Buying and moving into a new home can be a busy time, but making some time during your preparations to compare home services could help you save a considerable amount of money. Here are some of the loan and service costs associated with buying and maintaining a home, and how to shop around for them.

Home loan

Property loans and their terms and conditions can vary considerably depending on the lender or loan type. Hence you’ll want to shop around, compare rates, and look for the cheapest loan or the loan that’s best suited to your financial situation. For example, you might be looking for the lowest interest rate loan, but you also want to balance this priority against other factors such as any additional fees and charges, and possibly options for debt consolidation.

Electricity

From heating and cooling in summer and winter to hot water and running appliances, our energy-intensive lifestyles have made electricity a key expense in many households. Thus many homeowners will shop around before their move to take advantage of a special deal for their energy requirements.

As a new homeowner, you’ll probably be shopping around for the cheapest electricity package available. Using comparison sites, phoning around for specials and good deals and joining a consumer network are just some of the things you can do before the move to ensure you have electricity set up in advance.

Gas

Gas is typically used for cooking, heating water and heating the home. Gas can therefore be another major expense for the average home, so it’s another expense category to look into and shop around for before your move.

Water

Water is a precious resource. Running water is vital for our daily lives, and it plays a major role in everything from washing our hands to cooking and cleaning. While it’s usually not possible to shop around for water providers (you’ll usually have a supplying company you’ll need to sign up with), there are things you can do to save on water costs. 

Installing rainwater tanks in your new home, using water-saving showerheads and taps, and choosing water-efficient appliances can all help you save on water. Efficient gardening practices, such as drip water irrigation and using mulch can also result in water savings and enable you to cut your water bill.

Internet and pay TV

An Internet connection is becoming a must-have in many Australian homes. Shopping around for bundles is one way to save. Internet service providers tend to offer a combination of services, including mobile phone and landline services. Their pricing also tends to vary greatly. You can combine your mobile, home phone, Internet and even pay TV to cut back on Internet and phone costs.

Maintenance and repair work

If you have repairs or any maintenance work that needs to be done on the home, this could also be a great time to obtain some extra quotes rather than relying on your regular plumber, electrician or other contractor. While irregular expenses such as these are usually a one-time occurrence or used only once a year or less often, plumbing and electricity work can be expensive, and so it’s usually worthwhile to take a little extra time to obtain extra quotes.

If you’re buying a new home, keep in mind that effective budgeting begins with a thorough assessment of all your purchase and post-purchase expenses. Buying a new home will involve more than simply the purchase price. As a homebuyer, you’ll need to plan and budget for everything from your mortgage repayments and the costs of the purchase to maintenance and renovation costs for your new place.

Costs of purchase

The costs of purchase are usually more than just the cost of your mortgage repayments. The costs of purchasing a new home can cover mortgage fees, legal fees such as conveyancing costs, costs of building inspections, stamp duty, council rates, title search fees, mortgage insurance, and real estate agents’ fees.

Depending on your property, you may need to account for strata and body corporate fees, though these are usually ongoing. You’ll probably also want to account for the actual cost of moving itself, especially if you have a lot of furniture and personal items to be moved.

As there can be a long list of fees, you’ll probably want to list these and budget for them well before you start looking for a house, so that you can have a clear idea of what you’re committing to.

Utilities and other fixed items

Moving home is one of the best times to review your utilities contracts and make a switch where appropriate. For example, if you find a cheap electricity deal for new accounts, you’d probably be happy to sign up and switch as you move to your new home.

Other utilities categories such as Internet, gas, water and pay TV are no exceptions; do research on available deals, get some quotes, and make a switch where you can save. You’d be surprised at how much you could save by comparing and switching where suitable. Joining a consumer group network could also help you save on vital expenses such as gas and electricity.

Renovations and upgrades

You’ll undoubtedly be factoring the costs of any renovations and upgrades to be made to your new house, whether this is before or after you move in. You could, for example, be thinking about upgrading kitchen appliances. The heating or cooling system in your new home could be in need of repair or replacement. You might be considering having green features such as rainwater tanks or solar panels installed in your new place, as many new homeowners are opting to do.

Basic upgrades such as new painting, better insulation, a change of doors or windows and window treatments might also be in your plans. Make sure you account and budget for these from the start, so that you can make these changes as soon as possible.

Ongoing post-purchase expenses

It’s useful to account for post-purchase expenses associated with running and maintaining your new home. These will include home and contents insurance, maintenance costs, council levies or land taxes, and utilities costs (as mentioned above).

You’ll probably find it useful to budget for one-off or occasional items such as furniture expenses, lawn and garden upkeep costs, or cleaning expenses, where you expect these to occur at least once a year. That way, you’ll have plenty saved up and be prepared when the times comes to make payment.

1. Get it Serviced

Have your mechanic take a good look at your vehicle before you hit the road, as there is nothing worse than experiencing car troubles when you are away on your big trip. While there are auto services available in some of the small towns along the Great Ocean Road, you will have a far better trip if all is well with your car, so get it serviced before you go. If you are worried about your car making it through the trip, talk to your mechanic about whether they think it will make it, and perhaps consider taking a Great Ocean Road tour instead.

2. Boost Your Insurance

No one should ever head off on a road trip without comprehensive car insurance, because anything can and does happen out on the road, and at least with insurance, you can get help should you need it. If you will be doing the trip in your vehicle and want others to be covered to drive it as well, have them added to your insurance policy before you leave, so that you will be covered regardless of who is driving the car.

3. Bring Essential Tools and Supplies

As with any road trip, it is vital that you bring along a few essential tools and supplies to make life easier on your vehicle while you are on the road. Packing items such as jumper cables, a few litres of water, a bottle of oil, a spare tyre and, of course, a jack, will have your vehicle much better prepared for anything on your big road trip, and don’t forget the maps, or otherwise, you are sure to miss some highlights.

4. Clean It

While your car is likely to get quite dirty throughout the course of your road trip, it is nice to at least start with a clean vehicle, so before you head off on your Great Ocean Road adventure, make sure that your vehicle is clean, inside and out.

5. Creature Comforts

There is a big difference between being on the road in comfort and not, so put plenty of thought into setting up your vehicle for comfort for your road trip. Ensure that you have lots of music, snacks, pillows, and such, and if you will be bringing your kids along, make sure that they will have more than enough to keep them entertained.

By properly preparing your vehicle for your Great Ocean Road trip, you are far more likely to have your adventure go according to plan, so for the sake of your trip, it is wise to invest in your vehicle preparations. The better you prepare, the less you will have to worry about when you are out on the road, so if your plan is for a relaxing holiday, ensure that your car will be at its best.

Mileage as an Indicator of Performance

Although the factors affecting performance can vary depending on the type of car and how well it has been maintained, mileage is an important consideration which can help you make an informed decision. Engine performance, fuel economy and the effectiveness of car parts are associated with mileage.

1. Engine Performance

High-mileage cars can have engines that don’t perform as well. With usage, engines age. Parts deteriorate and gaskets can wear down, making the engine less efficient. The engine could be prone to problems such as loss of power, slow or poor acceleration (especially when driving uphill), leaking, or even smoking.

An appropriate servicing and tune-up program over the life of the vehicle could help reduce the likelihood of these things happening. Using the right motor oil and the recommended type of petrol (for example, high-octane fuel) can enhance engine performance and fuel economy.

Other than repair or maintenance costs, engine performance can have a direct effect on fuel economy, so you could end up paying more for fuel.

2. Fuel Economy

Fuel economy refers to how much distance you can cover for a given amount of fuel. The parts in your vehicle can become worn and less effective as time goes by with heavy usage, as measured by high mileage. This can contribute to the overall performance and fuel economy of your car, which can mean higher expenses for petrol over time.

Other practices like heavy acceleration, braking and driving at high speeds can affect fuel economy. Even cold weather can affect the fuel economy, as engines operate at their peak when they’re warmed up. Larger vehicles tend to use more fuel than smaller vehicles. The make and model of the vehicle can also have a significant impact on fuel economy.

3. Car Parts

The more a car has been driven, the more likely that it will have worn or even damaged parts that may need replacing. Whether it’s rubber, plastic or metal, parts can loosen, wear out or become damaged in some way as the years go by and with frequent or intense usage. A vehicle with higher mileage could therefore have more parts that might need replacement or repair at some stage.

What Else Should You Check?

What are some of the other factors to consider when shopping for a second-hand car? Mileage alone won’t tell you everything you may need to know about buying a pre-owned vehicle.

One of the things to check is a vehicle’s maintenance or service history. A well-maintained vehicle with high mileage could perform just as well as a relatively newer vehicle. A service logbook will usually tell you all that you need to know about how well a vehicle has been maintained, and whether it has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

If a car has been properly serviced, you’re less likely to face additional repair or maintenance costs over time. Once you’ve decided on a vehicle, don’t neglect auto insurance. Make sure you arrange a suitable insurance package for your new purchase.

Being a responsible driver means following the rules of the road at all times. From stopping at a red light, to adhering to pedestrian laws, you have the power to drive defensively, or drive recklessly. Which one will it be? In cold and wet weather, driving can easily take a turn for the worse. The slick roads can send your car right to the auto mechanic shop faster than you can blink. So be careful on the wet roads by checking your brakes, steering, and your tyres frequently.

Wet Weather Safety Should Beon Your Mind

Wet weather safety isn’t usually on a driver’s mind, but it should be! A downpour of rain, hail, or snow can easily cause your vehicle to lose control and send you and your passengers into a wild spin. Even if you have a four-wheel drive or anti-lock steering system, some features cannot help you when conditions deteriorate, which is why it is crucial to follow these steps in order to drive safely in wet weather:

1. Understand the Risk of Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when your tyres lose traction on the road, and as a result, you skid and slide from one side to another, without any steering or traction control. It is scary to think about, and even more frightening to experience.

One tip for dealing with the danger of hydroplaning is to watch your speed, as soon as the roads become wet. This will reduce the chance of hydroplaning, and keep you and the rest of the passengers’safe on the road. If you do hydroplane, pump your breaks to try and regain traction.

2. Use Your Windshield Wiper Blades at the Maximum Setting

Use your windshield blades liberally during wet weather, especially when dealing with heavy rain, sleet or snow. You need to have as much visibility as possible to drive safely in bad weather, since the rain and the fog result in a much slower reaction time.

You also need to be ready to slam on the brakes, so be aware and have all of your attention on the road. This is not the time to change CDs or check your iPhone.

3. Prepare Your Car Before Hitting the Road

Many drivers wait until they’re in risky, wet driving conditions before they tend to do something about it! Doesn’t it make more sense to prep your car beforehand, in order to maximise your safety on the road? After all, you spent quite a large sum of money when buying a car, and the safety of your passengers is worth the extra time you’ll spend getting your car ready for the wet weather.

So, replace your windshield wiper blades twice a year, clean the inside and outside of your windshield glass and mirrors, and inspect your tyres to make sure they have the appropriate air pressure.

Driving in wet weather is scary. Your visibility is greatly diminished, and the control you have over your vehicle is significantly reduced. Take the aforementioned precautions in mind and be a responsible wet-weather driver.

With technology like remote keyless entry and GPS tracking systems becoming more readily available in vehicles, there’s no telling where the future will take it.

While it is still incredibly important to have car insurance, security will continue to advance in ways that will make it harder than ever for criminals to break-in or vandalise your car.

Car Cameras

In the same way that cctv cameras can protect your home or property, on board cameras will be an incredibly useful tool when it comes to car security. Installed permanently in the car, a camera will not only keep you safe while you drive but also deter vandals from breaking into your car or stealing it.

Having recorded evidence of who has been in or near your car downloaded to a separate location will make it incredibly hard for criminals to get away with stealing or vandalising your car.

Facial Recognition Technology

As technology continues to advance, car companies are looking into the possibility of facial recognition technology that will only allow a car to unlock and start if the driver approaches.

Not only will this greatly increase the security of your vehicle, but it could also decrease your car insurance premiums.

The same could be said for a fingerprint access vehicle which will only start if your unique fingerprint is placed on the start pad. Technologies like these will greatly reduce car theft.

GPS Systems

GPS technology continues to develop meaning that there is more potential than ever for tracking devices to be installed in cars for more uses than just getting you around the city.

These will not only mean that you can keep track of your car at all times, but it will make it much quicker to locate it in the event that it is stolen. Having this technology available will mean that criminals are much less likely to break into your car at all.

Two Way Car Alarms

Car alarms will be much more than just a loud ringing noise when your car is tampered with. Two way car alarms will mean that you can be notified on your smart phone or computer when your car alarm is activated, making you instantly aware if something happens.

Remote Keyless Entry

This technology is already being rolled out in cars today and means that you can access your car with a code or password rather than a physical key.

As technology continues to advance there will be significant developments when it comes to car security. Not only will it make it more difficult for criminals to break-in or steal your car, but it will also mean you are instantly notified when your car is tampered with. There’s no telling what the future holds, but what is for certain is that it will make your car safer than ever.

Spend a Little Bit More

Spending a little bit more and getting a somewhat safer second-hand car is a sensible move. The extra cost involved can often be very small, but it can make a big difference. Investing slightly more through a used car loan will enable you to buy a vehicle that is safer, and you can regularly save money in the long run. Buying something that is more reliable can save you money on regular car repairs over time, and it leaves you with a safer vehicle too. Also ensure that you take out the appropriate car insurance to further reduce the risk of repair or accident bills.

Get it Looked At

Before buying a used vehicle, you should get it looked at by a mechanic. They will be able to tell you how safe it is and how you can make it even safer. Getting a quote for a comprehensive car service that is targeted at improving safety before you buy is a move that could save you from making the wrong investment. This will ensure that you buy a vehicle that meets the right requirements, and will be roadworthy as well.

Change the Brakes and Tyres

Brakes are one element of a car that can deteriorate significantly over time,and they are crucial. Changing the brakes will decrease the stopping time and make it far less likely that you will have a crash. This investment is certainly worthwhile to improve the safety of your vehicle.

The tyres on your car will wear down as time goes byand a new set will give you amuch better grip. Tyres with worn treads are less safe, and they will soon become illegal too if they are balding. Changing your tyres is a wise move, but keeping them at the right pressure is also essential. Tyres affect the handling, stopping distance, acceleration, and fuel consumption as well. Sincethey are theonly contact point between your car and the road, they are obviously very important elements of the vehicle.

Check the Fluids

The first thing that you should do before you drive any new car is to check the fluid levels. Checking the oil is vitally important, because it is what keeps your engine running smoothly. Changing the oil if it is a dark colour is sensibletoo, as this means that it is old and less efficient. It is also essential to check the coolant levels, and you may need to top up the brake fluid as well. These fluids are integrally important to your vehicle, and your safety depends on them being properly supplied to the car.

Take it Easy

When you buy a new car, you will need to get used to it and learn how to drive it correctly. After making these changes, make sure tobe careful when you firstdrive it. Listen out for problems and be aware of the responses of your vehicle. The feel of the car will enable you to understand any other changes that are required,as well as any other safety precautions that you need to take.

Cut Out the Middleman

The car salesman is simply a middleman,and going through them will add roughly 10% or more to the cost of the car. The benefit of this is that a car yard has lots of options on show, but this benefit is not really worth the extra price tag. It you are willing to put in the effort to hunt for the deals yourself, then you can get a better vehicle for a lower price.

Private Sellers

Private sellers are a wonderful option for buying a car. When you sell, you either have the option of selling to a dealer and getting a new vehicle, or selling privately. Selling privately allows the seller to get more for their car, and allows the buyer to pay less too. When buying privately, it is important to have your car finance sorted out well in advance, so that you can be sure to get the vehicle that you desire.

The downside of private sellers is that there is usually no way to guarantee that you will get the purchase if you do not have the money up front, so preparing finances before you start looking is essential in avoiding disappointment.

Auctions

Another option for purchasing a car is at auctions. There are many options, from public auctions to government car auctions. Auctions are another form of private selling and if you know what you are doing, then you can get some really wonderful deals. Government auctions sell impounded cars and ex-police vehicles that can really be in wonderful condition. Once again, you will need to know beforehand that your finances are in order, because once you have put a bid down on a car, you will have to pay for it if you win.

Caution is Vital

Whether you are buying from a garage, from a private seller, or from an auction house, it is vitally important that you take time to consider the vehicle that you are buying. Cars are tough machines, but when they break, they can break very significantly. Being cautious in what you buy is essential, and taking any vehicle for a test run before you decide to buy is vitally important. Buying a car that is in bad condition will cause you significant trouble and strife, so it is essential to be sure that it is roadworthy, and it is worthwhile getting it checked over by a mechanic before you buy.

The Maintenance

Buying a unique Pontiac or Cadillac may be cheaper than you would expect, but the maintenance will certainly be higher than you would expect too. The key problem with older cars is that they are made of parts that are no longer in production anywhere in the world. Maintaining them is thus a difficult task.

You will not be able to expect a mobile mechanic, for example, to fix your car by the roadside if you are driving something unique. The clear reason for this is that they simply will not have a Pontiac specific kit in the back of their van. Maintaining a unique car will be expensive because you will have to hunt for parts and the flipside of this is that you may be left without transport for a long period whilst parts are ordered from overseas or are dug up from wreckers.

The Insurance

Another significant cost to having a unique car is the insurance. The reason that the insurance costs are high is because an insurer will find it remarkably difficult to replace or repair the car if damage does occur. This means that insurance will be costly and it also often means that only third party insurance will be available, leaving you to pay for any damages to your vehicle that were caused by your own fault.

The Fuel

The fuel economy of a unique car is something that you will also need to consider. Older vehicles will likely be less efficient than newer models and older engines will be less efficient than newer versions of the same. Fuel economy is an important thing to consider in the current economic climate as the rapid increases in fuel costs seem set to continue indefinitely.

The Safety

Safety is another important element when buying a vehicle. Safety features that we now expect as standard will not necessarily be found in any older vehicles and as such this can reduce the safety for you and your passengers. Safety is an essential element of driving so it is vital to consider this aspect when buying a unique car.

The Alternative

The alternative to buying a unique car to stand out is to buy a flashy new car to show off to your friends. The cost of doing this is generally the biggest turn-off for buyers, but the savings that will be made on fuel, insurance and maintenance will likely make this far more affordable.

Considering car loans to buy a nicer, new vehicle is wise, as it will probably still save you money in the long run. Buying a new car and adding a turbo or an induction kit is a good way to make your vehicle stand out from the crowd without the huge expenses associated with older and unique vehicles.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Planning a bike trip to Australia is not an easy task. To ride it all would take a phenomenally long time and the saddle sores would be horrendous, but there is a huge amount to see and a lot of fun to be had too. This article considers what you need to know about riding a bike in Australia.

Road Law Variations

The road laws not only vary from other countries in the World, they also vary from state to state. Something legal in New South Wales, for example, may earn you 3 points and a hefty fine just over the border. It is important to understand the road laws of any country where you intend to ride and in Australia special attention needs to be paid for this reason.

Book Accommodation

In much of Australia, accommodation is few and far between so it is important to book ahead to avoid disappointment and a night in the outback. Even in the major cities it is important to book because hostels will be full for much of the year. Sydney hostels and those in other major cities tend to be full from the beginning of summer until early May, so finding accommodation on the day will be very hard.

Plan Your Route

Planning your route is an important factor because there is so much to see and the roads are so long that a wrong turn could take you for hundreds of kilometres in parts of the country. The coastal roads in Australia are of particular note and the Great Ocean Road is certainly worth riding. Other roads leading through the Northern Territories towards Uluru are also fantastic for riding and will provide you with unforgettable pictures and memories.

Communication

When riding in a big group for long periods, it is often important to be able to communicate. Helmet speakers provide the answer for this need and they will enable you to both communicate with other riders and with loved ones on the other side of the World. Sharing these moments with loved ones is an important part of getting the most enjoyment out of them, and there is no better way than by describing the beauty as you ride past waterfalls and along cliffs.

Bike Rental

The final aspect that needs to be arranged for a ride across Australia is the bike rental. Renting a bike is fairly expensive, but it is certainly worth making the investment in a top quality vehicle. A poxy scooter will simply fail in the heat of Australia if you try to push it through the deserts day by day. A bigger and more robust vehicle is certainly in order and comfort necessarily needs to be considered for long rides such as this. Consider several options for bike rental because there is a large variation in the offerings provided.

Be sure to get full insurance for the vehicle and to get the contact numbers of registered mobile mechanics too, because being stuck in the outback with a broken bike is not pleasant in the slightest.