Q. How Much deposit do I need to buy a house?
A. The deposit that you need to purchase a property varies according to the lender’s policy and your individual circumstance. For example, it is possible to buy a property with no deposit at all.

Q. How can I get the First Home Owners Grant?
A. A Touchstone consultant will explain the FHOG process to you and will send you out the forms you need to complete.

Q. If I make extra repayments on my home loan, can I withdraw them again if I need to?
A. Most loans that allow extra repayments have redraw facilities with varying conditions. For example a lender may allow redraw of a minimum of $2,000. Another lender may have no minimum amount but only allow two redraws per year.

Q. Is it harder to get a home loan if I am single or divorced?
A. Sole parents, divorcees and singles can obtain a home loan just as easily as a couple.

Q. Does my age matter?
A. In Australia, lifespan & retirement age are constantly increasing. There are a variety of loans specifically designed for the 55+ age brackets. If you are anywhere over 18 years of age, it is most likely that Touchstone can provide an appropriate home loan or finance package for you.

Q. What is negative gearing?
A. Link to article

Q. How much can I borrow?
A. Every lenders policy varies as to the amount of security or income they require to finance a particular amount. Call Touchstone and one of our qualified loan consultants will assess your individual circumstance for you.

Q. How do I find the best loan for me?
A. Use an independent source. Touchstone has access to over 700 home loans and after analysing your wants, needs and circumstance we deliver you an appropriate home loan.

Q. How long will it take?
A. Conditional approval can usually be obtained within 48 hours after we have a signed application with all supporting documents.

Q. What if I am self employed?
A. Touchstone specialise in finding home loans for self employed people at competitive rates.

Q. Am I better off staying with my current home loan or refinancing into a new home loan?
A. Touchstone will calculate the benefits and balance them against the associated costs. In most cases Touchstone can deliver you tens of thousands of $$$ in savings over the duration of your new loan.

Q. What interest rate will I be on?
A. Your qualified consultant will work with you to find a lender that suits your needs at the best available rate. As interest rates can change on a daily basis even independently of RBA movement this needs to be reviewed on a daily basis.

Q. What if I’ve just started a new job?
A. In most cases, we can still find a home loan to suit your needs.

Q. What if I’m not sure about my credit rating?
A. A problem with your credit history does not necessarily mean that you won’t qualify for a home loan. Your credit history over the last five years will be recorded on your CRAA file and can be accessed via Baycorp through the following link.

www.mycreditfile.com.au

Q. Is the information I disclose to Touchstone confidential?
A. The Privacy Act protects the security of your personal and financial information. Touchstone cannot and will not disclose any of your information without your specific written instruction and consent.