Technology has improved remarkably over the last couple of decades. While in the past, you’d have to look up the phone numbers or addresses to call or visit various loan companies to get quotes; nowadays, there are websites you can use to compare a selection of home loans at the click of a few buttons. If you are new to home loans though, you might not know what to look for and how to compare them correctly. With that in mind, in the following article you will find 5 tips that will help effectively compare and contrast various lenders and their loan offers.
Compare the Interest Rates
When looking at various lenders’ interest rates, it’s essential that you understand the standard interest rates being offered in Australia and then compare them to higher and lower rates offered on the market. While you shouldn’t think of interest rates as being the only important factor when choosing a particular lender, the best lender should offer competitive rates.
Investigate All the Associated Fees
As well as the interest rates, it is also important to make sure you are aware of all the extra fees and charges included in lenders’ offers. It is wise to ask your mortgage broker (if you have one) to work out how particular lenders compare against each other when it comes down to charges and fees on their loan.
Consider the Features of the Loans
Before you find and choose that one and only perfect home loan, it is essential that you understand fully the type of features offered in particular loans and work out which features you would like right now and in the future. This could include things such as redraw facility, offset account and various others. Once you have worked out the features you need, you can then work out which lenders offer mortgages that include these features at reasonable prices.
Consider the Lender Support Offered
If you consider it important to have weekend phone support and branch access to your home loan lenders, it is important to find a company that offers these kinds of extras to their clients and customers.
Think About Commitments You May Have In The Future
Before deciding on the perfect lender, research thoroughly whether they offer a wide variety of loan options that will suit you, not just in your present circumstances, but also in the future. It is important to consider a company that offers support and options for you if things drastically change, so that you will not lose your home and could access your funds for renovations, have your loan topped up or refinance it if you need to.
Although the above list is by no means exhaustive and there are other things you should consider when you are comparing and contrasting the different lenders and loan offers available on the market, it at least gives you something to work from when you start your search.