Car Finance and Your Credit Score: What You Need to Know
Car finance can be a fantastic way to get the car you need, but it’s essential to understand how your credit score impacts your ability to get approved. Your credit score is one of the most critical factors that lenders consider when reviewing your car finance application. Here’s what you need to know about car finance and your credit score.
- Your Credit Score Affects Your Interest Rate
One of the most significant ways your credit score impacts your car finance is through the interest rate you’re offered. Lenders use your credit score to assess the risk of lending you money, and if you have a high credit score, you’re seen as a low-risk borrower, and you’ll typically be offered a lower interest rate. Conversely, if you have a low credit score, you’ll be seen as a higher risk borrower, and you may be offered a higher interest rate or even be declined for car finance.
- Late Payments Can Damage Your Credit Score
Payment history is one of the most important factors that affect your credit score, and late payments can significantly impact your score. If you make late payments on your car finance, it can lower your credit score, making it more difficult for you to secure future credit.
- Applying for Too Much Credit Can Lower Your Score
Every time you apply for car finance or any other type of credit, it can lower your credit score. When you apply for credit, lenders conduct a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score. If you apply for too much credit at once, it can have a more significant impact on your score.
If you’re looking for car finance Sunshine Coast, it’s essential to understand how your credit score can impact your chances of getting approved. At Journey Finance, we work with a range of lenders to help you find the best car finance deal for your situation, regardless of your credit score. Contact us today to learn more and get started on your car finance journey. Our team of experts can guide you through the process and help you find the car finance that works for you.
It’s important to keep your credit score in good standing by making timely payments, avoiding too much credit at once, and taking steps to improve your credit score over time. With the help of Journey Finance, you can find the right car finance deal to help you get on the road and start living life to the fullest.
1800 861 009
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved for Car Finance
Car Finance Sunshine Coast
If you’re in the market for a new car, but don’t have the funds to buy it outright, car finance can be a great option. However, getting approved for car finance isn’t always easy. Lenders have strict criteria they use to determine whether or not you’re eligible for a loan, and if you don’t meet those criteria, you may be turned down.
Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your chances of getting approved for car finance, even if you’re in a tough financial situation. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when determining whether or not to approve you for a loan. If your credit score is low, you may be seen as a risky borrower, which can make it difficult to get approved for car finance.
To improve your credit score, make sure you pay all of your bills on time and in full, keep your credit utilization low, and avoid applying for too much credit at once.
- Save for a Down Payment
Lenders may be more willing to approve you for car finance if you can put down a larger down payment. This shows that you’re committed to the loan and that you have some skin in the game.
- Choose a Reliable Vehicle
Lenders may be more willing to approve you for car finance if you choose a reliable vehicle. This reduces the risk of defaulting on the loan, which makes you a more attractive borrower.
- Shop Around for the Best Deal
Don’t just accept the first car finance offer you receive. Shop around and compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal for your situation.
If you’re looking for car finance Sunshine Coast, Journey Finance can help. We offer a range of car finance options to suit your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more and get started.
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1800 861 009
Car Financing vs. Leasing: Which Option is Best for You?
Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most people make in their lives, and it’s essential to choose the right financing option. Two popular options are car financing and leasing, and it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each before making a decision. In this article, we’ll explore both options and help you determine the best option for your car financing needs.
Car Financing:
Car financing, also known as a car loan, is the traditional method of purchasing a car. It involves borrowing money from a lender, usually a bank or credit union, to purchase a car. The loan is repaid in monthly installments over a fixed period, typically three to five years.
One of the main advantages of car financing is ownership. When you finance a car, you own it once the loan is paid off. This means you can customize the car, sell it, or trade it in whenever you want. Financing also gives you more flexibility in terms of how you use the car.
However, car financing also comes with some disadvantages. The interest rate on the loan can vary depending on factors such as credit score, loan term, and the lender. Additionally, the car will depreciate over time, which can lead to negative equity, where the car is worth less than the remaining loan balance. Finally, financing a car can be more expensive in the long run, as interest and fees can add up over time.
Car Leasing:
Car leasing is an alternative to car financing that involves renting a car for a set period, typically two to four years. During this time, you make monthly payments to use the car, and at the end of the lease, you return the car to the dealer.
One of the main advantages of car leasing is lower monthly payments. Because you’re only paying for the use of the car, not the entire value, monthly payments are often lower than those for a car loan. Additionally, leasing allows you to drive a newer car, as you can lease a new car every few years.
However, leasing also has some disadvantages. You don’t own the car at the end of the lease, so you can’t sell or trade it in. Additionally, leasing often comes with mileage restrictions, and you may face penalties if you exceed them. Finally, leasing can be more expensive in the long run if you continue to lease cars, as you’ll never own one outright.
Choosing the Best Option for You:
So, which option is the best for you? It depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value ownership and flexibility, car financing may be the best option for you. However, if you prioritize lower monthly payments and driving newer cars, car leasing may be the best option.
At Journey Finance, we can help you determine the best option for your car financing needs. Our team of experts can help you compare financing and leasing options, as well as negotiate the best deal possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you make the best decision for your car financing needs.
Understanding Car Financing: A Beginner's Guide
If you’re considering buying a car, chances are you’ll need to finance it. Car financing is the process of borrowing money to purchase a vehicle and paying it back over time with interest. It can be a confusing and overwhelming process, but with the help of Journey Finance, it doesn’t have to be.
To understand car financing, it’s important to know key terms such as interest rate, down payment, principal, and term. The interest rate is the percentage charged on the loan amount, and it can significantly impact the total cost of the loan. The down payment is the amount of money paid upfront, while the principal is the amount borrowed. The term refers to the length of time you have to pay back the loan.
The interest rate can vary depending on several factors, such as your credit score, loan term, and the lender. A higher credit score typically results in a lower interest rate, while a longer loan term and a higher lender risk can result in a higher interest rate. Journey Finance can help improve your credit score and increase your chances of getting a competitive interest rate.
There are different types of car loans, such as secured and unsecured loans, fixed-rate and variable-rate loans, and dealer financing vs. bank financing. A secured loan requires collateral, while an unsecured loan does not. A fixed-rate loan has a consistent interest rate, while a variable-rate loan can change over time. Dealer financing is arranged through the dealership, while bank financing is arranged through a bank or credit union.
Journey Finance specializes in car financing and can help you navigate the loan process. They have expertise in finding the best deal for your needs and can provide support and guidance throughout the process.
By understanding key terms and factors that impact the interest rate, and exploring different types of car loans, you can make an informed decision. Reach out to Journey Finance for more information and support on your car financing journey.
The Pros and Cons of Car Financing: Is it Right for You?"
Are you considering purchasing a new car, but you don’t have the cash to pay for it outright? You may want to consider car financing. Car finance can be a helpful way to spread the cost of your new vehicle over several years. However, before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of car financing to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.
Pros of Car Financing
The most significant benefit of car finance is that it allows you to purchase a vehicle that you may not have been able to afford with a one-time payment. Rather than paying the full amount upfront, you can spread the cost of the car over several years. This means you can choose a better vehicle with a higher purchase price and monthly payments that fit within your budget.
Another pro of car finance is that it’s a quick and straightforward process. Unlike other types of loans, such as mortgages, car finance doesn’t require lengthy approval processes or complicated paperwork. You can often get approved for a car finance loan within hours, and in some cases, you can complete the entire process online.
Finally, car finance can help you build your credit score. When you make your monthly payments on time, it shows lenders that you’re responsible and reliable with your money. This can lead to better interest rates and loan terms in the future.
Cons of Car Financing
The biggest disadvantage of car finance is that it can end up costing you more in the long run. When you finance a car, you’re paying interest on top of the purchase price. This means that the total cost of the car will be higher than if you had paid for it outright.
Another con of car finance is that you’ll be tied to monthly payments for several years. If you experience a financial setback or unexpected expense, it can be challenging to keep up with your payments. This can lead to missed payments, which can damage your credit score.
Finally, car finance loans often come with penalties for early repayment. This means that if you want to pay off your car loan early, you’ll be charged a fee. This can be frustrating if you come into some money or want to sell the car before the end of the loan term.
Is Car Financing Right for You?
Car finance can be an excellent option if you need a new vehicle but don’t have the cash to pay for it outright. However, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons carefully before you make a decision. If you’re comfortable with monthly payments and can afford the additional interest charges, then car finance may be the right choice for you.
If you do decide to go with car finance, it’s important to choose a reputable lender with fair interest rates and loan terms. Journey Finance is a great choice for car financing, offering competitive rates and flexible repayment options. With our excellent customer service and easy-to-use online platform, Journey Finance makes the car finance process simple and stress-free.
Contact Journey Finance today!
1800 861 009
How to get financed approved with a bad credit rating
If you have bad credit, getting approved for a car loan can be more challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting approved for a car loan with bad credit:
- Shop around for bad credit car loans: Some lenders specialize in bad credit loans and may be more likely to approve your application.
- Make a larger down payment: A larger down payment can show lenders that you are financially responsible and can lower the amount you need to borrow, which may make it more likely that you will be approved.
- Get a cosigner: A cosigner with good credit can increase your chances of getting approved for a car loan, as they can help to offset the risk of your bad credit.
- Improve your credit score: take step to improve your credit score as much as you can before you apply for the loan. This can include paying off outstanding debts, disputing errors on your credit report, and avoiding new credit inquiries.
- Provide proof of income: Lenders will want to see that you have a steady income and can afford to make the payments on the loan.
- Have realistic expectations: If you have bad credit, you may have to pay a higher interest rate than someone with good credit. Be prepared to pay more for your car loan.
By following these tips, you may be able to increase your chances of getting approved for a car loan with bad credit. However, you should keep in mind that even with these steps, getting approved for a loan with bad credit is not guaranteed, and you may need to consider alternative options.
It’s always better to try to improve credit score before applying for any kind of loan, and also be aware of the terms and conditions before signing a loan agreement. It’s important to also be honest with yourself and the lender regarding your financial situation, and be mindful of taking on too much debt and falling into a cycle of high-interest loans.
The team at Journey Finance are experience dealing with people and bad credits, for more information please feel free to read ‘Getting finance with poor credit’ or contact our team on 1800 861 009.
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Tips on ensuring you get your car finance approved!
There are a few things you can do to increase the chances of getting your car loan approved:
- Make sure your credit score is as high as possible. Lenders generally prefer borrowers with high credit scores because they are considered less risky. You can check your credit score for free and take steps to improve it if necessary.
- Save up for a down payment. A down payment can shows that you are financially responsible and able to save. It can also lower the amount you need to borrow and may lead to a lower interest rate.
- Shop around for the best rates. Different lenders may offer different rates and terms for car loans. By shopping around, you may be able to find a lender who is willing to offer you a better deal. Here at Journey Finance we do all the leg work for you. Meaning we go shopping for the best deal for you!
- Consider getting a co-signer. If you have a co-signer with good credit, it can increase your chances of getting approved for a car loan. A co-signer is someone who agrees to pay off the loan if you default.
- Be honest and upfront about your financial situation. Lenders will review your income, debts, and credit history before deciding whether to approve your loan. By being upfront about your financial situation, you can show lenders that you are a responsible borrower.
- Have a clear plan for how you will pay off the loan. Lenders want to see that you have a plan in place for paying off the loan. This may include a budget and a plan for saving money to make your monthly payments.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting your car loan approved and be on your way to driving your new car.
For more information of what our team at Journey Finance can do for you, please feel free to call 1800 861 009!
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Difference between a Chattel Mortgage and Consumer Loan for a car purchase
What is the difference between a Chattel Mortgage and a Consumer car loan?
If you’ve never heard of a Chattel Mortgage you are not alone. Understanding the differences between a Consumer Car Loan and a Chattel Mortgage could mean the world of difference to your next car finance.
The main difference between a Consumer Car Loan and a Chattel Mortgage is the way the car is used. A Consumer car loan is designed for people who use their car for personal use and maybe some business use (including for work)
A Chattel Mortgage is a business use loan product. If you are in business or use your car for work more than 50% of the time, you may be eligible for a Chattel Mortgage.
At the end of the day, the final result is the same. The financier will lend you the funds and places a financial interest on the car as security for the loan. With a Chattel Mortgage, this is a mortgage. In both instances, you still own the vehicle from the day you purchase it, it is just in the way the loan is structured that is different.
If you qualify for a Chattel Mortgage, you are likely to receive the benefit of a slightly lower or more competitive interest rate along with reduced or no monthly account keeping fees.
It’s all in the substantiation (proof of information)
When you apply for a Consumer Loan, you need to substantiate your financial circumstance through substantial evidence supply. This could be payslips, confirmation of employment from your employer, scrutiny or supply of evidence of declared assets, digital bank statement requests that show your income is deposited into your account, and your spending habits. Consumer loans are regulated under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP) and provide strong protections for consumers who may not be as financially savvy as a business customer. Under the NCCP items like fees, charges, and interest rates, early payout penalties and calculations must be provided in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. This is a great thing for consumers as it means the average person can determine whether the loan they are taking is suitable for their personal financial circumstances.
Chattel Mortgages are not regulated under the NCCP which can mean fewer onerous requirements for proving income. You will likely still have to supply evidence, but not the same as a Consumer Loan.
Because it is a commercial product, it may mean that you would lose some protection that is afforded to consumers under the NCCP Act. A good broker will still tell you about fees and charges or early payout penalties and calculations, but these are not required to be written into your contract or Terms like a Consumer Loan is required to do.
Bottom line, it comes down to your circumstance whether to take a Chattel Mortgage. If your business is structured as a company or trust you may have to take out a Commercial loan product like a Chattel Mortgage.
If you are a sole trader or partnership, both options should be available to you and likely will have little difference from potential tax deductions. If your business is registered for GST, you are likely to be able to claim input tax credits from the purchase of the vehicle.
See more about the benefits of a Chattel Mortgage
Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions conveyed on this website are those of the author/s and are of a general nature. Any information provided does not constitute financial or general advice to you from Journey Finance Australia. When considering financial or insurance products, you should seek your own independent advice from a professional.
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Been declined for finance
Been declined for finance?
Being declined for finance can be extremely hard to cope with both emotionally and financially. You may have had your heart set on a new car, a house or just to get a personal loan for a holiday, so dealing with the feelings of rejection can be difficult.
All humans go through stages of accepting changes in their lives.
Some people will move through the change curve very quickly, others will dwell in certain parts longer depending on the change and how it impacts them.
It’s natural to feel confused, or even disbelief when you are denied finance – the key is to get through the emotions that will prevent you from moving forward.
Get angry?
Getting angry at your bank or the broker when your finance application is rejected may feel natural or even justified, but listening to them to understand what has contributed to the decline is important.
The finance industry is in constant change, in Australia with the onset of the Banking Royal Commission huge changes occurred that put responsible lending criteria at the forefront to attempt to ensure that people who could afford to repay a loan with no adverse effects on their credit file got the loan they were seeking. The general public welcomed the Banking Royal Commission, but aren’t as happy with the changes that have occurred from the investigation. COVID-19 brought in another series of challenges with uncertainty with employment. All of these factors come into play now and with this changing landscape, the rules around finance have changed.
Getting to “DECISION”
Through the anger and depression phases of change, some people will continue to apply for finance. The old saying “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity” is true! If you think of lenders in this regard
Prime lenders: Those who offer great interest rates and terms
These are the hardest to get approved through. They want LOW risk clients who they know will pay on time and in full.
Sub Prime lenders: Those lenders who have higher interests rates and more restrictive terms
These lenders offer loans to riskier clients and charge a premium (in fees and rates).
The goal should always be to get a loan with a prime lender as the loan will be cheaper. Some people will move from a rejection from the prime lender to begin to apply for loans with Subprime lenders. Their goal is to be accepted and to rid themselves of the feeling of rejection along with still wanting the item they were applying for. We all know how it feels when we are approved for a loan – we feel worthwhile and a functioning member of society – the opposite feelings can emerge when we are declined. Remember, being rejected/declined is hard, but keeping your head during this time is so important. Each time you apply for a loan, you end up with an inquiry on your credit file. We have witnessed files with 30+ applications in as little as a month. The more you apply in short periods of time, the worse your credit score (risk profile) becomes.
How to get to DECISION
If you have already applied and been declined, the first step is to ask why you were declined. Some lenders will say “Your profile doesn’t meet our credit policy”. That’s all they’ll say. It’s a good idea to ask for their credit policy as most lenders will have a document that outlines all the tick boxes they require to lend.
Example:
- Employed full time or more than 20 hours per week
- Employed more than 12 months in the role (or show continuity)
- No defaults or late payments
- Stable residential history
- Stable employment history
Once you understand what the policy is, then you can work on the tick boxes that potentially have an “X” against it. It may take time, but it is worth it.
Getting to the DECISION stage can be hard. It means not taking the decline personally. You may think you are a perfect candidate for a loan, but the lender is a business, they aren’t obligated to lend you money. Their policies are designed to protect their business, their employees and shareholders. If every bank just lends money to anyone, you can imagine how our society would be.
Getting to the DECISION phase is about understanding what’s in your control and what is not, then taking action to make the changes required.
Defaults or poor conduct on loans
One of the biggest reasons for finance declines is poor repayment history on loans. Your credit file now records both negative and positive events. Negative events can be defaults, late payments or bankruptcies. What is not understood is the type of loan you are applying for can also negatively affect you. PayDay loans that you see advertised on TV demonstrate to prime lenders (lenders who offer really low interest rates) that the applicant is a potential risk. It may seem innocent to take a small loan out, but considering how this will affect the ‘snapshot’ you present to another lender is important. If you’ve been declined by a prime lender, sometimes the only option is to go through a non prime lender, but fixing the issues on your file should be the first consideration. It may take longer and you may need to be patient, but it is worth it. If circumstances dictate that you have to have the loan now, you may have to accept that you will only be eligible through those non Prime lenders, meaning you are going to pay a premium.
Banking conduct
Most lenders now want to see your bank statements. In the past, you would download them and send them through to the lender, but now, this is all done electronically. The financier will request your bank statements and if you want to get the loan, you need to provide them access.
Why do they do this? In our experience, people either grossly under or over estimate their living expenses. Calculating living expenses is really important to a lender as it shows whether you have surplus funds to be able to pay the loan back. Just saying that you will isn’t enough, the lender wants evidence that you can – hence the request for bank statements.
What is shown in these reports?
Lenders will see your daily habits of spending, your regular income as standard. They will also see how much you spend on things like
- Take away food
- Eating out
- Gambling
- Alcohol
- Payday loans (or short term loans)
- Fines
- Loan repayments
- Cash withdrawals (locations including pubs/clubs/gambling locations)
If you have left out items in your application or underestimated (accidentally or purposefully) there will be no hiding it. Lenders usually want 90 days of bank statements, so before you apply for a loan, it’s a good idea to sit down with your own bank statements and see exactly what you are spending and on what. If you find that you don’t have good conduct, spend 3 months fixing this. What you will find is that when you tighten your budget, your finances can take a miraculous 180 degree turn and hopefully, not only will you be more in control of your finances, but you will demonstrate clean banking conduct.
Stable employment
For someone who has just got a job, the first thing they want to do is improve their lives. A new outfit, a new car or even a new home. Lenders will look favourably on someone who has been in stable employment for a period of time or demonstrate if they have left an old job, that they have moved for a good reason. (eg. More money, career progression).
If an applicant changes jobs every 3 months, it can demonstrate risk. The lender doesn’t know you or you circumstance and can’t be expected to delve into those depths. Bottom line, if you’ve been in a job for 3 months and have a 6 month probation, it may be best to wait until your probationary period is over as employers can move you on during that period and lenders know this.
Champagne on a beer budget
If you have an income of $45,000 per year and you are applying for a loan of $50,000 you may need to adjust your appetite! There is no hard and fast rule around this, but lenders have a formula that looks at what the average living expenses are for a single, coupled, and dependent family and calculate this themselves, regardless of what you have told them you actually spend. This is part of responsible lending. So, if you take home $1,000 per week, your living expenses are calculated at $700 including all costs, which means you have $300 leftover. This is called the income-to-expenses ratio. This ratio is important as the lender will look for a buffer in case things go wrong and will include the repayment on the loan. If you are wanting to borrow too much, this will reduce the ratio to the point of a decline or the lender may impose a maximum lend. (the most they are prepared to lend out)
Getting finance pre-approved and working with your broker on this will mean you are not disappointed if you had your heart set on a certain amount. Adjusting your expectations can invoke the change curve again – but, over time you will see it was probably the best thing that could have happened.
Financial counsellors
If your finances are not in check, it may be time to seek help. There are free financial counsellors who can help with budgeting and set you on a good path. It may be surprising to you, but according to MoneyMag 86% of Australians do not know their monthly expenses. Putting it down on paper with a professional and beginning the process of putting your money in order can be an amazing first step. Use our easy tool to calculate how much you are actually spending verses your income.
Final thoughts
When applying for finances, it shouldn’t be a ‘suck and see’. Working with a good broker means they will assess your situation and advise the best place to put the loan.. if at all. Good brokers have access to numerous lenders and most will not put a hit on your credit file during this process until you are ready to apply and have all your ducks in a row.
It’s really important during this process to tell the whole truth, nothing but the truth. A good broker is not going to judge you, they are trying to help you navigate the process. If you are declined, ask why. If a solid answer isn’t given, then it’s up to you to take steps to understand yourself. Getting access to your credit file will be a really good first step. If there are issues on that file, you can seek to have them corrected. If your score is low, then working to fix it over time will mean that you are on a good path to good credit.
Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions conveyed on this website are those of the author/s and are of a general nature. Any information provided does not constitute financial or general advice to you from Journey Finance Australia. When considering financial or insurance products, you should seek your own independent advice from a professional.
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Locations
Townsville
Why use a finance broker
Benefits of using a Finance Broker
There are quite a few benefits in using a finance broker. In this fast-paced world with little time and lots of things grabbing your attention, it can be difficult to navigate finance, especially if you have no idea where to start.
Saves you time
A Brokers job is to shop around for you. Think of a broker as a personal shopper!
Imagine you are looking for a fridge to buy. You do the research and you settle on a particular make and model. The next job is to go from one retailer to another to get the best price. That takes time and effort to save you potentially a few hundred dollars. Now imagine if you had someone doing that for you! You get a good deal AND you've saved a lot of time.
Brokers do that same thing, but with finance. The primary role of a Broker is to shop around for you. A broker has regular contact with the banking and finance industry and has knowledge of offers and great terms not offered to the general public. Because a broker does all the legwork for you, it saves you time and energy!
Saves you money
As discussed, a Brokers role is to find you the best deal along with the right product that suits your personal circumstance. If you go to a bank direct, you are locked into their products. It doesn't mean it's not fit for purpose, it's just that you have only looked at one shop, with one product. No comparison!
- Loan A may have a good rate with Big Bank Mutual, but it has restrictive terms and conditions such as termination fees or a lack of ability to pay extra.
- Loan B may have all the good terms you want, but the rate isn’t as sharp.
A Broker will ask you what you need in a loan. Or if you haven't got a clue they will tell you the things to look for in a loan, tell you what is in the marketplace and guide you to the best fit overall to your needs.
The goal is to keep your repayments as low as possible as well as having flexible terms and policies. A broker will do that for you with access to potentially dozens of lenders all competing for your business.
Fees, charges and policies are part and parcel of a loan, and a good broker will outline the fees so you know what you are signing up for with no surprises.
Makes you smarter
Have you ever been involved in a conversation about finance and didn't understand what they were talking about? Amortisation, equity, defaults, credit scores, loan portability, fixed rates etc etc. You may have just nodded your head not understanding a word!
A good Broker in interaction with clients will give the ‘inside secrets’ and even provide you with education about how loans work, the tricks, the traps, and the best way to secure the best deal. They will answer questions you may have had for years. Brokers LOVE talking finance. Remember, they aren't selling a product, they are providing a service!
Good Brokers also have developed lots of information tools (like this one!) that can help you navigate the world of finance.
A good Broker won't talk AT you, they will put things in ways that are easily understood and are relatable to you. This is important as finance can be complex, so having a person in your corner helping you 'join the dots' is great. This will also help you in the future when you are making other financial decisions.
As a result at your next family get-together or Friday afternoon drinks, you can be the expert, or at least keep up with the conversation!
Saves you confusion, heartache and regret
We see it all the time. People who shop around for finance not understanding that the lender is putting a hit on their credit file, negatively affecting the most precious commodity when it comes to financing, the credit score.
A good Broker will never put a hit on your file until you are ready to apply. A good Broker will find out all about you and your circumstances and complete a ‘soft enquiry’ that doesn’t touch your file but just looks at your credit score to know which lender will be best suited.
Once the shine comes off the purchase, the loan is there for the long-term. Avoiding regret and buyers remorse because you didn't understand or were sold a product is so important to your long term happiness!
You get an expert
Brokers are finance specialists, they access finance for everyday people - 365 days a year.
A good Broker should know the intricacies of lenders, their nuances, policies, fees and charges and how to best approach an application. Having an expert in your corner who assists hundreds of clients every year with a specialist skillset will give you an advantage in your next finance decision.
It can also prevent mistakes and make the overall buying process of a new or second-hand car, boat, caravan or motorbike far more enjoyable.
You are getting impartial advice
Brokers are governed by legislation that dictates their behaviours. A good Broker (notwithstanding the law) will have your best interests as their North Star. They work for you.
The difference between a Broker and banks is bank staff are simply selling you their product. They can’t then go and provide you a comparison to a competitor because they work for Big Bank Mutual. A good Broker will not be impartial to one lender, they will hunt the best deal from the multiple lenders they have access to. Again, good Brokers do not sell ‘products’, they sell service.
You get a real person
Brokers are usually not huge corporations. Most good Brokers are small business owners and are driven by good customer service and creating long term relationships with their customers.
Everyone has heard the adage banks tend to treat customers like numbers. People don't like being treated like a number. They want to be treated like a person. A good Broker will be the person you deal with all the way through the process and into the future and actually care about your financial well being.
Final thoughts
We’ve come up with this list, and there are many more reasons to use a good Broker like Journey Finance. To truly understand how a good Broker can benefit you, contact us today.
Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions conveyed on this website are those of the author/s and are of a general nature. Any information provided does not constitute financial or general advice to you from Journey Finance Australia. When considering financial or insurance products, you should seek your own independent advice from a professional.
Get In Touch
Locations
Melbourne
Brisbane
Sydney
Sunshine Coast
Townsville
Hours
Mon:10am - 5pm
Tue: 9am - 5pm
Wed: 9am - 5pm
Thur: 9am - 5pm
Fri: 9am - 3pm
Sat: 8am - 1pm
Sun: Closed