Question 1

Do I have to pay for your service?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Our service is free to you because we're paid a commission by the lender once your loan settles. If your situation involves a complex or commercial loan where a broker fee might apply, we'll always discuss this upfront before you commit to anything. There are never hidden charges.

Question 2

How long does the home loan process take?

Accepted Answer

A typical home loan takes 2-4 weeks from application to formal approval, followed by another 4-6 weeks to settlement. The exact timeline depends on the lender's processing times, the complexity of your application, and how quickly documents are provided. We'll give you a realistic timeline at the start and keep you updated throughout.

Question 3

What documents do I need for a home loan application?

Accepted Answer

For most applications, you'll need: identification (passport or driver's licence), recent payslips (last 2-3), bank statements (last 3 months), details of any existing debts, and proof of savings or deposit. If you're self-employed, you'll typically need 2 years of tax returns and business financials. We'll provide a clear checklist based on your situation.

Question 4

Can you help if I'm self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We work with self-employed clients regularly—whether you're a sole trader, company director, or contractor. We know how to present your income to lenders in the best light and which lenders are most comfortable with self-employed borrowers. Even if you've been turned down elsewhere, we may be able to find a solution.

Question 5

How many lenders do you have access to?

Accepted Answer

We have access to over 40 lenders, including major banks, second-tier lenders, and specialist lenders. This means we can compare a wide range of products and rates to find the best fit for your situation—something you can't do by walking into a single bank.

Question 6

What's the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank?

Accepted Answer

A bank can only offer you their own products. A mortgage broker compares loans from dozens of lenders to find the best fit for your situation. We handle the paperwork, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the entire process—all at no cost to you in most cases.

Question 7

Do you only work with clients in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

No. While we're based in South-East Melbourne with offices in Bentleigh East, Truganina, and Mount Waverley, we help clients across Australia. Everything can be done via phone, video call, and email—so location is never a barrier.

Question 8

How does refinancing work?

Accepted Answer

Refinancing means replacing your current home loan with a new one—usually to get a lower interest rate, access equity, or consolidate debts. We review your existing loan, compare it against current market options, and handle the entire switch process if a better deal is available. Most refinances settle within 2-4 weeks.

Question 9

What is pre-approval and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

Pre-approval (or conditional approval) is when a lender agrees in principle to lend you a certain amount before you've found a property. It's not mandatory, but it gives you confidence when house hunting, clarity on your budget, and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Pre-approvals typically last 3-6 months.

Question 10

What if I have bad credit or a complex situation?

Accepted Answer

We can still help. We work with specialist lenders who are more flexible with credit history, unusual income structures, or non-standard situations. We'll review your situation honestly and let you know what options are available.

Question 11

Can you help with investment property loans?

Accepted Answer

Yes—whether it's your first investment property or you're expanding an existing portfolio. We'll structure the lending to optimise cash flow, tax efficiency, and borrowing capacity, and we'll find lenders comfortable with your level of exposure.

Question 12

What happens after my loan settles?

Accepted Answer

We don't disappear after settlement. We stay in touch with annual rate reviews to make sure you're still on a competitive deal. If your circumstances change—new property, renovation, growing family—we're here to help restructure or refinance as needed.

Question 13

Is the initial consultation free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your first conversation with us—whether it's a phone call, video meeting, or in-person chat—is completely free with no obligation. We'll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and outline your options.

Question 14

What grants are available for first home buyers?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your state and property type, you may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), stamp duty concessions or exemptions, and the First Home Super Saver Scheme. In Victoria, first home buyers purchasing a property under $600,000 pay no stamp duty, and concessions apply up to $750,000. We'll help you identify all grants you qualify for.

Question 15

Can I use the First Home Guarantee (formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme)?

Accepted Answer

If you're eligible, the First Home Guarantee allows you to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Places are limited each financial year. We'll check your eligibility and help you apply through participating lenders.

Question 16

What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?

Accepted Answer

LMI is a one-off insurance premium charged when you borrow more than 80% of a property's value. It protects the lender (not you) if you default. The cost varies based on your loan amount and deposit size. In some cases, we can help you avoid LMI through specific lender policies, guarantor arrangements, or government schemes.

Question 17

How much deposit do I need to buy a home?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, 20% of the purchase price avoids Lenders Mortgage Insurance. However, many lenders accept deposits as low as 5-10%, and government schemes like the First Home Guarantee can help eligible buyers purchase with just 5%. We'll work through the numbers based on your savings and situation.

Question 18

Can you help with construction loans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Construction loans work differently from standard home loans—funds are released in stages as construction progresses. We work with construction-friendly lenders and coordinate the process so you don't face delays or payment issues during your build.

Question 19

What fees should I budget for when buying a property?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the purchase price and deposit, typical costs include: stamp duty (unless exempt), conveyancing/legal fees ($1,000-$2,500), building and pest inspections ($500-$800), loan establishment fees (varies by lender), and moving costs. We'll help you budget for all of these upfront so there are no surprises.

Question 20

How do I know if I should refinance?

Accepted Answer

Consider refinancing if: your current rate is more than 0.5% above what's available in the market, your fixed rate is about to expire, you want to access equity for renovations or investments, you want to consolidate debts, or your financial situation has improved since you first got your loan. We offer a free Refinance Check to see if switching makes sense for you.

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