Before anything formal.
You can start with a conversation. We will tell you what is clear, what needs checking and what the sensible next step looks like.
Do I need to be ready to apply before I speak with you?
No. An early conversation can help you understand what is realistic now, what may need attention and which documents to begin collecting. There is no obligation to apply.
What does a mortgage broker actually do?
A mortgage broker understands your goals and financial position, compares suitable options from the lenders they can access, explains the costs and trade-offs, helps prepare the application and manages the lending process through to settlement.
Australian mortgage brokers must act in their clients’ best interests when providing credit assistance. Read Moneysmart’s broker guide ↗
How does Finance for Foodies get paid?
In most residential lending matters the lender pays the broker a commission. Any commission, or any client fee that applies, is disclosed before you proceed. We will explain this clearly for your situation.
Can you help people outside Sydney?
Yes. Most conversations happen by Teams or phone, and documents can be handled securely online. Property location, lender availability and state-based rules can still affect the options.
What happens in the first conversation?
We talk through what you want to do, your timing, income, deposit or equity, existing commitments and anything unusual. From there, we can outline the likely pathway and what information is needed next.
When income has extra ingredients.
Bonuses, commissions, equity awards, allowances and business income are not automatically excluded, but the evidence and lender policy matter.
Can bonus, commission or STI income count?
It can, but treatment varies by lender. Payment history, frequency, evidence, the type of incentive and the lender’s current policy all matter. Some lenders may use an average or reduce the amount they include. See bonus income, commission income and STI in the glossary.
Can overtime, allowances and shift loading count?
They may be included when they are regular, ongoing and supported by suitable evidence. The role, industry, history and lender policy can change how much is used. See the glossary definition →
Can you help if I have just changed jobs or I am on probation?
Often, yes. A recent job change or probation period is not automatically a decline. Lenders may consider employment continuity, the industry, any gap between roles and the terms of the new position.
What if I am on parental leave?
Some lenders may consider return-to-work income when there is suitable evidence of the return date, role, hours and pay. The assessment also needs to account for leave income, savings and expenses during the leave period.
What if I am self-employed or own a food or hospitality business?
Business owners can be assessed in different ways depending on their trading history and available evidence. Financial statements, tax returns, BAS, bank statements and current performance may be relevant. See self-employed income in the glossary →
Can RSUs or employee shares be used as income?
This is more specialised and lender treatment varies considerably. Vesting history, recurring awards, sale evidence and the employer may be relevant, but you should not assume all equity income will be accepted. See RSU income in the glossary →
The numbers and the choices behind them.
A borrowing figure is only useful when the repayments, structure and future plans also make sense.
How much can I borrow?
Borrowing capacity depends on more than salary. Lenders consider income, existing debts and credit limits, living expenses, dependants, the proposed loan and their own assessment rules. See borrowing capacity in the glossary →
Our calculator suite can help with early scenarios, but it is not an approval or a lender assessment.
How much deposit do I need?
The amount depends on the purchase, your costs, the lender, whether lenders mortgage insurance applies and whether you qualify for a government pathway. A larger deposit can broaden the options, but it is not the only route.
Should I get pre-approval before making offers?
Pre-approval can help set a clearer search range and identify issues before you commit. It is usually conditional and time-limited, and the property still needs to be acceptable to the lender.
What is the difference between an offset account and redraw?
Both can reduce interest, but they operate differently. An offset is a separate transaction account linked to the loan; redraw is access to eligible extra repayments made into the loan. Access rules, fees and tax consequences can differ, particularly if a property may later become an investment. Tax advice should come from a qualified tax adviser.
How do I know whether refinancing is worthwhile?
Compare more than the advertised rate. The remaining loan term, fees, discharge costs, fixed-rate break costs, features, cash flow and the new structure all matter. The saving should be measured after costs and against your goals.
From documents to done.
We organise the evidence, explain the strategy, manage the lender and keep you informed through to settlement.
What documents will I need to provide?
The exact list depends on your goal and income type. Common documents include identification, payslips or business financials, bank statements, evidence of deposit or equity, and details of existing debts and expenses.
Will comparing lenders create lots of credit enquiries?
Researching and comparing policies does not require a full application to every lender. A formal application may create a credit enquiry, so the strategy is normally narrowed before an application is lodged. Your credit report and overall enquiry pattern may be considered by lenders.
How do you choose a lender?
The comparison considers lender policy, the way your income is assessed, total cost, rate, features, serviceability, processing time and how the structure fits your goals. The recommendation must be in your best interests.
What happens once the lending strategy is ready?
We speak again, usually by Teams or phone, to explain the recommendation, why it suits your position and the alternatives. You can ask questions and the strategy can be adjusted before you decide whether to proceed.
How long does a home loan application take?
Timing varies with the lender, the complexity of the application, valuation requirements, document quality and current processing volumes. You receive an expected timeline for your situation and updates as the application moves.
What happens after approval and settlement?
We help coordinate outstanding lender conditions, loan documents and settlement with the relevant parties. After settlement, Finance for Foodies and Alcove remain available for loan reviews, refinancing conversations and future property plans.
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