Things people ask before they call.

For home loans and most investment loans, no. The lender pays us a commission when the loan settles, and we disclose the amount before you sign. Some commercial and asset finance deals carry a fee, agreed with you in writing first.

We are legally required to act in your best interests, and commission rates across the major lenders are similar. We show you the commission on every option so you can see for yourself.

Nothing. There is no fee for the call, the comparison or a pre-approval that you do not use.

Lenders look at your income after tax, your living expenses, your other debts and credit limits, and then add a buffer of about three percent to the interest rate to check you could still pay if rates rise. Each lender's formula is different, which is why the same person can get very different answers. The calculator gives a range, a call gives you a real figure.

Twenty percent avoids lenders mortgage insurance. Many lenders accept five to ten percent with insurance added to the loan. First home buyers may qualify for the government guarantee scheme, which allows five percent with no insurance for eligible buyers and price caps.

A one-off insurance premium that protects the lender, not you, when your deposit is under twenty percent. It is usually added to the loan. On a $600,000 purchase with a ten percent deposit it can run into the tens of thousands, so it is worth planning around.

Yes. Most lenders want two years of tax returns and notices of assessment. Some accept one year, or business bank statements and an accountant's letter, at a slightly higher rate.

Pre-approval usually takes two to five business days once we have your documents. Full approval after a signed contract takes one to two weeks. Car and equipment finance is often same day or next day.

Every formal application is recorded on your credit file. That is why we compare first and lodge once, with the lender most likely to approve you, instead of applying to several at once.

We find out why, fix what can be fixed, and if it makes sense, go to a lender whose policy suits your situation better. Sometimes the honest answer is to wait a few months, and we will say so.

Yes. Everything can be done by phone, video and secure document upload. Identity checks are done online or through the post office.