Becky Baker Mortgage & Finance Broker

01/09/2026

Property prices are starting to ease in some parts of Australia, and that can create opportunities depending on where you are in your property journey.

For buyers, softer conditions may mean a little more negotiating power.
For existing owners, it may be a good time to review your equity before making your next move.
For investors, different property types and locations may perform very differently, so having a clear strategy matters.

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, investing or just want to understand what your current position looks like, I’m happy to help.

📞 07 5546 9278
📧 [email protected]
🌐 speckfinance.com.au

27/08/2026

Queensland continues to show a little more resilience than some of the bigger southern markets.

While Brisbane values have softened, the decline has been smaller than what we’ve seen in Sydney and Melbourne. For homeowners, that may help support stronger equity positions. For buyers and investors, it’s another reminder that every market moves differently — and your finance strategy should reflect that.

If you’re thinking about buying in Brisbane or South East Queensland, reviewing your borrowing power is a great place to start.

📞 07 5546 9278
📧 [email protected]
🌐 speckfinance.com.au

22/08/2026

Thinking about buying, refinancing or simply wanting to know what your options are?

Sometimes the hardest part is just knowing where to start.

At SPECK Finance, I’ll help you work through the numbers, understand your options and make the process as simple as possible — with friendly guidance and support every step of the way.

Whether you’re ready to move now or just want to have a chat about what may be possible, I’m here when you’re ready.

📞 07 5546 9278
📧 [email protected]
🌐 speckfinance.com.au

Send me a message anytime to get started.

20/08/2026

A quick review can help you understand where you stand and what options may be available.

[email protected]
🌐 speckfinance.com.au

Reach out for a no-obligation chat — we’re here to help make things a little clearer.

19/08/2026

09/05/2026

🚨 RBA RATE RISE 🚨

The RBA has increased the cash rate again — now sitting at 4.35%.

For many Australians, this could mean:
• Higher repayments
• Reduced borrowing power
• More pressure on household budgets

But here's the important thing…

A rate rise doesn't mean you're out of options.

Now is the perfect time to:
✔ Review your current loan
✔ Check whether your rate is still competitive
✔ Make better use of your offset account
✔ Explore refinance opportunities

If you'd like to understand how this latest increase could affect you, feel free to reach out for a chat.



DISCLAIMER:
This content is general information only and not financial advice.
Rebecca Baker is an Authorised Credit Representative (CR No. 522715) of Australian Finance Group Ltd ACN 066 385 822, Australian Credit Licence 389087.

06/02/2026

The federal government’s Help to Buy shared equity scheme is now live, offering up to 40,000 Australians the opportunity to enter the property market with as little as a 2% deposit and without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

How Help to Buy Works:
- You contribute a 2% deposit
- The government contributes up to 30% on established properties or 40% on new builds
- The remainder is borrowed through a participating lender
- The government becomes a co-owner of the property via an equity share
- You can buy back the government’s share over time or when you sell
- Strict income caps apply
- Only two lenders are offering it at launch, with just one accessible via brokers

Help to Buy may suit some buyers but not everyone. Factors to consider include:
- How shared equity affects future borrowing options
- Whether buying back the government’s share aligns with long-term goals
- Implications if your income exceeds thresholds
- Property value changes over time
- Whether other grants or schemes may be more suitable

How SPECK Finance Can Help:
We provide guidance to help you make informed decisions:
- Understand the Help to Buy scheme
- Compare it to other options like the 5% First Home Guarantee
- Assess your long-term financial goals
- Review lender access and eligibility
- Model repayments and outcomes

With limited lender access at launch, getting advice early is key to avoiding delays or missed opportunities.

📲 M: 5546 9278
💻 E: [email protected]
👩🏼‍💻 W: https://speckfinance.com.au/

Rebecca Baker is an Authorised Credit Representative (CR No. 522715) of Australian Finance Group Ltd ACN 066 385 822, Australian Credit Licence 389087.

06/02/2026

Entering the property market can feel daunting, especially for first home buyers. Saving for a deposit, understanding repayments, and navigating government schemes can be overwhelming. The federal government’s Help to Buy shared equity scheme is designed to make this journey easier, allowing up to 40,000 Australians to buy a home with as little as a 2% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Here is how it works. You contribute a 2% deposit, the government adds up to 30% for an established property or 40% for a new build, and the remainder is borrowed through a participating lender. The government holds a co-ownership share, which you can buy back over time or when you sell. Income caps apply, and only a small number of lenders participate, with just one accessible via brokers.

Help to Buy can be a great option, but it is not for everyone. Consider how shared equity could affect future borrowing, whether buying back the government’s share fits your long-term plans, what happens if your income grows beyond the limits, and how property values may change. Other programs, like the 5% First Home Guarantee, may sometimes be a better fit.

At SPECK Finance, we guide first home buyers through all of this. We help you understand the scheme, compare it to other options, assess your goals, check eligibility, and model repayments. Fees and charges apply. Early advice is key, as limited lender access can create delays if you leave it too late.

Our goal is to make the first home buying process less stressful and more manageable. We focus on clear communication, realistic expectations, and helping you make confident decisions. With the right guidance, Help to Buy can be a valuable step toward home ownership.

📲 M: 5546 9278
💻 E: [email protected]

👩🏼‍💻 W: https://speckfinance.com.au/

Rebecca Baker is an Authorised Credit Representative (CR No. 522715) of Australian Finance Group Ltd ACN 066 385 822, Australian Credit Licence 389087.

05/02/2026

RBA Rate Hike Alert: What It Could Mean for Your Mortgage and Budget

If your household budget already feels tight, you’re not alone. With the Reserve Bank increasing the cash rate by 0.25%, many lenders are passing this on to variable home loans, which may raise your repayments once applied.

Example impact (for illustration only):
- $500,000 home loan → repayments may rise ~$75–$80/month
- $693,000 average household loan → repayments may rise ~$100–$110/month

The exact effect depends on your interest rate, loan type, remaining term, and features. Higher rates can also reduce borrowing power, which may affect future plans like renovations, upgrading, or investing.

Fixed vs Variable: What to Consider
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Fixed rates give repayment certainty, while variable rates offer more flexibility (extra repayments, redraw) but can change over time. We can review options, including splitting or fixing a portion of your loan, based on your goals and cash flow.

📲 M: 5546 9278
💻 E: [email protected]
👩🏼‍💻 W: speckfinance.com.au

Assumptions: Estimates assume a 25-year principal & interest loan, no annual fees, and a 0.25% rate increase. Repayments are indicative, calculated using standard loan amortisation, and exclude lender/package fees or individual product differences.

Example product: Variable rate home loan (intro rate 5.39% p.a. for 12 months, then 5.64% p.a. revert). Comparison rate 5.775% p.a. – may vary with different terms, fees, or loan amounts.
Disclaimer: General information only; does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Fees and charges apply.

Rebecca Baker, Authorised Credit Representative (CR No. 522715), Australian Finance Group Ltd, ACN 066 385 822, Australian Credit Licence 389087.