Boring But Essential

Because SFE Loans provides unique education and mortgage planning services, we charge a fee for advice.

Rather than simply offering you the deal our lenders think is top for you, we take the time to analyse your circumstances, dreams and goals. We then create a tailor made plan that provides in-depth detail of your chosen mortgage loan structure and loan product advice and ensure you understand how your decisions today will impact your entire financial future. Don’t mistakenly get locked into a 40 years home loan contract you didn’t want.

The legal changes to the mortgage brokering industry means that we are legally bound to ensure that any loan choice is “not unsuitable” for our client This requires more extensive consultation and research than before, and has made the process more time consuming; thereby increasing the operating costs of SFE Loans.

This once off fee of $275* (inclusive of GST), includes two face to face consultations, where we utilise SFE Loans unique process that allows us to identify your needs, and thoroughly examine your financial affairs. It also includes any follow up conversations you may need – in case you have questions regarding mortgage structuring and potential loan products. This fee does not cover the placement of your loan; however SFE Loans receives its remuneration for loan placement services from the bank or other financial lender, at no cost to the client. ** This Advice Fee is payable within 14 days of the first appointment, on receipt of invoice from SFE Loans.

_{*10% discount for pensioners or concession card holders}

_{** Conditions apply once loan reaches Formal Approval}

Placing a Loan:

The placing of a Loan falls under our Mortgage Brokerage component. It is separate to our Mortgage Planning and Loan Advice component, as it is the process of introducing your business to the lender of choice and managing your loan through to settlement.

Any mortgage broker can assist you with this, but when you combine together SFE Loans components – Mortgage Planning and Mortgage Broking - you truly allow yourself the best possible chance at a successful financial future, by creating a realistic financial future plan with steps to follow to achieve your lifelong goals.

Legal Regulations- Credit Licensing

The introduction of new financial legislation on the 1^st of January 2011, is designed to protect you from receiving an unsuitable loan. The National Consumer Credit Protection Act has made the loans process more complicated, with more questions and tighter guidelines. In some cases, a lender may not be prepared to offer you finance even if you have been paying a loan currently for years, and the new offer is cheaper even if you have been paying a loan currently for years, and the new offer is cheaper!.

As a Credit Provider, SFE Loans is legally obliged to determine if you are capable of meeting the required home loan repayments; without suffering any form of financial hardship - both now and in the future. This is why mortgage planning is so essential. In our first meetings we will discuss this, and will need to verify your income, and examine your credit history. In cases where existing loans or credit cards are being paid off, we need to see proof that this is happening, so we can confidently negotiate with lenders on your behalf. We can also put forward a comprehensive brief to organise a single debt consolidation loan.

Why are Industry Memberships so important?

You wouldn’t go to an unqualified doctor, nor a dentist who does not meet the requirements to gain membership into the Australian Dental Board. Similarly, you wouldn’t want your mortgage and home loan affairs managed by incompetent or unqualified mortgage brokers or mortgage planners.

SFE Loans has the following Industry Memberships:

Credit Licence

To be able to engage in credit activities in Australia you need a Credit Licence or authorisation from a Licencee before commencing business. SFE Loans operates under Credit Representative #399742 of Credit Licencee: BLSSA P/L

Credit Ombudsman Service Limited. (COSL)

COSL is an external dispute resolution scheme approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. It’s a very handy membership to have if disputes arise between clients and lenders, allows SFE Loans to provide additional protection for our clients.

MFAA

The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) is the peak body representing Professional Credit Advisors, Mortgage Planners and Mortgage Brokers, positioning them as the professionals of choice in the mortgage and finance industry for both consumers and regulators.

PLAN Australia

Plan Australia was established in 1999 and is one of Australia's largest mortgage aggregation groups with close to 1,500 mortgage brokers in our membership. PLAN Australia is fully owned by Advantedge Financial Services - a leading Australian wholesale loan servicer with a total commitment to powering the independence of mortgage managers and brokers.

Advantedge’s financial strength enables PLAN Australia to give you the systems, technology and support to ensure your business thrives. PLAN Australia, provides their members with access to a broad range of lenders and their products. They also supply the technology, training and support that enables SFE Loans to service our clients in the most professional and efficient way.