What makes a loan application a dream file - and what sends it straight to the bottom of the que? We’re breaking down the things that speed up applications, the common mistakes that cause delays, and how to give your lender everything they need to get your deal moving.

A business owner buys a new ute in June, then applies for a home loan in July — and the order alone costs them tens of thousands in borrowing power. In the finale of our self-employed block, Chloe and Sam unpack chattel mortgages, balloon payments, and why business debt can quietly shrink your home loan borrowing capacity. 

Exactly what self-employed borrowers should be doing at two years, one year, and three months out from a home purchase; aligning your tax strategy, separating business and personal accounts, and cleaning up lingering debts early, when it's easy. Plus: why a free pre-assessment six months out is the most underused move in self-employed lending, and the "no surprises" rule that can make or break your file in the final stretch.

Self-employed and wondering what lenders actually want to see? Unlocked breaks down the full-doc checklist, the wobbly-year problem, and when alt-doc lending is a smart bridge versus a red flag. Plus: a common tax-return timing trap that can shrink your borrowing power without your income changing at all — and why your accountant needs to know your plans months before you apply.

Self-employed and worried the banks won’t touch you? In this episode, Chloe and Sam bust the biggest myth in lending and reveal how your business income, tax returns and add-backs could mean your borrowing power is stronger than you think.

Offer accepted. Now what?! 🏡🔑
The contract is signed, the champagne is calling… but there are still 4–6 weeks before you get the keys. From finance and building & pest to conveyancers, deadlines, insurance and settlement, Chloe and Kris break down exactly what happens next — without the panic.
Because getting the “Congratulations, they’ve accepted your offer!” call is just the beginning. 🎙️

What do Finance and Mortgage Brokers actually do?  How do we get paid and how are we different to Banks? 

Offset vs Redraw: What's the Difference (and Does it Matter)? 💸
Two features, two very different ways to save on interest — and most people have no idea which one they've actually got! In this episode of Unlocked Finance, we unpack offset accounts and redraw facilities: what they are, how they work, and why the difference could save (or cost) you thousands over the life of your loan. 

Fixed vs Variable: Which One's Right for You? 🏡💰
Should you lock in a fixed rate or ride the wave with variable?
In this episode of Unlocked Finance, we break down the age-old mortgage debate in plain English — no jargon, just the real pros, cons, and "it depends" moments. We'll chat through what each option actually means for your repayments, how much flexibility you're trading away (or gaining), and the questions to ask yourself before you decide. Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, this one's for you. 🔑

Free money for first home buyers? It's real — if you know where to look. We unpack every QLD grant and scheme on offer, and what you actually need to qualify.

Pre-approval can be your biggest advantage in a competitive market — but it's not a guarantee. We break down what pre-approval actually means, how it gives you an edge when house hunting, and the fine print buyers often miss.

Cutting back on lattes won't save your loan application. We break down what lenders are really looking at — income, debts, credit history, and the red flags that actually matter.

In this episode, we break down exactly how much deposit you need to buy a home in Australia — from the standard 20% rule to low-deposit options and government schemes that can get you into the market sooner.