The purchase of your home or investment properties is likely to be one of the biggest financial commitments that you will take on in your life time, right? Most people spend a ton of time inspecting and comparing properties but little time investigating all the loan options available to them.

A mortgage is a product like any other, and as with other products it pays to be a smart consumer. Pick the wrong loan product and it could end up costing you thousands in additional repayments, fees and charges.

I take on that hard work for you. I pride myself in presenting a range of alternatives for you to choose from in an easy to understand way. You will be supported during and after the settlement of your property and for years to come.

First Home Buyers

I enjoy dealing with first home buyers; they are the group that is often most appreciative of the assistance I provide in keeping them up-to-date with the buying process. First home buyers can expect my guidance from their first enquiry to when they turn the key in the front door and beyond. Some of the most common questions first home buyers ask me include:

• How much can I borrow?
• How do I make an offer to buy a property?
• When is the First Home Owners Grant paid?

There are so many lenders to choose from and so many different possible ways to structure your loan. Speaking to a broker with access to a wide choice of lenders can save you from making a costly wrong choice.

A number of first home buyers are currently entering the property market with the assistance of their parents, who are providing their own property as security. While this option may not be suitable for everyone, it can potentially make big savings to the upfront costs of purchasing.

Investment Finance

The first action any investor should take, whether you are experienced or a first time investor, is to seek the assistance of an accountant that is familiar with not only your financial situation but also with current taxation laws surrounding the purchase of property.

There are numerous different structures available; which one is suitable for you, depends on a number of factors including your investment goals, current property portfolio, debt position and even the stage in life you are at. A young client with a current mortgage may take out an interest-only loan, whereas someone nearing retirement may want to have the loan repaid in order to have an income producing asset in retirement, or may even look to borrow in the name of a self-managed superannuation fund.

Once we know the right structure for your situation I can ensure you get the most suitable investment loan.

Construction Loans

Owning a building and maintenance company and having subdivided and developed a number of properties myself, I have thorough knowledge of the construction process and finance. Some lenders are better equipped than others to look after your needs when you are looking to build a home.

The last thing you want is to be dealing with is a lender that delays the progress payments to your builder – this can potentially slow the construction of your home. I keep myself as the contact point through the construction stage so you don’t feel you need to explain your situation to a bank employee at each stage of the construction.

Loans for Ex-pats and Offshore

Having lived and purchased property from overseas in the UK and New Zealand I have a solid understanding of the complexities of purchasing property from abroad. I have a solid understanding of the FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) policies and can assist you with purchasing a property in Australia.

Real Estate Expertise

As a mortgage broker I realise the importance of getting your finance approved by a specific time so you can proceed with the exchange of property contracts. For the majority of the past five years, I have been investing in real estate myself. I know exactly what is required to assist all buyers to secure their dream home or add to their investment portfolio, and I work with your agent to ensure your finance is secured on time.

Professional Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce (B Comm) Canterbury NZ.
• Certificate IV Financial Services FNS40804
• Australian Credit Licence Holder

For more information on home finance or to talk to Ollie Hooper