In a climate of continual newsfeeds and non-stop information, property investors could be forgiven for getting spooked by all of the negative press Australia’s residential real estate sector attracts.

Throughout life we have the opportunity to learn many valuable lessons. Some things we find out the hard way and some the easy way. All too often it’s the former however, as expectations go unmet and disappointment ensues, which begs the question, why is it we seem to set our children up for a fall?

Australia’s lending landscape is fast becoming a minefield of mortgage products, as the big banks and remaining handful of second tier lenders do battle for your business in the wake of a property market upswing. Borrowers are currently in an excellent position, with low rates on offer everywhere you turn and eager mortgage managers keen to negotiate if it means retaining your custom. But how do you know when you’re getting a good deal, as opposed to an average one? How do you compare apples and oranges with apples and apples and is it enough to do your own homework these days?

For the first time in 17 years, the banking sector, investment markets, super funds and the financial advisor’s industry have come under scrutiny, with a close examination headed by former CBA chief and current head of the Future Fund, David Murray