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Standard Mortgage FAQ

How long have Better Choice Home Loans been operating? Better Choice Home Loans Pty Limited was formed in 1991 and is the appointed manager for Better Choice Home Loans. 

Better Choice Home Loans is an important part of a group of mortgage originators and managers which have been managing and originating mortgages for more than 50 years.

Who is eligible? Loans are available for owner occupiers, investors, people wishing to refinance existing loans or to build that dream home.  We can even arrange Commercial Loans!
How are we paid? Management fees are paid to Better Choice Home Loans Pty. Limited by the funding institutions for managing and originating the loans.
What is LVR? LVR is an abbreviation for Loan to Valuation Ratio.  This ratio is the size of the required mortgage compared to the property value.  Eg. your property is valued at $500,000, and your loan is $400,000, the LVR is 80%
What is LMI? LMI is Lenders Mortgage Insurance.  Mortgage Insurance generally applies to a loan if you borrow above 80% of the value of your security property.  It is an additional cost to the borrower and does not protect the borrower in anyway it protects the lender against any losses.
Is all of my information kept private? Yes, we do not share any of your personal information with anyone, except as permitted by law or as required to assess and approve any loan application.  A copy of our Privacy Disclosure Statement is available with loan application or upon request.
What information do I need to provide when I apply for a loan? Information required with a loan application can vary from one applicant to another, so please check with us, however following is a guide of what may be required 

  • Acceptable identification for each applicant
  • Verification of income, usually recent payslips + last two years tax returns
  • Verification of deposit, usually last 6 months saving record
  • Last 6 months statements for existing debts
  • Copy of purchase contract
How can I pay my mortgage sooner? There are numerous ways to repay your mortgage sooner from increasing your repayments, changing frequency of repayments or even refinancing and/or consolidating debts.  Please contact us to discuss these options further.
What is a Comparison Rate Schedule? The Comparison Rate takes into account the interest rate AND all ascertainable fees and charges for a particular loan product and gives you and ‘Average Annualised Percentage Rate’, this then allows you compare loans based on their ‘real’ cost.
What is a Direct Debit? A Direct Debit is where the lender debits a payment directly from a clients nominated bank account.  Payments can usually be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
What is Arrears? Your loan is in arrears when you have overdue loan repayments.  Should this ever happen it is imperative that you contact your mortgage manager as soon as possible.
What is Equity in my property? Equity is the difference between the property value and the amount of any Lenders interest over the property.  Eg.  property value $450,000, with a mortgage of $300,000 – equity is $150,000.
What is a redraw facility? When you make extra repayments to your mortgage you can usually access the additional repayments made, this is what it called a redraw.
What is a split loan/facility? A split loan/facility allows the borrowers to split their mortgage into a number of different loan products.  Eg.  Split your mortgage between and Variable and Fixed rate product, or maybe split your mortgage between a Term Loan and Line of Credit.  There are numerous ways you can choose to split your mortgage, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
Who is the Mortgagee? The Bank/Trustee
Who is the Mortgagor? The Borrower