HOME SWEET LOAN

Guides

Welcome to my 'Home Sweet Loan' Guides, your ultimate go-to for navigating the world of home buying.

Whether you're a seasoned property investor or a first-time buyer, we're here to empower you with expert advice and practical tips.

Scroll through our articles full of tools and insights to kickstart your journey towards homeownership. Let’s go...

Tara Rockett, home buying expert and founder of Rockett Finance

GET TO KNOW ME

Hey there! I’m Tara, the home buying expert you’ve been looking for. I’ve got the tips, tools, and experience to make your home dreams a reality. But who am I, really? And why should you trust me? Well; read on…

Guides for your

home buying journey

STAGE 1: Prepare & Save

STAGE 2: Plan & Borrow

STAGE 3: Negotiate & Buy

STAGE 4: Move & Settle

STAGE 5: Maintain & Protect

STAGE 6: Invest & Grow

1.

Prepare & Save

Your starter kit to Budgeting, Deposits, Guarantors, Bank Lingo & First Home Buyer Entitlements.

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Stage One: Prepare & Save

What deposit do I need to buy a home?

Stage One: Prepare & Save

Thinking of buying a home but worried about saving enough for a deposit? You’re not alone. Let's explore your options and make your dream of homeownership a reality.

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Stage One: Prepare & Save

From Zero to Home Owner: Tips to help you get there

Stage One: Prepare & Save

Kickstart your journey to homeownership with 10 practical tips to save smarter, budget better, and get you into your dream home sooner. Ready? Let’s go...

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Stage One: Prepare & Save

Renting vs Buying: Key Considerations

Stage One: Prepare & Save

Deciding between renting and buying? Explore the real costs and benefits. Unpack the facts, get empowered, and find out if buying is for you.

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Stage One: Prepare & Save

Extra Costs to Consider When Buying a Home

Stage One: Prepare & Save

A detailed breakdown of the various upfront costs to consider when buying your next property.

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Stage One: Prepare & Save

A Guide to First Home Buyer Incentives

Stage One: Prepare & Save

Unlock your first home. Navigate the grants schemes & incentives available to help you buy your first home sooner.

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Stage One: Prepare & Save

The Role of a Guarantor in Home Buying

Stage One: Prepare & Save

What is a guarantor? How does it work? What are the benefits & responsibilities of a guarantee? Here’s a guide to answer your burning questions.

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Stage One: Prepare & Save

2.

Plan & Borrow

Explore pre-approvals, loan types, tips, tricks & key considerations to help you on your journey.

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Ready to Buy? From Deposit to Doorstep

Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

You’ve saved your deposit—woohoo! Now what? It’s time to get pre-approved and start house hunting. But where do you start? We’ll guide you through the next steps, from lender pre-approvals to making an offer.

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Common Mortgage Lingo, Made Simple Just For You

Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Home loan jargon making your head spin? We’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down all the key mortgage world terms into simple, everyday language —so you can feel like a pro from the start.

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Buy Established, New, or Build? Pros and Cons

Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Can’t decide between buying an existing home, a brand-new one, or building from scratch? Each option has its perks and challenges! We’ll break it down to help you choose what’s right for you.

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Variable vs Fixed Loans: What’s right for me?

Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Let’s break down how each loan type works, their pros and cons, and which one could suit you best. Still unsure? Don’t worry, we’ve got you…

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Offset vs Redraw: What’s the difference?

Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Well, they both help reduce interest on your home loan, BUT they work very differently... HELP! We hear you… let’s break it down and help you choose the right option for your savings style!

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Understanding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

LMI - love it or hate it, it helps buyers get into the market sooner with a smaller deposit. But what is it, how much does it cost, and can you avoid it? Let’s unpack everything you need to know.

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Having the Right People in Your Corner

Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

Buying a home isn’t a solo mission - you need the right team backing you! From brokers to conveyancers, building inspectors to accountants, here’s your guide to assembling the ultimate home-buying support team.

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Stage Two: Plan & Borrow

3.

Negotiate & Buy

Tools for your belt; to help you when inspecting properties, making an offer & what’s next.

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Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

Property Inspection Tips: What to Look For

Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

Don’t let hidden surprises ruin your dream home! Learn what to check for during property inspections, the must-ask questions, and how to spot potential red flags before you buy…

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Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

RealEstate.com Searching Tips

Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

Master RealEstate.com.au with these game-changing search hacks — find better listings, access hidden gems, and make smarter buying decisions.

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Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

How to Make an Offer on a Property

Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

Ready to put in an offer? Learn how to craft a strong, competitive offer, negotiate like a pro, and secure the home you love—without overpaying.

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Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

My Offer’s Accepted! NOW WHAT!?

Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

Offer accepted? HELL YEAH! Congrats XD. Now… let’s get you to settlement stress-free. Follow this step-by-step guide on finance approvals, contract conditions, and getting those keys in your hand.

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Stage Three: Negotiate & Buy

4.

Move & Settle In

Here are some handy checklists & guidance to get you all settled & into your home.

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Stage Four: Move & Settle In

I’m Unconditionally Approved! Now What?

Stage Four: Move & Settle In

The bank swiped right on you and have officially approved your loan! Now it’s your turn to say “I do” by signing the paperwork. From reviewing your loan docs to setting up repayments, finalising your deposit, and prepping for move-in day, let’s get you ready for the big day, your settlement.

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Stage Four: Move & Settle In

Settled & Sorted! A few last things to tick off…

Stage Four: Move & Settle In

The hard part’s done (except for those last few moving boxes maybe). Before we wrap up, let’s tick off a few final to-dos—checking your loan setup, protecting your home, and setting yourself up for long-term success. After all, this is a forever kind of thing… 🚀

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Stage Four: Move & Settle In

Frequently Asked Questions

Finance blogs can help you understand market trends, lender expectations and borrowing strategies before you apply. It is a great way to feel more informed and confident during the process.
Prepare & Save
Yes. Interest rate changes can impact borrowing capacity and repayments. Our finance blog explains what these changes may mean for Australian borrowers.
Calculate Your Way to
Financial Success
Yes. We regularly share insights into the Queensland property market, lending conditions and trends that may affect buyers, investors and homeowners. Blog
We regularly publish updates on the Queensland property market, lending trends and finance insights to help Australians stay informed on our social media channels. You can find us on Instagram, Linked-in & Facebook.
We share practical tips in our Blogs around saving habits, managing debts, improving credit position and understanding what lenders generally look for.
We do. Our blog breaks down interest rate changes and explains what they could mean for homeowners, borrowers and investors across Australia.
Contact Us
Yes. Our blog covers home loan trends, interest rates and finance updates that may impact homeowners, investors and buyers.