Stage 4. Getting your Fixed Price Building Quote and your Valuation

So our next stage is for you and your agreed architect and or builder to agree on a fixed price building quote so that we as your brokers can get a valuation done. Here are the items we need to get a valuation done on your property and progress your application. A fixed price building quote. Note – this is not an estimate, it’s not an invoice, it’s […]

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

Stage 3. Planning

OK – so on our last email we looked at the land purchase, this email will assume you’re onto stage 3 – Planning what you want to build! Now remember, you can keep this email to read later if you’re not at this stage, or you can zoom ahead to the other stages as you need to make this process move at your pace: XX XX Links to […]

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

Stage 2. Buying your block of land.

Now let’s get started with your land”¦.  (remember, zoom ahead or backwards as often as you need). Land You’ve found a block you love! Fantastic! Now the first instinct here can be to run and place a contract on it straight away – but wait! Firstly: Questions to ask the agent or seller (vendor) when you view the land (to let your broker know): What is the zoning […]

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

Stage 1. Is building right for you?

If you’re in that whole thinking stage of – do we buy an existing home or do we buy a block, here’s a great place to start reading before you take the leap and buy that block. Stress levels Buying any home brings with it a measure of stress (and excitement) – but building can emphasise these feelings even more so. I always say that a real estate […]

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

What I say when asked”¦ “Why would I use a Mortgage Broker?”

While we’re extremely fortunate and proud to have some incredible clients who absolutely love to answer this question on our behalf, we also love to let people know what we do and why we want to help you. Firstly, we don’t charge for our services.  Our fees are paid by the lender but only once we have found you a fantastic option for your situation.  Over 50% of […]

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

Gift Funds.

If you’re receiving gift funds from a relative (typically!) most banks will require they write a letter confirming that they’re giving you the funds, suggested wording is as follows: To whom it may concern, I  <<insert full name>>  am gifting unconditionally to my  <<insert relationship>> <<insert full name of gift recipient>> the amount of $XX,XXX.00 This gift is without requirement for repayment and is not interest bearing. SIGNED: DATE: If […]

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

When would I refinance my mortgage?

Whenever it makes financial sense to do so.
Heard about mortgage refinancing? In the past, most people who took out a mortgage doggedly continued with it until they had paid it off. These days, people refinance their mortgage much more frequently. The average duration of a home loan in Australia now is just 4-5 years. Here we look at some of the reasons people in Australia refinance their home loan.

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

How to pay off your mortgage faster

When was the last time you looked closely at your loan, the progress you are making on paying it off and how it compares to others in the market? Analysing your mortgage could mean savings for you, as well as the opportunity to pay it off more quickly, invest in other assets or reach financial freedom sooner. Make smaller payments, more often To cut the size of your […]

Read More | 12 Feb, 2019

Back to Basics – how do I make an offer?

Firstly – the VERY best way to make an offer on a property is to be pre-approved so you have an understanding of what the bank you’re going to go with thinks your borrowing capacity is. Your broker can help you start the pre-approval process so you can make an offer with confidence about your ability to get a loan (and then it’s mostly down to whether the […]

Read More | 19 Dec, 2018

Pre-settlement inspection – What to look for

We’ll always recommend you schedule a pre-settlement inspection on a property you’re buying about 2-3 days prior to settlement day (sometimes closer if furnishings haven’t ben removed). You can do this by booking in with the agent you purchased from, or if you’ve purchased privately – directly with the owners of the property. What are you looking for? Well – most of the time you’re just looking for […]

Read More | 05 Dec, 2018