Home Loans · Owner-Occupier
The right loan for your life today and where you're going.
Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most people make. The right structure now can save you years of unnecessary cost and keep your options open as your life changes.
Rebecca Tickner
Finance Broker · Maxfin
Sound familiar?
The problems I hear most often.
Too many options, not enough clarity
Fixed, variable, split. Principal and interest, interest only. Offset, redraw. Banks present dozens of products with no real guidance on which suits your situation.
You're not sure what the bank actually looks at
You think your income is strong enough, but banks assess it in ways most people don't understand. You want to know your real position before you start looking.
You're buying with a partner for the first time
Joint applications have implications most people don't find out about until they need to sell or separate. You want to understand the structure before you commit.
How It Works
Four steps. No surprises.
01
Understand Your Position
I look at your income, existing debts, and goals. Your real borrowing capacity, not just the number your bank's calculator spits out.
02
Match Loan to Life
Fixed or variable, offset or redraw, P&I or interest only... I explain the implications of each for your specific situation and recommend the structure that fits.
03
Application to Settlement
Once you've found your property, I manage the full application process. Clear communication, no surprises.
04
Check-in After Settlement
Your life changes. Your loan should keep up. I'll review your position at 12 months to make sure everything still makes sense.
In Practice
The right home loan structure isn't about the rate on day one. It's about whether you'll have options when life changes... and life always changes.
Rebecca Tickner
What you get working with me.
Structure that doesn't close doors
The home loan you take out today has implications for your borrowing capacity tomorrow. I'll set it up with that in mind.
Plain English explanations
Every product, every feature, every trade-off explained before you sign. No jargon, no assumptions about what you know.
Access across major and non-major lenders
I'm not tied to one bank. I'll find the right lender for your situation, not the one that's easiest for me to place.
Upfront cost clarity
Stamp duty, LMI, legal fees, building inspections... I'll walk you through every cost before settlement so nothing catches you off guard.
Rate monitoring after settlement
If a better deal becomes available, I'll let you know. You shouldn't have to remember to shop around every few years.
Pre-approval that actually holds
A pre-approval that's been properly assessed gives you confidence at auction. I'll make sure yours is solid.
Get a realistic sense of your position before you start talking to agents.
1 · What are you looking to do?
2 · Your details
3 · Properties you already own
4 · Core debts
Banks assess your limit, not your balance. Assessed at 3.8% p.a.
Combined monthly repayments on personal and vehicle loans.
5 · Living expenses & loan settings
We'll use average living costs unless you enter your own.
Stress-tested at +3% buffer (APRA).
Questions
Frequently asked.
How much does a broker cost?
Generally, nothing. Banks pay me a commission when your loan settles, and it doesn't change your rate or your loan amount one bit. My service costs you nothing, plus you get a lot of support, education and guidance, all in your best interests. No-brainer, right?
Heads up: more complex or strategic work, like developments, house flips, or deals with claw-back risk, may involve an upfront fee. Always disclosed up front.
What's the difference between a fixed and variable rate?
Fixed gives you certainty on repayments for a set period. Variable moves with the market and typically allows extra repayments and offset accounts. The right choice depends on your cashflow needs and risk tolerance.
What is an offset account and should I have one?
An offset account reduces the interest you pay by offsetting your loan balance with the money sitting in your linked account. For most owner-occupiers with savings, it makes a real difference over time.
How is my borrowing capacity calculated?
Banks look at your gross income, minus a tax estimate, minus living expenses (using a benchmark called HEM), minus existing debt repayments, then stress-test the result at approximately 3% above the actual rate. I can walk you through exactly how this applies to your situation.
What costs do I need to budget for beyond the deposit?
Stamp duty (varies by state and purchase price), legal/conveyancing fees, building and pest inspections, lender fees, and moving costs. Total upfront costs are typically 4-6% of the purchase price on top of your deposit.
Can I make extra repayments on my home loan?
On a variable rate, generally yes without restriction. On a fixed rate, usually up to a cap (often $10-20K per year) before break costs apply. I'll make sure you understand this before you choose a product.
How long does it take from application to settlement?
Typically 4-6 weeks. The timeline depends on the lender, the complexity of your application, and how long the vendor's settlement terms are. I'll give you a realistic estimate for your situation.