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Explaining the loan process

Got some questions about the loan process? Sometimes the best way to get an understanding of home loans, how it all works and how to choose the right one, is to speak to a broker in person.

10 min read10 steps

Understanding your needs

When you sit down with us, it's your opportunity to share your needs and financial goals. Ask questions about loans, applications, approvals, and what follows.

We'll meet you at your preferred time and location – home, office, or café, during the day, night, or weekend.

In this guide:

  • 1.Complete the Contact Us page
  • 2.Complete our electronic Fact Find
  • 3.Initial interview
  • 4.Arrange a pre-approved loan
  • 5.Find your property
  • 6.Appoint a conveyancer
  • 7.Make an offer and sign a Contract of Sale
  • 8.Pay a deposit
  • 9.Cooling-off period
  • 10.Unconditional contracts

How does the process work?

1

Complete the Contact Us page

Start your journey by completing our Contact Us page. We will be in touch within 24 hours during business days to discuss your needs and answer any questions you may have.

Quick response within 24 business hours

2

Complete our electronic Fact Find

Complete our comprehensive electronic Fact Find so that we can understand your full circumstances. This helps us assess your situation and find the best loan options tailored to your needs.

Secure online form to capture all relevant details

3

Initial interview

We'll meet you at your preferred time and location – home, office, or café, during the day, night, or weekend. This is your opportunity to share your needs and financial goals, and ask any questions about loans, applications, and approvals.

Flexible meeting times and locations

4

Arrange a pre-approved loan

If you haven't started your property search or are still looking, a pre-approved loan can be useful. It gives you a clear picture of what your spending limits are and gives you peace of mind that if you find a property you're really interested in you can move quickly to make an offer.

Pre-approval typically lasts 3-6 months

5

Find your property

Make sure you do plenty of homework when you're on the hunt for a new property. Research property prices in the area, potential capital growth and existing and planned infrastructure, such as roads, public transport, schools and shops.

If you're unfamiliar with property values in the area, consider a full valuation carried out by a registered valuer before making a final decision.

  • Research property prices in the area
  • Check potential capital growth
  • Review existing and planned infrastructure
  • Consider a full valuation if unfamiliar with the area
6

Appoint a conveyancer

You will need a conveyancer, solicitor or settlement agent to act for you to complete the sale.

They'll be able to:

  • Check all rates and taxes have been paid
  • Check land use or building approvals for the property
  • Order any relevant searches
  • Help sort out any inspections

On settlement day, the conveyancer will check the correct amount of money has been transferred from your lender to the seller and all fees – such as Stamp Duty – are paid, so you can take legal ownership of the property.

7

Make an offer and sign a Contract of Sale

When purchasing property, whether at auction or through an offer, you'll sign a Contract of Sale outlining the price and terms. This could include conditions like lender approval, building, and pest inspections.

The settlement period, typically six weeks (shorter in some states like Queensland), finalises ownership.

Note: Even with a pre-approved loan, your lender requires a property valuation before granting full approval; unsatisfactory valuations may affect loan approval.

8

Pay a deposit

A deposit is required once a Contract of Sale has been signed by both parties. You won't yet have access to your home loan, so your deposit will need to come from savings or elsewhere.

You may also be able to arrange a deposit bond until settlement.

Typical deposit amounts:

  • • Standard deposit: 10% of purchase price
  • • Some contracts accept: 5% deposit
  • • Deposit bonds available as alternative
9

Cooling-off period

If you didn't buy your property at auction, you may have a cooling-off period when you can cancel the contract, although there may be a small penalty.

Cooling-off periods don't necessarily apply in every state, so check with your relevant state authority to find out what your rights may be.

Cooling-off by state:

  • • NSW: 5 business days
  • • VIC: 3 business days
  • • QLD: 5 business days
  • • Auctions: No cooling-off period
10

Unconditional contracts

Be very cautious about signing an unconditional contract or bidding at an auction especially if you're not certain about whether you'll be able to obtain finance or about buying the home.

You should also consider obtaining legal advice before signing a sale contract or bidding at an auction.

Important: An unconditional contract means you are legally bound to complete the purchase, even if your finance falls through. Always seek legal advice before signing.

Whatever your circumstances, we will find the deal that's right for you

Send through a quick enquiry and we will be in touch.

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Path Financial Solutions

Helping Australians navigate the home loan journey with personalised guidance and access to 70+ lenders. Based in Springfield, serving clients Australia-wide.

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