In most cases, absolutely nothing. We're paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles, so our service is free to you. We'll always be upfront if there are any fees involved before we get started.

A bank can only offer you their own products. A broker has access to a wide panel of lenders and can compare options across the market to find the best fit for your situation. Think of it like having someone shop around for you instead of walking into one store and hoping for the best.

You don't have to, but we strongly recommend it. A pre-approval gives you a clear budget, shows sellers and agents you're serious, and means you can move quickly when you find the right property.

It varies, but a straightforward application typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for approval. Settlement usually happens 4 to 6 weeks after that, depending on the contract terms. Complex deals involving self-employed income or trusts can take a little longer, which is why getting started early is so important.

It depends on your income, expenses, existing debts and the lender's criteria. Every lender calculates it slightly differently, which is where a broker adds real value. We can run your numbers across multiple lenders to find where your borrowing power is strongest.

Most lenders want at least 5% to 10% of the purchase price, but if you can get to 20% you'll avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. If you already own property, you may be able to use your existing equity instead of cash savings.

LMI is a one-off insurance premium that protects the lender (not you) when your deposit is less than 20% of the property value.

Most lenders ask for two years of personal and business tax returns plus financials. However, some lenders will work with just one year, and there are also low-doc options if your situation doesn't fit the standard criteria.

It's trickier, but not impossible. Some lenders have minimum trading period requirements of 12 to 24 months, while others may consider your industry experience and prior employment history. We'll assess your situation and let you know what's realistic.

Not harder, just different. Lenders assess trust and company income differently to personal income, and not all lenders treat it the same way. This is where having a broker who genuinely understands entity structures makes a big difference. We know which lenders are comfortable with trusts and companies and how to present the income properly.