Question 1

What is Parker Finance?

Accepted Answer

Parker Finance is a Melbourne-based mortgage and finance broking business helping individuals, families, property investors and business owners secure finance solutions across Australia. We go beyond loan approval — our Financial Intelligence framework helps clients understand borrowing, debt management and long-term wealth strategies.

Question 2

Does Parker Finance only work with Melbourne clients?

Accepted Answer

No. We assist clients throughout Australia. Most lenders support digital applications and electronic signatures, and we conduct consultations by phone or video conference.

Question 3

How much can I borrow?

Accepted Answer

Borrowing capacity depends on income, existing debts, living expenses, employment type, dependants and credit history. Each lender calculates this differently, which is why a personalised assessment is important.

Question 4

How much deposit do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require 5–20% of the property value. You'll also need funds for stamp duty, legal costs, building inspections and government fees. A larger deposit generally improves your options and may eliminate Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Question 5

What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?

Accepted Answer

LMI protects the lender if you default. It generally applies when borrowing more than 80% of the property value and can often be added to the loan rather than paid upfront.

Question 6

Should I choose a fixed or variable interest rate?

Accepted Answer

There's no universal answer. Fixed rates provide repayment certainty; variable rates offer more flexibility. Some borrowers use a split loan to combine both. The right choice depends on your goals, cash flow and risk tolerance.

Question 7

What is an offset account?

Accepted Answer

An offset account is a transaction account linked to your home loan. The balance offsets your loan amount for interest calculations — for example, $50,000 in offset on a $700,000 loan means interest is charged on only $650,000. Funds remain fully accessible.

Question 8

When should I consider refinancing?

Accepted Answer

Review your loan at least annually. Refinancing may help reduce your interest rate, access equity, consolidate debts or improve loan features. Costs and long-term strategy should always be considered alongside the rate.

Question 9

What is debt consolidation?

Accepted Answer

Debt consolidation combines multiple debts — such as credit cards, personal loans or car loans — into a single loan. Rolling higher-interest debts into a mortgage can reduce repayments, but financial discipline is essential to avoid reaccumulating debt.

Question 10

What government support is available for first home buyers?

Accepted Answer

Support may include First Home Owner Grants, stamp duty concessions and the First Home Guarantee Scheme (which allows eligible buyers to purchase with a lower deposit without paying LMI). Programs vary by state and eligibility criteria apply.

Question 11

Should I get pre-approval before searching for a property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pre-approval gives you a clear budget, strengthens your position when negotiating, and is particularly important before bidding at auction where contracts are unconditional.

Question 12

What is a guarantor home loan?

Accepted Answer

A guarantor loan allows a family member (usually a parent) to use their property as additional security, helping reduce the deposit required and potentially avoiding LMI. Independent legal advice is recommended for guarantors.

Question 13

How is an investment loan different from an owner-occupied loan?

Accepted Answer

Investment loans may have different interest rates, lending policies and tax implications. Structure matters — many investors prefer standalone loans with offset accounts and avoid cross-collateralising multiple properties to preserve flexibility.

Question 14

Can self-employed borrowers get a home loan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lenders typically require two years of financial statements and tax returns, though some accept one year or bank statement assessments. Because income is assessed differently across lenders, working with a broker can significantly improve outcomes.

Question 15

What is SMSF lending?

Accepted Answer

SMSF lending allows a Self-Managed Super Fund to purchase property using a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA). It's more complex than standard lending — deposits of 20–30% are typical and professional advice from an accountant, financial adviser and solicitor is essential.

Question 16

What documents do I need to apply for a home loan?

Accepted Answer

Typical requirements include photo ID, recent payslips or tax returns, bank statements, evidence of savings and existing loan statements. Self-employed applicants generally need business financials and BAS statements.

Question 17

How do I get started with Parker Finance?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a conversation. We'll assess your goals and financial position, then guide you from initial strategy through to settlement and beyond — including ongoing loan reviews.

Two fifths of Aussies do not consider cash rate

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