What’s pre-approval, and why does everyone talk about it?
Pre-approval is your golden ticket, it shows sellers and agents that you’re serious (and ready).
At Mortgage Lane, we help you get pre-approved quickly so when the perfect place pops up, you're ready to take action!
What extra costs should I know about?
Good question, because it's not just the deposit!
There’s stamp duty, legal fees, maybe a valuation fee, and a few other bits and pieces.
We’ll lay it all out for you in plain English, with no scary surprises along the way.
How much deposit do I need?
In most cases, you’ll need somewhere between 2% and 20% of the property price.
Bigger deposit? Great! It can help you avoid extra fees like LMI.
Smaller deposit? No stress, we’ll work through the smartest options together to get you on the road.
How much time will it take?
Short answer: Thankfully - very little of your time!
Long answer: Pre-approval can be a few hours to a few days and full approval usually occurs within 1–2 weeks (depending on the lender, loan conditions and paperwork).
The important part is that we do the heavy lifting, nudging (or pushing) lenders to keep things moving and keep you updated so you’re never left wondering what’s next.
What documents do I need to get started?
Think of it like a speed dating 'get-to-know-you' event: ID, payslips, tax returns, bank statements, details of debts and savings.
We’ll send you an easy step-by-step list so you know exactly what’s needed - and we’re always here to help if you get stuck.
What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), and do I need it?
LMI protects the bank, not you. (Annoying, we know.)
It usually kicks in if you have less than a 20% deposit.
We’ll show you how it works, when you can avoid it, and what creative strategies we can use to save you money where possible.
Think of it like shopping with a set budget - your borrowing power depends on your income, expenses, and a few other things like existing loans.
At Mortgage Lane, we crunch the numbers early, so you know exactly what you can comfortably afford before you even start scrolling through dream homes.
Why use a mortgage broker instead of going straight to a bank?
Because a bank can only tell you about their products.
We provide you with access to a broad network of lenders and loan solutions finding the best lender and loan for your needs, not theirs.
Plus, we take the pressure off and advocate for you every step of the way. And our service comes at no cost to you!
What happens after I’m approved?
That’s when the real fun begins!
You’ll move through to settlement (we’ll guide you through it), and before you know it, keys in hand, dreams unlocked.
And we’ll still be right here, checking in, helping with future questions, and making sure you always feel supported beyond settlement.
Have a question we didn’t cover? Reach out anytime, your journey is personal and we're always happy to help.
What’s the difference between fixed and variable rates
Fixed rate = same repayments, no surprises.
Variable rate = repayments can move up or down with the market.
Which one's better? It depends on what you value more - certainty or flexibility.
We’ll help you figure out what feels right for your journey (and your nerves).
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