MAW Money

A client came to us after their bank declined them. Self-employed, strong income, two years of solid returns. On paper it should have been straightforward.

The problem was not the borrower. It was the lender.

Their bank assessed self-employed income conservatively and did not account for how the business actually ran. A different lender, with criteria that suited the situation, read the same numbers and approved it.

Same person. Same income. Same deposit. Different answer.

This is the part that gets missed. A no from one lender is not a no from the market. It often just means you were in front of the wrong one.

If you have been knocked back and told that is the end of it, it usually is not.

Most people start by looking at houses. Then they work out what they can borrow.

It should be the other way around.

Knowing your real borrowing capacity early changes how you search. It tells you which suburbs are actually in range, whether you need to adjust your deposit timeline, and how lenders will read your income and expenses before you make an offer.

It also means you are not renegotiating your expectations after you have already emotionally committed to a property.

Borrowing capacity is not one number either. It shifts depending on the lender, how your income is structured, and what you are carrying in debt. Two lenders can look at the same situation and land thousands of dollars apart.

Worth knowing that before you start, not after.

The RBA has held rates, but that does not mean you should sit still.

If you have a home loan, investment loan or you are thinking about buying, now is the time to review your position.

A rate hold can create breathing room, but the real opportunity is understanding whether your current loan is still working for you.

You could be paying more than you need to, missing better loan features, or sitting on a structure that no longer suits your goals.

At MAW Money, we can review your current loan, compare your options and help you make a clear, informed decision.

The interest you stop paying is the return you keep.

Get in touch with MAW Money to review your options.

General information only. Consider your personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.

The next RBA decision is this Tuesday, but it is never too early or too late to understand your position.

Whether rates rise, fall or hold, speaking with a broker can help you assess your options, review your current loan, and find a solution that is fit for your goals, circumstances and next steps.

At MAW Money, we help clients make sense of the market, compare their options, and move forward with a clear plan.

If you want clarity before the next RBA decision, book your consult today.

Up late researching downsizing?

You are probably not alone.

Between selling, buying, loan options, bridging finance, retirement planning, pension rules and timing the move properly, there is a lot to think through before making a decision.

Our latest FAQ breaks down the key things to consider, so you can feel clearer about the next step.

Read the full FAQ via the link in bio.

Thank you, Jules, for taking the time to share such kind words.

Helping clients navigate the sale of their home and the purchase of their next property is a responsibility we never take for granted. We’re thrilled Sharon was able to make the process feel smooth, reassuring and well managed from start to finish.

Congratulations on your new home, and thank you for trusting MAW Money to be part of the journey.

Thinking about buying your first home, but not sure what you are actually meant to do first?

You are not alone.

We have put together the most common questions we get asked by first home buyers, from how much deposit you need, to what pre-approval means, what lenders look at, how HECS can affect your borrowing power, and what costs to expect beyond the deposit.

Basically, the questions you might feel silly asking, but absolutely should ask.

Buying your first home can feel like a lot, but it becomes much clearer when you understand the steps in the right order.

Check out our first home buyer FAQ via the link in our bio.

Thanks so much for taking the time to share this, Mia.

Charlie, Mark, and the team will be glad to know the process felt clear and well supported from start to finish. Keeping you informed at every step is exactly how we like to work. It was a pleasure helping you, and we're here whenever you need us down the track.