Find Clear Answers to Your Questions

At the Lending circle we are constantly being updated by the various lenders, so we know what the rates are in the marketplace and depending on the loan amount and the loan to value ratio we are also able to apply for further discounts.

Choosing a mortgage broker often comes down to personal preference. At The Lending Circle, we prioritize open communication and transparency. Here's what sets us apart:

• Fully Licensed and Qualified: Our brokers are fully licensed      through ASIC and have completed a Diploma in Finance Broking.
• Industry Membership: We are proud members of the      Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA).
• Advanced Technology: We use advanced software to      compare rates and products from different lending partners, ensuring you      get the best match for your needs.
• Wide Range of Lenders: We have access to offers from      over 25 different lending partners, including options beyond the big four      banks.
• Transparent Documentation: We provide a credit guide,      credit proposal, and preliminary assessment, which disclose licensing      details, interest rates, fees, charges, and commissions received.
• Continuous Professional      Development:      Our brokers receive ongoing professional development through lenders and      other associates to provide the highest level of service.
• Experienced Team: Our brokers have been working      in the finance industry since 1998, bringing years of expertise to find      the best solutions tailored to your personal needs.

You could just go to the bank yourself, but they will only tell you about the information for that lender, whereas we are qualified professionals, our business is to know the different lenders interest rates and we spend the time searching for the best rate and product for you and your personal needs. There are lenders who also don’t have a lot of shop fronts so they are not as well-known but have great products that may suit your circumstance better. 

We are also up to date with the different special offers that that banks have at various times Add an answer to this item.

Applying for a loan with us is a straightforward and guided process. Here’s how it works:

1. Initial Consultation and Fact-Finding
   We start by having a detailed conversation with you to understand your financial goals, current situation, and borrowing needs. During this step, we’ll gather important details about your income, expenses, debts, and assets. This helps us create a clear financial profile.
2. Documentation
   We’ll request supporting documents, such as payslips, bank statements, tax returns, and identification. These documents are essential for assessing your borrowing capacity and meeting lender requirements.
3. Loan Comparison
   Using our software, we’ll input your information and compare various loan products from a wide range of lenders. This tool not only shows how much you can borrow but also highlights the features, rates, and benefits of each loan option.
4. Recommendation and Discussion
   After analyzing the options, we’ll present you with tailored loan solutions that align with your needs and financial goals. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option, helping you make an informed decision.
5. Application Submission
   Once you’ve chosen the best loan for you, we’ll complete all the necessary lender documentation on your behalf. We’ll ensure everything is accurate and submit the application directly to the lender.
6. Ongoing Updates
   Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed at every stage—from application submission to approval. If the lender requires additional information or documents, we’ll handle the communication to make the process as smooth as possible.
7. Approval and Settlement
   Once your loan is approved, we’ll guide you through the final steps, including signing the loan documents and preparing for settlement.

Our goal is to make the loan application process stress-free and transparent, ensuring you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

In Australia, home loans come with several fees that vary by lender and loan type. Common fees include:

• Application or establishment fees: For processing your loan.
• Valuation fees: To assess the property’s value.
• Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): If you borrow more than 80% of the property’s value, this protects the lender if you default.
• Ongoing fees: Some loans have monthly or annual charges, but fee-free options might be available.
• Discharge fees: If you refinance or pay off your loan.
• Government fees: These include stamp duty (which depends on your state), title registration, and mortgage registration costs.

It’s important to understand these costs upfront. As a broker, I make sure you’re aware of all potential fees to help you choose a loan that suits your finances.

Absolutely! We work with a network of lending partners who specialize in helping individuals with a range of financial situations, including those with poor credit histories. While having a less-than-perfect credit score can make borrowing more challenging, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Every situation is unique, so we encourage you to reach out to us directly to discuss your circumstances in detail. By understanding your specific needs, we can explore alternative lending options and tailor our services to find the best solution for you.

Our goal is to connect you with lenders who are more flexible in their requirements and consider factors beyond your credit score. This might include your current income, employment stability, and financial goals. We’ll also provide guidance on improving your financial standing and navigating the borrowing process, helping you take steps toward a more secure financial future.

Yes, at The Lending Circle, we specialize in assisting with unique situations. Whether you're self-employed, have an irregular income, or face other specific challenges, we collaborate with a variety of lenders who offer customized solutions. Our aim is to fully understand your individual circumstances and find the right loan to suit your needs, even if your situation is unconventional. 

Your borrowing capacity is the maximum amount a lender will lend you based on your financial situation. This depends on factors like your income, expenses, debts (such as credit cards or personal loans), credit score, job stability, and the size of your deposit.

Lenders also consider current interest rates and add a buffer to ensure you can manage possible rate increases. Since each lender has different criteria, your borrowing capacity can vary.

To estimate how much you can borrow, we’ll review your financial details and compare options from various lenders to find the best loan for your needs.

We work to identify the best loan options for you by gaining a deep understanding of your financial goals, circumstances, and preferences. Our process begins with an assessment of your income, expenses, credit history, and borrowing capacity. We also take into account your specific needs, such as whether you prefer a fixed or variable interest rate, flexibility for extra repayments, or features like an offset account.

Leveraging our access to a broad range of lenders, we compare loans based on interest rates, fees, and features that match your profile. Our goal is to find a loan that balances affordability with the features that matter most to you. Throughout the process, we provide clear explanations of each option to ensure you feel confident and informed about your decision.

You have a few payment options to choose from, depending on your financial situation and goals. Here are the main options: 

1. Principal and Interest Repayments: Steadily reduce your loan balance and pay less interest over time.
2. Interest-Only Repayments: Lower short-term payments, but the principal remains unchanged during the interest-only period.
3. Split Loan Repayments: Combine fixed and variable rates for stability and flexibility.
4. Offset Accounts: Use savings to reduce loan interest while keeping funds accessible.
5. Redraw Facility: Make extra repayments to save on interest but retain access to those funds if needed.

Tip: Choose the repayment option that aligns with your financial goals and seek advice from a mortgage broker or financial advisor if unsure.

The income needed to secure a home loan in Australia depends on several factors, including the loan amount, your deposit size, and your expenses. Lenders evaluate your ability to repay the loan by reviewing your income, existing debts, and living expenses. 

A larger deposit can reduce the required income, but lending criteria vary between lenders. Ultimately, your income must be sufficient to cover loan repayments comfortably while managing your other financial obligations.

A pre-approval is an approval on how much you can borrow before you have found the property, they last for 90 days however they can be extended. It is suggested to get this done as it give you confidence when you are negotiating the property purchase with the real estate agent or owner. 

The First Homeowner Grant (FHOG) is a one-time financial incentive offered by the Australian government to support first-time homebuyers in purchasing or building a new home. It was introduced to help offset the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on homeownership.

At The Lending Circle, we are here to assist you in applying for the First Homeowner Grant if you meet the eligibility criteria. Our team will guide you through the entire process, from gathering the required documents to submitting your application. We’ll ensure that everything is handled accurately and help you understand the eligibility requirements to maximize your chances of securing the grant.

Yes, you can use the equity in your home as a deposit for another property. This is typically done through a process called "equity release" or "cash-out refinance," where you borrow against the equity in your current home to fund the deposit for a new purchase. Your lender will evaluate your property’s value and determine the accessible equity, usually up to 80% of the property’s current value, minus any outstanding mortgage. This strategy is commonly used by property investors or homeowners looking to grow their property portfolio.

Once you have achieved at least 20% equity in your home, either through repayments or a rise in property value, you can refinance your home loan to release your guarantor. This involves switching to a new loan that no longer uses their property as security. A property valuation will verify your equity, and once the refinancing is complete, your guarantor will no longer be responsible. Keep in mind potential expenses like exit fees, lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI), and valuation costs when planning this step. 

Investing in property through an SMSF loan can be an excellent strategy for building long-term wealth, but it’s not without risks. Thorough planning, professional advice, and a clear understanding of your SMSF’s goals are essential to ensure success.

Before proceeding, consult a financial advisor, accountant, or SMSF specialist to assess whether this strategy aligns with your retirement objectives and complies with Australian regulations.

By approaching SMSF loans strategically, you can unlock the potential to grow your retirement savings while benefiting from the stability and growth of property investment.

 At The Lending Circle, our service doesn’t stop at settlement—we’re committed to supporting you throughout your entire home loan journey. Here’s how we go beyond securing your loan:

1. Post-Settlement Support
   After your loan settles, we remain your point of contact for any questions or assistance you may need. Whether it’s understanding your loan features, setting up repayments, or navigating lender communications, we’re here to help.
2. Regular Loan Reviews
   Your financial situation and market conditions can change over time, which is why we proactively review your mortgage. We typically revisit your home loan after six months to see if there are opportunities to improve your financial position, such as securing a better interest rate, reducing fees, or accessing additional features.
3. Refinancing Assistance
   As your needs evolve, we can help you explore refinancing options to ensure your loan remains competitive and aligned with your goals. Whether it’s lowering your interest rate, consolidating debts, or funding renovations, we’ll guide you through the process to make informed decisions.

At The Lending Circle, we view your home loan as a long-term partnership, not a one-time transaction. Our goal is to ensure your loan continues to work for you, helping you achieve financial stability and success over the years.