Meeting a mortgage broker for the first time is a big step towards your home-buying goals. Whether you are a first-time buyer, looking to refinance, or simply exploring your options, this initial appointment sets the foundation for everything that follows. In this guide we’ll take you through:
- What to bring to your first meeting
- When to contact a mortgage broker
- Questions you should ask
- How long the meeting should last
- What happens after the first meeting
When should you contact a Mortgage Broker?
You don’t need to have everything tied up ready before you reach out. Ideally, contact a mortgage broker:
- Before you start property hunting: it helps you understand what you might be able to borrow and what suits your financial situation.
- As soon as you’re serious about buying or refinancing: even just for an exploratory chat.
► If you want clarity on Government grants and schemes, saving for deposits or structuring your finances a good broker will guide you at whatever stage you’re at, from “just curious” through to “ready to apply”. Looking for a local broker? Find your local Resolve Finance mortgage broker here.
What to bring with you when you meet your Mortgage Broker
Being prepared makes your meeting more productive and gives the broker a clear picture of your situation. You don’t have to bring everything on day one, but the more details you have ready the better.
Essentials
- Proof of identity: driver’s licence, passport or other photo ID
- Proof of income: recent payslips if employed, or tax returns if self-employed
- Bank statements: usually the last three to six months
- Details of savings: including evidence you’ve saved for a deposit
- Existing debts: loans, credit cards and buy-now-pay-later commitments
You might also take a rough budget showing your income, monthly costs and other financial commitments, this helps your broker assess what is comfortable for you. If you don’t have all of these on day one, no problem, your broker will let you know what they need next.
What happens during the meeting?
Think of the first meeting as a discovery conversation. Your broker needs to understand your goals and financial situation, and you get to ask questions too.
Your appointment with a Resolve mortgage broker is a no obligation meeting, here’s what typically happens:
- You’ll talk about your goals: are you buying your first home? An investment property? Refinance?
- The broker will ask about your income, savings, debts and expenses to get a full picture of your financial situation.
- They will explain how much you might be able to borrow and outline different types of loans and features.
- You’ll go over possible lenders and loan structures, and any relevant government grants or schemes you might qualify for.
This is a two-way conversation; mortgage brokers expect questions and will happily explain terms you don’t understand.
Questions you should ask your Mortgage Broker
A good broker will guide you, but it’s also useful to come with a list of your own questions. Here are some to consider:
About your situation
- How much could I realistically borrow?
- What types of loans might suit me?
- What are the pros and cons of fixed vs variable rates?
About the broker and process
- Which lenders do you work with?
- What do you need from me after this meeting?
- How long does the loan process usually take from here?
Having questions ready ensures you get the most out of your meeting with your mortgage broker and leave feeling confident about the next steps.
How long will the meeting with my Mortgage Broker take?
The first appointment is typically around 45 to 60 minutes, enough time to gather your details, talk through options and answer your questions. If you’re meeting by video call or phone, it’s similar, as mortgage brokers aim to be thorough without dragging things out.
How do mortgage brokers get paid?
Resolve Finance mortgage brokers are paid a commission from your chosen lender when they successfully help you secure a home loan. It’s important to note, this commission isn’t payable by you and is not added onto your home loan, nor does it impact your interest rate.
What happens after your first meeting?
Once you’ve met your broker and they understand your goals:
- Document follow-up
Your broker will let you know which documents they still need to proceed with loan applications. - Loan research and options
They will compare different lenders and loan products available to you. - Pre-approval or application
With your consent and documents, your broker will submit applications or seek pre-approval from lenders. - Ongoing support
After the application is submitted, your broker will liaise with the lender, your conveyancer and other parties. They’ll keep you updated and help you manage any requests for extra information. - Settlement support
Once your loan is approved, the mortgage broker doesn’t disappear, they’ll support you through settlement and continue to offer guidance advice even after you’ve moved in.
Read more about our finance journey from start to finish.
Final thoughts
Your first mortgage broker meeting should feel like a partnership, not an interrogation. A good broker will make you feel at ease, explain everything in plain terms and help you make the right decisions for your financial future.
Being prepared and asking questions will help you walk away from the meeting with clarity and confidence. And remember, you can always contact your mortgage broker again if something doesn’t make sense.