Here are answers to the questions we get all the time. Don’t see yours? Ask James.
Do I have to pay you for your service?
In most cases, no. We’re typically paid by the lender, not by you. This means you get expert advice and a dedicated broker at no extra cost. There may be some situations where a fee applies — for example, for complex or specialist loans — but we’ll always be upfront about this from the very beginning.
How is a broker different from going direct to a bank?
A bank can only offer you their own products. We compare across 90+ lenders — major banks, digital banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders. That means more options, more competitive rates, and a loan that’s actually tailored to your situation. We also handle the research and paperwork, and stay in touch after settlement.
I’m self-employed. Will that be a problem?
Not at all. While some traditional banks can be rigid with non-salary income, we work with lenders who understand alternative income structures. We’ll find the right lender for your unique financial picture — whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, company director, or freelancer.
How long does the whole process take?
From our first conversation to indicative approval, it’s typically 1–2 weeks — depending on how quickly you can gather documents. From approval to settlement is usually another 4–6 weeks. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way so you’re never left wondering what’s happening.
What if I’ve been declined by a bank before?
One bank’s “no” doesn’t mean every bank will say no. Different lenders have different criteria, and some are more flexible than others. We’ll assess your situation honestly, identify the lenders most likely to say yes, and present your application in the strongest possible way.
How much deposit do I need?
It depends on the lender and the loan type. A 20% deposit typically means you avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), but many lenders accept smaller deposits (5–10%) with LMI or under a government guarantee scheme. We’ll explain all your options — including any grants or schemes you may be eligible for.
What documents will I need?
Typically, you’ll need:
- Identification (driver’s licence, passport, Medicare card)
- Proof of income (recent payslips or, if self-employed, tax returns and notices of assessment)
- Bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
- Existing loan statements (if refinancing)
- Contract of sale (if purchasing)
Don’t worry if you’re not sure — we’ll give you a checklist tailored to your situation.
Can you help if I have bad credit?
Past credit issues don’t automatically disqualify you. Some specialist lenders consider applications from people with defaults, discharged bankruptcies, or other credit history concerns. We’ll assess your situation honestly and identify lenders who may be able to help — and we’ll be straight with you if we think a particular path is unlikely.
Do you charge fees?
In most cases, no. We’re paid by the lender. If a fee applies in your situation, we’ll tell you before you commit to anything — no surprises.
What happens after settlement?
We stay in touch. We’ll check in to see how things are going, monitor rates, and let you know if there’s an opportunity to save by refinancing down the track. Your relationship with us doesn’t end at settlement — that’s when the ongoing support begins.
Have another question? Get in touch with James.
General information only. Talk to James for advice tailored to your situation.