Buy your first home with a broker on your side.
From renting to owning, with someone in your corner the whole way.
Make your first home happen.
Buying your first home is a big, exciting step, and one of the most rewarding things you will do. At Loan Street Finance, our local mortgage brokers love guiding first home buyers through every part of the journey, making what feels complicated refreshingly simple, with no pressure along the way.
There is a lot to get your head around when you buy your first home, from working out how much you can borrow to making sense of deposits, grants, and the loan options in front of you. It can feel like a lot, but the good news is you do not have to figure it all out on your own.
Why Using a Broker For My First Purchase
That is where a good mortgage broker in Albury & Wodonga comes in.
Our job is to sit on your side of the table and make the whole thing feel manageable. Working with a mortgage broker for first home loans means you have got someone who can compare lenders for you, explain what each option really means for your situation, and guide you through the parts that tend to trip people up the first time around.
Read More Read Less
Every situation is different, so the right path for you might look nothing like a friend's or a sibling's. We take the time to understand where you are now, what you are aiming for, and what feels comfortable to you. The relationship does not end at settlement either, and down the track, if reviewing your loan ever makes sense, the same refinancing mortgage broker can walk you through your options with no pressure.
The value of a broker shows up in the doing, not the theory. A big part of our role is taking the legwork and the guesswork off your plate, so you can focus on finding a home you love.
Comparing lenders and policies
Lenders do not all assess applications the same way, and a situation one lender turns down may be welcomed by another. We compare a panel of lenders against your circumstances, so you are not left guessing which one might say yes or which might offer terms that genuinely suit you. As a first home buyer mortgage broker, we do this every day, which can save you a good deal of time and a few knock-backs.
Sorting out your pre-approval
A pre-approval gives you a clear sense of your budget and shows agents and sellers that you are a serious buyer. We help you gather what you need and present it well, so your pre-approval reflects your real position. It is worth remembering that a pre-approval is an indication rather than a promise, and the final decision still depends on the property and a full assessment.
Structuring the application well
How an application is put together can influence the outcome. We make sure the paperwork is complete, the story behind your finances is clear, and the loan is set up in a way that fits your goals. Getting this right the first time helps avoid delays and reduces the chance of a knock-back that could leave a mark on your credit file.
Guiding you through to settlement
Once your loan is approved, there are still a few steps between there and the keys. We keep things moving with the lender, help you understand each stage, and stay in touch with the other parties involved, so the run to settlement feels calm rather than chaotic.
Staying with you after the loan
Your first home loan is the start of a long relationship with your finances, not the end of it. As life changes, your loan may need to change with it, and we are here to review it, answer questions, and help you make confident decisions whenever they come up.
The Building Blocks
What a First Home Loan Involves
A first home loan works much like any other home loan, though a few things tend to matter more when you are buying for the first time. Getting clear on the basics early helps you set realistic expectations and avoid surprises once you start looking at properties, which is exactly the kind of clarity most first home buyers are after:
The Deposit You Need
Most lenders like to see a deposit of around 20% of the property value, which helps you avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI). That said, plenty of buyers get in with far less, sometimes as little as 5%, often with the help of a government guarantee or by paying LMI. How much you genuinely need will depend on the lender, the property, and your wider financial picture.
The Costs Beyond the Purchase Price
The deposit is only part of the upfront picture. Depending on where and what you buy, you may also need to budget for stamp duty (or a concession on it), conveyancing or legal fees, building and pest inspections, loan establishment costs, and the everyday expenses of moving in. Some of these can be reduced or waived for eligible buyers, so it is worth checking before you commit.
The Loan Features Worth Understanding
Beyond the interest rate, features such as an offset account, redraw, the choice between fixed and variable rates, and the loan term can all shape what a loan costs you over time. Not every feature suits every buyer, and paying for ones you will never use can quietly add to your repayments. We can talk through which features might actually earn their keep for the way you plan to live and pay.
OUR SERVICES
Need finance to make it happen? That’s what we’re here for.
-
Whether you’re looking to purchase a new home, refinance, build from scratch, or buy an investment property, we have years of experience. We’ll help you every step of the way.
-
Are you getting the right rate? Regularly reviewing your home loan and overall financial position is the key to creating financial security and achieving your goals. Contact us for a no-obligation meeting.
-
Are you in the market for a used or new car? Or equipment for your business? Or maybe something fun for yourself? From boats to jetskis to caravans, we’ll help put together the asset finance to make it happen.
-
When you’re ready to buy commercial property, fund business operations, or invest in new equipment, it’s important to have people on your team who understand business lending. Talk to us first.
OUR DIFFERENCE
The value of a broker shows up in the doing, not the theory. A big part of our role is taking the legwork and the guesswork off your plate, so you can focus on finding a home you love.
Comparing lenders and policies
We’re about long-term relationships. As your partner in finance, we’ll work with you over the course of your loan so we can make sure it’s always the best fit.
For us, it’s personal.
You’ll find we bring a much-needed human side to finance. If you’re not a numbers person, no stress. We’ll break everything down, make it clear, and always keep you in the loop.
Tailored to you
Guess what, there is no one-size-fits-all. We take the time to get to know you and understand your goals – then we tailor a solution to fit.
Next Level Commitment
Everyone promises good service, but for us, it’s the cornerstone of everything we do. We are detail-driven and dedicated. We believe in going above and beyond in every way.
Who Can Apply for a First Home Loan
Eligibility comes down to the lender and, in some cases, the particular grant or scheme, so the only way to know for certain is to have your own situation looked at. As a general guide, most buyers will usually need to tick a few common boxes.
Be at least 18 years of age when the loan starts
Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, though some lenders consider other visa holders
Be buying a home you intend to live in, at least to begin with
Have a deposit, even a modest one, plus funds for the costs around the purchase
Show income a lender can rely on, whether you are employed, casual, or self-employed
Have a credit history that is in reasonable shape
Every lender sets its own bar, so some are more flexible than others and the exact requirements can vary quite a bit. Treat the points above as a general guide rather than a fixed checklist. Government grants and schemes then add their own rules on top, such as conditions tied to whether you have owned property before, the type of home, and its value, and these can differ between New South Wales and Victoria. The surest way to know what applies to you is to let us check your situation against the right lenders.
How Much You Might Be Able to Borrow
Your borrowing capacity is the amount a lender may be willing to lend you, and it often surprises buyers in both directions. It is shaped by more than your income, and fairly small changes in your situation can move the number more than you would expect. Knowing what lenders look at puts you in a stronger position well before you apply. They weigh up a few main areas:
Read More Read Less
Income and Employment
Lenders look closely at how much you earn and how stable that income is. Steady full-time work is usually viewed favourably, while casual, contract, or self-employed income may be assessed differently and could need a longer track record. If you receive overtime, bonuses, or commissions, a lender may only count part of it, depending on their policy.
Everyday Expenses and Existing Debts
Your regular spending and any current commitments reduce how much you can comfortably repay, so they feed directly into your borrowing capacity. A car loan, a personal loan, buy now pay later accounts, and even unused credit card limits can all lower the amount a lender will offer. Tidying these up before you apply can sometimes make a noticeable difference.
Savings and Deposit History
Many lenders want to see what they call genuine savings, which usually means money you have built up steadily rather than a recent windfall. A consistent savings pattern can also work in your favour as a sign that you can manage repayments. Gifts from family may be accepted too, though how they are treated can vary depending on the lender.
Credit History and Conduct
Your credit report gives lenders a sense of how you have handled money in the past. Missed payments, defaults, or a very thin credit file can all play a part in how an application is assessed. The reassuring part is that many issues can be worked around or improved with a little time and the right approach.
Government Support That May Help First Home Buyers
First home buyers in our region may have access to a range of government grants, concessions, and schemes, and these can take a real bite out of your upfront costs. Because Albury sits in New South Wales and Wodonga sits in Victoria, the support on offer can differ depending on which side of the border you buy, and the rules do change from time to time. Everything here is general, and eligibility always comes down to your circumstances. Here is a rundown of the support that might help:
First Home Owner Grants
Both New South Wales and Victoria offer a First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) of around $10,000 for eligible buyers, though it is generally limited to newly built homes and comes with price caps that differ by state. Established homes usually do not qualify for the grant, so it tends to matter most if you are buying or building something new.
Stamp Duty Concessions
Stamp duty is often one of the largest upfront costs, and eligible buyers may pay a reduced amount, or nothing at all, up to certain property values. The thresholds are set by each state and are not the same in New South Wales and Victoria, so an identical purchase price could be treated quite differently depending on where the property sits. It is worth confirming early, since it can change what you can realistically afford.
Low Deposit Guarantee
The federal Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme (previously known as the Home Guarantee Scheme) can let eligible buyers purchase with a deposit as low as 5% without paying LMI, because the government guarantees part of the loan to the lender. It is a guarantee rather than a cash payment. You still apply through a participating lender rather than the government directly, and the usual lending checks still apply. Recent changes have widened who can take part, although property price caps and other conditions may still apply depending on your circumstances.
Shared Equity and Super Savings
There are also schemes that work in other ways, such as a shared equity arrangement where the government takes a stake in the property to help bridge the gap, and an option that lets you set aside part of your deposit through your superannuation. Each comes with its own rules and trade-offs and will not suit everyone, so it is worth weighing them up properly, ideally with someone who can match them to your situation.
Going Direct or Working With a Broker
There is no single right way to arrange a home loan, and plenty of people go straight to their own bank. It can still help to see what tends to change when you have a broker alongside you, so you can choose the path that feels right for you.
| Going Direct to One Lender | Working With a Broker |
|---|---|
| You see that one lender's own products | You see options compared across a panel of lenders |
| You read and interpret each policy yourself | We translate the policies into plain language |
| You chase the paperwork and the follow-ups | We carry much of that load for you |
| You work out which grants might apply | We help you check what you may qualify for |
| You manage it on your own after settlement | We stay in your corner for the long run |
Neither path is wrong, and the best choice depends on how much you would like to take on yourself. If you would rather have a guide for the parts that feel unfamiliar, that is exactly what we are here for.
Mistakes First Home Buyers Often Make
Most of the stress around a first purchase comes from a handful of avoidable missteps. None of them are unusual, and all of them are far easier to sidestep when you know what to watch for. A little awareness here can save you money and a fair bit of worry:
Underestimating the Full Cost
It is easy to fixate on the deposit and forget the extras, then get caught short close to settlement. Building a realistic budget that includes stamp duty, fees, inspections, and a buffer for the unexpected helps you avoid an awkward scramble at the worst possible moment.
Stretching the Budget Too Far
Borrowing the very most a lender will offer is not always wise, since life rarely stays exactly as it looks on application day. Rates may rise, circumstances may shift, and a repayment that feels fine today could feel tight later on. Leaving yourself a little breathing room is usually the more comfortable call.
Leaving Support on the Table
Plenty of buyers miss out on grants or concessions simply because they did not know they qualified, or applied at the wrong time. Checking what may be available before you sign anything can make a meaningful difference to your upfront costs.
Applying Before You're Ready
Several applications in a short space of time, or applying without a clear picture of your position, can dent both your chances and your credit file. A bit of preparation, and a quick chat first, usually leads to a smoother run.
Mistakes First Home Buyers Often Make
Plenty of brokers can arrange a loan. What tends to bring first home buyers our way, and keep them coming back, is the way the whole thing feels from start to finish.
A local broker who is genuinely in your corner
Local to Albury and Wodonga, so we know the area and the lenders active here
Everything explained in plain language, with the jargon left at the door
Honest, no-pressure advice that starts with your goals, not a sale
Time taken to understand your stage of life, rather than a one-size-fits-all loan
A friendly team who treat you like a person, not a file
A long-term finance partner, not a one-off transaction
If that sounds like the kind of broker you want beside you, we would be glad to hear from you whenever you are ready. There is no pressure and no obligation, just a friendly chat to point you in the right direction.
TIMING
Could Now Be the Right Time.
Loan Street Finance is your local mortgage broker in Albury-Wodonga, backed by years of big-bank experience. Founded by Mortgage Broker Kirsty Twitt in 2024, our team are here to help empower clients with the knowledge, tools and advice they need to make confident financial decisions and achieve their property dreams
We want you to have access to the best loan options for your needs, and why we take the time to understand your situation. We don’t care about the size of your loan. We only care about making it happen.
We’re fortunate in our role as brokers. From personally guiding first-home buyers to helping experienced buyers refinance or investors grow their investment portfolios, we know how important it is to have someone in your corner to make the right financial decisions.
Loan Street is where you’ll find the help you need. Let’s make it happen.
MEET OUR BROKERS
Hi there, I’m Kirsty
Founder + Mortgage Broker
Kirsty has spent over 18 years helping people achieve their home ownership dreams. Home loans are her specialty—whether it's a first purchase, a next step up, or refinancing to make life easier. She takes the time to understand each situation and provides guidance without jargon or pressure.
Kirsty bought her first home at 20, so she knows what it's like to make those big decisions. She understands the importance of having someone on your side who genuinely cares.
Hello, I’m Sophie
Mortgage Broker
With 12 years in finance, Sophie brings extensive expertise in business and residential lending. Having worked with two leading banks has given her valuable insight into the industry to help clients achieve their goals.
Sophie specialises in Agricultural, Commercial, Equipment Finance, and Home Loans, assisting a wide range of clients from farmers to small business owners. With a focus on personalised service, Sophie ensures every client receives tailored advice to suit their needs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions? You’ve come to the right place.
-
No. We do not charge fees for our service. We are paid by the banks to introduce new applications and to do much of the work that their staff would otherwise do.
-
Why choose from one when you can choose from many banks? We work with various banks and lenders to find the best loan package to suit your needs. Loan Street Finance can access over 30 banks (including the big four) and non-bank lenders.
-
We sure will. Applying for finance can be frustrating and time-consuming, with seemingly endless hoops to jump through. That’s where we come in. We complete the application process, fill out all the forms, and ensure all the requirements are met. This gives you a much better chance of having your loan approved.
-
Absolutely. We won’t forget you after your loan has settled. We are paid an ongoing trailing commission by the lender you choose to be there for you to answer any questions. We can also modify your loan, such as fixing or switching products.
-
Yes! We will review your loan each year to ensure it still suits your needs. We will compare it with those on offer from other institutions and negotiate with your current lender for you to see if we can secure you a better rate.
-
It’s never too early to speak to us. A good broker will help you establish your borrowing capacity so that you know what is available to you. Therefore, you will be in a better position to hunt for a house or to line up your next investment, saving you a lot of time in the long run.
