Loan basics

Plain-English explanations of how home loans work.

Pre-approval gives you a budget and confidence at auction, but not all approvals are equal. Here's how to get one you can rely on.

3 minute read

Two lenders can give the same person answers $150,000 apart. Here's what goes into the calculation and what you can change.

3 minute read

LMI protects the lender, not you, but you pay for it. Here's when it applies and the legitimate ways around it.

3 minute read

Certainty or flexibility? Most people want some of both. How fixed, variable and split loans compare in practice.

3 minute read

Both can cut your interest bill. The differences matter most if you might ever turn your home into an investment.

3 minute read

Having the right documents ready can take days off your approval. Here's the complete list for employees, the self-employed and refinancers.

3 minute read

Your credit report can decide your lender and your rate. What lenders look at, and simple steps to improve it before you apply.

3 minute read

Found the next home before selling this one? Bridging finance can cover the gap, if you understand the peak debt and the deadline.

3 minute read

Commission, conflicts and the best interests duty, explained plainly.

3 minute read

What lenders look for from sole traders and company owners, and how to prepare.

3 minute read

Talk it through with Ram

A free, no-obligation conversation about where you are now and what you're planning. No credit check, no pressure.