Take a quick look at your current financial situation, including income, expenses, savings, and debts.Consider how much you can comfortably afford to contribute as a down payment and monthly mortgage payments.

Take some time to consider what features you might like in your mortgage, such as fixed-rate or Variable, offset accounts, access to a redraw facility or transfer of security so that we can better determine what products best suit your needs.

Consider the terms of the loan you would like, including the overall length of the loan and any fixed rate periods you would prefer along with the implications of each choice on your monthly payments and overall interest paid.

If you are interested in gaining a pre-approval, ask us about the pre-approval process and its benefits. This involves the broker assessing your financial situation and providing a preliminary loan approval from a lender that is valid for 90 days.

Obtain a copy of your credit report and check for any inaccuracies or issues.

You can obtain a current credit report by clicking here.

Work on improving your credit score if necessary, as it can impact your borrowing capacity and the interest rate you qualify for.

Consider how much you can afford for a down payment and whether you might qualify for subsidy programs or Government grants.

Think about the additional costs of purchasing a property, such as stamp duty, and ask us for more information if you are unsure.

As every client is unique, it’s good to prepare a list of questions to ask us before our meeting covering topics such as interest rates, fees, loan options, and potential challenges. This will ensure that during our time together you can get the information you need to feel confident about the process of obtaining finance.

When budgeting for your expenses, remember to allow for not only the mortgage payment but also property rates, insurance, and potential maintenance costs of the property.

Consider your long-term financial goals and how your new or existing property fits into your overall financial plan.

Take some time to research the current housing market conditions and property values in the area where you intend to buy.

Try to be aware of potential future developments that may impact property values or amenities in the areas that you are looking at.

Consider the long-term implications of homeownership and investment on your overall financial strategy. How does property ownership fit into your life and what may it have on other plans you may have?

Don’t be afraid to discuss with us how a mortgage product may or may not align with your broader financial goals.