First Homes

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert Home loan Brokers

Using a mortgage broker in Australia offers numerous advantages, including access to a wide range of lenders and loan products that may not be available directly to borrowers. Brokers save you time by handling paperwork, comparing multiple loan options, and negotiating competitive interest rates on your behalf. Their expertise helps simplify the mortgage process, ensuring you secure a loan that aligns with your financial goals. Additionally, brokers often have access to exclusive deals and can provide personalised advice, increasing your chances of approval while potentially saving you thousands over the life of your loan.

No, using a mortgage broker typically does not cost you anything because they are paid by lenders through commissions. This means their services are generally free for borrowers. A broker’s expertise can help you secure better loan terms, lower interest rates, and avoid costly mistakes, potentially saving you money in the long run. Their ability to compare multiple lenders ensures you get the most competitive deal without the hassle of researching and negotiating on your own.

We are accredited with over 30 of Australia’s leading lenders, allowing us to compare a wide variety of home loan products to find the best match for your needs. The exact number of lenders we assess depends on your financial situation, borrowing requirements, and loan preferences. By comparing multiple lenders, we increase your chances of securing a competitive interest rate, favourable loan features, and a mortgage structure that suits your long-term financial plans.

We provide remote mortgage assistance to clients across all of Australia, ensuring accessibility no matter where you’re located. For those who prefer face-to-face meetings, we also service the Sydney Metropolitan area, Northern Beaches, Hills District, South West Sydney, and Western Suburbs. Whether you need help with a first home loan, refinancing, or investment property financing, our flexible service options ensure you receive expert guidance in a way that suits your preferences.

Home loan interest rates in Australia fluctuate frequently due to economic conditions, lender policies, and Reserve Bank decisions. The lowest available rate depends on factors such as loan type (fixed vs. variable), loan-to-value ratio (LVR), and whether the loan is for owner-occupiers or investors. A mortgage broker can provide up-to-date rate comparisons and negotiate competitive deals based on your financial profile, potentially securing you a lower rate than if you applied directly with a bank.

Applying for a home loan in Australia involves several key steps, which a mortgage broker can simplify for you. First, we assess your financial situation, including income, expenses, and credit history. Next, we recommend suitable loan options from our panel of lenders. Once you select a loan, we handle the application process, guide you through required documentation, and submit your application to the lender. We then manage communications with the lender, track progress, and assist with settlement, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience from start to finish.

Refinancing your home loan involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People refinance to secure a lower interest rate, access equity, switch from variable to fixed rates (or vice versa), consolidate debt, or obtain better loan features. A mortgage broker can compare refinancing options across multiple lenders, helping you determine whether refinancing will save you money or improve your financial flexibility in the long term.

The deposit required for a home loan in Australia varies depending on the loan type and lender policies. Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit for owner-occupied loans (up to 95% LVR) and 10% for investment loans (up to 90% LVR). However, a larger deposit (20% or more) can help you avoid Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI). First home buyers may also qualify for government grants or schemes that reduce deposit requirements. A mortgage broker can advise on strategies to maximise your deposit and improve loan approval chances.

The amount you can borrow depends on factors such as your income, expenses, credit history, existing debts, and the lender’s assessment criteria. Lenders typically use a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to determine borrowing capacity, ensuring repayments remain manageable. A mortgage broker can evaluate your financial situation, compare lender policies, and estimate your maximum borrowing power. They can also suggest ways to improve your eligibility, such as reducing debts or increasing savings, to help you secure the loan amount you need.

A fixed-rate loan locks in your interest rate for a set period (usually 1–5 years), providing repayment certainty but less flexibility. In contrast, a variable-rate loan fluctuates with market changes, potentially offering lower rates (or higher, depending on economic conditions) and features like offset accounts or extra repayments. Fixed rates suit borrowers who prefer stability, while variable rates may benefit those seeking flexibility or expecting rate drops. A mortgage broker can help you decide which option aligns best with your financial strategy.

Yes, we can still assist even with bad credit, though options may be limited. Some lenders specialise in bad credit home loans, considering factors like stable income, improved repayment behaviour, or a strong savings record. We help by presenting your financial situation in the best possible way, explaining past credit issues, and finding lenders more likely to approve your application. Additionally, we can guide you on improving your credit score over time to access better loan terms in the future.

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