Preparation for a Loan

Whether you're a self-employed professional or a PAYG (Pay As You Go) applicant, preparing for a loan can be a daunting task. But with the right knowledge and broker, you can improve your chances of approval and secure the best possible loan for your needs. Navigating so many lenders and products that all have a slightly different requirement, we'll cover general information from necessary loan documents to things you should consider for various loan types, including business loans, home loans, personal secured and unsecured loans, low doc and full doc loans.

Necessary Loan Documents

As a self-employed or PAYG applicant, you'll need to provide documentation that proves your income, assets, and financial stability. Commonly required documents across lenders include:

• Proof of identity (passport, driver's license, etc., often 100 points is ample with most lenders)
• Proof of income (recent payslips, tax returns, notice of assessments, bank statements)
• Proof of employment (employment contract, letter from employer) often required for jobs <6 months
• Proof of assets (bank statements, investment statements, council rates notices/titles)
• Credit history report (your broker should be able to order this for you)
• A detailed budget outlining your income and expenses
• List of Assets and Liabilities

Business Loan Preparation

If you're seeking a business loan, be prepared to provide additional documentation related to your business, such as:

• Business financial statements, and any tax documentation (BAS/Tax Returns)
• Business plan and projections
• Business registration and licenses (ABN, ACN, Trust deeds, Trustee information)
• Evidence of any collateral offered as security

Home Loan Preparation

For a home loan, lenders will need to assess your ability to afford the mortgage payments, so you'll need to provide:

1. Proof of deposit (bank statements)
2. Details of the property you wish to purchase (Contract of Sale/ if Pre-approval area, price, type of property)
3. A list of your current debts and liabilities (All car loans, personal loans, credit cards, store credit)

Low Doc and Full Doc Loans

Low doc loans are designed for self-employed borrowers who may not have complete financial documentation. Full doc loans require more extensive documentation, but often come with better interest rates. When applying for either loan type, be prepared to provide as much you can to obtain the best deal. Discuss with your broker early, so he/she can give you advice what rate your current documentation can get you and if you prepared additional documentation how that may improve your chances of getting an approval at a better rate.

Things to consider before applying for any loan, include assessing your financial stability and ability to repay the loan. Often people go to apply for a loan they hope and believe everything plays out without speed bumps, understanding and planning for a worse case scenario will help you mitigate risks that a lender identifies.

Research the different loan options available, compare interest rates, fees, and terms, seek professional advice from a mortgage broker or financial advisor, ask questions, educate yourself and understand what commitments are being made.

Preparing for a loan as a self-employed or PAYG applicant can be a challenging process. By gathering the necessary documentation, understanding the different loan types, and considering your financial situation, you'll be well on your way to securing the loan you need. Don't be afraid to seek professional guidance to help navigate the loan application process and maximize your chances of success.