How do I get started with Personalised Finance?
Getting started is straightforward. You can reach out to us by phone, email, or through our website to book an initial conversation. There is no obligation involved in that first chat. We will ask you some questions about your situation, what you are hoping to achieve, and what your timeframe looks like. From there, we can give you a clear picture of the next steps and what we will need from you to move forward. We work with clients in Asquith, Berowra, Hornsby, and right across Australia, so no matter where you are based, we can find a way to work together that suits you. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start working on your options.
What is refinancing and how do I know if it is worth looking into?
Refinancing means replacing your current home loan with a new one, either with your existing lender or a different one. People refinance for all sorts of reasons, including wanting a different loan structure, accessing equity in their property, consolidating debt, or simply wanting to review whether their current loan still suits their needs. At Personalised Finance, we can review your existing loan and compare it against what else is available in the market. We look at the full picture, including any exit fees, break costs, or other considerations, so you can make an informed decision. It is worth having a conversation about it, especially if your circumstances have changed since you first took out your loan.
Can Personalised Finance help me if I have had credit issues in the past?
Having a less-than-perfect credit history does not automatically mean you cannot get a home loan. There are lenders in Australia who work with borrowers who have had defaults, late payments, or other credit issues, though the options available will depend on the nature and timing of those issues. At Personalised Finance, we take the time to understand your full situation before we recommend a path forward. We will be honest with you about what is realistic and what lenders may be willing to consider. We are not here to give you false hope, but we are also not here to write you off without looking at all the possibilities available to you.
What documents will I need to provide?
The documents required will depend on your individual situation, but as a general guide, most lenders will want to see proof of identity, evidence of your income such as payslips or tax returns, recent bank statements, details of any existing debts or liabilities, and information about the property you are looking to purchase or refinance. If you are self-employed, you will typically need to provide business financials and tax returns for the past two years. At Personalised Finance, we will give you a clear checklist tailored to your circumstances so you know exactly what to gather before we submit your application. Being organised upfront can make a real difference to how smoothly things progress.
How long does the home loan process take?
The timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender, the complexity of your application, and how quickly documentation can be gathered. In general terms, once we have everything we need from you, a straightforward application can move through to formal approval within a few weeks. More complex situations, such as self-employed income or unusual property types, can take longer. At Personalised Finance, we keep you updated throughout the process so you always know where things stand. We also do our best to flag potential delays early so you can plan accordingly, especially if you have a settlement date to work towards.
I am self-employed. Can Personalised Finance still help me?
Absolutely. Self-employed borrowers often find the lending process more involved because lenders assess income differently compared to someone on a standard salary. Things like tax returns, business financials, and the length of time you have been operating all come into play. At Personalised Finance, we have experience working with self-employed clients and understand how to present your application in a way that gives it the strongest possible foundation. We know which lenders are more accommodating of self-employed income structures, and we will work with you to pull together the documentation you need. It takes a bit more preparation, but it is absolutely something we can help with.
What types of loans can Personalised Finance help with?
We help clients across a wide range of lending needs. This includes home loans for owner-occupiers, investment property loans, refinancing existing loans, construction loans, and loans for self-employed borrowers. We also assist with first home buyer applications, including helping you understand any government schemes or grants you may be eligible for. Whether you are in Hornsby, Berowra, Asquith, or anywhere else across Australia, we can work with you to find a lending option that suits your goals. If you are not sure whether your situation fits a particular loan type, just reach out and we can have a conversation about it.
Does it cost me anything to use Personalised Finance as my mortgage broker?
In most cases, our service does not cost you anything out of pocket. Mortgage brokers in Australia are typically paid a commission by the lender once a loan settles. This means you get access to our knowledge, our lender panel, and our support throughout the process without a direct fee in most situations. We are upfront about how we are paid and will explain this clearly before we get started. There are some circumstances where a fee may apply, and if that is the case for your situation, we will let you know early on so there are no surprises.
How is Personalised Finance different from going directly to a bank?
When you go directly to a bank, they can only offer you their own products. That means you are limited to whatever that one lender has available, regardless of whether it suits your circumstances. At Personalised Finance, we work with a broad panel of lenders, which means we can compare a range of options and present you with choices that actually fit your situation. We also take the time to understand what matters to you, whether that is flexibility, repayment structure, or something else entirely. Our approach is personal and practical, not a one-size-fits-all solution pulled off a shelf.
What does a mortgage broker actually do?
A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and the lenders. Instead of you having to approach each bank or lender one by one, a broker does that legwork on your behalf. At Personalised Finance, we look at your situation, figure out what you are trying to achieve, and then search across a wide range of lenders to find options that suit your needs. We handle the paperwork, liaise with the lenders, and keep you informed along the way. The goal is to make the whole process feel manageable, not overwhelming, whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or looking at an investment property.