Check your Loan Health

Uderstand how much you could save by switching to a better loan.

Rated 5 from 83 Reviews

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Refinancing your Home Loan or Investment Loan

Is Your Home Loan Still Working as Hard as It Should Be?

Most people spend more time researching a new appliance than they do reviewing their mortgage. But your home loan is almost certainly the largest financial commitment you have, and the rate and features you signed up for at the time may no longer be the best available. The market moves, lenders update their pricing, and a loan that was competitive two or three years ago might be costing you more than it should today. The Loan Health Check is a quick and free way to find out where you stand.

What Does a Loan Health Check Look At?

A Loan Health Check compares your current interest rate against what is available across our lender panel. It also considers the features attached to your loan, whether you have an offset account, what your redraw access looks like, how your repayment structure is set up, and whether your loan still fits your current situation. The check is not purely about finding the lowest rate. It is about making sure the loan you have is still the right fit for where you are now.

Signs It Might Be Time for a Review

There are a few situations where a Loan Health Check is particularly worth doing. If you have not reviewed your loan in the last two years, there is a reasonable chance the market has moved. If your financial position has improved since you first borrowed, whether through more equity in the property, a higher income, or a cleaner credit profile, you may now qualify for products and rates that were not available to you at the time of your original application.

Equally, if your circumstances have changed and your current loan structure no longer suits your needs, perhaps you want to add an offset account, access equity for a renovation, or restructure ahead of purchasing an investment property, a review is the natural starting point. Craft Financial works with clients across refinancing and investment portfolio structuring, and the Loan Health Check is often the first step in that process.

What Happens After the Check?

If the check shows your loan is still competitive and well-structured, we will tell you that plainly. There is no pressure to change anything. If we identify a meaningfully better option, we will walk you through what a refinance would look like, what the potential savings are, and whether the switch makes financial sense once any discharge fees are factored in. You make the call. We just make sure you are making it with the full picture in front of you.

The whole process is straightforward and takes far less time than most people expect. Book a free consultation with Tom at Craft Financial to get started, or run the check above and we will be in touch to talk through what it tells us. You can also read more about how Tom Carmody approaches lending strategy for his clients.

Reviews for Craft Financial

AR

Arif Rana

I can't recommend Tom highly enough. From the very beginning, he made the entire process incredibly easy and stress-free. He took the time to explain every step in detail, ensuring I understood everything along the way, and was always available to answer any questions I had, no matter how big or small. His professionalism, communication, and expertise made the whole process feel simple and straightforward. If you're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their clients and goes above and beyond, I would highly recommend working with Tom. Thanks again for all your help!

SA

Scott Avery

MW

Megan Wailes

We refinanced with Craft after moving from our previous broker. Tom and Dane kept on top of communication at each point, went above and beyond to find us the best rate for our situation and ensured all our options were laid out and clear. They were honestly a lifesaver when we were working against the clock after our previous fixed rate ended. Very impressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of investment properties can you arrange finance for?

We arrange finance for a wide range of investment property types across Australia. This includes residential houses, units, townhouses, and apartments in metropolitan and regional areas. We also have access to lenders who finance unique properties like student accommodation, dual occupancy properties, and houses with minor non-conforming features. Whether you're purchasing established properties or off-the-plan developments, we can structure appropriate finance solutions. Some lenders have restrictions on certain property types or locations, but our extensive panel ensures we can usually find suitable options. We also help with commercial property purchases when they form part of your investment strategy, connecting you with specialist commercial lenders when required.

What makes Craft Financial different from other mortgage brokers for self-employed property investors?

As specialists in working with self-employed property investors, we understand the unique challenges you face when securing finance. Traditional lenders often struggle to assess self-employed income, which can make the mortgage application process more complex. Our team has extensive experience working with various income structures including sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts. We know which lenders are most receptive to self-employed borrowers and how to present your financial position in the most favourable light. This specialised knowledge means we can often secure finance when others cannot, helping you build your property portfolio without unnecessary delays or rejections.

What documents do I need to provide for a property investment loan application?

The documentation requirements vary depending on your business structure and the lender's requirements. Generally, you'll need two years of tax returns including notices of assessment, recent business activity statements, and bank statements for both personal and business accounts. If you operate through a company or trust, we'll need financial statements and company documents. For your investment property, you'll need a contract of sale, rental appraisal, and property valuations. We provide you with a comprehensive checklist tailored to your specific situation and help you gather everything efficiently. Our team reviews your documents before submission to ensure they present your application in the strongest possible manner to lenders.

How do you assess my borrowing capacity as a self-employed property investor?

Our assessment process looks beyond traditional employment income to understand your complete financial picture. We examine your tax returns, business activity statements, bank statements, and cash flow patterns to determine your genuine borrowing capacity. For self-employed clients, we consider factors like business consistency, industry trends, and seasonal variations in income. We also look at your existing property portfolio, rental income potential, and investment strategy. This comprehensive approach often reveals borrowing capacity that traditional assessments might miss, allowing you to maximise your investment opportunities while ensuring the loans remain serviceable within your financial circumstances.

Do you charge fees for your mortgage broking services?

Our mortgage broking services are typically funded through commissions paid by lenders, which means most clients don't pay direct fees for our standard services. However, for complex applications requiring significant additional work, or for certain specialised services, we may charge professional fees. These are always discussed and agreed upon upfront before any work commences. We believe in complete transparency about costs, so you'll always know exactly what you're paying for any services. Our focus is on providing value through our expertise and securing finance outcomes that justify any costs involved. Most clients find that the benefits we deliver through loan structuring and lender selection far outweigh any fees charged.

What happens if my loan application gets declined?

A declined application doesn't mean the end of your property investment plans. Our extensive lender panel means we often have alternative options when one lender says no. Different lenders have varying appetite for self-employed borrowers and different assessment criteria, so a decline from one doesn't predict outcomes with others. We analyse the reasons for any decline and adjust our approach accordingly, whether that means presenting information differently, choosing alternative lenders, or addressing specific concerns raised. Sometimes a decline indicates we need to strengthen your application by improving documentation or waiting for better financial results. We work with you to understand what's needed and develop a plan to achieve your financing goals, even if it takes longer than initially expected.

Can you help me refinance my existing investment properties?

Absolutely. Refinancing can be an excellent strategy for property investors to improve cash flow, access equity, or secure more favourable loan terms. We regularly help self-employed investors refinance their portfolios to take advantage of changing market conditions or their improved financial position. The process involves reviewing your current loans, assessing your financial situation, and identifying opportunities for improvement. This might include consolidating multiple loans, switching to interest-only payments, or accessing equity for your next purchase. We handle the entire refinancing process including valuations, legal documentation, and settlement coordination, ensuring minimal disruption to your investment strategy while maximising the financial benefits.

Can you help structure loans across multiple properties in my portfolio?

Portfolio structuring is one of our key strengths when working with property investors. We help you optimise your loan structure across multiple properties to maximise tax benefits, maintain flexibility, and prepare for future growth. This might involve using different loan products for different properties, structuring cross-collateralised facilities, or keeping properties in separate loan accounts for easier management. We consider factors like your entity structure, tax position, and future investment plans when recommending portfolio arrangements. Our approach ensures your finance structure supports your long-term investment strategy rather than creating limitations. We also review existing portfolios to identify restructuring opportunities that could improve your position or unlock additional borrowing capacity.

How long does the mortgage application process typically take?

The timeframe varies depending on several factors including the complexity of your financial situation, the lender chosen, and how quickly documentation is provided. For self-employed borrowers, the process typically takes 4-6 weeks from application to approval, though this can be longer during busy periods or if additional information is requested. Pre-approval can often be obtained within 1-2 weeks, which is valuable when making property offers. We work to expedite the process wherever possible by ensuring applications are complete and accurate from the start. Our established relationships with lenders often help speed up the assessment process, and we keep you informed of progress throughout to manage expectations and ensure smooth settlements.

Ready to get Started?

Book a chat with a Finance & Mortgage Broker at Craft Financial today.