Specialist lending
Loan options when your situation is not straightforward
If your income, deposit, build, credit history or debt position does not fit a simple bank pathway, I help you understand the options and trade-offs before you choose a direction.
Self-employed income can be presented in more than one way
If you are newly self-employed or have run your own business for years, the documentation required for a home loan can differ greatly from a regular PAYG application. The right path depends on your business structure, available records and how the information is presented.
Full Doc
Most lenders generally require two years of financials and tax returns. Sole trader, partnership and company structures may be assessed differently.
Lo Doc
Low documentation loans may use less strenuous income verification. Requirements vary, but can include an income declaration, ABN and GST registration.
No Doc
Mainstream lenders rarely operate here. Private funder options may exist, but the terms and conditions will not come cheap.
Quarterly BAS can sometimes help mitigate gaps in returns. Profit variation and add backs such as depreciation, additional superannuation contributions and interest expenses on business loans can also affect how an application is viewed.
Construction finance needs staged planning
If you are building, renovating or extending, construction lending is a process rather than a one-time transaction. The home may not exist yet, land may need to be individually titled, and you may need to cover current mortgage or rent while drawdowns occur.
Step 1Start with pre-approval.
Step 2Check affordability against current assets and debt.
Step 3Plan drawdowns through the build.
Step 4Choose a lender experienced in construction finance.
Low deposit paths need careful structure
No and low deposit options may be available, including family guarantee structures. Potential savings can reach into the thousands, but there is a wide difference in product quality. A poor choice can become difficult and stressful, so the right path depends on your circumstances.
Options may exist outside normal bank criteria
Non-conforming loans fall outside normal bank lending criteria, often because of adverse credit history, unorthodox use of funds or the asset offered as security. They are often more expensive, although some mainstream policies may still cater to a particular situation.
Compare car finance away from the dealership
Car finance is often introduced at the car yard. Headline rates can seem attractive, but a wider range of products should be explored independently before you make the purchase.
Ask Blair before you signDebt consolidation
One loan can simplify debt, but the structure matters
Debt consolidation is a form of debt refinancing that can use one loan to pay off a range of debts across multiple loans, personal credit lines and other facilities.
Talking through your individual financial situation can help you understand whether consolidating debt may lower the interest you are paying, reduce monthly pressure or create a clearer path to paying debt down sooner.
The caution to check first
Debt consolidation can be a minefield in terms of credit policy. Your choice of lender is critical, and getting good guidance upfront matters before several debts are moved into one structure.
The aim is to understand the trade-offs clearly, not to assume consolidation is automatically the right answer.
Less total interest
A lower overall rate may reduce the interest paid across several debts, depending on the loan terms and repayment behaviour.
More economical borrowing
High personal and credit card debts can affect mainstream lender assessment. Consolidation may change how debt commitments are viewed.
Greater credit to draw on
Borrowing capacity is linked to current repayments and outstanding debts, so lower repayments may affect future capacity.
Better cash flow
One lower monthly repayment can leave more room for current expenses and reduce reliance on higher-interest credit.
Reduced opportunity cost
Money that would have gone to interest may be available for savings, investment or property goals if the structure suits your situation.
Credit-rating path
A carefully assessed structure may support a path toward reducing debt sooner and improving personal credit standing over time.