Sophie Osmond

The timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender you go with, the complexity of your application, and how quickly documents can be gathered and verified. In general terms, getting pre-approval can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, and formal approval after you have found a property can take a similar amount of time. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we work hard to keep things moving and will communicate with you regularly so you are never left wondering what is happening. We will also let you know upfront if there is anything you can do to help speed things along on your end.

Yes, absolutely. Being self-employed does not mean you cannot access finance, but it does mean the application process can look a little different compared to someone who receives a regular salary. Lenders typically want to see evidence of your income over a period of time, and the documentation required can vary. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we have experience working with self-employed clients and understand the unique challenges that can come with it. We will take the time to understand your business and your income, and help you put together an application that gives you the strongest possible chance of being considered by a lender.

Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People refinance for all sorts of reasons. Some want to access the equity they have built up in their home, others want to consolidate debts, and some simply want to review whether their current loan still suits their needs. It is worth noting that refinancing is not always the right move for everyone, and there can be costs involved such as exit fees or application fees for a new loan. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we will look at your current situation honestly and help you weigh up whether refinancing makes sense for you, without any pressure.

When you go directly to a bank, you only see what that one lender has to offer. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we work with a wide range of lenders, which means we can look across multiple options to find something that suits your circumstances. We are not tied to any single institution, so our focus is on you and what works for your situation. We also take the time to explain things clearly, so you understand exactly what you are signing up for. For clients in Newtown and across greater Geelong, having someone local in your corner who genuinely understands the area and the people in it can make a real difference.

We assist clients with a wide range of lending needs. This includes home loans for first home buyers, people upgrading or downsizing, and investors looking to grow their property portfolio. We also help with refinancing existing loans, car and personal loans, and business finance. Whether you are just starting out or have been through the process before, we take the time to understand your goals and help you find a lending solution that fits your life. Our clients in Newtown and across greater Geelong come to us at all different stages of life, and we are proud to support them through each one.

The deposit required can vary depending on the lender and the type of loan you are applying for. Generally speaking, a deposit of at least 20% of the property's purchase price helps you avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which is an additional cost that protects the lender if you default on your loan. However, there are options available for borrowers with smaller deposits, and some government schemes may also be worth exploring depending on your situation. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we will talk through your circumstances with you honestly and help you understand what may be possible, without making any promises we cannot keep.

A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Rather than you having to approach each lender individually, a mortgage broker does the legwork on your behalf. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we take the time to understand your personal situation, your goals, and what you can realistically afford. We then research the options available across our panel of lenders and help you understand what might suit your needs. We handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders, and keep you informed every step of the way so you always know where things stand.

In most cases, our service comes at no direct cost to you as the borrower. Mortgage brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender once your loan settles. We are required by law to disclose any commissions or fees upfront, so you will always know exactly how we are paid before you commit to anything. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we believe in being open and transparent with our clients from the very first conversation. If there is ever a situation where a fee may apply, we will let you know clearly and in advance so there are no surprises along the way.

At Next Chapter Financial Group, we are a local team that genuinely cares about the people we work with. We are based in and around the greater Geelong area, including Newtown, so we understand the local property market and the community we serve. We take a warm, honest approach to every conversation and make it our priority to explain things in plain language so you always feel informed and confident. We are not here to rush you into a decision or push a product that does not suit you. We are here to listen, to help you understand your options, and to support you through one of the most important financial decisions of your life.

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, and it is completely normal to feel unsure about where to begin. The good news is that you do not have to figure it all out on your own. At Next Chapter Financial Group, we work with first home buyers regularly and understand the questions and concerns that come with it. We will sit down with you, explain how the process works from start to finish, talk through what you may be eligible for, and help you understand what to expect at each stage. There are also government grants and schemes that may be available to first home buyers in Victoria, and we can help point you in the right direction.