Listen To Clinton’s Interview With The Real Estate Podcast

Household Income Homebuyers Surged to $220,000 – Clinton’s interview on Home Affordability!

Listen to episode #928 of @therealestatepodcast where Clint is interviewed by the shows host Craig. In this short 15 minute podcast Clint provides his expert insights on home affordability, interest rate forecasts, the surge in household homebuyer incomes, and the dynamics of sharing property ownership.

Should You Be Loyal To Your Bank?

When it comes to your money, especially a significant commitment like a mortgage, loyalty to your bank might seem like a good idea. Many homeowners tend to stick with their original lender out of familiarity, a sense of loyalty or sometimes because they think it’s too hard to change. However, the mortgage landscape is constantly evolving, regardless if interest rates are increasing, decreasing or going sideways and sticking with your bank probably isn’t always in your best interest – not that they will tell you this…

Is maintaining allegiance to your bank when you have a mortgage crucial? Or does prudently exploring better deals that align with your interests make more financial sense?

The myth of loyalty

The notion of loyalty to your bank is deeply ingrained in many individuals. Often, people associate familiarity and a long-standing relationship with their bank as a form of security. However, while loyalty may have its merits in certain aspects of life, it might not always pay dividends in the realm of your home loan and your hard-earned dollars.

New to bank = a better deal

You would think that being loyal means you should get a better rate or a discount like you do with your insurance company, but this is often not the case. While you might get a slight improvement by haggling with your old bank the overall system is hugely hungry for ‘book growth’, meaning banks and lenders will usually trip over themselves to get new customers in the door and rely on their ‘loyal’ customers to stay put at higher rates – it’s just the way the system often works. Even when you get your current bank to tweak your rate, there will come the point when the ‘computer says no’ because the return on their loan isn’t worth it anymore for a host of technical reasons – you might think you got a better deal, but did you?

You don’t know what you don’t know

Mortgage rates fluctuate regularly. What might have been a competitive rate when you initially secured your mortgage a few years back could now pale in comparison to newer, more favourable deals available in the market. By limiting yourself to one lender, you could potentially miss out on a better interest rate or more favourable terms offered by other banks and lenders.

Why reviewing your mortgage regularly is crucial

One of the keys to ensuring you’re not missing out on a better deal is to review your mortgage at least every one to two years. This proactive approach allows you to assess if your current loan still aligns with your financial goals and if there are better options available. You are probably unsurprised that banks don’t prioritise this process, and they are not obliged to always act in your best interest – licensed mortgage brokers are, however! This means you may be unaware of a better rate available from your current lender or someone else in the market.

This is where the expert mortgage brokers at AXTON Finance can help save you a lot of time and money. AXTON Finance is committed to empowering homeowners by regularly reviewing their loans with automated repricing tools that needle your bank or lender to ensure you get the best rate for your scenario. After all, if we are not doing this on your behalf, we are certain you will and that you may leave us! One of our primary goals is to create a long-term relationship with you as your trusted mortgage broker. We do not treat you as a once-off transaction!

Our efficient digital systems ensure that your mortgage is reviewed at least annually, ensuring that you are getting the best possible rate and terms that suit your needs.

Why AXTON Finance are Melbourne’s leading Mortgage Brokers

Unlike dealing directly with banks and online lenders, AXTON Finance is dedicated to working in your best interest. Our team of experienced mortgage brokers navigates the complex mortgage market on your behalf, identifying tailored structures and negotiating to secure lower interest rates and favourable terms.

We provide you with personalised attention, ensuring that your financial goals are understood and catered to effectively.

We build relationships – not transactions

While bank loyalty may have been a thing when 20th-century bank managers had authority, it’s now essential to recognise that in modern home and investment loans, blind loyalty to your bank might only sometimes serve your best interests. Regularly reviewing your mortgage and exploring better deals is indeed a smart financial move but getting experienced advice from the leading mortgage brokers at AXTON Finance will help ensure your best interests and not the banks are being served!

We know that your mortgage is not just a set-and-forget transaction but an evolving instrument that adapts to your changing financial needs. Don’t wait for your bank to offer you the best deal; take control of your financial future today. Contact AXTON Finance, Melbourne’s trusted mortgage brokers, and experience our personalised service, efficient systems, and dedicated team, who can help you secure a better mortgage approval.

Four Reasons Why You Need A Tailored Finance Pre-Approval

A critical key to unlocking your dream property often lies in securing a properly assessed pre-approval from a suitable bank or lender. With access to over 30 major banks and lenders, AXTON Finance understands the importance of this initial step, especially for busy time-poor professionals, probably just like you.

Here’s why getting your tailored mortgage pre-approval properly assessed is crucial before venturing into the market:

Confidence

Imagine this scenario – armed with a properly assessed pre-approval, vetted by experienced human professionals rather than relying on a flimsy computer-generated bank ‘pre-approval’ that comes with all sorts of conditional clauses. This assurance stems from a thorough assessment by the expert mortgage brokers at AXTON Finance, who have taken the time to understand and outline specific options available to you. It is worth highlighting that any offer made at an auction is unconditional, which means bidding without a proper pre-approval is risky and certainly not advisable.

With this in hand, you can confidently navigate the property market, knowing that your pre-approval isn’t just a computer-generated ‘yes’ loaded with escape clauses. This assurance lets you focus solely on properties within your approved budget range, minimising uncertainty and providing a strong foundation for your property search.

Strength

When it comes to making an offer, the terms you present matter significantly and its not just about price. Offers that are contingent on ‘subject to finance’, even in a weaker market or before an auction, will significantly weaken your position. However, a thoroughly assessed pre-approval equips you to negotiate from a position of strength. You can craft a compelling offer not only in terms of price but also with the consideration of settlement parameters, making you an attractive option compared to those relying on uncertain finance ‘what ifs’ and ‘maybes’.

Speed

Contrary to what you might think, obtaining a pre-approval isn’t a time-consuming process, especially with the advanced tech stack and human expertise at AXTON Finance. Having that dialled in pre-approval means you may be ahead of others who might not have their lending strategy sorted. This advantage empowers you to act swiftly, staying ahead of those who are dithering and unprepared to seize opportunities in the market.

Success

Of course you are probably reading this because you actually want to buy your next property. So above all, a properly assessed pre-approval sets the stage for success. Delaying or avoiding this crucial step might mean missed opportunities. Many individuals hesitate to seek pre-approvals due to uncertainty or lack of understanding about their options. But with professionals like AXTON Finance by your side, you are laid out with a clear pathway for your property aspirations. Avoid the disappointment of watching potential homes or investment opportunities slip away because you weren’t prepared – speak to one of the experienced brokers at AXTON Finance today.

A properly assessed pre-approval isn’t just a step; it’s your strategic advantage in the competitive real estate arena. At AXTON Finance, we know that securing your finance pre-approval is of immense value in guiding busy professionals like yourself by providing confidence, negotiation strength, speed, and a clear pathway to achieving your property goals.

Don’t let uncertainty hinder your progress; secure your tailored pre-approval with an experienced AXTON Finance mortgage broker and open the door to your desired property with confidence.

Contact us today – and speak to a human who knows!

Which Professionals Do You Need When Buying A Property?

Purchasing a property is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and at AXTON Finance we know the importance of having the right professionals by your side when embarking on your property journey.

There are several experts involved in the property buying journey, and each plays a vital role in ensuring that you make informed decisions and get the best result. These professionals will also be key to ensuring you receive the correct advice in the future.

Here are some of the important professionals to engage when purchasing a property:

  1. Mortgage Broker: One of the first experts you should engage when purchasing a property is a mortgage broker. An experienced mortgage broker will help you secure the best possible mortgage by understanding your needs and unique situation to then compare various lenders and interest rates. They will also help you determine your borrowing capacity and assess your eligibility for government grants or incentives. By working with a mortgage broker, you can avoid costly mistakes, save a lot of time and money in the process. As one of Melbourne’s best mortgage brokers you will be hard-pressed to get a better professional in your corner. Book an obligation free chat with us today here or call on 1300 706 540.
  2. Solicitor/Conveyancer: A solicitor or conveyancer is another crucial professional you need to engage when purchasing a property. These experts help you navigate through the legalities of the property-buying process. They can help you understand the terms of the sale contract, identify any legal issues, and ensure that you have a clear title to the property. They can also advise you on stamp duty, taxes, and other settlement legal obligations.
  3. Buyers Advocate: Buyers advocates are professionals who work exclusively for the buyer NOT the vendor like real estate agents do. They help you find the right property based on your brief, negotiate the best price, and manage the entire property-buying process on your behalf. They have access to off-market properties, and they can help you avoid common property-buying mistakes. They can also provide you with independent advice on the property, its potential, and its value.
  4. Accountant: An accountant is another important professional to engage when purchasing a property. They can help you understand the financial implications of buying a property, such as the tax obligations, ownership options, negative gearing benefits, depreciation, and expenses. They can also help you set up a structure to minimize your tax liability and advise you on any tax benefits or incentives available to you.
  5. Financial Planner: A financial planner can help you assess the financial implications of buying a property on your overall financial plan. They can help you understand how property investment fits into your overall financial goals and advise you on the best ways to finance it. They can also help you structure your finances, assess your cash flow, assess the adequacy of your insurance protections and plan for your financial future.

So to help maximize the likelihood of a successful property transaction it is essential to surround yourself with the right professionals to guide you through your property-buying journey. Each of these professionals brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table, and working together with you over time will not only ensure that you get the best result on the initial purchase but the best advice moving forward as you grow your wealth in the years to come.

Is Your Cheap Fixed Rate Mortgage Expiring?

The pandemic saw a torrent of ultra-low fixed interest rates set up for Australian homeowners and investors alike. However, many of these fixed loans are set to expire, and borrowers will face a sharp increase in their interest rates, which has been dubbed somewhat ominously by the Australian media as the “mortgage cliff.”

The expiry of these fixed rates over the coming months and years could cause significant financial stress for borrowers who are unprepared for the sudden increase in their mortgage payments. In some cases, monthly mortgage payments could double, putting a significant strain on an already elevated household budget.

Thankfully, there are some sound options available for those with fixed rates to mitigate the impact of the so-called cliff!

  1. One of the most effective solutions is to pick up the phone and call your current lender to needle them to improve your rate. It is a well-known fact in the banking industry that it is cheaper to keep a current borrower than to seek out a new one so you might be surprised by what they may be able to offer you. Once you have done this you can compare the market yourself or use the services of a mortgage broker to assist you in comparing like-for-like options.
  2. Failing a decent response from your current bank or lender, you can seek to refinance your home loan. This is best done by a professional mortgage broker, who will be experienced in comparing like-for-like products, policies and structures. Since interest rates started to rise in 2022 lenders have slowly increased the assessment criteria that may result in you being unable to refinance your current loan based on the revised stress-tested rates even though you are making repayments at a higher rate today! Further compounding this complexity is the fact that borrowers with higher LVR’s (Loan to Valuation Ratios) may have experienced a reduction in the value of their property which can make refinancing uneconomical. An experienced broker will help you clearly navigate the benefits and costs early on before you commit to any decision.
  3. Switch your loan to interest only and/or extend the term. This really should be a last resort option because while your monthly repayments may drop considerably, the true long-term cost can add tens of thousands of dollars to the total cost over the life of your mortgage. Extreme caution needs to be applied when looking at this option and getting a professional broker in your corner to model out the effects is highly advisable.

By working with an experienced mortgage broker, like the team at AXTON Finance, we can help you understand the terms of your current loan, including any hidden fees or penalties that could impact the refinancing process.  Will will have a high degree of confidence that your decision will be an informed one that one helps you avoid any costly mistakes.

The mortgage cliff is a looming challenge for borrowers with expiring ultra-cheap fixed home and investment loans. However, there are some simple solutions available, such as refinancing, that can help mitigate the impact of rising interest rates.

How To Get Approved When Refinancing Your Home Loan

With the rapid increase in interest rates in Australia and many people coming off ultra low interest rates there has been a cause for concern for many people looking to refinance their mortgages. With the onset of higher interest rates, lenders are substantially more cautious and selective when it comes to approving mortgage applications. We are even seeing many examples where people cannot refinance to a better rate because various lenders are applying higher assessment hurdles to a loan they are already servicing which is locking people into their home loans. However this may not need to be the case, there are a few clever but very simple ways to increase your chances of getting your refinance mortgage application approved. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Review your credit score

    A higher credit score can increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage, even if interest rates have risen. Review your credit report and make sure there are no errors that could negatively impact your score. If you have a lower score, consider working to improve it before applying for a mortgage. Being late on loan repayments, making too many credit applications, moving address regularly or having numerous consumer debts can all negatively affect your credit score.

  2. Demonstrate a stable income

    Lenders want to see that you have a stable income that can support your mortgage payments. This is especially important if interest rates have risen since you first took out your mortgage. Provide documentation of your income, including pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Bonus income can also be used in many circumstances but policies vary considerably from lender to lender – best to speak to us about your option first.

  3. Reduce your debts

    Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, it could be a red flag to lenders. Consider reducing your credit card limits or paying off some debts before applying for a mortgage. Reducing your credit card limit by just a few thousand dollars can have a fairly substantial effect on your loan. As of the time of publishing, most lenders want to see your debt-to-income ratio less than six times.

  4. Shop around for lenders

    Different lenders have different requirements and criteria for mortgage approvals. Shop around and compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the best fit for your financial situation. Of course the best way to do this is through the professional services offered by the team of experienced mortgage brokers at AXTON Finance.

  5. Be prepared to provide additional documentation

    Currently, banks and lenders are requesting additional documentation or information during the application process. Be prepared to provide this information in a timely manner to keep the process moving forward which will reduce the time it takes to ‘yes’ and for you to enjoy your lower rate.

  6. Extend your loan term

    This one can make your borrowing capacity higher but can make your mortgage ultimately a lot more expensive. So while you may be able to get a loan term of 35 or 40 years this can be very costly if you are already 10 years into a 30 year mortgage – tread with caution on this one but an experienced mortgage broker will be able to model out the pros and cons for you.

In summary, getting your refinance mortgage application approved despite rising interest rates requires some simple planning and preparation. With these tips in mind, you can increase your chances of getting approved for the refinance of your home or investment loan and secure a better interest rate.

Get in touch with one of the experienced team at AXTON Finance today to refinance to a better rate.

Call us today on 1300 706 540 or book a quick obligation-free mortgage review online here.

What Are The Benefits Of Having Multiple Offset Accounts?

When it comes to managing your home loan, one strategy that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of multiple offset accounts. While this approach may not be suitable for everyone, and not every lender offers this feature, it offers some significant benefits to homeowners who are looking to gain better control of their finances, pay off their mortgage faster and save money in the long run. In this article, we will explore the advantages of using a multiple offset account structure against your home loan.

First, let’s define what an offset account is. An offset account is a transaction account that is linked to your home loan. The balance in the account is used to offset the balance of your mortgage, reducing the interest charged on your loan. By reducing the amount of interest paid on your loan, you can save money and pay off your mortgage faster.

What is a multi offset home loan?

Now, let’s look at the benefits of using a multiple offset account structure:

Increased flexibility and control

With a multiple offset account structure, you can divide your mortgage into different portions and use an offset account for each portion. This allows you to have greater control over your finances, as you can allocate your money as you see fit. For example, you may choose to have one offset account for your regular living expenses and another for large purchases or investments. By having multiple accounts, you can better manage your cash flow and track your spending.

Maximising your offset benefits

The more money you have in your offset account, the greater the benefit to you in terms of reducing the interest charged on your mortgage. With multiple offset accounts, you can maximise this benefit by distributing your funds across different accounts. For example, if you have a lump sum of cash that you don’t need to use immediately, you can deposit it into an offset account to reduce the interest charged on your loan. By having multiple offset accounts, you can maximise the amount of money you save on interest.

Reducing your interest payments

One of the primary benefits of using an offset account is that it can significantly reduce the interest charged on your home loan. By having multiple offset accounts, you can reduce your interest payments even further. For example, if you have a large lump sum of cash that you don’t need to use immediately, you can deposit it into an offset account to reduce the amount of interest charged on your loan. By having multiple offset accounts, you can reduce your interest payments and pay off your mortgage faster.

Improving your financial security

By using a multiple offset account structure, you can improve your financial security. If you have a sudden expense or a change in circumstances, you can use the funds in your offset accounts to cover the costs. This can help you avoid having to take out a loan or use high-interest credit cards to cover the expense, which can be expensive and increase your debt. By having multiple offset accounts, you can have greater financial security and peace of mind.

In conclusion, using a multiple offset account structure against your home loan can offer significant benefits. By increasing your flexibility and control, maximising your offset benefits, reducing your interest payments, and improving your financial security, you can save money, pay off your mortgage faster, and have greater peace of mind. While this strategy may not be suitable for everyone, it is worth considering if you are looking for ways to better manage your finances and pay off your mortgage faster.

Contact the team today to discuss a tailored mortgage solution for your home loan today on 1300 706 540 or book an obligation-free meeting online with one of our experienced Melbourne mortgage brokers.

 

Five Reasons To Refinance Your Home Loan

With interest rates set to continue to increase in early 2023 it has been in the news everywhere that you should be looking at ways to save money in your daily budget and one of the biggest savings that can often be had will be looking at your current mortgage rate. While you should always call and haggle with your current lender we often see customers paralyse themselves with choice and end up comparing apples with cantaloupes which can end up with a borrower making a poor decision.

Take a look at these five reasons to refinance your home loan and reach out to us to discuss your options or book a free mortgage review meeting with one of our professional team online here – most meetings usually takes only 15 minutes to provide you with some tailored advice.

Five reasons to consider refinancing your home loan;

  1. Lower Interest Rates: Of course one of the main reasons to refinance your home loan is to take advantage of lower interest rates. If interest rates have dropped since you first obtained your mortgage, refinancing to a lower rate can result in significant savings on your monthly payments and overall interest paid on the loan.
  2. Cash Back Offers: Many banks and lenders in Australia are currently offering cash-back incentives for refinancing your mortgage. These cash back offers can be significant up to $5,000 and can provide a welcome injection that can be used to pay off high-interest debt, make home improvements or even to go on a well-deserved holiday. It’s important to check with different lenders to compare the cash-back offers and weigh them against the potential savings of refinancing.
  3. Consolidate Debt: Refinancing can also be used to consolidate high-interest debt such as credit card balances or personal loans. By rolling these debts into your mortgage, you can often lower your interest rate and simplify your monthly payments. There are some catches with doing this which can extend the total cost of your lending structure so it pays to get some professional advice before you do this.
  4. Switching to a Different Type of Loan: There are many different types of home loans available in Australia, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and interest-only mortgages. Refinancing allows you to switch to a different type of loan that may better suit your current financial situation or goals.
  5. Accessing Equity: Finally, refinancing can also be used to access the equity in your home. This can be done by either increasing the size of your mortgage or by taking out a separate home equity loan or line of credit. This can provide you with the funds you need for home renovations, investments, education fees, or other expenses.

It’s important to note that refinancing a home loan is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. It’s important to consider the costs associated with refinancing, such as application fees, legal fees, and lender’s mortgage insurance, and weigh them against the potential savings. It’s also important to shop around and compare rates, cash back offers and fees from different lenders before making a decision.

Why not book a time with one of the experienced team at AXTON Finance today – you have nothing to lose other than maybe years off your mortgage.

Book an online meeting here with one of our professional brokers.

10 Ways To Get Your Finance Approved First Time

Whether you’re refinancing or looking to purchase your first or third home, financing can be daunting. Even for the experienced, getting your finance approved can be a stressful process and with the effects COVID-19 creating extra scrutiny being prepared matters more than ever. To have your financed approved first time is the dream, one that can be made a reality with a little groundwork. With these ten tips, you’ll be well on your way to making that dream come true:

1. Assess your goals

Knowing how much to borrow from a lender is one of the most important pieces of knowledge you will require for this process. The goals you have in mind for the property you wish to purchase will have an impact on this. Know what you’re looking for in terms of a lifestyle and financial perspective. Marrying those together will help you buy for tomorrow.

Buying for tomorrow is distinctly important. Ask yourself; ‘Will this property be suitable for me in a year or two’? While the price-point may seem agreeable today, and it suits your current lifestyle, are either of those likely to change? It is much more expensive to trade up to something more appropriate further down the line than it is to get it right the first time.

Further, determine your own borrowing limit. Banks and Lenders maximum lending rates are stress-tested relative to interest rates. If or when interest rates increase, you could experience a great deal of mortgage stress by borrowing at the Lenders maximum rate. By using loan repayment calculator, you can look at what rates to expect to pay today, and at higher interest rates. This will allow you to know what loan size you need before speaking to Lenders.

2. Do you research

Knowing is half the battle, and with mortgages, it’s no different. Understanding what products are available, their features and the lingo will leave you informed before making a decision. While some features can seem alluring, such as offsets, you have to ask yourself: ‘does this benefit me’? ‘Is this offset worth higher rates, or extra fees’? Quite often the most basic mortgage products can be just as affordable and effective as more complex products.

Secondly, know the difference in the policies of lending institutions. Policy is one of the largest differences between lenders. By knowing what can and cannot be done, you can approach securing finance with a greater degree of confidence.

3. Speak to an experienced mortgage broker

There is a discernible difference between speaking with an experienced mortgage broker and direct with a lender. Lenders will only have one product and set of policies to offer. An experienced mortgage broker will have access to the broader market. With this access to the broader market, brokers will be able to identify a solution tailor-made to your scenario and needs. Experience matters.

With their exposure to the greater market, an experienced broker is invaluable. Their exposure equips them with the knowledge of lender products and policies. An experienced broker will talk you through policies and help you secure a product based on your needs. There are many brokers out there, some more experienced than others. As before, research matters, so research brokers. Look at their websites and reviews on Google. Even better still, ask for personal referral. They could prove a prime opportunity for a personal introduction to a quality broker.

4. Supporting information and documents

When it comes time to provide documentation and information, it pays to get it right the first time. Lenders will comb through your supporting documents seeking out inconsistencies between them and your customer fact find answers. Providing everything needed and answering the fact find honestly can and will avert many issues that may arise.

Banks and lenders have an obligation to report on the conduct of savings and mortgage accounts. There are many tools that lenders use to automatically read documents to determine your conduct as a customer. By keeping accounts paid up and to date, as well as not overdrawing, you will ensure your account is in good conduct. Conduct is very important factor in securing finance.

5. The Importance of savings

The importance of saving cannot be overstated. One of the first questions a bank or broker will ask is: ‘how much is your deposit’? This is because, as a very general rule, the larger your deposit, the easier it is to secure finance approval.

When looking at savings, lenders and banks are looking for what is termed ‘genuine savings’. Genuine savings are identified as funds that have stood in good stead for at least 3 months. Sudden windfalls will usually not all that favourable when securing finance. Genuine savings can also be recognised as shares or equity in other properties the customer owns or even rent currently paid.

Ideally, your deposit should be at least 20% of the value of the property you wish to acquire. This will allow you to avoid paying mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is a one-off fee, and in the name sounds fine, but it is of no benefit to the customer. This one-off fee, paid by the customer, only protects the lender and offers no insurance to your situation. While only a one-off fee, it can get quite expensive. The higher the loan amount, the more expensive the fee, relative to the Loan to Value Ratio (LVR). An LVR of 80% (loan is 80% of the price, deposit 20%) means no mortgage insurance is paid. An 82% LVR leaves mortgage insurance at a more reasonable level. Once in excess of 90%, the mortgage insurance premium becomes extremely costly. Talking to a broker about your current LVR and where you’d like it to be is an important step before making a finance application.

6. Don’t be late

More than ever, Lenders are looking for good conduct on your accounts. So it is imperative to avoid overdrawing your savings. The same goes for missing payments on mortgage loans or credit cards. When accounts are provided to lenders for assessment, their systems will usually automatically scan for tell-tale signs of poor conduct, such as late fees. This can affect your chances of securing finance.

Lenders will typically look back through the accounts provided across a period of six months. During the lead up to applying for a mortgage, it’d be best to keep all accounts ‘squeaky clean’. There can be issues that arise around credit defaults that may be listed, such as late payments on bills and utilities. Ideally, the defaults of this nature should be avoided. While it isn’t entirely detrimental, it can create unnecessary hurdles.

7. Do you really need it?

The advent of the ‘Pay-now, buy-later’ systems such as AfterPay and Zip Pay has created new hurdles in the process of securing finance. These systems, while technically not treated as credit, can still adversely impact the approval process. Lenders treat these systems as a form of conduct and affordability. They view this as conduct as by using this system, the customer has demonstrated they lacked the funds at the point of purchase. Ideally, it’ll be best to avoid have an AfterPay system, or equivalent, attached to your accounts.

8. It’s not all about the rate

While your gut reaction may be to ask ‘What’s the cheapest rate in the market’, you shouldn’t get hung up on the rate entirely. It’s an important question, but not all mortgage and loan accounts are structured the same. The rate you pay is influenced by several factors. How large the loan is, your LVR and credit history, features of the loan, funding models and more play into determining the rate you pay.

A more worthwhile question to ask is ‘can you identify the best products based on my scenario’? A good lender will ask you a series of detailed questions to determine your situation. From there they will be able to take you through and compare products that are ideal to your scenario. Products better suited to your scenario will ensure a greater chance of success in having your finance approved.

9. Be realistic

Due to increased compliance requirements, and the disruption caused by COVID-19 to bank processing systems, patience will be required. Pre-approval and overall approval of loans will likely take some time depending on which lender you use. It is important to be realistic about how long this may take. Pre-COVID, this process still took some time, with processing times between lenders varying from a few days to many weeks.

Same day approvals or ‘instant pre approvals’ should be taken with a grain of salt. These systems typically are computer generated and subject to the vetting of support documents. Quite regularly, there will be a disconnect between the questions you answer the assessment the lender applies to you. Applying for finance well before bidding for properties will be important.

10. Be realistic with your borrowing capacity

Your own assessment of repayments based on current interest rates is not what lenders look at. In their assessment, they look at interest rate increases in the future. They consider if the loan you are acquiring will still be suitable when interest rates rise in the future. They will also consider that some income is inconsistent, such as commissions or overtime. Subsequently, lenders will shade a component of this payment to around 60% to 80%. Rental income may also not be accepted in fullness, and may only be accepted at around 70%.

The living expenses banks apply to you may differ from your estimates. Banks apply a Living Expense Ratio lower than your actual expense ratio. Therefore, it is important to have a realistic assessment of your expense before doing a Customer Fact Find or finance application. Lenders will digitally assess savings accounts statements to apply a sense check to compare your estimate to theirs. This is another important consideration when applying for financial approval.

Finally, have contingencies in place for lenders and your income. Consider which lenders would be second or third choice if your ideal one doesn’t work out. Consider what will happen if your income is disrupted or reduced in a meaningful way. It isn’t wise to put every spare cent available to mortgage repayments. Nor is it wise to secure finance approval and not have emergency buffer funds available. It is also highly recommended to look into insuring the asset you are in the process of acquiring. Information and advice should be gathered from a licensed financial planner regarding this. They can provide valuable advice around income and risk insurance regarding life, trauma and Total Permanent Disability (TPD).

Securing approval for finance from a lender has many moving parts. With the right guidance and research, you’ll be ready to secure the approval tailored to your scenario. With that, you’ll be well on your way to refinancing and securing a better rate or securing an approval to allow you to bid competitively at that next action. 

Good luck in your ventures, and if you have any further questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our team of experts, we’ll always be happy to assist you with securing the best structure possible!

The team at Axton Finance                

Ph: 1300 706 540

Alternatively see our availability and book an obligation free Zoom meeting here.

Finance Tips For Aussie Expats

So you are an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident (PR Visa holder) living and working overseas and looking at buying or refinancing a property back here in Australia?

We look after lots of time poor Aussies needing help with tailored expat and non resident lending needs from our panel of over 30 major banks and lenders.

The following key questions provides a high-level summary of the available policies generally applied by the major Australian banks and lenders who offer mortgages to Australian expats and non resident with permanent residency status.

What is the maximum LVR that an Australian Expat can get?

The Maximum loan to valuation (LVR) ratio is generally 70% or 80% of a property’s value (some lenders may allow higher up to 90 or even 95% but there are caveats to this which are usually higher rates and mortgage insurance being applied).

How much foreign income can I use?

Your overseas income is usually shaded by 20% for currency risk purposes before converting to Australian dollars ($AUD). The resultant figure is then hypothetically ‘taxed’ at Australian tax rates to determine what net income (after tax income is available to support your loan). This is applied because Australian lenders are generally not resourced to deal with understanding every countries different tax systems.

What if I earn tax-free income in the UAE? 

If you earn tax-free income in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or similar tax jurisdictions – you may be in luck then. In many circumstances, we have a handful of lenders who will not apply hypothetical Australian tax rates to your expat tax free income in places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This will usually result in you being able to secure a larger loan size than what most Australian banks would otherwise approve.

Can I use bonus income as an expat? 

This depends heavily on which lender is being proposed and how often the bonus income is paid. It can be difficult to use for servicing purposes when it comes to expat and non-resident lending.

How much income do I need to secure an expat loan approval? 

Because of the rules above that most lenders apply, your taxable income generally needs to exceed $250,000 AUD PA equivalent. Shading due to currency risk and different tax assessment rules can significantly reduce your borrowing capacity as an expat.  If your income is less than this it is often very difficult for us to meet current expat lending rules even for modest loan sizes.

What currency do I need to earn to be eligible for an Australian expat home loan?

Most lenders require that your income is earned in primary currencies like;

  • United States Dollars (USD)
  • Pound Sterling (GBP)
  • European Euros (EURO)
  • Singapore Dollars (SGD)
  • Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
  • Japanese Yen (JPY)

A smaller list of lenders still accepts other countries depending on individual lender policies and includes but are not limited to;

  • Indian Rupee (INR)
  • Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
  • Vietnamese Dong (VND)
  • Chinese Yuan (CNY) / Renminbi (RMB)
  • Emirati Dirhams (AED)

What if my payslips and other supporting information are in a foreign language?

If your support documents are not in English they must be translated into by an accredited translator (most Australian lenders accept NAATI as a standard translation service).

What if I don’t have Australian Citizenship or PR Visa status – can you help me?

Unfortunately if you do not hold Australian citizenship, PR residency or New Zealand citizenship we are currently unable to assist you based on our available lending policies.

I am a self-employed expat – can I secure loan approval? 

Being self-employed has many benefits but borrowing money as a self-employed expat can greatly reduce the number of lenders who may be able to support your plans. While not impossible we may be able to assist you especially if your tax returns are up to date and are published in English.

I want to know more about expat mortgages – how do we meet?

Want to get some tailored mortgage advice from someone who knows what they are talking about then feel free to book a time here for a quick 15 minute chat or jump onto the chat box on our website now (it will confirm if one of our brokers are online for a chat).

Book your 15 minute online chat here!

Of course, you can also call us in the office on 1300 706 540 for a chat during normal business hours. If we miss your call leave a message and one of our team will usually get back to you within one or two business hours.

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