Anyloan Australia :: Articles

Choosing a Home Loan Mortgage Broker

Choosing a Home Loan Mortgage Broker

Choosing a Home Loan Mortgage Broker
There are a number of potential pitfalls in relying on a mortgage broker for the best home loan solution ... particularly given the enormous growth in the broking industry and the recent entrance of new players.
Getting a broker to arrange your loan can certainly save a lot of time and hassle, but borrowers still have to do their homework to ensure the service they expect is the one that's delivered. 
Obtaining genuinely objective recommendations from brokers, confusion over just who's a lender and who's a broker and lender delays in processing applications mean that using a broker is not always the quick and easy solution to home borrowing it may at first appear.
With the proportion of loans arranged through brokers rising from nowhere to around 30 percent in just a few years, the industry has attracted all manner of people and organisations wanting to enter this lucrative commission-based industry.
Time to Refinance?
Image for Time to Refinance?If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!
Establishing that any broker you intend to use has experience and qualifications as well as being committed to the industry code of practice is vital to ensure you're getting the best loan for your needs, within a reasonable timeframe.
A number of lenders are also now acting as brokers and some borrowers may be confused over whether they're dealing with an independent broker offering a range of loans, an agent for one lender only, or someone who wears both hats. 
Borrowers must establish with any loan representative just what their role is and how they're being paid so they can judge the integrity of loan recommendations being provided.
Once a broker is found and a loan recommended, some lenders have had difficulty coping with the volume of loans coming through the broker channel leading to delays lasting weeks.
This can be a major concern for those home buyers who have little time to arrange loan finance upon purchase.

The 12 things you must know before obtaining your home loan through a broker:

  • A broker should have a wide range of home loans from a wide variety of lenders, eg. banks, and non-banks. The wider the choice, the better the chance of finding the loan that suits you best.
  • Check the qualifications and experience of your broker, even ask for references from previous borrowers. Are they an MIAA member? Have they completed training courses?
  • Ensure your broker is not an agent for one lender in disguise. Some lenders now operate as brokers too so establish with any broker representative exactly what their role is.
  • Make sure your broker discloses all commission and payments received so you can judge whether a particular loan recommendation is being influenced by how much the broker will be paid.
  • Does the broker charge a fee? Many brokers will not charge borrowers for using their service, others will, so enquire about fees at the outset
  • Ask your broker how the loans they offer are researched and rated. Good brokers should be able to clearly outline their criteria
  • Ask your broker to provide a formal comparison of any loans recommended including the upfront and ongoing fees and the AAPR (average annual percentage rates). Ensure the AAPR is calculated specifically for the amount you want to borrow.
  • Always do some double-checking yourself to satisfy yourself you've been given unbiased and correct information.
  • Check what service is offered by the broker after the loan is negotiated. Will the broker be available for subsequent loan enquiries? What happens if there is a dispute between you and the lender?
  • Will your broker comply with the Privacy Act to ensure the security of your personal and financial details?
  • Your broker should have professional indemnity insurance. This safeguard will help you in the event of legal action.
  • As a last resort, the independent Mortgage Industry Ombudsman Scheme (1800 138 422) is available if there is a dispute you can’t resolve with your broker directly.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori


Finance Articles

Smart Saving for Big Purchases: Training Your Dollars to Work Harder Smart Saving for Big Purchases: Training Your Dollars to Work Harder
With the rising costs of living and the all-too-familiar financial hurdles, saving for large purchases can seem like a daunting task for many Australians. From buying a new car to securing the deposit on a home, significant expenses require a level of financial commitment and foresight that goes beyond everyday spending. - read more
Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know Australian Loan Application Checklist: What You Need to Know
When applying for a loan in Australia, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the loan application process. Whether you are applying for a home loan, personal loan, or business loan, knowing the necessary steps and having all the required documents ready can save you time and frustration. - read more
Top Mistakes to Avoid After Getting Your Loan Approved Top Mistakes to Avoid After Getting Your Loan Approved
Getting your loan approved is a significant milestone, but it also opens the door to many new responsibilities. Proper management of your finances after loan approval is crucial to avoid common pitfalls that could derail your financial stability. - read more
Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health Mastering Money: Strategies to Boost Your Financial Health
Financial health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, particularly in the ever-evolving economic landscape of Australia. The capacity to manage personal finances effectively not only provides a sense of security but also opens doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As such, mastering the art of money management is an indispensable skill for Australians from all walks of life. - read more
Top 10 Smart Borrowing Strategies for Australians: A Comprehensive Guide Top 10 Smart Borrowing Strategies for Australians: A Comprehensive Guide
Smart borrowing is crucial for individuals and businesses in Australia to manage their financial goals effectively. With a well thought-out borrowing strategy, you can optimize your finances, minimize costs, and achieve your financial objectives. - read more
How to Improve Your Credit Score in 30 Days How to Improve Your Credit Score in 30 Days
Understanding your credit score is crucial, especially when you're looking to secure a loan. Whether it's for a home, a car, or personal use, a good credit score can make a significant difference in the type of loan you qualify for and the interest rates you'll be offered. - read more
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Loan Repayment in Australia Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in Loan Repayment in Australia
Navigating the complexities of loan repayments can be daunting, but understanding the components and their impact on our financial health is essential. In Australia, a wise approach to loan repayment not only alleviates financial strain but directly influences our credit scores and future borrowing capacity. - read more
Avoiding Loan Rejection: How to Present Yourself as a Creditworthy Applicant Avoiding Loan Rejection: How to Present Yourself as a Creditworthy Applicant
Understanding the Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) is a crucial step toward solidifying your status as a creditworthy loan applicant. DTI is a key determinant used by lenders to gauge your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts. It's essentially a numerical comparison between your total monthly debt and your gross monthly income, serving as a beacon of your financial health to potential creditors. - read more
Understanding Loan Comparison: A Guide for New Borrowers Understanding Loan Comparison: A Guide for New Borrowers
For new borrowers, stepping into the world of loans can be overwhelming. There are numerous options available, and each comes with its own set of terms, interest rates, and features. - read more
Comparing Loan Options in Australia: The Role of Loan Calculators Comparing Loan Options in Australia: The Role of Loan Calculators
Loan calculators are powerful tools that assist borrowers in estimating their potential loan payments. By inputting variables such as loan amount, interest rate, and loan term, these calculators provide insight into what one's monthly repayments might look like. This can be invaluable for budgeting and financial planning purposes. - read more

Finance News

Improving EOFY Planning: The Call for ATO Portal Access for Advisers Improving EOFY Planning: The Call for ATO Portal Access for Advisers
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a recent discussion, James O'Reilly, Director and Financial Planner at Northeast Wealth, underscored the benefits that could come from granting financial advisers access to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) portal. Speaking on The ifa Show, O'Reilly proposed that this access would significantly simplify the services financial advisers provide to clients, particularly at tax time and the end of the financial year (EOFY). - read more
RBA Holds Rates Steady, Shocking Markets and Shifting Economic Expectations RBA Holds Rates Steady, Shocking Markets and Shifting Economic Expectations
09 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the official cash rate steady at 3.85%, taking many by surprise after expectations of a 25-basis-point cut had built up in financial circles. This unexpected move comes amid recent data indicating easing inflation and weaker than anticipated economic growth, conflicting with prior predictions of a cut. - read more
RBA to Continue Interest Rate Cuts Amid High Unemployment RBA to Continue Interest Rate Cuts Amid High Unemployment
08 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is anticipated to maintain its trajectory of incremental interest rate reductions, according to insights from leading financial analysts at ANZ. Recent data from the ANZ-Indeed Australian Job Ads series revealed a rise from 114.8 in May to 116.9 in June, suggesting a potential rebound in job advertisements after previous declines. Despite a stable unemployment rate and hours-based underutilisation rate since mid-2024, the Australian labour market remains strained. - read more
RBA Poised for Cash Rate Cut Amid Inflationary Trends RBA Poised for Cash Rate Cut Amid Inflationary Trends
07 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

As the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) prepares for its forthcoming monetary policy announcement, economic analysts anticipate a further reduction in the official cash rate by 25 basis points. This prediction, supported by Finder’s RBA Cash Rate Survey, reveals that 88% of participating experts foresee a cut that would lower the interest rate to 3.6%, aligning the decision with the recent decline in both headline and core inflation to the central bank's target range of two to three percent. - read more
Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers Uncovering the Impact of Unsolicited Solar Sales on Consumers
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a concerning revelation, Australian retiree Christine Hirchfield shares her ordeal with an unsolicited solar installation that turned into a financial nightmare. Despite her initial enthusiasm for cheaper energy bills and a greener home, the project remains incomplete more than a year later. Consumer groups are now advocating for a nationwide prohibition on deceptive sales practices that target vulnerable consumers like Ms Hirchfield. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Debt-to-Equity Ratio:
A measure of a company’s financial leverage, calculated by dividing its total liabilities by stockholders’ equity.


Quick Links: | Compare Loans | Bad Credit Loans | Finance For Self-employed | Low Rates | Free Loan Assessment