The Reserve Bank has raised its forecast for growth and inflation in its February statement on monetary policy.

The main change to the forecast was growth in December 2013, which increased to 2.5 percent from its November reading of 2.25 percent. Also, growth projections for 2014 have been increased to 2.25 percent to 3.25 percent.  

An interesting side line to all of this was the announcement that the RBA was changing its measurement of the housing market. The current housing price index which covers only detached dwellings will be supplemented with an attached dwellings index which measures apartments and other attached homes.

To date, this attached dwellings market has been neglected from the index and will be incorporated in a consolidated “all dwellings’ index which you will see as the residential property price index.

My thoughts are that the RBA is looking for better quality information to assist its assessment of monetary policy. With the concerns mentioned in my last column, I feel that higher quality data from the housing market will better explain the real estate divide between the capital cities and regional Australia.

Looking ahead, with this week’s news from Toyota which formalised the death of the vehicle manufacturing sector in Australia, consumer confidence figures are the statistic to watch. Falling consumer confidence driven by job insecurity is one of the most potent headwinds to recovery.

HOME loan customers have developed the itch to switch jumping lenders more frequently.

Historically-low interest rates, intense competition in the mortgage market and continuous pricing discounts has resulted in customers refinancing their loan every three to four years.

Data from the nation’s fifth largest bank, ING Direct, found in 2009 the average life of a loan was seven years but that’s now been cut almost in half as customers continue to get hungrier than ever to score better deals.

ING Direct’s executive director of customer John Arnott said mortgage customers were much more aware of how to get better bang for the buck.

“They want the best possible deal and increasingly this means switching providers,’’ he said.

“People are very focused on staying ahead with their home loans and the current low interest rate environment has helped them pay down their loans faster.

“This focus on paying down mortgage debt means that they are more willing to switch providers to get a better deal.”

Taken from news.com.au

A 95% lend in Port Douglas is unheard of due to the changes banks have imposed on region areas but cairnsmortgagebrokers.com.au did it. With strong industry experience and a desire to help our clients, we can do things other banks and mortgage brokers can not. A very happy couple

The day Before

• If scheduled, professional packers will arrive to pack up your household. Make sure you leave out essential items for that evening and the following morning.
• Defrost, empty, dry out and air your refrigerator.
• Leave a welcoming note with all relevant information for the new resident. Remember to include your new address and telephone numbers.
• Prepare bags / cartons with all items that you wish to transport yourselves.

Moving Day

• Try to keep visitors to your new home to a minimum.
• Transport perishable food items in a cooler box.
• Have plan at hand for furniture placement in new home.
• Have at hand your “SURVIVAL” box.
• If renting, arrange for key collection.
• Collect all car and house keys, ensure gas and electricity meters have been read and telephone disconnected.
• If your possessions are being stored or you are moving overseas or interstate, remember to check and sign the inventory.
• Continue to check house / property for forgotten items as van is being loaded.
• Check tops of cupboards.
• Turn off power.
• Lock house, remember to leave keys as specified.

Your new residence

• If leasing, document condition of property and furnishings for the appropriate agent.
• Try to stand at the removalist’s entry point and give clear directions as to furniture placement.
• Check all utilities are connected, hot water service on.
• At completion of unloading, check all is to your satisfaction.
• If move is from storage, interstate or overseas, check and sign the inventory.
• Check that you have all keys and relevant instructions to your new residence.
• Have security checked and locks changed if concerned.
• Contact your new local council for garbage collection information and new resident’s folders.
• Smile and say hello to your new neighbours.