1. Initial Discovery Chat

This is where your broker gets to know you—your goals, financial position, and what you’re trying to achieve. You’ll typically discuss:

• Your income and expenses

• Your deposit or equity

• Your borrowing goals (first home, refinance, investment, business, SMSF, etc.)

• Your preferred loan features

This step is obligation‑free and helps the broker map out your lending options.

2. Financial Assessment

Your broker reviews your documents to calculate borrowing capacity and identify suitable lenders. You’ll usually provide:

• Payslips or financial statements

• ID

• Bank statements

• Existing loan details

This ensures the recommendations are accurate and tailored.

3. Loan Strategy & Product Comparison

This is where brokers shine. Instead of offering one bank’s products, they compare dozens of lenders to find:

• Competitive interest rates

• Suitable loan structures

• Features like offset accounts, redraw, fixed vs variable

• Policies that match your situation (e.g., self‑employed, SMSF, low‑deposit, complex income)

You’ll receive a clear explanation of your options and the pros and cons of each.

4. Application Preparation

Your broker prepares and submits your loan application, ensuring it meets the lender’s requirements. They handle:

• Paperwork

• Compliance checks

• Submission

• Liaising with the bank

This removes the stress and reduces the chance of delays or declines.

5. Approval & Settlement Support

Your broker keeps you updated through:

• Conditional approval

• Valuation

• Final approval

• Loan documents

• Settlement

They coordinate with your conveyancer, lender, and real estate agent to ensure everything runs smoothly.

6. Ongoing Loan Reviews

A good broker doesn’t disappear after settlement. They continue to:

• Review your loan annually

• Suggest refinancing opportunities

• Help you restructure as your goals change

• Support future purchases or investments

This long‑term partnership is one of the biggest advantages of using a broker.

1. Banks and brokers have access to the same base rates

Lenders in Australia are legally required to offer brokers the same advertised rates they offer customers who walk in directly. This is part of ASIC’s regulatory framework and the industry’s Best Interests Duty.

So, going direct does not give you a “secret discount.”

2. Brokers often negotiate better pricing

Because brokers submit large volumes of loans, they can request pricing discounts on your behalf. This can result in:

• Lower interest rates

• Fee waivers

• Better loan features

Banks rarely offer these proactively to walk‑in customers.

You can explore this further with rate negotiation insights.

3. Brokers compare many lenders — banks only offer their own

A bank can only show you their products. A broker compares:

• Major banks

• Second‑tier lenders

• Credit unions

• Specialist lenders

This increases your chances of finding a lower rate or a structure that suits your goals.

See more about loan comparison benefits.

4. Brokers must act in your best interests — banks don’t have that obligation

Since 2021, mortgage brokers are legally bound by the Best Interests Duty (BID). Banks are not.

This means a broker must recommend the option that benefits you, not the lender.

Learn more about Best Interests Duty.

5. Brokers can structure your loan smarter

Even if the rate is the same, the structure can save you thousands. Brokers help with:

• Offset accounts

• Split loans

• Interest‑only vs P&I

• Investment vs owner‑occupied strategies

• Debt recycling

• Equity release

Banks rarely provide this level of strategic advice.

The Bottom Line

You do not get better rates by going directly to a bank. You often get equal or better rates through a broker — plus expert guidance, loan structuring, and access to more lenders.

Our Standard Model: No Fee to the Clients

As mortgage brokers, we are paid a commission by the lender, not by you. This includes both:

• Upfront commission (paid when the loan settles)

• Trail commission (a small ongoing payment while the loan remains active)

This means clients typically receive expert guidance, loan comparisons, and application support at no direct cost.

When We Might Charge a Fee

Although uncommon, from time to time we may charge a fee in specific situations:

• Complex lending scenarios — e.g., unusual income structures, non‑standard securities, or specialised commercial deals

• Small loan amounts — where the lender commission is too low to cover the work involved

• SMSF lending — due to additional compliance and structuring requirements

• Commercial or business loans — depending on the size and complexity of the transaction

If a fee applies, we always disclose it upfront, before any work begins.

Your borrowing capacity depends on income, expenses, liabilities, deposit size, and lender policy. Each bank calculates this differently, which is why a broker compares multiple lenders to find your true capacity.

Typically: ID, payslips, tax returns, bank statements, and details of existing debts. Self‑employed clients may need business financials.

Most lenders prefer 20%, but options exist with 5–10% deposits, including government schemes and guarantor loans. Your broker will explain which applies to you.

Rates vary by lender, loan type, credit score, and loan‑to‑value ratio. Brokers can often negotiate pricing discounts that aren’t offered to walk‑in customers. description