The number of lenders available in the market has highlighted the need for greater research and consideration, or ‘due diligence’, when searching and applying for a loan. The act of purchasing a property, commonly requiring the production of significant personal information, coupled with the commitment of large sums of money, can be stressful. And now, with a wide variety of new lenders entering the marketplace, confidently choosing a lender you are comfortable with can feel downright overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help you make the right…

How broker turns challenges into homeowner wins Viviane Pham, a mortgage broker at Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors, leverages technology and expertise to guide clients through complex financing processes. Read more from the Australian Broker

Other than the obvious documentation that needs to accompany an application, satisfactory identification and evidence of income by way of pay slips, many lenders will expect to see a reference from your employer, group certificates or tax returns, and records of any investments or shares that you might have. If you are self-employed, you will need to organise alternative documentation to prove income, such as financial statements relating to the profit and loss of your business going back two years. Lenders will also want to see bank statements going back…

Buying property is one of the biggest decisions most of us will make in our lifetime – it’s something you want to get right. Every Australian state and territory has different laws, forms, regulations and taxes associated with purchasing property, so having either a solicitor or a conveyancer will help the whole process run smoothly. A property purchase is one of the biggest financial commitments a person can make. It is therefore important to have professional advice about what you are buying. Solicitors and conveyancers are familiar with all the…

There are many different factors borrowers need to consider when thinking about refinancing a loan. The first step is to speak to an expert about your needs and whether you can afford to service a different loan structure. At this point, a Smartmove Mortgage & Finance Advisor will also need to find out about your existing loan, repayments and the structure of the facility. The current value of the property is also taken into consideration, so the mortgage adviser will have access to current data that will indicate what the asset…

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) have gained popularity in Australia as a way for individuals to take direct control of their retirement savings. SMSFs allow investors to manage their own superannuation and make direct investments, including in property. However, the landscape of SMSF lending has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with the exit of major lenders from the market. Banks such as Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, and NAB have completely withdrawn from offering SMSF loans. Several factors have driven this retreat. Firstly, regulatory scrutiny has intensified, with the Australian Prudential…

Australia’s Stage 3 tax cuts, set to take effect from July 1, are designed to reduce the amount of tax people pay, increasing their take-home pay. This increased take-home pay has a direct impact on borrowing capacity, particularly for home loans. When people pay less in taxes, their disposable income rises. Banks and lenders consider this higher disposable income when determining how much they can safely lend to a borrower. With more money available after taxes, individuals can demonstrate a greater ability to repay a loan, thus qualifying for larger…

Urgent maintenance is an unavoidable aspect of being a landlord, so having a cash buffer set aside will help you deal with any unexpected problems. When renting out an investment property, having access to extra cash is vital for two reasons: to cover the costs of maintaining the property, giving it the best chance of remaining tenanted; and to cover the cost of the mortgage should you lose your employment or rental income A buffer ensures that you are not stretched to your financial limits, but rather comfortable while on…

Really use your senses Sniff, peer, listen and feel as much as you can. Your nose might pick up a mouldy or musty smell that may mean damp. You might spy small or hidden cracks that could mean structural issues. That clattering sound when water is running? That can be a sign of serious plumbing problems. Don’t be distracted by the beautiful bling Anyone can invest money in pretty cushions and lamps to set off the house. Or bake some cookies just as the open inspection starts so the house…