Home Loans

The timeline varies depending on several factors, including your financial situation, the type of property you're purchasing, and the lender's current processing times. Generally, from initial application to final approval, you should allow between two to six weeks. However, this can be shorter or longer depending on circumstances. Pre-approval can often be obtained within a few days, which is useful when you're ready to make an offer on a property. At Rowe Finance, we work diligently to progress your application as efficiently as possible. We prepare your documentation thoroughly before submission, which helps avoid delays caused by missing information or errors. We also maintain regular contact with lenders to monitor progress and address any queries promptly. For clients in Perth and across WA, we understand the local property market timelines and work to align your finance approval with your settlement dates.

In most cases, our services at Rowe Finance don't cost you anything out of pocket. Mortgage brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender once your loan settles. This means you can access professional advice and support throughout your home loan journey without direct fees. The commission structure doesn't affect the loan terms you receive, as lenders offer the same products and conditions whether you approach them directly or through a broker. We're transparent about how we're remunerated and happy to discuss this with you during our initial consultation. Some specialised loans or commercial finance arrangements may involve additional fees, which we'll always explain upfront. Our priority is ensuring you understand all aspects of working with us before proceeding.

While having a 20% deposit is often ideal as it helps you avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, it's not always necessary. Various options exist for buyers with smaller deposits, including loans that accept deposits as low as 5% or even less in some circumstances. First home buyers may have access to government schemes that can help, and some lenders offer programs specifically designed for people with limited savings. At Rowe Finance, we assess your complete financial picture to determine what's achievable for you. We'll explain the implications of different deposit levels, including how they affect your loan amount, ongoing repayments, and upfront costs. If you're working towards buying a home but haven't saved a full 20% deposit yet, we can provide guidance on building your deposit and improving your borrowing position in preparation for a future application.

Document requirements vary depending on your employment type and the lender, but generally you'll need proof of identity such as a driver's licence and passport, evidence of income like payslips or tax returns, bank statements showing your savings and spending patterns, and details of any existing debts or financial commitments. If you're purchasing a property, you'll also need the contract of sale and information about the property itself. For self-employed applicants, additional documentation such as business financial statements and accountant letters may be required. At Rowe Finance, we provide you with a comprehensive checklist tailored to your specific situation before you start gathering paperwork. We review your documents before submission to ensure everything is complete and presented appropriately, which helps prevent delays in the assessment process. We're always available to answer questions about what's needed and why.

Absolutely. Self-employed individuals, contractors, and those with non-traditional income sources often face additional challenges when applying for finance. Banks can be particularly cautious with these applications, requiring extensive documentation and applying stricter assessment criteria. At Rowe Finance, we specialise in presenting your financial situation in the most favourable light possible. We understand which lenders are more accommodating towards self-employed borrowers and what documentation will strengthen your application. We'll guide you through gathering the necessary paperwork, such as tax returns, business financial statements, and accountant declarations. Our experience with diverse income situations across Western Australia means we know how to structure applications effectively, improving your chances of approval while ensuring you're matched with appropriate lending solutions.

Ideally, contact a mortgage broker before you start seriously looking at properties. Speaking with Rowe Finance early helps you understand your borrowing capacity, which prevents you from falling in love with properties outside your price range. We can arrange pre-approval, which demonstrates to vendors and real estate agents that you're a serious buyer with finance ready to proceed. This can be particularly advantageous in competitive buying situations. Pre-approval also gives you confidence when making offers, as you know your finance is essentially in place, subject to property valuation and final checks. However, it's never too late to engage a broker. Even if you've already made an offer or signed a contract, we can still assist, though earlier involvement generally provides more options and reduces time pressure. For Perth and WA buyers, we recommend starting the conversation as soon as you're considering purchasing.

While home loans for owner-occupied properties are common, we arrange finance for many purposes. Investment property loans for those building a property portfolio require different assessment criteria and structures. Construction loans for people building new homes involve staged payments aligned with building progress. Commercial finance helps business owners purchase business premises or invest in commercial property. Equipment finance and business loans support enterprises across Western Australia in acquiring assets or managing cash flow. We also assist with car loans, personal loans, and debt consolidation arrangements. Each loan type has particular considerations, documentation requirements, and suitable lenders. Our breadth of experience at Rowe Finance means we can guide you through whichever financial situation you're facing, explaining your options and connecting you with appropriate lending solutions regardless of the complexity of your needs.

We offer flexible appointment options to suit your needs. Clients can meet with us online from anywhere, or Perth-based clients may choose to book an in-person appointment at a designated location with a broker. If neither option is suitable, an alternative location may be arranged directly with the broker. All bookings can be made via the Bookings tab.

When you approach a bank directly, you only have access to that institution's products and policies. Their staff can only offer what their organisation provides, which limits your options. A mortgage broker, however, works with multiple lenders across the market, giving you access to a broader range of loan products from various banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders. At Rowe Finance, we compare options across our entire lending panel to find solutions that suit your circumstances. We also provide ongoing support throughout the application process, acting as your advocate with the lender. This can be particularly valuable if complications arise or if you need someone to explain technical aspects of your loan. Additionally, we stay informed about policy changes across different lenders, helping you avoid wasting time on applications that are unlikely to succeed.

Yes, refinancing is a significant part of what we do at Rowe Finance. Many Western Australian homeowners refinance to access equity in their property, consolidate debts, or move to a loan structure that suits their current needs. The refinancing process involves assessing your current loan, understanding your objectives, and then researching alternatives that might serve you well. We'll calculate whether refinancing makes financial sense once you consider factors like discharge fees from your current lender, application costs with a new lender, and the potential savings or benefits over time. Sometimes staying with your existing lender but on a different product is the right move, while other times switching lenders provides advantages. We handle all the paperwork and liaison with both your current and prospective lenders, making the transition as smooth as possible for you.

A finance and mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and potential lenders. Rather than approaching banks and financial institutions yourself, a broker does the legwork on your behalf. We assess your financial situation, understand your goals, and then search across our panel of lenders to find suitable loan options that align with your needs. This saves you considerable time and effort, as we handle the research, paperwork, and negotiations. At Rowe Finance, we work with clients throughout Greater Perth and across Western Australia to help them secure appropriate financing for home purchases, refinancing, investment properties, and various other financial needs. Our role is to provide professional guidance throughout the entire loan process, from initial consultation through to settlement.