New to Australia? Home ownership is easier than you may think.

This is how Evangeline achieved her home ownership dream.

Every day, as a Mortgage Broker, I come across people with their own unique circumstances but asking a similar set of questions.

“I don’t know enough about the property market – where do I start?”

“I don’t think I can afford the home I really want.”

“There are so many lenders and home loan products – how do I know which is right for me?”

My clients come from all walks of life, so the answers to these questions can vary widely.

When Evangeline came to me she was very nervous about home ownership. This well-educated young woman, recently arrived in Australia from Africa, had a great job as a pharmacist and was enjoying a good income. What she wanted to complete her new life story was her very own home – a stable base for the future.

As she had only been in Australia for three years, Evangeline had heard a few myths about home ownership that were holding her back. So I made it my mission to bust those myths and help her into her own home.

Firstly, Evangeline expected to pay a 10% deposit, when in today’s climate, just 5% deposit can get you into your own home. Secondly, as she was a new resident and had moved jobs a couple of times, she thought that her employment situation would be an issue. I was able to reassure her that as she was employed as a full-time professional, she only needed three months in full-time employment to qualify for her loan.

Thirdly, she did not realise that an experienced broker such as myself could handle the whole process for her, reducing stress and saving time. In fact, Evangeline was an ideal client, with a good income and good savings.

The fact is, the biggest issue facing all home buyers today is information overload. There are so many lenders, websites and ‘experts’ out there that yes, it can be really hard to know where to start.

This is where I know my years of experience and personal approach really make a difference. I know what it’s like to be confronted by a dizzying array of choices. Sometimes, you just want someone to give you a straight answer.

When I start work with a client, it’s not actually about the home loan or the home itself – it’s all about you. Which is just as it should be! I start at the very beginning. Who are you – and what is your goal? What do you or your family really need? What is your dream? What is your ideal home?

It was fantastic to educate Evangeline about the facts, help her through the process and be rewarded with her ecstatic response to the news we had secured her home, at the right price and in the right area. She’s now living in the West and working in Geelong, but the half hour commute is not a problem for her. Her job is going well and she has her home base. A great outcome!