First Home Buyers Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Home

First Home Buyers Guide:

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Your First Home

Welcome to the Ultimate First Home Buyers Guide brought to you by North Brisbane Home Loans team!

First off, congratulations on embarking on the journey of buying your first home in Brisbane. We understand the journey of first time home buyers is not easy, and one that needs guidance and expert input. That’s why we are here to provide you with the ultimate guide to buying your first home to make your experience truly remarkable.

Our First Home Buyers Guide is designed to empower you right from the beginning. There is all sorts of buying first home tips for you here; whether you’re unsure about how much deposit you need or need guidance on making an offer.

At North Brisbane Home Loans, we believe that starting off with the right information is crucial. With our expertise and dedication to serving the needs of first home buyers, we aim to make your journey towards home ownership an exciting and rewarding one. Let us guide you through the maze of details, answer your questions, and provide the support you need to confidently navigate the real estate market.

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1. Your budget and deposit

As a first home buyer knowing what you can afford to pay is the best place to start this process. You will need to be familiar with your budget to figure this out.

There are plenty of home loan calculators available that can help you work out repayment rates for your new potential home.

Start by exploring what price range you’d like to buy in by looking at the suburbs you interested in and the size of the house you’d require. This will give you a good starting point of what you’ll need to borrow. But don’t worry this figure will change as you do through the process.

Let’s say you decide that a house for $500,000 is a great starting point. With today’s average interest rate of approximately 3.02 per cent over a 30-year loan term on principal and interest (could be higher or lower depending on your deposit etc) you’d be expected to pay $2114 per month. Or just under $530 each week.

Explore how this would fit into your budget and adjust your expectations from there? You may also wish to use a budget planner to work out your current situation and start slotting in your future estimated finances.

Once you have a list of your debts you can start to work out how to manage these more effectively.

Start paying off your credit cards, store cards, and personal loans. Or talk to your bank about consolidating debts into one so it’s easier to manage.

What is debt consolidation?

This process involves combining multiple debts into a single loan, often with a lower interest rate and more manageable monthly payments. Here are ways debt consolidation can help you save up for your first home buyer loan deposit:

  • Streamline your financial obligations, making it easier to track and manage your payments

  • Avoid juggling multiple due dates and varying interest rates.

  • Secure a lower interest rate, which can lead to reduced monthly payments

  • Free up additional funds that you can allocate towards saving for your home deposit.

  • Restructure your debts with a clear repayment plan so you can focus on saving for your home without the burden of excessive debts.

One of the biggest reasons home loan applications get rejected is because of undisclosed debts. Certain types of debt, such as HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) and Afterpay, can impact your mortgage application. .

Lenders take into account your existing debts when assessing your borrowing capacity. HECS, Afterpay and similar BNPL debts are considered a liability and is factored into your overall financial obligations.

This means that your ability to borrow for a home loan may be reduced, as lenders typically apply a higher assumed repayment amount for HECS debt. In addition, some BNPL providers may report your repayment behavior to credit agencies. If you miss payments or have a history of late repayments, it can have a negative impact on your credit score. Lenders consider your credit score when evaluating your loan application.

They also assess your ability to service your debts when determining your eligibility for a mortgage. If you have outstanding Afterpay or BNPL balances, they may impact the amount you can borrow or influence the lender’s decision on your application.

You should look at buying your first home when you’re in a reasonably stable position. That is, you’re not expecting any massive new bills coming your way and your employment prospects are stable.

It’s best not to have any major changes to your personal situation unless you absolutely have to during this period of time. This can be overcome sometimes, but it is a credit critical issue that the lenders will need to be covered off on.

Lenders will want to see your income and bank statements for the last three months. Bank statements are needed to show your living expenses. It’s important to know that you can’t just write down what you think it costs to run a household, it needs to be accurate.

To obtain a first-time homebuyer loan, you first need to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria set by the loan program or lender offering the first-time homebuyer loan.

Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the specific loan program, but common factors include being a first-time homebuyer (someone who has not owned a home in a specified period) and meeting certain income limits.

What is a home loan preapproval?

Before actively searching for a property, consider seeking pre-approval from a lender. Pre-approval involves submitting your financial information and undergoing a preliminary assessment by the lender to determine the loan amount you may qualify for. Pre-approval can give you a clearer understanding of your budget and make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.

Submit a formal loan application to your chosen lender. The lender will require various documents, including proof of income, identification, savings history, employment details, and information about the property you intend to purchase. Be prepared to provide these documents promptly to avoid delays in the application process.

The lender will assess your loan application, considering factors such as your financial situation, credit history, employment stability, and property valuation. They will determine whether to approve your loan based on their assessment. This process may take several weeks, so it’s important to be patient during this stage.

Generally, a deposit of 20 percent of the property value is ideal to buy your house, but not always needed. With a good credit rating and steady income, you could get away with less (sometimes as low as 5 percent).

However, if it’s less than 20 percent you may need to pay Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance.

What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance?

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a type of insurance that protects lenders when borrowers have a smaller deposit (less than 20% of hte property’s purchase price) or higher-risk loan.

LMI safeguards the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan, and the property is sold at a loss. It does not provide any direct benefit to the borrower but rather protects the lender’s financial interests. However, can enable those with a smaller deposit to enter the property market and secure a home loan.

For our $500,000 home loan example, you would need up to $100,000 deposit. But you can cough up a deposit as low as $25,000 plus fees and LMI.

Yes. A guarantor can offer some of the equity in their own property as a guarantee that you will be able to make your mortgage payments.

This can effectively provide you with your deposit too while reassuring the lender that the mortgage will be paid for.

If the borrower can’t make their repayments, then the guarantor becomes legally responsible for paying the loan.

The limits on who you can use as a guarantor will vary depending on the lender, but most will allow for immediate family members to take on this role (such as your spouse or your parents).

Some lenders broaden this definition to include extended family, which means that you could potentially use your in-laws, grandparents, siblings, or even an obliging ex-spouse.

The one thing all lenders will require is that the guarantor is a home-owner with sufficient equity (the value of the property minus the balance of any existing mortgage).

2. Should I use a mortgage broker or apply directly with a bank

A mortgage broker is essentially a “middleman” between first home buyers and the bank. They are a type of financial advisor who specializes in helping people find the right home loan.

Engaging a broker can be an excellent way to find the best value home loan across a range of lenders for your personal circumstances.

While going directly to a specific bank will limit your loan options to only those that they offer. If you’re not set on one particular banking institution, then getting a mortgage broker to assess the competition can be a benefit for you in the long run.

A mortgage broker can also assist you in understanding the finance and mortgage industry and save you time when it comes to researching different home loan options.

The team at North Brisbane Home Loans:

  • Make finance easy to understand the different range of loan products and provide you with peace of mind

  • Our experienced mortgage brokers can confidently offer you the best advice when it comes to finding a loan for you

  • Use up-to-date technology so they know what’s happening in the market, analyzing rates from multiple lenders, and securing the best deal on the market for you!

When should you contact a mortgage broker?

Everyone’s situation is different but six months out or earlier is generally a good timeline to connect with your chosen mortgage broker.

You can also connect with a first home mortgage broker to get a feel for what you should be focusing on in order to get a pre-approval.

So whatever stage you’re at, they can assist.

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3. Explore your home loan options

Exploring the home loan options available can be an overwhelming prospect. With dozens of different home loan types and each first home buyer having a different situation, it’s important to find the right one for you.

Variable vs fixed home loans

Fixed rate loans will give you a set interest rate for a period of time, sometimes up to five years. While a variable loan will have an interest rate that fluctuates.

They both have their pros and cons. There is also a third alternative of a split home loan, which means you could find a balance between the two by essentially having two home loans.

Repayment Types

There are two main types of repayments:

Principal and interest, which involves paying off both the interest and an extra portion of your principal loan. This type of loan will allow you to reduce the amount you owe quicker. This loan is suited to people like first home buyers who want to live in their property.

Interest-only loans involve only paying the interest portion of your loan, keeping the amount that you owe constant. Interest-only loans are usually used by property investors who want to minimise repayments.

4. Do your research

The most important part of purchasing your first home is to be organised and do your research. You could most definitely benefit from knowing what first home buyers grants are out there that you can take advantage of.

In general, a first home buyers grant is a financial incentive provided by the government to assist individuals or couples who are purchasing their first home. The grant is intended to help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with buying a property and promote homeownership.

The specific details and eligibility criteria for first home buyers grants can vary between states and territories in Australia. Below is a general overview of how a first home buyers grant works:

1. To be eligible for a first home buyers grant, you generally need to meet certain criteria. This may include being a permanent resident or citizen of Australia, being at least 18 years old, and never having owned a property before (including investment properties).

2. You need to submit an application for the grant to the relevant government authority in your state or territory. The application process typically requires providing documentation and evidence to demonstrate your eligibility.

3. The amount of the grant can vary depending on the location and specific grant program. It is usually a one-time payment that is either a fixed amount or a percentage of the property’s value, up to a certain limit. Some grants may have different amounts for new homes and established homes.

4. The grant may have specific requirements regarding the type of property that qualifies. This can include factors such as the property’s value, whether it is a new construction or an established home, and whether it will be your primary residence.

5. There may be certain timeframes associated with the grant, such as when you need to purchase the property or when you need to move into it. It’s important to be aware of these timelines to ensure you meet the grant’s conditions.

6. Once your application is approved, the grant amount is typically disbursed to you after settlement or completion of the property purchase. The funds can be used towards the deposit, fees, or other expenses related to buying your first home.

You’re fortunate to have stumbled upon our first home buyers guide as we have compiled a list of the major first home buyer grants that can help increase your deposit.

The First Home Owners Grant (FHOG)scheme was introduced on 1 July 2000 to offset the effect of the GST on home ownership. It is a national scheme funded by the states and territories and administered under their own legislation.

The scheme is a one-off grant payable to the QLD first home owners that satisfy all the eligibility criteria.

How much is the QLD First Home Owners Grant?

Queenslanders can get $15,000 towards buying or building a new house, unit, or townhouse valued at less than $750,000. The first home buyers grant is paid per new home, not to each of the applicants for the same home.

Can you use First Home Owners Grant as deposit?

Yes, the FHOG can be used as deposit. But while it can be a valuable financial resource for first home buyers, it generally cannot be used as the entire deposit. You will need to contribute 5% to 10% of the property’s purchase price from your own savings, including the FHOG.

If you are building a new home, the FHOG may not be available until construction commences. Therefore, relying solely on the FHOG as your deposit may not be the most practical approach.

Take the Queensland Government eligibility test to assess your situation.

The First home super saver (FHSS) scheme was introduced by the Australian Government in the Federal Budget 2017–18 to reduce pressure on housing affordability.

The FHSS scheme allows you to save money for your first home inside your super fund. This will help first home buyers save faster with the concessional tax treatment of superannuation.

You can contribute up to $15,000 per year, with a total cap of $50,000. However, these contributions are subject to annual contribution limits, which include the compulsory superannuation guarantee from your employer.

To access the FHSSS, you must be 18 years or older. You must also be a first home buyer, meaning you have never owned any kind of property before. This includes investment properties, vacant land, commercial property, leases of land, or company title interests in land. Couples, siblings, or friends who are all first home buyers can each use their own FHSSS contributions to purchase the same property.

Once you are 18 years old, you can request a FHSSS determination from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This determination will specify the maximum amount you can access for your first home purchase. After receiving the determination, you can apply for a release of the specified amount. The savings released under the FHSSS must be used within 12 months to sign a contract to purchase or construct a home.

Read more about the First Home Super Saver Scheme here.

RegionaThe NHFIC guarantee for the home loan can be up to a maximum of 15% of the property’s value, as assessed by the Participating Lender. It’s important to note that this guarantee is not a cash payment or a deposit for the home loan.

First Home Buyer Guarantee

The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG) is a component of the Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS), which is an initiative by the Australian Government to support eligible first home buyers in purchasing a home sooner.

Administered by the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) on behalf of the government, the RFHBG specifically aims to assist eligible regional first home buyers in acquiring a home in a regional area.

The RFHBG is available from October 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. During this period, there are 10,000 RFHBG places allocated for eligible regional first home buyers. Under the RFHBG, the NHFIC guarantees a portion of the eligible regional first home buyer’s home loan obtained from a Participating Lender. This guarantee enables the home buyer to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5%, without needing to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Under the RFHBG, the NHFIC guarantees a portion of the eligible regional first home buyer’s home loan obtained from a Participating Lender. This guarantee enables the home buyer to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5%, without needing to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

A regional area, as defined for the RFHBG, includes Statistical Area Level 4 (ASGS SA4 2016) areas in a state or the Northern Territory that are not capital cities, as well as Norfolk Island, Jervis Bay, Christmas Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Capital city areas and the entire Australian Capital Territory are excluded from the RFHBG.

First time home buyers can use the RFHBG to purchase various residential property types. They include existing houses, townhouses, apartments, house and land packages, land with a separate contract to build a home, and off-the-plan apartments or townhouses. Each location has specific property price caps, and different property types have specific timeframes and criteria.

Read more about the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee here.

The stamp duty concession for first time home buyers in Queensland is a scheme introduced by the state government to assist eligible individuals in purchasing their first home. Properties under $550,000 do not incur stamp duty and this could save you a lot of money. If the property value falls between $550,000 and $650,000, you may still be eligible for a partial concession.

The amount of stamp duty you can save as a first home buyer in Queensland depends on the value of the property. If the property value is less than $500,000, you may be eligible for a full concession, meaning you won’t have to pay any stamp duty. For properties valued between $500,000 and $549,999, a partial concession reduces the amount of stamp duty you need to pay. The concession amount decreases on a sliding scale for properties valued between $550,000 and $650,000.

It’s important to note that the stamp duty concession only applies to the purchase of your principal place of residence. If you are buying an investment property, you won’t be eligible for the concession.

First home buyers guide PRO tip: You can combine other first home buyer grants like FHOG and the Home Builder Grant with the stamp duty concession to further reduce the overall cost of buying your first home.

Watch for flooding
A lot of Brisbane properties are susceptible to flooding. Get a free flood report on the Brisbane City Council website.

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5. Get your finance pre-approved and start house hunting

It’s smart to get a pre-approval before you start house hunting so you know exactly how much you can offer a seller.

A pre-approval, also known as conditional approval, is a letter from your lender that tells you how much you’re likely to be able to borrow from the bank.

It also shows the seller that you’re making a serious offer, and gives them peace of mind that you can afford the property.

A pre-approval is also a requirement to be able to bid at some auctions.

Start house hunting

Now is the time to start looking for a property you love. Talk to real estate agents, visit open homes and ask for property reports. Property reports can show you the median price for units and houses in the same area, including a ballpark price range for the property you want.

Remember that the real estate agents you’re speaking with are ultimately employed by the seller. It’s good to be in negotiations with the agent after consulting your legal team but avoid disclosing your financial position.

Leave your emotions at the door

It’s easy to fall in love with a property, but make sure you’re making decisions that aren’t solely based on your emotions.

Rushing to buy without thinking things over can quickly lead to regret.

Buying your first home could be one of the biggest decisions of your life, so you need to make sure that you don’t come to regret it.

6. Finding a conveyancer

When you’re purchasing your first home, you should consider hiring a skilled conveyancer.

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property from one person or entity to another. Though you don’t legally need a conveyancer to buy or sell a property, they can help make the process much less stressful.

A conveyancer can help you review your contract prior to signing so that you can make sure everything is in your favour and there are no hidden clauses.
Conveyancers will also do relevant searches on your behalf to save you time and money in the future.

Hiring an experienced and qualified conveyancer will save you hours of paperwork and legwork as they take care of almost all the legal work for you. They liaise with real estate agents and building inspectors, keep your settlements on track with the vendor, and arrange reports for government agencies, all on your behalf.

Conveyancing fees in Queensland often range between $500 to $1600.

Hidden fees can be common in the conveyancing industry. Solicitors may not be charging rates at a fixed fee and any correspondence sent or received, documents prepared, or time spent on a matter may be billed.

It is important to ask your conveyancer whether or not their fees are fixed, and what events or circumstances could cause further charges to be incurred before you proceed.

  • Be contactable

  • Supply paperwork quickly (and remember documents may need witnessing)

  • Organise a building & pest inspection

  • Be in contact with your bank/mortgage broker and make sure they know who your conveyancer is.

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7. Make an offer

Congratulations, you’ve found the right property for you. Now it’s time to make an offer.

Remember that just because a seller advertises their property for a particular price, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the amount you have to pay. If you’ve done your research and spoken to your financial advisor you should be ready to go.

It’s best to submit a formal written offer to show you’re a legitimate buyer, rather than make a verbal offer.

A written offer should include:

  • Your full legal name

  • The sale price

  • The deposit

  • Finance, building and pest terms

  • Settlement dates

  • Lawyer details

Consider how to make your contract competitive by offering faster finance or settlement. Make sure that you talk to your mortgage broker about these things first.

You might also wish to include contract clauses to help reduce the risk during the buying process. These can include pest inspections, a good working order clause for electrical, plumbing and gas, building inspections and a swimming pool/spa clause.

8. Finalise settlement

If you’ve reached this stage, then most of the hard work is done and you’re ready to sign the Contract of Sale.

This is a legal document prepared by a lawyer or conveyancer.

A standard contract of sale will usually include:

  • Certificate of the title information

  • Offer date

  • Warnings, such as the necessity for smoke alarms

  • Settlement date of an intended property

  • The cooling-off period

  • Information about furnishing and fixtures

  • Improvements to the property

  • Property address

  • Loan details, such as the terms and conditions of the payment, and initial deposit

  • The price of the property

  • Name of the seller

  • Purchasing party information

  • Information about the selling agent

Please speak with your lawyer before signing anything, because a signed contract of sale is final.

In Queensland your deposit is usually paid in two instalments. The first is paid when you sign the contract and is usually only about $500 to $2000.

The second is paid once building and pest reports are completed and finance is officially approved. This deposit is larger and is paid later in the settlement process.

Now is the time to work with your mortgage broker to get your loan officially approved.

Send your contract of sale over to your mortgage broker and provide them with any other documents that may be needed.

Your broker will also need to organise a bank valuation of your new property.

Once your finance is approved let your conveyancer know that you’re good to go.

Congratulations, you’re now the owner of your very first home!

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9. Building and pest inspections

Before your property enters settlement, a building and pest inspection can uncover defects in the property’s structure or show potential damage such as from termites.

Typically, the building and pest inspection happens after you have submitted a written offer. Most contracts include a clause in the contract specifying that the sale will be conditional to a building and pest inspection. This then gives you an opportunity to not proceed with the purchase or renegotiate if issues are identified.

So, the building and pest inspection most commonly happens in the cooling off period – usually between 7 to 14 days after a contract has been accepted – but it will depend on the time frame you negotiated in your purchase contract.

Yes. We recommend first home buys attend. This way your inspector can show you issues at the property and you can have a more thorough conversation to help alleviate any concerns and discuss problems you may have about the property.

Some major things an inspector will be looking for is:

  • Look at ceilings and behind bathrooms or kitchens for patches or water leaks

  • Look around the yard for draining issues or water ponding

  • Look in the meter box for past termite inspections

  • Check brickwork for cracking

The buyer covers the cost of the building and pest inspection.

The cost is very minimal in relation to the overall cost of the property but it gives you advice to make an informed decision on the property you are purchasing.

We’ve seen many instances where first home buyers have used the findings in their building and pest inspections to negotiate a better purchase price if there are areas of property that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Ask the following questions when speaking to potential inspectors:

  • How much experience do they have in the building industry?

  • Are they licensed and insured?

  • How many years have they been completing Building & Pest Inspections?

  • Is the inspector the owner of the business, or a subcontractor?

  • What type of report do they provide? Note: Tick and flick type reports don’t offer much detail for the buyer.

Either you are happy with the report and proceed with the contract, or if issues are raised you may request the owner complete the repairs, or you renegotiate the purchase price to cover the cost for repairs identified in the building and pest report.

10. Move in and manage your mortgage

Now that you’re ready to move in, you’ll need to continue to manage your mortgage.

It’s recommended to reassess your home loan on an annual basis. This is because your own personal circumstances may change or the world around you might change, forcing interest rates to increase or decrease.

Your mortgage broker can help you review your mortgage loan and make sure you’re always getting the best value for money from your lender.

5 Star Customer Rating

We put you first and genuinely want to help you achieve your property ownership dreams.

Being a top rated first home mortgage broker in Brisbane we delivered the best home loan for first home buyers. We have hundreds of happy customers, find out what they’ve said about working with North Brisbane Home Loans here.

Experienced Mortgage Brokers

With more than 90 years’ combined experience in the industry our first home buyer mortgage broker can confidently offer you the best advice when it comes to finding the best value loan for you. We are a team of experienced mortgage brokers in Brisbane that provides the best advice on home loan for first home buyers Brisbane.

We Work For You – Not The Banks

We don’t charge any fees for our first home owner loan services, our commission comes from the lender. As a personal first home mortgage in Brisbane, we’re by your side every step of the way to ensure you select the best loan product for your individual circumstances.

Exclusive Partner Network

Not only do we provide you with the best advice on first home owners loan needs, we also introduce clients to our network of trusted partners offering discounted rates.

Save time and money searching for reliable building and pest, real estate agents, solicitors and more.

In this first home buyers guide we put together, we have done our best to compile all the necessary information you need to be able to kickstart your homeownership journey. The one thing we cannot advise you on, however, is whether or not we, or any broker for that matter, can help you get the best first home buyer loans in the market.

As a mortgage broker, our role is to assist clients in finding suitable home loan options based on their specific needs and desired outcomes. While we strive to provide the most appropriate loan options available in the market, using the term “best” to describe loans is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The ASIC does not tolerate brokers using subjective terms like “best” because it can be misleading and not necessarily reflect an individual’s unique circumstances.

Instead, our focus is on offering tailored advice and guidance to help you navigate the home loan landscape effectively. We take into consideration factors such as your financial situation, income, deposit amount, credit history, and specific goals. By understanding your needs, we can recommend loan options that align with your requirements, such as competitive interest rates, flexible repayment terms, suitable features, and any applicable government grants or incentives for first-time home buyers.

At North Brisbane Home Loans, our aim is to provide you with a range of suitable loan options and explain their features, benefits, and potential risks. Ultimately, our goal is to empower you to make an informed decision that suits your individual circumstances and supports your journey to becoming a first time home buyer.

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At North Brisbane Home Loans, our second home
mortgage brokers’ team is committed to providing the
best mortgage broker service for second home buyers

Reviews from First Home Buyers Brisbane, QLD

5.0 STAR REVIEWS

kelly dalbykelly dalby
04:21 04 Apr 24
The best customer service ever! The team is still getting us fantastic rates and deals years later after our initial consultation... without asking!! They just do it!! Brilliant to deal with and would absolutely use them again and again.
Mackenzie VandebergMackenzie Vandeberg
04:48 03 Apr 24
Pat and Fiona are a dream team. As nervous first home buyers, they stepped us through everything. They were very accessible for appointments and had frequent, open communication I needed at all stages of the process. They are thorough and experts at what they do, helping us to get into a property faster and easier than we thought possible. They also got us an amazing interest rate. Highly recommend to anyone and will definitely be using them in the future for any subsequent purchases or refinancing.
Cassidy HardinghamCassidy Hardingham
07:03 27 Mar 24
Pat, Di and Jake were amazing to work with. We are first home buyers and they really helped us through the process and took the time to explain every little detail. Very friendly and down to earth. Would 100% recommend!
Darren StonemanDarren Stoneman
07:21 25 Mar 24
Brendan helped us find a loan perfect for us and our situation. Always happy to answer any questions and was very friendly. Would recommended the team here at NBH.
Steph JessupSteph Jessup
04:53 21 Mar 24
Pat and the team helped us secure our second mortgage and could not have been more helpful. They know their stuff and go above and beyond. Would highly recommend!!
Meditech ServiceMeditech Service
12:43 15 Mar 24
Pat and his team are a league to their own, nothing but acute professional care with knowledge to match. Even with the banks being difficult they fought a good fight and got me approval. This is my 3rd mortgage with them and I won’t go anywhere elseA*
Ryan CameronRyan Cameron
05:30 08 Mar 24
Very happy with the product and service provided by these guys, would recommend/use again
Antoinette BothAntoinette Both
00:50 21 Feb 24
Exceptional service. I have used Pat for a number of years and he has always provided exceptional service. He provides clear and professional advice and always made sure the process was easy. I have used him for new mortgages as well as refinancing and every time it is seamless.I highly recommend Pat and his team to anyone looking for finance.
Chloe FosterChloe Foster
00:21 17 Feb 24
Best broker in town! . We’ve bought and sold a number of properties using other brokers, however our last purchase was the best experience we have ever had! Customer service and skill were on point and the speed and efficiency of the application was amazing. Patrick and his team went above and beyond to give us an experience that left us without stress and got us into our new home with ease. Cannot recommend these guys enough. They will have our business forever!
B CB C
02:11 16 Feb 24
NBHL provide great service. They provide straightforward advice & their communication is fantastic
Ian CossartIan Cossart
05:34 11 Feb 24
We recently engaged NBHL as our mortgage broker. Could not be happier with the whole team. The process was smooth, timely and painless. They provided fantastic advise along the way and went out of their way ensuring that we understood everything. I highly recommend the team at NBHLs. They were brilliant!
Joanne NelsonJoanne Nelson
23:06 07 Feb 24
Patrick and his team are very people focused. They took the time to walk me through what can be a minefield, provided options and explained the process. I was so grateful for their updates and communication throughout the process. Knowing they were in control gave me confidence and that nothing was missed and the outcomewas exactly as discussed with no surprises. I will continue to use their services, it's a great family and local business.
Mattie RyanMattie Ryan
22:29 04 Feb 24
The best in the businessWe have bought a number of properties over the years. Pat and and the team make everything so easy for us. Pat’s knowledge and expertise has saved us so much money over the years, and we will continue to go back to NBHL time after time.
Braden TwomeyBraden Twomey
02:52 31 Jan 24
Excellent service and knowledge. Pat and Jake were able to support through the entire process and were contactable almost every step of the process. They supported my loan preferences and knew the right angles to take to ensure successful loan approval and settlement.
Elaine LawryElaine Lawry
02:24 22 Jan 24
Invaluable advice . We have engaged Pat and his team several times over the last 15-20 years, whenever we have needed to refinance. Each time the experience has been trouble free, taking all the pressure off us to wade through everything ourselves enabling us to make informed decisions about our home loans. We have even recommended Pat and his team to family members who have also had a very positive experience.
Emma EyreEmma Eyre
01:18 15 Jan 24
We highly recommend the service of Pat and the team at NBHL. Pat is extremely knowledgeable and professional, and works in an engaging and personable manner. Communication is always prompt, and we have been incredibly satisfied with the result each time we've worked with the team.
Long DinhLong Dinh
05:51 02 Jan 24
Outstanding, informative & efficient!Pat and the team have a truly spectacular and streamline business. Their secure platform, digital systems and informative communications & instruction helped us broker a competitive loan and secure a property. With how busy life can get, having North Brisbane Home Loans provide their services has been an absolute stress saver!
Mel SmallMel Small
05:24 20 Dec 23
Best in the business!I have been doing business with NBHL for quite some time as Patrick is an exceptional Mortgage Broker! He is professional, very knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had regarding my home loan, he consistently exceeds my expectations. I highly recommend Patrick and his team to anyone applying for a home loan or just wanting to refinance.
Madelinne DavilloMadelinne Davillo
23:32 18 Dec 23
We just recently purchased our first home with the help of NBHL amazing team! They have made this process so much easier due to their efficiency and outstanding communication. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you so much Pat, Fiona and Di!
ElaelahElaelah
04:58 18 Dec 23
Pat and Jake helped me and my partner through so many questions when getting our first home loan! I can't imagine having a better crew on my team. I learnt so much, and felt like I had some great friends looking out for me along the way. Definitely recommend!
Andrew LawryAndrew Lawry
00:09 15 Dec 23
BrodieBrodie
05:46 13 Dec 23
Excellent service, highly recommend
Ben PriceBen Price
06:22 06 Dec 23
North Brisbane Home Loans stands out as best in the business for home loans. Pat and his team’s commitment to first class service and transparent communication make them leaders in their field. Their seamless and stress-free approach ensures clients receive a second-to-none service. I confidently recommend Pat and the team at North Brisbane Home Loans. Thanks team!
Bogdan ZoloticBogdan Zolotic
06:13 01 Dec 23
Pat and Jake were amazing, really want to shout out Jake for the effort he went to making sure that everything ran smoothly I couldn’t recommend the team more they were quick and made sure to follow up on every loose end and we ended up making the deadline and securing the place we wanted, you can see why they have such good reviews, even the little care package at the end with the letter addressed to us with the gifts the reviews really do show how much the team care about the work that that they do.Bogdan & Eleanor
Kanchana MurugeshKanchana Murugesh
01:42 30 Nov 23
Immense market knowledge and very professional. He has a very good experience and knowledge on the current market. He really paid attention to every detail and updated with the info needed. Due to his timely action, we were able to buy our First Home on time. 🙂 Grateful to him and the Team.
Tim KeleherTim Keleher
04:40 29 Nov 23
Easy and stress free . My wife and I have used Patrick a number of times and this time was no different to other experiences with him. He was always on hand to answer any questions and put our minds at ease. Patrick’s technology based approach made getting all our documents from our existing bank accounts into a format required for reviewing was brilliant to use. Anyone considering a new loan I would highly recommend Patrick Cranshaw and his services.
Adrian GirgentiAdrian Girgenti
23:45 16 Nov 23
Wonderful experience with Pat, Fiona and the team at NBHL. As a first home buyer, they made it simple for me to understand and were very responsive to my questions and concerns. Thank you!
Lauren MaidensLauren Maidens
10:56 09 Nov 23
Aidan CuretonAidan Cureton
04:41 08 Nov 23
Pat and his team were a pleasure to work with while we were looking for our first home. I want to pay special thanks to Jake, who truly went above and beyond for us and was always happy to answer our questions (which there were many of)
Emilie GehrkeEmilie Gehrke
02:14 07 Nov 23
The team at NBHL have been amazing throughout our whole time with them. As first home buyers they’ve made the process a lot more easier & stress free. Huge thanks to Pat & Fiona!
Brittany AdamsBrittany Adams
12:09 19 Oct 23
Thank you Patrick, Di and team. We really appreciate all the help and information you provided us with our first home loan. NBHL made the process simple and easy to go through. You and your team were very quick to answer any queries we had and easy to get in touch with. We will definitely be using the NBHL team again in the future.I recently had the pleasure of working with Patrick again after 3 years for our refinance, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Patrick, Jake and the whole team were extremely knowledgeable, professional, and patient as we navigated the whole process. They took the time to understand our needs and preferences, and found us the best suited option. The use of their portals to upload information and documents is a game changer! I would also like to mention the articles in the monthly newsletters are quite in depth and have been incredibly insightful. I have highly recommend Patrick and NBHL to friends, family and colleagues. See you next time! Cheers!
Nicola BarnesNicola Barnes
22:10 12 Oct 23
Fantastic support and experience! . My partner and I loved our experience with the Brokers, they were always knowledgeable, supportive and friendly in all communications. We were a little sad to stop our regular catch ups once we had our new home!
Trish CatleyTrish Catley
04:04 12 Oct 23
I can not recommend Pat and his team enough!They went above and beyond to help us get our loan at the best deal and worked around the clock for usCannot thank then enough!
Annaliese Jade HAnnaliese Jade H
07:11 10 Oct 23
Pat and the NBHL team are so helpful and easy to deal with. I used them for my first home purchase a few year ago, and recently for a refinance. Both times they were responsive and proactive, and able to answer all our questions in easy to understand terms. I won't hesitate to use them again next time
Ellen JenkinsEllen Jenkins
09:35 07 Oct 23
Pat and his team were fantastic to deal with for the purchase of our first home. Not only were we guided to a great rate, the hassle and stress was minimised greatly! Thanks NBHL, we’re super excited to be in our first home with your assistance.
prakash nprakash n
02:43 03 Oct 23
The best mortgage broker I have dealt with. My application was not straight forward due my partner is on a different visa. I did try few other brokers before I reached out to NBHL, none of them had a correct approach or answers for my situation. But Patrick and team have experience dealing with similar situation to mine, he took time explaining every single possibility and how to approach them.Any issues you come across, they will know how to handle it.Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Amara NAmara N
05:38 29 Sep 23
I can highly recommend Pat Cranshaw and his team for prompt, honest and professional advice. I very much appreciated Pat's knowledgeable advice on refinancing my home loan . Thank you and best wishes to Pat and his team.
Russell VosselerRussell Vosseler
08:36 25 Sep 23
Pat, Jake & their team are absolutely great at securing the best rate. I have been using them for many years now, and always consult them for refinancing every 1-2 years to check what is the best rate available to me. They are able to negotiate much better rates with the banks than if you go to the banks directly.
Lloyd FinucaneLloyd Finucane
04:48 19 Sep 23
Without pre-approval, Pat and Jake allowed us to buy ourselves the house we wanted. They managed to get us financial approval with a lender perfect for us in only 6 days.We are very happy with our experience and would recommend others to use NBHL when looking for a fast and easy borrowing experience.
Shane ClarkeShane Clarke
09:40 14 Sep 23
Highly Professional and helpful. I would highly recommend Pat and his team!! Our situation was slightly complex, however they guided us through the process and were able to achieve a successful outcome.Their professionalism and communication with us were of the highest order. I would highly recommend Pat to anyone looking for a homeloan!!
Bernadette GilliesBernadette Gillies
00:19 13 Sep 23
Seamless from start to finish! Pat and his team were amazing. The whole process was so easy and painless. The application process was seamless from the upload of supporting docs right through to the actual signing of loan application and mortgage docs. Pat and his team were there to support us every step of the way with regular contact and simple explanations. I can’t thank them enough.
Carolyn RCarolyn R
11:59 12 Sep 23
I can’t thank the team at North Brisbane Home Loans enough for getting my home loan unconditionally approved today after an unexpected last-minute hiccup. From the very first call I had with Pat, talking me through the process and various options, to liaising with Di and Jake through the pre-approval process and then having Fiona on speed dial over the past week or so, answering all my calls and diligently working to get full approval while up against the clock - everything was done promptly and efficiently, with all communications clearly setting out what was required at every stage to make the whole process seem less daunting. Nothing was too much trouble for this friendly, helpful, calm-under-fire, amazing team. Woohoo! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Team work really does make the dream work and NBHL are the dream team. Thanks again!
This is the second time we have used Pat and the team; this most recent venture was exceptionally complicated, daunting and stressful. However Pat and Jake almost made it simple. They responded to my 1000 panicked emails with patience and clarity, never sugar coating anything. All the legalities were made transparent and easy to understand. We are so happy to say as from today, this amazing team of professionals played a very big part in bringing a very traumatic previous 18 months for our family to an end, with our new home purchase becoming unconditional literally hours ago. We can't thank them enough, it's been a long journey, but we made it thanks to them. If there was an option to pop down 10 stars, we wouldn't hesitate. Thanks, NBHL
Danielle SwannDanielle Swann
06:28 26 Aug 23
Very helpful. Patrick was very professional and easy to deal with, and I felt that I could ask all the silly questions during the home loan refinancing process and get real answers and still be taken seriously. He took his time to explain my different options thoroughly, and made the process as smooth as possible once a decision had been made.
Sarah KolkkaSarah Kolkka
05:12 23 Aug 23
10/10 recommend. Pat recently helped my husband and I remortgage our home and the whole process was simple and effortless. I always felt like Pat and his team were working hard for us and we were looped in through the whole process. Would absolutely recommend 🙂
Nathan GerchowNathan Gerchow
00:11 21 Aug 23
Reanna HarperReanna Harper
00:42 11 Aug 23
Exceptional Broker and Team - Honest, Prompt and Realistic. Highly recommend Patrick and the Team he works with. Our trusted broker that we go to repeatedly for mortgaging and refinancing. Always honest and seeks products that fit primary needs, plus offers valuable and realistic advice. The only broker we refer our friends and family to! Always in touch with us on time, made refinancing easy, friendly and upfront - every member of the Pat's team answered all our questions and laid out the steps ahead well in advance of settlement. Refinancing couldn't have gone any smoother! Only praise to share. We will continue to use Pat indefinitely.
Chloe SChloe S
07:13 10 Aug 23
That AUS FAMILYThat AUS FAMILY
00:16 10 Aug 23
Great experience
Gavin ShieldsGavin Shields
23:09 08 Aug 23
Excellent customer service, advice and attention to detail.Have now used NBHL for re-financing our home loan and to purchase our investment property. Can highly recommend.
Johan Van ZylJohan Van Zyl
21:50 24 Jul 23
Luke was great. Very professional. Recommend NBL services.
Kallum FrancisKallum Francis
11:42 24 Jul 23
Luke and the team at NBHL were a pleasure to deal with throughout the entire process of buying our first home. Luke was always contactable and made the effort to answer all our queries promptly and simplify the entire journey. As first home buyers we couldn't imagine buying without the help of such a knowledgeable team that has put a great emphasis on customer care.
Royce khanRoyce khan
06:27 04 Jul 23
I am writing to express our sincerest gratitude for the exceptional assistance you provided us in navigating the complex process of securing a home loan. Your professionalism, clear communication, unwavering transparency, and adept use of technology truly set you apart.You consistently ensured that we understood each step of the home loan process. Your ability to explain complex financial terms in a simplified manner made us feel confident and empowered in making informed decisions.Moreover, your expertise in utilising technology to streamline the loan application process was truly remarkable. From secure online document submission to virtual meetings, you effortlessly incorporated modern tools into our interactions. This not only saved time but also demonstrated your commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.Once again, thank you for everything you have done. I wish you continued success in your endeavours, and may your expertise positively impact many more individuals like myself.Well done Team North Brisbane Home Loans!!
E ViennetE Viennet
22:01 26 Jun 23
6 years ago we used NBHL service to buy our house/land package as a first time owner in Australia. Pat, Di and the team have been really professional. Everything went so smoothly. A month ago, we contacted NBHL to discuss any possibility to buy an investment property. Luke has been awesome, and went through all the options in details. Here, again the communication was great and everything went smoothly. Highly recommended.
Nicholas ThorburnNicholas Thorburn
03:24 24 Jun 23
Hassle-free re-finance. Pat and the team from North Brisbane Home Loans made our complicated re-finance very easy. The team go out of their way to ensure a smooth loan application/transfer process. Second time with this great experience from the NBHL team, highly recommended.
Alicia PharoahAlicia Pharoah
06:19 15 Jun 23
Friendly, professional service for expat loan refinancing. Pat, Di and team were incredibly helpful, patient, and flexible while finding an Aussie non-resident refinancing solution for me. These days that is no easy task!They kept me informed at every stage of the process from the solution hunting, to the decision making and throughout the closing process.Their services were invaluable and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Just TeenzJust Teenz
01:23 11 May 23
I contacted Pat at North Brisbane Home Loans based on their reviews. From the minute I spoke with Pat I felt at ease with his knowledge, experience, friendliness and felt straight away that he had our best interests at heart.Pat, Di and the team at North Brisbane Home Loans are so lovely and took away a lot of the stress of the whole process by communicating regularly and by explaining in detail all answers to any questions we had. They guided us through every step of the way and now thanks to the team we are in our dream home.Thank you all so much, we are over the moon!10/10 recommend!
Celene KeepenceCelene Keepence
23:28 23 Mar 23
Pat, Di, and the team at North Brisbane Home Loans are fantastic. They supported us every step of the way in our home loan application/home buying journey, and we couldn't be happier with the service recieved. They made the process so easy for us and we will definitely use their services again. We highly recommend!
Hayden MeyersHayden Meyers
05:52 12 Feb 23
The team at North Brisbane Home Loans were phenomenal from the very first point of contact. Pat was amazing in taking us through a step by step guide on how to purchase our first home!They were extremely responsive throughout the entire process with consistent and reliable communication.Would recommend to anyone looking to get into the market with a knowledgeable Broker!Thankyou.
Laura Cromb-SmithLaura Cromb-Smith
06:47 27 Dec 22
The most amazing service from Pat & Di at NBHL. Their expertise and patience throughout the entire process made it feel easy to buy our first home. Their guidance and support was immeasurable and we couldn’t have done it without them!Thanks to the team at NBHL for everything.
Katie ChittendenKatie Chittenden
02:05 01 Dec 22
Fantastic mortgage Broker!We used Pat and his team when we originally bought our first home back in 2017, and they were so fabulous that we went back to them this year (2022) to re-mortgage and change up our home loan. They do a wonderful job - great communication and dedication to get you the best rates possible. They also fix any mistakes the bank makes for you, quickly and efficiently. Can't rate them high enough, we will definitely be going back to them in the future.
Betty VisensangBetty Visensang
21:18 23 Oct 22
Knowledgeable, Professional and CalmBack in 2021 a colleague referred me to Patrick, we weren’t ready to buy yet but wanted to meet Pat as he had helped my colleague with his family home, plus 2 additional investment properties. My colleague was so impressed by the services offered by Pat that I had to meet him for myself! He didn’t disappointment, we decided after our first meeting on a plan and locked in to touch base again in a years time!1 year later, everything was in place and Pat helped us put everything in place and we are now proudly living in our new family home!Many healthily conversations were had, and Pat is really knowledgeable but we also appreciate his cool and calm manner.We will not hesitate to refer him and North Shore Home Loans to friends and family. We will also definitely be reaching out again when we expand our investment portfolio in the future.
Brianna DobingBrianna Dobing
09:46 09 Jun 22
We had a great experience with North Brisbane Home Loans. Our broker was Luke and he was excellent in listening to what we needed and providing us with loan options that would work for our situation. We liked the videos they provided explaining the product options and recommendations. Being able to watch the videos in our own time was helpful. Fiona was amazing in collating all our information and documents and working with the bank once we did find a house. The communication and customer service was superb. I would recommend NBHL.
Rachael WishartRachael Wishart
09:28 25 May 22
The team at North Brisbane Home Loans were phenomenal from the very first point of contact. Luke was brilliant in taking us through a step by step guide on how to achieve our goals, provided us with useful resources, and was very willing to answer all questions we had as first home buyers. We had a tight settlement timeline and the team (Luke and Fiona in particular) made it appear effortless. They were extremely responsive throughout the entire process with consistent and reliable communication. We could not recommend NBHL highly enough!
Trish ChandTrish Chand
06:37 14 Mar 22
My husband and I are grateful to Luke, Fiona and the team at North Brisbane Home Loans they are absolutely brilliant to deal with.We had a very pleasant experience with Luke he took the time to investigate several different scenarios to get us the best possible product and solution. Luke and Fiona were very responsive to our queries even calling after hours when necessary. While we were first time home buyers they reassured us every step of the way, confident in their advice and decision. Their patience and willingness to walk us step by step each process over the phone was greatly appreciated.Overall a very efficient and professional organisation you won’t be disappointed.
TamTam
10:57 06 Sep 21
I had an absolutely amazing experience with North Brisbane Home Loans. I was able to buy my first home with the advice, help and professional guidance of Pat and his team. I was very well looked after from the minute I reached out. Everything was handled in a very friendly, professional and timely manner. Whenever I was worried, unsure or needed assurance I was replied to promptly with everything I needed to know. The team were even willing to drive to my workplace to ensure all of my documentation could be signed and submitted promptly. I cannot recommend them enough!
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