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Home Loans for first home buyers

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A message for our first home buyer clients:

As exciting as it is, buying your first home can also be an overwhelming experience for some people, as they are doing this for the first time. 

We understand that you will have many questions, and as your local mortgage broker, we will break it all down for you, step by step.

We will be providing you with the best options regarding home loan products, and the best way forward regarding the many options that allow you to make the journey cheaper and less stressful.

Our experience will show you that there are often better ways to set up the home loan. These can include showing you the benefits that are available and how they work:

  • Offset Accounts (How they can benefit you - or may not benefit you).
  • Splitting your loan (Fixed & variable - and how this can provide you with some immediate savings, whilst also providing some repayment stability & flexibility)
  • Guarantor options (Why this is used so much by first home buyers today and where substantial savings can be made, if this is an option)
  • Cheapest rates (We have a panel of lenders that allow us to select the cheapest rates available for your circumstances via our software, that compares all of the lenders on our panel, side by side)
  • Hints & Tips (Over 25 years of experience will allow us to pass on to you hints and tips that will provide information on how to look after the loan once it is settled.

Obtaining finance is certainly a big part of the process, however, we feel that the day-to-day grind of paying a home loan needs to be treated as the most important aspect of any loan. 

After all, any factors that cost you money on a week-by-week basis only benefits the lender, not you.

Depending on your circumstances and what we know about you, we will provide such tips as a part of the process. There are many possible ways that you can save money once you are in the loan. Minimising any costs are only going to benefit you. 

An example - New business v’s existing business lending

  • New business v’s existing business lending – This is where you are in your new loan for a year, and the lender adjusts your interest rate to a higher rate – Even though rates have not increased via a reserve bank increase.

You call the lender to ask why, and they tell you “You are not a new business anymore, you are now an existing business. Therefore, the existing business rate now applies to your loan”.

Most homeowners in this position think that a refinance is the only option for them. It is not. 

We can go back to the lender on your behalf, and in most cases, have them lower your interest rate at no cost to you. If they don’t, then other options will be considered.

We do this by advising them that you are not happy and are considering a refinance. 

They know we are your mortgage broker, that we have your information from the current loan and that we can clone this information, prepare a new application with another lender and move the loan, with very little effort to us, as we are your broker. 

This works well in most cases as the lender will look at the following factors. 

  1. That they have paid the broker already and if the loan is refinanced, there is a further economic loss to the bank., being the commission they already paid us.
  1. How easy it is for us to move the client as opposed to a client doing this themselves. Most lenders are doing this because most clients find it a hassle to refinance themselves, so they just stay. It works well for the lenders in that situation.
  1. That the client will certainly take our advice, as they are our client already. We have their trust and if the lender will not lower the rate, then they know we will be providing alternatives to our client.

The overall benefits to most clients staying with their current lender can be the savings on a refinance, as it is always going to cost money to do so.

Another benefit is not having to go through another loan process for no reason.

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Don't waste any more time, in less than 10 minutes we can give you the answers you need to hear.  

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions answered

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How can I get started?

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Your journey with us begins by completing our contact form or reaching out to us directly by phone. Our team is ready to assist you through the process. Please note that an initial phone call is required for all applicants regardless. This allows your mortgage broker to understand your needs and objectives and determine how we can best assist you. This call is also a valuable opportunity for you to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the process.

Why should I use a mortgage broker instead of doing it myself?

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You may be wondering why you should use a mortgage broker instead of going directly to a lender.

The main benefit of using a mortgage broker is that they can provide you with a wider range of options. This means you can choose a loan that is cheaper, has a better structure, or is from a lender who is more likely to approve your application.

Not all lenders are the same, and some are better than others in certain areas. A mortgage broker can help you find the best lender and loan for your specific needs. And, since there are no fees to you for using a mortgage broker for a standard home loan, it makes sense to have someone on your side to guide you through the process.

How do mortgage brokers get paid?

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We receive an upfront commission from lenders - only when a loan successfully settles. Additionally, we receive ongoing trail commissions for providing continued support to our clients.
To offer loans from a specific lender, we undergo lender accreditation training. This allows us to work directly with clients on the lender's behalf, completing the tasks that would typically be handled at a branch. We are responsible for sourcing our own clients and matching them with the lender that best suits their needs, and we also have a partnership with an aggregator as detailed below, which allows us to access dozens of lenders.

How does a Mortgage Broker access so many lenders?

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We partner with an aggregation group (Aggregator), a company that aligns itself with dozens of lenders and banks. Illawarra Mortgage brokers Aggregator partner is Connective Mortgage Aggregator. 

This aggregator gives us access to a wider range of lenders and advanced software, enabling us to serve our clients more effectively. The Aggregator receives a monthly payment taken directly from our commission income for each loan. Working with an Aggregator is standard practice for mortgage brokers and is a requirement in this industry.

What services do you offer?

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We offer comprehensive mortgage broker services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're looking for a home loan, a first home buyer loan, a loan for a second property or investment, an upgrade to your existing home, or refinancing options, we can help. 

We also work with lenders who offer guarantor options, allowing parents to assist their children in purchasing a property.
View our home loans.

What credentials and experience do our brokers have?

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Illawarra Mortgage Brokers holds an Australian Credit License (ACL Number 385841)and maintains full membership with the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia. Our brokers are required to complete 30 hours of professional development training each year to stay current on all lending practices. 

The minimum qualification for our brokers – They must have a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking and also have a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking​.

The business owner Peter Economos is our most senior broker. He became a mortgage broker in 1988. After working with another mortgage company for two years, he then established Illawarra Mortgage Brokers, in March 2000. 
Illawarra Mortgage Brokers has also been the recipient of industry excellence awards, including the 2019 Connective Home Loans, Mortgage Broker of the Year for NSW.
We hope that this information provides you with the assurance of our professionalism and expertise.

What types of clients do we work with?

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We assist a wide range of clients with their property finance needs. Whether you're looking to purchase a home or investment property, refinance an existing loan, or explore other property-related lending options, we are here to help.

We work with clients from all income backgrounds, including salary and wage earners, self-employed individuals, contractors, self-funded retirees, and more.

Please advise if you have any specific questions about our services. We would be happy to discuss your individual needs and circumstances.

What makes Illawarra Mortgage Brokers different from other brokers?

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Our access to dozens of lenders allows us to offer you a wider range of lending options than brokers with smaller lender panels and therefore limited lender options. With over 25 years of experience, we can also provide expert guidance on loan structuring and interest-saving strategies designed to save you money.

Furthermore, we pride ourselves on our personalized approach, product expertise, and commitment to excellence. These qualities distinguish us from other mortgage brokers in the Illawarra.

Can you tell me if I will get a home loan approved?

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During our initial conversation, we can usually determine your likelihood of being approved for a home loan. However, please note that only the lender you choose to apply with can grant final approval. Our role is to present you with options that offer the strongest possibility of securing your home loan.

How often will you meet your broker once the loan has settled?

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Regarding our meeting frequency, we tailor that to your specific needs and preferences. We are always available to assist you, so please don't hesitate to reach out for any reason. Additionally, we do not charge any fees for ongoing support.

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