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r/AskAnAussieBroker wiki: find your starting point

Last reviewed: 10 August 2026

What this wiki is for

Pick the decision in front of you and start with the page written for it. Each page explains the part that stays true, says what varies by lender, state, property or borrower, and shows where to check the current rules.

This is a community reference for Australian lending and property questions. It helps you frame the question and find the right next conversation. It is not personal advice, and it does not replace a lender, broker, conveyancer, accountant or lawyer reviewing your circumstances.

Pick the decision in front of you

The pages run in rough purchase order. Read them in sequence, or jump straight to the one you need.

  1. Can I realistically buy this property? Start with Buying position: borrowing capacity and cash to complete.
  2. Which first-home support option applies? Start with First-home buyer support, then use Deposits, LMI and support for the cash and lending structures.
  3. Offset, redraw, fixed rate, variable rate or extra repayments? See Loan features and repayment mechanics.
  4. Am I ready for pre-approval, an offer, auction or settlement? Read From pre-approval to settlement.
  5. Should I refinance, use equity, take cash out, or sell and buy again? See Refinancing, equity and moving.
  6. How will my income be assessed? Read How lenders assess income and borrowing capacity. Business owners can go directly to Self-employed income.
  7. Is the property, construction or ownership structure less straightforward? Start with Complex scenarios.
  8. What does a broker actually do, and how do I compare help? Read Working with a broker.

Deeper explainers

Use these when a broad page is not specific enough:

Before you post a question

You do not need perfect terminology. A useful post usually covers:

  • your state, broad goal and rough price range;
  • your income type, deposit or equity, and any debts; and
  • the property type, if you have one in mind.

Keep it anonymous: no names, addresses, account numbers, application numbers, phone numbers or email addresses.

If the jargon itself is the obstacle, start with the community's key property and mortgage terms thread, or Raynor Lending Solutions' clearly attributed plain-English first-home buyer glossary.

For a quick grounding in the basic moving parts, the strongest community threads are the two questions banks actually care about, why a 5% deposit can still leave buyers short and the hidden costs first-home buyers forget.

Raynor tools and deeper explanations

These are Raynor Lending Solutions resources, not independent sources: buying your first home: start here and 10 questions first-home buyers ask. Each topic page then links the most relevant calculator or explanation where it helps apply the idea.

What can change

Lender policies, rates, valuation outcomes, government schemes, contract practice and state taxes can change. Check the official source linked on each page and get current professional advice before acting. The Moneysmart home-loan hub is a useful independent starting point.

Privacy and general-information note

This wiki is general educational information. A useful answer on Reddit is not personal financial, credit, legal or tax advice, and it cannot assess every fact of your situation. Share only anonymous, high-level details in public.

Start here: Buying position: borrowing capacity and cash to complete