Menu Toggle

NerdWallet Australia

Search

Alan Hartstein

Alan Hartstein

Contributing Writer and Editor Home loans, business IT, financial services and fintech

Alan Hartstein has worked in publishing for over 25 years as a writer and editor across broadsheets, tabloids, magazines, trade publications and numerous forms of digital content. Alan was initially attracted to journalism through his love of words and their ability to make an impact in the world. Alan’s main areas of expertise are in business IT, financial services and fintech, but he also thoroughly enjoys writing comedy sketches and arts-related content, which can include everything from ballet and opera reviews to TV and movies. Alan is based in Sydney, Australia.

Education: B.A. in Political Science and Government, History, English from Australian National University

Previous Experience: Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Financial Review, the NSW Department of Treasury, the NSW Productivity Commission, Filtered Media, Think About Content, Media Express, and Penguin Australia.

The latest from Alan

Innovative Home Loan Features To Know

Home loan features — like cashback incentives, round-up tools, customisable repayment schedules and more — aim to help borrowers manage mortgages more effectively.

7 Tips For Home Loan Approval

Applying for a home loan? These tips for home loan approval may help you boost your odds of approval. Here's what to know.

Gifting Property To Children: Pros And Cons

Gifting property to children can help them get on the property ladder, but there are pros and cons to consider before transferring property.

What Happens To Redraw At The End Of Your Loan?

What happens to a redraw when the loan is paid off varies, but the facility’s account should be empty because those funds paid down the mortgage.

Can You Have Multiple Offset Accounts?

When you have multiple offset accounts, the combined value is offset against the home loan, further reducing the interest payable on your mortgage.

Redraw Vs. Offset: How To Choose

Redraw allows you to overpay your loan and access funds later to save on interest. Offset accounts link savings to your loan to reduce the interest you owe.

How To Increase Borrowing Capacity: 12 Tips

Knowing how to increase borrowing capacity for a home loan can help you get a larger mortgage from your lender. Here's 12 tips to get started.

Best Interests Duty: What Should Borrowers Know?

‘Best interests duty’ forces mortgage brokers to operate in the best interests of their clients instead of maximising commissions wherever possible.

10 Questions To Ask A Real Estate Agent When Selling A House

Selling a house can be tricky, so working with the right people is crucial. Here are 10 questions to ask a real estate agent to see if they fit.

What Is A Real Estate Agent?

In the home buying process, the agent is the link between the buyer and seller.

10 Questions To Ask Your Mortgage Broker

A mortgage broker can be a great asset whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking for an investment property or are thinking about refinancing your existing mortgage. Make sure they’re a good fit for you by asking the right questions.

What Is Home Loan Portability?

When you move properties, the last thing you want to deal with is taking out a whole new mortgage. Thankfully, home loan portability is a relatively easy way to transfer your mortgage from one property to another and keep the same loan.

What Does ‘Gazumping’ Mean When Buying a Property?

Gazumping is when a buyer’s verbally accepted offer is discarded in favour of a higher offer.

Can You Counter Offer On A House?

A counter offer on a house or property can be good for both sellers and buyers. Here’s how to leverage them.

Understanding The Cooling-Off Period When Buying Property

A cooling-off period is a chance for home buyers to rethink an offer. It can last up to five days, but the length varies from state to state.

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next