Whether you’re buying your first house or an investment property, you’ll need to have a meeting with a mortgage broker somewhere along the line. While brokers are normally patient and well-equipped to deal with new homeowners, preparing for your meeting with them can significantly speed things along and possibly make their job easier and your experience better. Not to mention that it could help you deal with the process sooner, too. 

In this article, we’ll look at how to prepare for a mortgage meeting and discuss some questions that would be appropriate for you to ask during the meeting. 

How should you prepare for a mortgage broker meeting?

If you’ve made the decision to take a loan to purchase a property, then there’s a good chance that you’ve taken the time to consider your financial viability and whether or not this is a good idea for you. If not, we suggest going over your finances to see if you qualify for the amount you're looking for. 

Before you step foot in a meeting with a mortgage broker, it would be helpful to write down a list of all your assets and liabilities and any money you have set aside for a deposit. Having a clear idea of how much you’d like to spend on a property is also advisable. When you meet with a broker, they’ll look at your credit records and your financial ability to pay for the loan you’re asking for with interest. If you aren’t, then you won’t be approved. By looking at your financials beforehand, you can save yourself a trip to the broker if you’re not in a position to be approved. 

What questions should you ask a mortgage broker?

Following your own preparation for the meeting, there are also some important questions that we’d suggest asking your broker, like:

Do they have a licence to practise?

This is one of those questions that might seem unnecessary, but there are some chance-takers out there who pose as mortgage brokers to scam others. Likewise, mortgage brokers are bound by regulations that ensure they act in their client's interests. So, before you start the process with a broker, ask them about their accreditation and whether they’re certified to offer you a load or not. Usually, mortgage brokers would form part of a body like the Finance Brokers Association of Australia. 

What are their fees and commissions?

Next, you want to ask them about their fees. Because they’re doing most of the heavy lifting, it’s only natural for them to get a cut of the purchase or sale. However, they shouldn’t be taking an arm when they should only be getting a hand. Mortgage brokers in Australia normally get around 0.65% to 0.70% plus GST for commission. 

How many lenders do they deal with?

Generally, mortgage brokers will have several lenders that the go-to when clients approach them. The more lenders a broker has, the higher the chances are for you to get a decent offer. Ask your broker about their lenders so you can do your own research too. Sometimes, a certain lender might be running a deal that isn’t known by the public, so, your lender might point you towards them. Either way, knowing who you’re borrowing money from to purchase your house is important. 

What information will you need for your home loan application?

If you’re happy to move forward with the broker you’re meeting with, then ask them what paperwork they need from you. Generally, lenders want to get a full picture of your financial health before they give you a loan. They do this to check their risk and return on lending you cash for your house. So, they might ask you for bank statements, tax returns, proof of ownership for assets, and any other paperwork that relates to your financial status.

What happens once you’ve applied for a home loan?

Remember, once your application is in, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get your loan. Banks and lenders will review your application, consider the risks vs the returns on their part, and generally make you an offer or accept you’re proposal. You can, however, get pre-approved for a home loan which means that the lender agrees to lend you a certain amount if you happen to find a house you want and make an offer on it. 

There’s also full approval and conditional approval. If you get fully approved for a loan, the lender has approved your application and agreed to loan you the amount to purchase your property. Conditional approval, as the name suggests, comes with the condition that you’re in a position to fully repay the loan and is only contingent on the house you wish to buy. 

What type of interest rate is best for you?

When you purchase a home through a mortgage broker, the loan will usually come with an interest rate that regulates how much you pay back for the house you buy. Brokers offer different types of home loan agreements that come with different interest rates. So, its important for you to learn them so you know exactly how your repayment scheme works. 

Some brokers use a fixed-home loan, which locks you into a set interest rate for a certain period. Variable interest rates mean that while you’re paying off your home, the interest rates can rise and fall with the economy. Posing the risk of spending more or less for you. Generally, your mortgage broker would consider your finances and advise you on which rate would be better to take. 

Check all of your options.

Some brokers might have a go-to contract that they draw up for home buyers to get the sale going. However, this deal might not be the best for everyone, so make it a habit to always check your other options. They might propose a good loan deal, but even if it sounds too good to be true, check what other options they have. By doing this, you can ensure that you have a deal perfectly tailored to your needs. 

Final Thoughts

Go into your mortgage meeting prepared. Have any relevant documents with you and be ready to answer any your broker may have. Likewise, feel free to ask them questions too. They are there to help you get your home, after all. If you need help finding a broker, get in touch with Simplifi Lending Mortgage Brokers, and they’d be happy to help you out.