Know your budget and stick to it
Before you start scrolling through realestate.com.au or booking inspections, get clarity on how much you can borrow. Your income, debts, credit history, and deposit size all play a role.
Tip: A broker (like us!) can help calculate your borrowing power and recommend lenders who match your profile
Understand the upfront costs
The purchase price isn’t the only number you need to worry about. You’ll also need to factor in:
- Stamp duty (unless exempt)
- Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
- Legal/conveyancing fees
- Building & pest inspections
- Moving costs
Many first-home buyers are caught off guard — your broker helps through all these upfronts so there are no surprises.
You may be eligible for government grants
Depending on your location and property type, you may qualify for:
- First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
- First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
- Stamp Duty concessions or exemptions
Check which grants or schemes apply to you and help you apply — we can help you check it and it’s all part of the service.
Get pre-approved before you fall in love
It’s tempting to go house-hunting straight away, but a pre-approval (AIP) gives you confidence — and shows real estate agents and vendors you’re a serious buyer.
AIP can be sorted, often within 24–48 hours, so you can bid with a clear budget and peace of mind.
You don’t need a 20% deposit
Yes, a 20% deposit avoids LMI — but many lenders accept as little as 5% or 10%, especially under government-backed schemes.
Broker help structure the loan to suit your deposit size and long-term goals, not just what the banks push.
Location matters (But so does flexibility)
Everyone wants the “perfect suburb” — close to work, good schools, public transport. But being flexible on your must-haves vs nice-to-haves might open up options you didn’t expect.
A good broker is your secret weapon
There are over 30+ lenders and hundreds of loan products. We do the legwork for you — negotiating better rates, managing paperwork, and keeping everything on track from day one to settlement.
Brokers are not just here for the loan — we’re your finance partner for life.
