Author: Frank Barragan

      Did you know that just because one lender rejects you doesn't mean another won't welcome you with open arms! Use a mortgage broker to help you (for free) find not only the right home loan deal but also the lenders that will actually help you. Using a professional mortgage broker can save you a lot of time and stress. My Very Best To You Always,  
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Why you should choose a mortgage broker over a bank For most people looking for a home loan, the choice is simple – just head to the nearest bank and see what is available. On the surface, this seems like convenient and straightforward option, so why look for a mortgage broker when the bank is right there on the main street? Here are three things a mortgage broker will offer you that your bank won’t: 1. Choice When you visit your bank manager to talk about a bank loan, the manager is going to offer you their latest products. The manager isn’t going to tell you that a rival bank has an offer more closely streamlined to your circumstances. And a year down the track, the manager won’t reward your loyalty by suggesting a new option tailored to your current circumstances. However, your mortgage broker has access to products from countless banks and lenders, so they will find the one that is most suited to your requirements. When your ci...
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      Pros and cons of debt consolidation with your mortgage If you are struggling to keep up with multiple credit repayments – credit card, car loan and mortgage – one option for simplifying the issue is to consolidate all the debts into your mortgage. However, there are also potential negative consequences for consolidating all your other debts with your home loan, so you should consider this strategy carefully and ask for independent advice before making a decision. So what are the pros and cons of debt consolidation with your mortgage? Pros Shifting from multiple payments to one payment When you consolidate your debt, you only need to make one regular payment, so your finances are more organized and you don’t have the stress of doling out minimum payments to multiple lenders. Once you have streamlined your repayment plan, you may even be able to increase the amount of that one repayment. Low...
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      Myths about mortgage brokers Wary about engaging a mortgage broker to see you through the loan application process? There are numerous myths about mortgage brokers that have put people off using their services. Here we debunk some of the more common myths so you can see how a mortgage broker can help you secure the best possible loan for your next property purchase. 1. Mortgage brokers are aligned with one particular lender Many people believe that mortgage brokers are simply a “front” for a specific lender, so their job is to lure you to that lender. In fact, a mortgage broker is fully licensed, and relies on their knowledge of the whole mortgage market to provide you with the best mortgage for your individual needs. 2. Mortgage brokers will charge you for their time As the client, you do not pay the mortgage broker – once you are approved for a loan, the lender pays a commission to the mort...
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  Questions to ask your broker 1. What are your qualifications? Before discussing your own finances, check that the mortgage broker is fully qualified to give you professional guidance. As a minimum requirement, an Australian mortgage broker should have a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking, and they should operate under their own Australian Credit Licence (ACL) or as a credit representative under another entity’s ACL. 2. Do you have a range of lenders? One of the main benefits of consulting a mortgage broker is that they have the ability to sort through a wide range of products from a wide range of lenders on your behalf. This saves you the stress of trying to assess all the different products on the market in order to work out what is best for your needs. If you feel that your broker is only offering you a limited number of products, feel free to ask why, ...
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      Tips for first home buyers Buying your first property can be a bewildering experience, and there are any pitfalls that could lead to potentially expensive regret. With careful research and financial management, you can buy the right property for your needs while establishing a sound financial investment. Start small and think long-term Property appreciates in value and the toughest part of the journey is actually making that first step into the property market. Rather than having your heart set on a waterfront mansion, think small for your first purchase – look at for a property you can afford more easily, which will work as a step up towards something more aspirational. Your small property will increase in value while you build equity, and this is the ideal foundation for a valuable property portfolio. Calculate how much you can afford to invest It can be tempting to spend a little more on the “best...
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Top Property Investment Mistakes 1. Emotional investment . When you are choosing an investment property, there is no such thing as “love at first sight.” If you make an emotional investment before you have done your research into the location and the rental potential, you are at risk of making an extremely expensive mistake. Investors who let emotion rule their decision-making are far more likely to over-capitalise from the beginning, making it even more challenging to ensure your long term investment will be profitable. Your investment purchase decision should be based on thorough research into the long term profitability of the location and the specific property. 2. Lack of planning Any long term investment strategy requires specific goals and a realistic strategy in order to be successful. Without a clear plan, you will not have any sense of direction, and this could leave you struggling to maintain your financial c...
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      Why do banks and agents value your home differently? Have you ever wondered why your lender will give you one value for a house while the real estate agent has said something completely different? How do you know the real value of a property when everyone is giving different quotes? The difference in the two valuations is due to the lender and the agent assessing different aspects of the property’s value – the lender is looking at how much to comfortably lend you in relation to the cost of the property, while the agent is looking for a sale price. Bank valuations vs market valuation The property’s market value is the estimated amount for which the property should fetch on the date of valuation, assuming a buyer and seller were to enter willingly into a sales transaction. The bank valuation is the amount that the lender is prepared to lend against the property. How is the bank v...
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  Quick tips for working out a property’s market value When you are searching for the perfect property, it can be challenging to work out exactly how much you should be paying. Rather than relying completely on the word of others, you can develop your own strategy for valuing a property, so you have a better independent idea of how much it is really worth. 1. Make a comparison search Property sales are in the public domain, so you can research your chosen area and make a list of five comparable properties that have sold within the last six months. To ensure the properties are comparable, make sure they are within a kilometre of your target property, and that they have similar features, such as the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms and car spaces, and a similar land size. Also make a note if any property has additional features such as a pool, or whether it is ...
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      How to maintain a good credit score When you are applying for a loan, the first thing lenders will do is check your credit score – and this will have a strong impact on their ultimate decision. So what is your credit score and how do you maintain a good score that will impress lenders? The five elements of your credit score Your credit score is a three digit number designed to indicate how likely you are to meet your credit obligations. Lenders will look at your score to decide whether they are prepared to give you credit for a loan. The score is calculated based on five elements of credit history information – your payment history, your level of debt, your credit age, your mix of credit and enquiries. You could look at your credit score like a school grade, where different subjects have different weighting on your overall mark. Pay your bills promptly Payment history makes up 35% of your “grade.” Th...
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