Resources
Answers to common questions about mortgages, lending, and working with a broker.
How our service works and what to expect
Our service is free for most clients. Mortgage brokers are paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles — not by you. This means you get expert advice and access to multiple lenders at no direct cost. For complex scenarios, a fee may apply — however, any costs will be discussed upfront and a credit proposal document provided before any application goes to the bank.
A bank can only offer you their own products. As a broker, I have access to 40+ lenders and can compare options across the market to find the best fit for your situation. I also handle the paperwork, negotiate on your behalf, and provide ongoing support — saving you time and often money.
From application to settlement, most loans take 2-6 weeks depending on the lender and complexity. Pre-approval can often be obtained within 24-48 hours. I'll keep you updated at every stage and proactively chase the lender to avoid unnecessary delays.
No — everything is handled digitally via video calls, e-signatures, and secure document uploads. Many clients prefer the flexibility of remote service, and you'll receive the same responsive communication you'd expect from any broker. I'm often available during evenings and can work around your schedule.
Understanding what you can borrow and how lenders assess you
This depends on your income, expenses, existing debts, and the lender's criteria. As a rough guide, most lenders will allow you to borrow 5-6x your annual income, but this varies significantly. Use our Borrowing Power Calculator for an estimate, or book a consultation for an accurate assessment based on your full financial picture.
The standard minimum is 5% of the property value, though 20% allows you to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). First home buyers may qualify for government schemes that allow purchases with as little as 2-5% deposit. For investment properties, most lenders require 10-20% depending on your profile.
Yes, though the process can be more complex. Most lenders want to see 2 years of tax returns and financial statements. However, some lenders offer 'low-doc' loans for self-employed borrowers with as little as 6-12 months of business history. This is one of my specialty areas — I've helped many self-employed clients secure finance when other brokers said no.
Yes. Lenders assess your existing commitments including credit cards (even if unused), personal loans, car loans, HECS/HELP debt, and buy-now-pay-later services. Before applying, it's worth paying down or closing unused credit facilities to maximise your borrowing capacity.
There's no universal minimum, but generally a score above 600 is considered acceptable by most lenders. Scores above 700 give you access to the most competitive rates. If your credit history has some blemishes, don't assume you can't get a loan — some lenders specialise in 'non-conforming' lending, and I can guide you through your options.
Questions specific to property investors
Yes, this is one of the most common strategies for building a property portfolio. If your home has increased in value, you can access that equity (typically up to 80% of the property's value minus your existing loan) to use as a deposit on an investment property. This avoids the need to save cash for a deposit.
Loan structuring involves setting up your loans in a way that maximises tax efficiency, protects your assets, and gives you flexibility for future purchases. Poor structuring can cost you thousands in lost tax deductions and limit your ability to grow your portfolio. This is where working with a specialist broker makes a significant difference.
For investment properties, interest-only loans can improve cash flow and may offer tax advantages since the interest is deductible. However, you're not building equity during the interest-only period. The right choice depends on your investment strategy, cash flow needs, and long-term goals. I can model both scenarios for you.
Yes, though lending for trusts and companies is more complex and not all lenders offer it. Purchasing through a structure can provide asset protection and tax benefits, but the loan options are more limited and rates may be slightly higher. I specialise in trust lending and can advise on whether this structure suits your situation.
When and how to review your existing loan
You should review your loan if: your fixed rate is expiring, you've been with the same lender for 2+ years without a rate review, you want to access equity, or your circumstances have changed (income increased, debts paid off). Many people are paying more than they need to simply because they haven't reviewed their loan recently.
Costs may include discharge fees from your current lender ($150-400), government fees for registering the new mortgage, and potentially break costs if you're exiting a fixed rate early. However, many lenders offer cashback incentives ($2,000-$4,000+) that can offset these costs. I'll always calculate whether refinancing makes financial sense before recommending it.
Each loan application creates a small, temporary impact on your credit score. However, if refinancing results in better loan management (lower repayments, consolidated debts), it can actually improve your score over time. I'm mindful of credit enquiries and won't submit applications unnecessarily.
Getting into your first property
Key schemes include: First Home Guarantee (buy with 5% deposit, no LMI), First Home Owner Grant (varies by state, typically $10,000-$30,000 for new builds), and stamp duty exemptions or concessions. Eligibility depends on property type, value, location, and your personal circumstances. I'll help you understand exactly what you qualify for.
This is a strategic decision that depends on your goals, lifestyle, and financial situation. Buying an investment first (while renting where you want to live) can be a powerful wealth-building strategy known as 'rentvesting'. There are pros and cons to each approach — I'm happy to walk you through the numbers for your specific situation.
First home buyers can access voluntary super contributions through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). This allows you to withdraw up to $50,000 of voluntary contributions (plus earnings) to put towards a deposit. It's a tax-effective way to save, but there are rules and timelines to follow.
Every situation is unique. Book a free consultation and I'll answer your specific questions about your lending options.