FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mortgage broker do?
Why should I use an L5 Finance mortgage broker instead of going directly to a bank?
How much does it cost to use a mortgage broker?
Will using a mortgage broker affect my credit score?
How do I choose the right mortgage broker?
What information do I need to provide to a mortgage broker?
Can a mortgage broker help if I have bad credit?
What happens if my mortgage application is denied?
Your mortgage broker will recommend one or more home loans that fit your borrowing needs
The Pick Of The Bunch
There’s a huge choice of home loans available, but to find the right match you’ll need to do a bit of homework.
Making yourself familiar with a few of the popular products available will give you a strong head start when discussing your loan options with your broker. Here are just a few of the product types you’re sure to come across.
01
Basic Home Loans
Basic home loans or ‘no frills’ loans offer borrowers a loan with a low interest rate. A popular choice among first-home buyers, a basic home loan’s interest rate is often half to one percent below the standard variable rate, which is sometimes combined with minimal ongoing fees. Drawbacks include limited features, less flexibility, and additional charges if you decide to switch loans or pay the loan off sooner.
02
Fixed-Rate Home Loans
Worried about rising interest rates? A fixed-rate home loan will allow you to fix your interest rate for a specific period, usually from one to five years. It’s a sound option when interest rates are on the rise, or in times of economic uncertainty. Should interest rates plummet, however, you’ll still have to pay off your mortgage at the fixed-rate until the end of the agreed period.
03
Standard Variable-Rate Home Loans
Making cutbacks on your lifestyle is one thing, but putting that money to use is another. Remove the temptation to spend your savings by arranging a set amount to be taken out of your pay each month and put directly into a savings account. Shop around, and seek a high-interest rate savings account to get the best returns – many banks now offer an online high-interest account.
04
Split-Rate Home Loans
Want the best of both worlds? A split-rate home loan offers both flexibility and security. A good product for both first-time and existing borrowers, split loans allow you to customise your loan’s interest rate as you see fit: fixing a portion of your interest rate to give certainty to your monthly repayments should rates increase, but also flexibility through taking out a variable-rate portion.
05
Interest-Only Home Loans
Interest-only loans offer borrowers lower repayment options while maintaining many of a traditional loan’s features. This type of loan allows you to pay only the interest component on a mortgage; it does not reduce the principal component. They are a popular choice for investors seeking good capital appreciation on their investments.
06
Low-Doc Home Loans
Low-doc home loans If you’re a self-employed, contract, or seasonal worker and do not have a regular income, a low-doc loan may be a solution. While making homeownership a possibility for a cross-section of Australian workers who previously found it difficult to secure a mainstream bank loan, most low-doc home loans typically have higher interest rates.