FAQ
If you can’t find your answers here, feel free to just pick up the phone and ask us. Or drop into your nearest Rate Money franchise.
The Answers to Some of our Most Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t forget, were always happy to answer any question you may may in relation to your property loans. So feel free to call, email or use our online chat.
I am Self-Employed, can I still borrow funds?
What are your fees and charges?
Well, for a start, all our loans have no Risk Fees and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Plus we will always do our very best to help you find the best possible loan with the lowest interest rate, fees and charges.
What are your interest rates?
Put simply, Rate Money will find you the very best deal we can based on your circumstances. With access to a wide range of specialised lenders, our team will work tirelessly on your behalf to source and secure the best possible rates and products that are available on the market for your unique circumstances. Please contact us to find out more.
How much can I borrow
Up to 98% of the purchase price. But this really depends on your circumstances, what property you want to buy and how much documentation you can provide. So it really helps to have a confidential chat with us first, where you can outline your plans and your circumstances, and we’ll work from there to find you the best deal.
How much deposit will I need?
We do have loans that start with deposits from as little as just 5%. BUT – it all depends on what property you want to buy AND your circumstances and documentation. Generally, the greater your deposit – the better the deal.
Who can take out a low doc loan?
Low doc loans are available to all our Self-Employed customers. As long as you have an ABN and are operating a viable business, you’ll be fine. We’ll work with you to get the very best loan that your circumstances allow.
What is a low doc loan?
It’s just shorthand for a ‘Low Documentation Loan.’ A low doc loan is a mortgage often used by Self-Employed people who may find it difficult to provide conventional proof of income such as payslips or tax returns. At Rate Money, we have a number of funders with different appetites for low doc loans, full doc loans and everything in between. So rest assured, we have you covered.
Do I need clear credit history?
A clear credit history always helps. But if you’ve had a few little hiccups in your past – as many Self-Employed people have – we can usually work our way around the ‘blips’ and still find you a great home loan deal. It all depends on your circumstances and your business. So don’t be put off. Just call us for a confidential chat and we’ll always do our best for you.
For how long do I need to have been Self-Employed in order to get a loan?
Usually for at least 24 months. Although with Rate Money, we can always work around the ‘usual’ if your circumstances allow us. So it’s well worth a chat. Always.
Can I refinance my current home loan?
Yes. Many people are doing just that with us. So if you’re Self-Employed we’d love to hear about your current situation and see how we can help you refinance your existing home loan or existing investment loan. So get in touch with us today.
What income verification do I need to provide?
The more documentation the better, of course.
So to get an outstandingly low rate, you’ll usually need to provide income evidence (via your BAS statements for example) and your last two tax returns.
However, most of our Self-Employed people still get a great rate and home loan deal by simply stating their income, then providing income evidence in the form of a BAS, business account statements or even an accountant’s declaration.
So don’t panic, we’ll wok through the options with you to get you the very best deal we can.
Can I use the funds to payout my tax debt?
Yes you can. We’ll work closely with you to do this as best as possible for your exact circumstances.
What is a Risk Fee?
It’s an unnecessary and outrageously expensive fee that many other lenders charge borrowers (particularly, Self-Employed borrowers).
But not us.
At Rate Money we provide the loans you need with no Risk Fees and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) either. All with a competitive interest rate and great service.
What happens if I can’t pay my loan?
You’re best to call us on 1300 936 668 or email us at
Do you charge Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) or a Risk Fee?
Do you have offset account?
How do I apply for a loan?
Do I need an approval before I pay a deposit or even bid at an auction?
Can I obtain a pre-approval before I start looking for a property?
Do you have any loan purpose restrictions?
How can I pay off my loan quicker?
There are 3 simple things you can do to pay off your loan faster.
- Pay more than your minimum payments. Even the smallest amount helps enormously. For example, if your minimum required payment is $1,265 by upping this to $1,300 could shave years off your loan term.
- Pay more frequently. Unlike some lenders, our monthly repayments can instead be changed to fortnightly or even weekly. This means you could pay an extra month’s worth or repayments each year. Thus reducing your interest and also giving you an available redraw to use if and when required.
- Move your savings and/or salary across into a linked offset account. This will reduce the interest charged to your loan. Meaning the repayments you make will go toward reducing your principle balance sooner.
What if I have not yet lodged my recent tax returns?
Do I need to have a deposit? If so, how much?
What if I don’t have a clear credit history?
We have many loan options available to people who may have a ‘less-than-impressive’ credit history. So if you do have some credit issues. Don’t be put off. You can still apply for a low doc home loan (however we will need to review the reasons behind the history).