HOME LOAN QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Ask before
you borrow.
Clear answers. Considered decisions.
A little more clarity for the journey ahead.
Browse all 32 questions or search for a keyword.
Helpful information for first home buyers, refinancers and construction borrowers across Australia, with WA-specific examples clearly labelled. General information only. Lending criteria, government scheme rules and personal circumstances apply.
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The essentials
Broker fees, credit history and choosing a loan.
01How much do you charge?
I generally do not charge clients a broker fee for standard residential lending. I am usually paid commission by the lender. If any fee may apply, it will be explained and disclosed before you proceed.
02What Does A Mortgage Broker Actually Do?
A mortgage broker helps compare lenders, explain your options and guide you through the home loan process from start to finish.
Instead of going to just one bank, a broker can often compare multiple lenders and help match you with a loan that suits your situation.
That includes:
- first home buyers
- refinancing
- investors
- self-employed clients
- debt consolidation
- upgrading or downsizing
03Mistakes you can make on your credit history?
Avoid these pitfalls to protect your credit score:
- It’s not all about your score. Lenders check your whole file and history.
- Misrepresenting income or expenses: Be honest about your finances; lenders verify your information.
- Submitting too many loan applications: Each application appears on your credit report.
- Keeping high credit card limits: High limits reduce your borrowing power, even if unused.
- Missed or late repayments: These may appear on your credit report and affect your credit score. Reporting rules apply and defaults have separate requirements. If repayments become difficult, contact your lender early.
04Can I Buy or Refinance If My Credit Score Isn’t Perfect?
Possibly, yes.
Not every refinance requires a perfect credit score.
Different lenders have different policies and some may be more flexible depending on:
- what caused the issue
- how long ago it happened
- whether repayments are now up to date
- your overall financial position
A less-than-perfect credit history does not always mean “no.” Sometimes it simply means finding the right lender and strategy.
05I am a pensioner - can I have a home loan to buy at a retirement village before I sell my own home?
Possibly. Options depend on your finances, available security and the retirement village’s ownership or occupancy arrangement. Bridging finance is not suitable for every village purchase. Costs can build while your current home remains unsold and the lender sets a repayment deadline. Have the village contract reviewed independently before committing.
06Fixed vs Variable - which one is better? what's the difference?
A fixed rate locks in your interest rate for an agreed period, usually between one and five years. This provides more certainty because your repayments will not change during the fixed period. However, extra repayments may be limited, offset accounts may not be available and break costs can apply if you change or repay the loan early.
A variable rate can move up or down throughout the life of your loan. Variable loans generally offer greater flexibility, including extra repayments, redraw and offset options, but your repayments may increase if the rate rises.
Variable rates are more directly influenced by changes to the RBA cash rate, although each lender decides whether and how much to pass on. Fixed rates offered to new borrowers are influenced by wholesale funding costs and expectations about where rates may move in the future, so they can change before, after or independently of an RBA decision.
There is no option that is automatically better for everyone. You can also split your loan, fixing one portion for certainty while keeping the remainder variable for flexibility.
Talk to me to figure out the best solution for your situation.
Your first home
Deposits, buying costs and getting ready.
07Tips for buying your first home
Make smart decisions for your future home:
- Consider your lifestyle & plans: Think about family size, work commute, school zones and long‑term needs such as renovation potential.
- Know why you’re buying: Clarify your motivations and assemble a team of professionals to guide you.
- Start early: Take time to research properties and understand a comfortable budget. Pre-approval can help you plan, but it is conditional and does not guarantee finance.
- Budget wisely: Stick to a comfortable monthly payment and set aside funds for insurance, taxes, maintenance and unexpected repairs.
- Compare lenders: I compare suitable options from the lenders available to me and explain the rates, fees and features relevant to your circumstances.
08What is the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme?
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme may allow eligible first home buyers to purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit, without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Eligibility, lender approval and property price caps still apply.
09Does the 5% Deposit Scheme mean I only need 5% saved?
Not always. You may also need funds for stamp duty, transfer fees, settlement costs, conveyancing, inspections, moving costs and any lender requirements. The 5% deposit is only one part of the overall purchase budget.
10Where can I check the property price cap for my suburb or postcode?
Use the official Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme property price caps and postcode search tool. Always confirm the details with your broker or participating lender before making an offer.
11Can I use the 5% Deposit Scheme in Western Australia?
Yes, the scheme is federal. Eligible buyers from all states, including WA, may be able to use the scheme if they meet the criteria, the lender participates and the property is within the relevant price cap.
12Can I buy with a 5% deposit without using the government scheme?
Some lenders may consider a 5% deposit depending on your income, savings history, credit profile and loan structure. Lenders Mortgage Insurance may apply if you are not using an eligible government guarantee.
A family guarantee may be another option, subject to lender criteria. It can reduce or avoid LMI in some cases, but the guarantor takes on a financial obligation and their property may be at risk. They should get independent legal and financial advice. Read the guarantor and gifted-deposit guide.
13Do I need genuine savings?
Some lenders require genuine savings, while others may accept rent history, gifted funds or other evidence depending on the loan type and lender policy.
14Can I use gifted money from family as my deposit?
Often yes, but lenders may want a gift letter and evidence that the funds are non-refundable. Policy varies between lenders.
15What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance?
Lenders Mortgage Insurance, often called LMI, protects the lender if the borrower defaults. It is usually required when borrowing more than 80% of the property value, unless an exemption or guarantee applies.
16Should I get pre-approval before making an offer?
Pre-approval can help you understand how much a lender may be willing to lend before you make an offer. I can also help you work out a comfortable budget, including purchase costs and repayments.
Pre-approval is conditional and does not guarantee finance. Final approval depends on the property, your circumstances and the lender’s requirements.
17What costs should first home buyers budget for?
Budget for deposit, stamp duty if applicable, transfer and registration fees, conveyancing, building and pest inspections, insurance, moving costs, utility connections and possible lender fees.
Refinancing
Reviewing your loan and understanding the options.
18When should I review my home loan?
It is worth reviewing your home loan regularly, especially if your fixed rate is ending, your repayments have increased, your circumstances have changed or you have not compared your loan for a while.
19Some tips for refinancing
Refinancing can save you money if done correctly:
- Compare the overall cost: A lower rate may reduce interest or repayments. Keeping repayments higher may help reduce the loan faster. Compare switching costs and the remaining loan term before deciding.
- Choose the right term: A shorter term pays off your loan sooner but increases monthly payments; a longer term lowers payments but costs more over time. We can find the right balance.
- Compare fixed and variable features: Fixed loans can provide repayment certainty. Variable loans often offer more flexibility for extra repayments. Paying more than the minimum may shorten your loan term, subject to product conditions.
- Cash‑out? Accessing equity for renovations or debt consolidation can help, but it can increase your repayments.
20What is refinancing?
Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan with a new loan, either with your current lender or a different lender.
21Can refinancing lower my repayments?
A lower rate, a longer term or a different loan structure may reduce repayments. A lower repayment does not always mean a lower total cost. Sometimes refinancing can result in higher repayments if you consolidate debts. The right option depends on your personal circumstances.
This is when it is worth having a chat!
22Can I access equity when I refinance?
You may be able to access equity for renovations, investment, debt consolidation or other purposes, subject to lender approval and responsible lending requirements.
23What is fast refinance?
Fast refinance is a process some lenders use to help refinance your loan without waiting for the outgoing lender to complete every standard discharge step first. It is lender and scenario specific.
24Can I refinance if I am self-employed?
Yes, but lenders may require tax returns, financial statements, BAS, bank statements or alternative income evidence depending on the lender and product.
25Can I refinance to consolidate debts?
Possibly. Debt consolidation can simplify repayments, but it can also stretch short-term debts over a longer loan term. You should understand the total cost before proceeding.
Building a home
Land, progress payments and the construction journey.
26How does a construction loan work?
First we settle on the land. Usually upon land settlement is when you start making repayment for the land portion of your loan.
A construction loan is usually paid in stages, called progress payments, as the build reaches key milestones such as slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and completion.
27Do I need separate approval for land and construction?
It depends on whether you are buying land first, building later, or arranging a house and land together. The lender will assess the full structure of the transaction.
For the 5% deposit scheme we will usually need land and construction contracts at the same time.
28What are progress payments?
Progress payments are staged payments made by the lender directly to the builder as each stage of construction is completed and verified.
29Do I pay interest on the full loan during construction?
Usually, interest is charged only on the amount drawn down so far, not the full approved loan amount. This can vary by lender and loan structure.
30What happens if building costs increase?
Cost increases may need to be funded by you or reassessed by the lender. It is important to keep a buffer and understand variation costs before signing.
31Can I use the First Home Owner Grant for construction in WA?
In WA, eligible first home buyers may be able to receive up to $10,000 towards buying or building a new home. Value caps, residence requirements and timing rules apply. Read the WA section of the grants guide and check the current RevenueWA eligibility rules before relying on the grant.
32Should I get finance approval before signing a building contract?
You should understand your borrowing capacity and finance position before committing to a building contract. Always allow enough time for finance and valuation requirements.
05 / THE REFERENCE DESK
Go a little
deeper.
Helpful resources
External links and calculators are provided for general information only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of third-party content or tools.
Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
Official scheme information for eligible first home buyers, including low deposit and no LMI details.
Property Price Caps and Postcode Search Tool
Check the price cap for the suburb or postcode you are considering under the 5% Deposit Scheme.
RevenueWA Transfer Duty Calculator
RevenueWA calculator for Western Australian transfer duty estimates.
First Home Owner Grant National Portal
National FHOG information with links to state and territory details.
MoneySmart Mortgage Calculator
ASIC MoneySmart calculator to estimate repayments and compare loan scenarios.
MoneySmart Budget Planner
Useful for first home buyers preparing for lender assessment and ongoing repayments.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
A question about
your situation?
Book a free initial conversation about your home loan options. I generally do not charge a broker fee for standard residential lending. If a fee may apply, I will explain it before you proceed.
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