much money when out and about shopping.
After Christmas your credit cards are probably overloaded and you may be wondering how on earth you can even make it through January. Stop and take a minute to browse through the list below where you can find some really useful tips that will help you lower your expenditures.
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The Game of Life Infographic
According to LifeBroker, Australian’s worry about burglary as much as death, only 54% of Australians have life insurance and surprise, surprise the major factor for people to under insure is cost.
11 Websites of the World’s Biggest Banks
Over the past few years the banking world has undergone a lot of scrutiny, and rightly so. In the world of web design, whoever wins the web design contract for these financial giants will usually not have much room for innovation. All the innovation is mostly unseen and behind the multi-step login screens for internet banking systems.
here’s an unordered showcase of the world’s largest and (dare I say) most reputable banks, from the Wild West to the Far East.
1. BNP Paribas Bank
Headquarted in Paris, it is the largest global banking group in the world with up to $3.1 trillion worth of assets. In the 2007-09 credit crisis BNP were left unscathed reporting a €3bn net profit for 2008, and €5.8bn for 2009.
How to Negotiate Estate Agent Commission Fees
Since the first boat load of convicts and settlers arrived in Australia, real estate agents have not been far behind. Despite the many years they have been operating, their core services have remained virtually unchanged. A typical Australian Real Estate Agent will charge a rate of 3% on a property worth $400,000. When faced with such a large sum, it’s easy to overlook just what 3% equates too. Traditional agents stand to receive $12,000 in sales commission and also charge for your advertising costs.
It’s hard to avoid real estate agent fees all together, but by doing your research and reading the small print you can save some serious cash.
What a real estate agent does
Real estate agents will act as a middle man/women, between you and the buyer. They provide a number of services throughout this process which will ultimately lead to the final sale.
- Value a property
- Market it to potential buyers
- Arrange and conduct viewings
- Arrange or provide services (mortgages, conveyancing, surveys)
- Manage offers
- Liaise with other professionals involved in the process such as mortgage providers, solicitors, surveyors (chains)
- Hand over the keys on completion day
Fail to research and pay the price
Sounds simple enough but then how often do you really read all the small print? Overlooking this crucial bit of information could leave you out of pocket and home. Remember, this is the biggest financial transaction of your life. Take your time, research, seek advice and then negotiate.
Compare real estate agent fees
Real estate agent commission fees vary across all of Australia. It is in the agent’s best interest to get the highest commission for your home. However, they also face stiff competition from rival agents who may offer a better rate. Invite a minimum of three agents to provide a valuation of your home and to discuss their charges. Armed with this you can negotiate the lowest rate and additional services which could of originally come at an additional price.
Valuing your property
Valuing your property is an art – not a science. Real estate agents may be quick to say they can sell your home for the highest value which justifies their commission fees, Unfortunately this is not true. The price your home sells for is down the current market and what similar homes in your area have been selling for. Do not be tempted to use an agent just because they have promised you the biggest sale.
How to find the best real estate agent
Word of mouth: as the old saying goes “good news travels fast” ask your friends, family, neighbours or anyone you can find who they used to market their property with
Less isn’t always more: If a real estate agent does offer a fantastically low commission fee then ask them to clearly put in writing all of the services you will receive. You do not want to compromise on anything that could hinder your sale.
Where do they advertise: It is essential as many people as possible see your listing. As well as the traditional board, also enquire as to where else your listing will appear. 90% of all homes sold today are first seen online, be sure your listing will appear on all of the major online property portals.
Be a buyer for the day: It pays to do your undercover research. Pretend to be a buyer and go into your local real estate branches and assess the services you receive. Ask yourself if you are really confident that these agents can sell your home.
Negotiate, Negotiate and Negotiate
Through understanding this key process you can negotiate the best real estate commission fees and save thousands of dollars. Always remember when offered a service to negotiate, negotiate and negotiate.
Andrew Potter works for My Online Estate Agent providing online estate agents at a low cost. Andrew has over 10 years experience reporting on the latest trends and most interesting activity happening within the property market.
5 Rules for Smart Credit Card Use
It’s true that credit card use can lead to dangerous amounts of debt. However, it is important to note that it isn’t the credit cards themselves that are evil. In fact, there are plenty of great credit cards that can actually be great financial tools. The key is being smart about your credit card use. If you want to get the most out of your credit cards, here are 5 rules to follow:
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How to Have Fun in the School Holidays Without Breaking the Bank
When it comes to wallets, school holidays can be very frightening. Everything seems to cost so much money. For example:
- Trip to the zoo: $112.20/Family of Four (plus $10 parking or public transport)
- Trip to the aquarium: $35/adult 18/child
- Movies in 2d: $18/$13.50
- Movies in 3d: – $21/adult, $16.50/child
But this isn’t how it has to be. Below are 10 tips to help you have fun but not lose the contents of your wallet!
Do Aussies Have Too Much Personal Debt?
If you just want the short answer, its ‘Yes’, Aussies do have too much debt.
The Long Answer
Though the Australian economy performed well in 2010, yet there could be trouble brewing in 2011 Read More
Top 10 American Express Insurance Benefits
American Express is well known for offering world-class service and generous rewards, but some of their most valuable benefits are those which are most overlooked… the insurance. As an Australian you are quite lucky, because the insurance offered on Australian AmEx cards is much better than what you find on the U.S. versions. Let’s take a look at the top 10.