Purchasing your first home is an exciting process, however, saving for a deposit and obtaining
a home loan can be an arduous process. As a custom home builder, we are more than ready
to help you build your dream home, but first, you need to obtain a home loan.
Before you approach a lender or mortgage broker, you will need to be well-prepared. We can
prepare a fixed quote for your new home to submit to your lender but you will also need to get
your financial affairs in order to create the best impression possible. So, start paying down
credit cards and any other debts such as personal loans to ensure your credit rating is
positive.
The more knowledge you can acquire about the whole home loan application process before
you step into the fray the better, so here are some terms you need to get to know:
What is mortgage insurance?
Mortgage insurance is only applicable when you borrow more than 80 per cent. It protects you
in the case of defaulting on your loan (not being able to make your monthly repayments for a
period of three months). If you default on your loan, your lender may start legal proceedings
to obtain the arrears which could mean you need to sell your home or the bank may
foreclose. You do not want this to happen!
Anyone can become ill, have an accident or lose their job, so taking out mortgage insurance
is an important step to protect you against default in the event of unforeseen circumstances
and disasters such as the recent bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic which have adversely
affected Australians throughout the country.
If you are self-employed or in another high-risk category, your lender may add Lenders
Mortgage Insurance (LMI) costs to your home loan. Unlike mortgage insurance, LMI protects
the lender, not you, if you default on your loan repayments.
What is a deposit?
The deposit on a home loan is the cash required by the lender before approving your home
loan application. Usually, this is 20 per cent of the overall loan you will need to purchase your
block of land and build your home. If you are eligible for a First Home Buyer’s Grant, this
should assist you with raising money for the deposit. In Victoria, the grant currently gives
eligible first homeowners: $10,000 towards buying or building a new property up to the value
of $750,000; and $20,000 if that property is a newly built home in a regional area, and
contracts were signed between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2020. For more information visit the
State Revenue Office of Victoria. This site also has a calculator to find out how much land
transfer (stamp) duty you will need to pay on top of the cost of your land.
As well as land transfer duty, you will need to save for other costs on top of your deposit, such
as bank fees.
What is interest?
The interest on your home loan is a percentage you pay on top of the principal (which is the
total amount you are borrowing). Interest on home loans are currently at historic lows but
shop around for the lowest interest rate you can find to keep your repayments as affordable
as possible. A good mortgage broker can do this for you, as well as finding the right type of
home loan that meets your particular needs.
Remember that interest rates could rise again at any time so make sure you have some
wriggle room in your budget to cover this if need be. Your mortgage broker may advise you to
take out a Fixed Interest Home Loan where your interest payable is fixed for a set term
(usually three years) then reverts to a Variable Home Loan (where the interest payable
changes due to market factors and the bank's discretion).
What are bank fees?
Most lenders will charge you a home loan establishment fee which varies from around $500
to $700 and a settlement processing fee (usually around $100). These fees will generally be
added to the total owing in your home loan.
We understand that as a First Home Buyer, the home building process can be daunting,
which is why you need a home builder that can walk you through the process every step of
the way. Achieve Homes is a custom home builder in Melbourne and Canberra that can guide
you through your home building journey.
Get in touch with our team today at
[email protected].
What are you looking for in a mortgage broker?
Someone who has access to many different lenders and can find the best home loan tailored just for your needs.
Coronis Finance is an organization that always offers their clients loans suited to them with personalized service all along the way from application process, approval, and beyond.
We are among the best rated mortgage brokers in Queensland.
