About My Finance Friends

When you approach a bank directly, you're limited to their specific loan products and pricing, regardless of whether they're the most suitable for your situation. As mortgage brokers, we provide access to loan products from multiple lenders, allowing comparison of rates, features, and lending criteria to find options that match your needs. We act as your advocate throughout the process, negotiating terms and handling communication with lenders. Our experience with different lenders' requirements means we can identify potential issues early and structure applications for optimal approval chances. We also provide ongoing service after settlement, monitoring your loan performance and market conditions to identify refinancing opportunities. Banks focus on their own products and targets, while our success depends on finding solutions that work for you. This includes access to specialist lenders who may approve applications that major banks decline, and wholesale rates that may not be available to direct applicants.

The documentation required varies depending on your employment type and the complexity of your financial situation. Generally, you'll need recent payslips (usually the last two), tax returns from the previous two financial years, bank statements covering three to six months, and identification documents such as your driver's licence and passport. If you're self-employed, additional documents like Business Activity Statements, profit and loss statements, and accountant-prepared financial statements may be required. Property-related documents include the contract of sale or property details for refinancing applications. We provide you with a comprehensive checklist tailored to your specific situation and can advise on alternative documentation if you don't have standard employment arrangements. Our team reviews your documents before submission to ensure completeness and accuracy, potentially speeding up the approval process.

Interest rates are the cost of borrowing money and significantly impact your monthly repayments and total loan cost over time. Rates vary between lenders and loan products, with factors like loan-to-value ratio, employment type, loan amount, and relationship with the lender all influencing the rate offered. Our relationships with multiple lenders and understanding of their pricing structures help us identify competitive rate options for your situation. We can also negotiate with lenders on your behalf, particularly if you have strong financial credentials or are borrowing a substantial amount. Beyond just the interest rate, we evaluate the total cost of the loan, including fees, charges, and features that provide value. We explain different rate types, such as variable, fixed, and split rate options, helping you choose the structure that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Regular loan reviews ensure you continue to receive competitive rates over time.

The timeframe for mortgage approval depends on several factors, including the lender's current processing volumes, the complexity of your application, and how quickly you can provide required documentation. Generally, most standard applications take between 7 to 21 business days from submission to formal approval. Pre-approval can often be obtained more quickly, sometimes within 3 to 7 business days, giving you confidence when house hunting. We work to expedite the process by ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submission, maintaining regular contact with lenders, and promptly responding to any additional information requests. For urgent situations, such as auction purchases or short settlement periods, we can identify lenders with faster processing times. We keep you informed throughout the process and provide realistic expectations based on your specific circumstances and chosen lender.

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and potential lenders, working to find suitable home loan options that match your financial situation and goals. At My Finance Friends, we assess your income, expenses, credit history, and property requirements to identify appropriate lending solutions from our panel of banks and non-bank lenders. We handle the application process, coordinate with lenders on your behalf, and provide ongoing support throughout the settlement process. Our role extends beyond just finding a loan - we educate you about different loan features, explain terms and conditions, and ensure you understand your obligations. This service can save you considerable time researching different lenders and help you avoid costly mistakes that could affect your borrowing capacity.