Is it really complimentary? How do you get paid?+
Yes - for home loans, my service is complimentary to you. Lenders pay me a commission when your loan settles: an upfront amount and a small ongoing trail, and I disclose the exact figures for your loan before you sign anything. I'm legally required to act in your best interests, so my recommendations are based on finding the right loan for your situation - not whichever lender pays the most.
Do you only help people in South East Melbourne?+
Not at all - the suburbs listed on this site are simply where I'm most active locally. I'm accredited Australia-wide, my panel of 35+ lenders is national, and everything from our first chat to settlement can happen over phone and video. If you're around Melbourne's south east we can meet in person; if you're anywhere else in Australia, you'll get exactly the same service.
How much deposit do I need to buy a home in Melbourne?+
Most lenders want a minimum 5% deposit, though some accept as little as 2% in certain circumstances. If your deposit is under 20%, you'll usually pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). First home buyers in Victoria may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant ($10,000 for new homes) and stamp duty concessions on properties up to $750,000. I'll walk you through exactly what you'd need for your situation.
Will enquiring affect my credit score?+
No. Talking to me and getting an initial assessment doesn't touch your credit score. A credit enquiry is only recorded when a formal application goes to a lender - and I do the research and pick the right lender first, which actually protects your score by avoiding unnecessary applications.
I've already got a broker or bank - can I still chat?+
Absolutely. There's no obligation, and a second opinion can be genuinely valuable. Plenty of my clients came to me after years with another broker or their bank. I'll review your current loan and tell you honestly if there's a more suitable option - and if what you've got is actually fine, I'll say that too.
How long does the whole process take?+
From first chat to settlement, typically 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your situation and the lender's current turnaround times - simple refinances can be quicker. I manage the whole thing, from documents through to settlement, and keep you posted at every step so there are no surprises.
What documents will I need?+
The usual list: proof of identity (driver's licence, passport), proof of income (recent payslips, or tax returns if you're self-employed), about three months of bank statements, your assets and liabilities, and details of the property you're buying or refinancing. I'll give you a checklist tailored to your situation so you know exactly what's needed upfront.
Do you only work with first home buyers?+
Not at all. I love helping first home buyers, but I work across the lot - refinancing, investment properties, debt consolidation, equity release and SMSF property lending. Whatever your situation, I compare options across 35+ lenders to find the right fit.
I'm a first home buyer and it all feels overwhelming. Where do I start?+
With a chat about where you're at - deposit, income, timeline. I'll explain the grants and schemes you might be eligible for and what lenders actually look at, in plain English. No obligation, and no silly questions.
Can I get a home loan if I'm self-employed?+
Yes. Self-employed borrowers have solid options, from full-doc loans using tax returns to low-doc alternatives - some lenders accept BAS statements or an accountant's declaration instead. I know which lenders genuinely understand self-employed income, which saves a lot of frustration and wasted applications.
Do you help with SMSF property loans?+
Yes - with an important 2026 update. From 10 August 2026, SMSFs can no longer take out new loans to buy residential property; existing SMSF loans are grandfathered and can still be refinanced. Borrowing for commercial property ("business real property") is unchanged and remains one of my core services - I work with the lenders active in SMSF lending and coordinate with your accountant so everything lines up.
What is refinancing and is it worth it?+
Refinancing means replacing your current home loan with a new one - with your existing lender or a different one. It's worth a look if rates have moved since you took out your loan, your situation has improved, or you want to access equity or consolidate debts. I'll run an obligation-free comparison and show you the maths after switching costs - and if you're better off staying put, I'll tell you that.
How many lenders does Mocha Finance compare?+
I compare options across a panel of 35+ lenders - major banks, smaller banks, credit unions and specialist non-bank lenders. That range matters most in trickier situations like self-employed or investment lending. I'm not tied to any single lender, so my recommendations are based on what may suit you.
What areas do you service?+
I'm based in Melbourne's south-east and most of my clients are around Berwick, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Hampton Park, Dandenong, Keysborough, Mordialloc, Rowville, Glen Waverley and Ivanhoe - but I help people right across Melbourne and Australia. Most consultations happen by phone, video call, or over a coffee at a local cafe.
Can we meet outside business hours?+
Yes - evenings and weekends are fine. We can meet at a local cafe, online, or talk on the phone, whatever suits you. Home loans rarely fit neatly inside a 9-to-5, so I work around your schedule.
What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?+
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a one-off premium that protects the lender if you can't repay your loan. It usually applies when your deposit is under 20% of the property's value, and it can often be added to your loan rather than paid upfront. Some lenders waive it for certain professions (like doctors, lawyers and accountants), and some government schemes remove it for eligible buyers. I'll show you whether it applies to you and the options to reduce or avoid it.
What is equity and how can I use it?+
Equity is the difference between what your property is worth and what you still owe on it. If your home is worth $800,000 and you owe $500,000, that's $300,000 in equity. You can often use part of it to renovate, buy an investment property or consolidate debts. I'll help you work out how much usable equity you may have and what accessing it would mean for your repayments.
What is debt consolidation and how does it work?+
It means rolling debts like credit cards, personal loans or car loans into your home loan. Because home loan rates are usually much lower than other credit, it can cut your monthly repayments and simplify everything into one payment. The catch: stretching short-term debts over a long mortgage can mean paying more interest overall. I'll walk you through the numbers honestly so you can make an informed call.
What first home buyer grants are available in Victoria?+
Victoria currently offers: the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) of $10,000 for new homes valued up to $750,000; a stamp duty exemption on properties up to $600,000 and a concession from $600,000 to $750,000; plus the federal First Home Guarantee, which lets eligible buyers purchase with as little as 5% deposit and no LMI. Eligibility criteria apply to each scheme - I'll help you work out which ones you may qualify for.
How is Mocha Finance different from other mortgage brokers?+
Mocha Finance is one broker, start to finish - you deal with me, not a call centre. I compare 35+ lenders, take the time to find the right loan rather than just chasing a rate, and I'll tell you when doing nothing is the smarter move. We can do the whole thing over a proper coffee at a local cafe, online, or after hours. I'm also proud to hold a 5-star Google rating from real clients.