Released on = January 15, 2006, 6:32 pm

Press Release Author = Mortgage Refunds

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = Australian first home buyers are in the best position they
have been in for many years. With flat or falling house prices, low interest rates
and a competitive lending market, the time to buy is now.

Press Release Body = Australians looking to buy their first home should be acting
without delay to set themselves up for the future.

That's the view of Mortgage Refunds Managing Director, Jason King, who says that
Australian first home buyers are finally hearing some good news after years of being
kept out of the market by high house prices.

A factor in better housing affordability is the end to the investor-led overheating
of the market, which has driven house prices out of the range of many first home
buyers in recent years.

"2005 saw falling or flat house prices around Australia, and the housing market is
still very subdued, so it's definitely a buyers' market right now," said Mr. King.

Interest rates in Australia are low, and there is fierce competition in the market,
giving first-time borrowers the opportunity to get off to a great start and save
thousands on repayments over the lives of their mortgages.

Mr. King warns, however, that buyers should consider acting soon, with rumours of
rising interest rates later this year potentially offsetting lower house prices.

"There's talk of interest rates going up soon, so people should be looking to get in
now while interest rates are still so low."

Mr. King says that first home buyers should also look at using a mortgage broking
company like Mortgage Refunds, which has access to over 30 lenders, to help them
find the best deal on their loan.

"There's a lot of competition in the market, and some great offers out there. An
independent mortgage broking company can help find the best deal for you."

In addition to the service of finding the best deal for its customers, Mortgage
Refunds offers refunds to people who have the company broker their home loans.

Borrowers who use Mortgage Refunds receive up to $4000 the day before their loan
settles. The cash-back offer can be taken in cash, set off against their loan, or
taken in the form of free flights and accommodation or household appliances.

Mr. King also offers his customers protection against any possible interest rate
rises occurring later this year. Mortgage Refunds' Variable Interest Rate Guarantee
sees the company's variable interest rate customers receive a refund on any
out-of-pocket interest expenses for a year should interest rates go up before 30
June 2006.

For more information, contact Mortgage Refunds - cash back mortgage brokers: visit
www.mortgagerefunds.com.au or phone 1300 729 968.

Web Site = http://www.mortgagerefunds.com.au

Contact Details = Jason King