YOUR HOME-LOAN ROADMAP
You don’t need to see every detail to take the next step. Start with a clear picture of the journey, then explore what matters where you are now.
4-page PDF · 80 KB · A roadmap, stage guide and personal checklist.
THE BIG PICTURE
A typical home purchase, from preparation to life after settlement. Select a stop to see the detail.
Some steps overlap. You may apply before or after finding a property. Pre-approval is optional and conditional; the lender still needs to assess the property and your circumstances. Your contract, lender and situation determine the timing.
WHAT HAPPENS, WHEN AND WHY
Your broker helps with the lending. Your lender makes the credit decision. Your solicitor or conveyancer advises on the purchase contract and manages the legal transfer.
STEP 01 / Plan
When Before you apply
Talk with Chris about the home, your household and what you want life to look like afterwards. Start with a comfortable budget, buying costs and the savings you want to keep.
Bring your questions, even if you are still researching. Tell us about your timing and any expected changes to income or expenses.
STEP 02 / Prepare
When Before an assessment
We confirm the information needed for your situation. This commonly includes identity, income, savings, living expenses and existing debts. Self-employed or variable income can require different evidence.
Provide complete, current information using the secure method agreed with the team. Keep identity documents and bank statements out of ordinary website enquiries.
STEP 03 / Choose
When Before choosing a loan
Compare the rate, fees, repayment type, loan term and features you will actually use. We explain the recommendation and how FRF is paid before you decide whether to proceed.
Ask what each option changes for your repayments and flexibility. If you are still searching, discuss whether applying for conditional pre-approval is useful.
STEP 04 / Check
When Before signing or bidding
Have your solicitor or licensed conveyancer review the contract and, in Victoria, the Section 32 statement. Arrange appropriate property inspections and confirm finance, deposit and settlement requirements before committing.
Give FRF the property details early. Ask your legal adviser about conditions and deadlines, and when insurance should start. A lender’s valuation is not a building inspection.
STEP 05 / Assess
When When the lender has the application and property details
The lender assesses your finances, credit history and the property, usually including a valuation. It may request further information before giving a decision. FRF helps coordinate lending queries.
Supply requested updates promptly and tell the team if your circumstances change. Send through the signed purchase contract when available and keep your legal adviser informed of finance deadlines.
STEP 06 / Prepare
When After approval, before settlement
Review and accept the loan and mortgage documents after raising any questions. Your lender and legal representative confirm what remains to be completed, including your funds and settlement arrangements.
Confirm the required insurance, available cash and payment instructions. Arrange a final property inspection; in Victoria, buyers can inspect at a reasonable time during the week before settlement.
STEP 07 / Settle
When On the agreed settlement date
The legal representatives and lenders arrange the transfer of funds and ownership. Purchase money is paid and the title transfer is completed through the settlement process.
Stay available for any final questions. Wait for confirmation that settlement has completed before collecting the keys from the agent, unless another possession arrangement has been agreed.
STEP 08 / Continue
When After settlement, and as life changes
Check your first repayment date, amount and account details with the lender. If an offset account is part of your loan, confirm it is correctly linked and understand the product’s rules.
Keep your documents and note any fixed-rate end date. Revisit the loan when your household, goals or circumstances change.
SAME HOME, A DIFFERENT PATH
You still prepare, compare and go through a lender assessment. For a straightforward refinance without a purchase, there is no property search or key handover.
Explore a loan reviewConsider the existing lender’s offer, switching costs, features and remaining term. Staying may be the better outcome.
If changing lenders, complete the new assessment and loan documents, and authorise the existing lender’s discharge. Requirements and processing times vary.
At refinance settlement, the existing loan is paid out and the new lender’s mortgage is arranged. Confirm repayments, direct debits and any offset links afterwards.
ASIC Moneysmart: switching home loans · CommBank: how refinancing works · ASIC Moneysmart: mortgage offset accounts
A PLAN YOU CAN KEEP
Save it, print it or bring it to your conversation. Use the checklist to record your current stage, the people involved and the dates you have actually agreed.
Download the PDF roadmapNo email required. Printable A4 · 4 pages · 80 KB.
YOUR NEXT STEP CAN BE A CONVERSATION
Tell Chris what you’re working towards and what feels unclear. We can work through the next useful step together.
Phone, video or office appointment.
You’re welcome to start with questions.
This roadmap is general information, not personal credit, financial or legal advice, a loan approval or a promised completion date. It describes a typical purchase of an existing home. Construction, off-the-plan purchases, guarantees and complex transactions can follow different steps. Victorian property references may not apply elsewhere.
Original FRF explanations checked against ASIC’s Moneysmart, Consumer Affairs Victoria and published lender guidance. Each stage links to its sources. Lender examples describe a process; they do not mean every lender follows identical requirements.
Checked on . Confirm current requirements and your own deadlines with the relevant professionals.
