Finance Brokers & Loan Process
What does a finance broker do?
A finance broker serves as an intermediary between you and a wide array of lenders, providing access to financing options that are typically unavailable to the public. By navigating the competitive asset finance market, brokers help you secure the best deals and rates.
Why do lenders prefer working with finance brokers?
Lenders value finance brokers because brokers know how to present loan applications in the most favourable light. By understanding your needs and crafting a compelling case, brokers enhance your chances of quick approval. Their expertise in lender assessment criteria is crucial for successful loan approval.
How do finance brokers understand lender policies?
Finance brokers have a deep understanding of each lender's unique policies and requirements. This knowledge allows them to identify which lender is best suited for your specific financial situation, avoiding potential obstacles and streamlining the application process.
What are the different types of finance brokers?
Finance brokers vary in their approach:
- Rate Promisers: Some brokers advertise low rates and quick pre-approvals but may later explain why you don't qualify for the advertised rate.
- Contact Detail Sellers: Other brokers may sell your contact details to multiple companies, resulting in unwanted calls and emails.
- Transparent Brokers (My Approach): Unlike others, I offer transparent, 24/7 access to the best deals tailored to your profile. There are no hidden rates or gimmicks.
What can I expect when working with you?
When working with me, you can explore various financing options with no upfront cost. My service is free unless you proceed with a loan, where my below-average fee can be included in the loan amount. I focus on presenting diverse financing options, helping you make an informed decision without pushing specific products.
What is the complete process for securing a loan?
- Select your loan and submit documentation — Choose your preferred loan using our quote tool. Then email or upload your licence and last two payslips (for consumer loans).
- Application review — I will review your application to identify and resolve any potential issues.
- Submit to lender — Your application will be submitted to the most suitable lender based on your needs.
- Provide asset details — Once approved, provide details of the asset. For dealership purchases, forward the contract. For private sales, send a link to the ad or the seller's contact information.
- Submit required documents — Provide a tax invoice from the dealership or an inspection report from the seller.
- Obtain fully comprehensive insurance — Finance companies require fully comprehensive insurance before issuing loan contracts, listing the Rego/VIN number, your name, and the finance company's details.
- Forward insurance policy — After purchasing insurance, forward the policy email to me. Finance companies do not accept screenshots or policy numbers alone.
- Receive and sign loan contracts — Most contracts can be signed electronically for your convenience.
- Loan settlement — I will upload the signed contracts to the lender, who will then settle the loan and pay the seller.
- Payment confirmation — I will email the remittance advice to the seller as proof of payment.
How long does the loan process take?
The speed of this process can vary. Each lender has different approval and settlement times, which will be indicated in the quote tool. Loans can be approved with funds potentially in your account within 2–3 hours. However, the entire process typically takes 2–3 days from start to finish.
What factors affect the timescale?
System-approved emails: While my software can generate a system-approved email from a lender within minutes, official approval requires human verification of payslips and IDs, which can take additional hours.
Verification process: Thorough verification is needed before final approval. While some lenders advertise quick pre-approvals, actual approval times involve detailed checks.
How are rates determined?
Rates are displayed transparently when you receive a quote. As you input your details, the rate dynamically adjusts based on the information you provide. My software performs thousands of calculations to predict the likely rate from your chosen lender according to your profile.
Bank Statements & Loan Protection
Why are bank statements required for loan applications?
Bank statements are sometimes needed for personal loans, larger business loans, short-term ABN holders, or if there are discrepancies on your credit file. They provide a detailed view of your financial situation, which can significantly impact the approval process.
How is my bank statement information handled?
I use a trusted service called Ilion, which I've relied on for over 6 years without issues. I'll send you a secure link via email or text. When you complete the link, I receive a PDF containing your last 3, 6, or 12 months of banking transactions. The reports are reliably and securely handled.
What if I have concerns about sharing bank statement details?
If you're concerned about entering your online banking details, rest assured that I use a reputable and secure service. You can review more information about this process at www.bankstatements.com.au.
Do you offer loan protection services?
Yes, I can offer loan protection services. If I set up loan protection for you, it will cover only the loan I arrange — it does not extend to other financial commitments.
Typically, it's more cost-effective for you to obtain loan protection coverage directly online. It's also worth checking your Superannuation policy, as many people already have insurance coverage through their super fund.
Refinance & Credit File
Can I refinance my existing loan through you?
Yes, you can refinance your existing loan with my assistance. However, it's important to consider that setup fees and exit fees charged by dealerships can affect the overall cost of refinancing. Even if my interest rate is 2–3% lower, factors such as the number of payments made and the financed amount can influence whether refinancing is the most cost-effective option.
To assess if refinancing will save you money, please provide: the payout figure, contract signing date, and current payments.
What is a "soft check" on my credit file?
As a broker, I can perform a "soft check" on your credit file. This type of check does not appear on your credit report or affect your credit score. It provides detailed information, often more comprehensive than what some lenders can access. I'm happy to share this report with you upon request.
How do lenders affect my credit file with pre-approvals?
Most lenders will leave a mark on your credit file with a pre-approval. However, a few pre-approvals within a short timeframe generally won't significantly damage your credit score. I proactively contact lenders to discuss potential issues before submitting an application, which helps prevent unnecessary hits on your credit file.
Can payday loans affect my credit file?
Loans under $5,000 from payday lenders like Cash Converters or Wallet Wizard can negatively impact your credit file. These are often considered hardship loans and can affect your credit within the last 6 months. Generally, services like Afterpay and ZipPay do not cause issues with credit files or finance applications.
How does applying for multiple loans affect my credit score?
Applying for multiple loans in a short period can lower your credit score, which may impact the interest rate you qualify for. Be cautious with online applications as some may be lodged unintentionally, potentially affecting your credit score.
Subprime Lenders & Loan Rates
What are subprime lenders and how do they differ?
Subprime lenders offer loans to individuals with low credit scores or a history of defaults. They operate under different regulations, which allows them to be more flexible but usually at higher interest rates. Because of the higher risk, subprime lenders typically charge higher rates compared to prime lenders.
Is a subprime loan the best option for me?
If subprime lending is your only option, consider purchasing a less expensive car and paying it off quickly. This approach can help repair your credit file. After one year of timely payments, you may build "referenceable credit," which can improve your chances of qualifying for a more expensive car at a lower rate with a prime lender.
I am committed to transparency. For example, if you borrow $20,000, you might end up paying back around $40,000 over a 5-year term. It's important to be aware of these costs upfront.
What factors determine my loan rate?
- Property ownership: Individuals who own property generally receive lower rates.
- Asset age: New assets typically have lower rates. As the asset ages, the rate may increase.
- Green fuel discounts: Some lenders offer government-discounted rates for electric and hybrid vehicles.
- Credit score: Higher scores often result in better rates.
- Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR): A lower LVR often results in a lower rate.
- Loan term: Loans with terms longer than five years may come with higher rates.
Employment & Visa
How does casual employment impact my loan application?
Many lenders are cautious about casual employment due to responsible lending guidelines. Some lenders are more flexible and use common sense when evaluating casual employment. Generally, having at least six months of casual employment can make you eligible with many lenders. Feel free to call me with your specific scenario — it's often worth investigating.
Can I get approved with Centrelink or pension income?
Yes, I can help secure loans for individuals receiving income from Centrelink or pensions. Each case is assessed individually, as various factors including credit score and serviceability play a significant role. It's important to discuss your specific situation to determine the best approach.
What are the limitations for loans on student or temporary visas?
Unfortunately, we cannot assist individuals on student visas with loan applications. For individuals on temporary visas, the loan term must end at least one month before the visa expiry date. This ensures the loan is fully repaid before the visa expires.
PPSR Search & E-Signing
What is a PPSR search and why is it important?
The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) search is a quick and inexpensive way to check if a car has been recorded as damaged or if there is outstanding finance. For $2, you can perform this search on the government website using the car's VIN number. Budget Direct also offers a free PPSR search.
What if the car has outstanding finance?
If the car has finance owing, obtaining a payout letter upfront is essential. At settlement, the lender will pay off the outstanding finance and cover the remaining amount to the seller simultaneously. For example, if the agreed purchase price is $30,000 and there is $15,000 finance owing, the finance company will receive $15,000 and the seller will receive the remaining $15,000 at settlement.
What if the car is on the damaged register?
Cars listed on the damaged register can limit the number of lenders available. Despite the reason for the damage, the car's value might be significantly lower — sometimes up to 30% less. Request pictures of the car before the damage, which can be useful when selling later. Be aware that flood-damaged cars are generally not roadworthy due to safety and electrical concerns.
What should I know about e-signing loan documents?
Most of our lenders now offer e-signing for loan documents. E-signing allows you to electronically sign documents from any location, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. It is generally the fastest method for processing loan documents.
One common issue is when clients are in remote areas with poor phone signal, which can prevent receipt of SMS verification codes. If e-signing is not an option for your loan type, we can discuss alternative methods.
Mobile Number & Contact
Why is my mobile number required for a quote?
In the competitive finance industry, lenders often prefer to keep their rates and fees private. Verifying a mobile number helps maintain the lender's privacy and ensures accurate quoting. My quote tool displays the lender's fees and current rates, and providing your mobile number allows me to offer precise and up-to-date quotes.
What can I expect after providing my mobile number?
You will only receive one call from me, where I will leave a message and send a text. If you do not respond, I will respect your preference and reduce follow-up calls. I prioritise existing clients and ensure they receive the best service.
Why does your number sometimes show as spam?
The mobile number I've used for the past 15 years may sometimes show up as a spam caller. This is an error and should not impact the legitimacy of our communication.
Have a unique scenario in mind?
Feel free to reach out — Eric personally reviews every enquiry and comes back with a straight answer.