First Home Buyers

We'll help you into your First Home

Rated 5 from 23 Reviews

We'll help you understand the loan types, grants and incentives to get you into your First Home

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone but it can also bring many questions and decisions. At Village Home Loans, we specialise in helping first home buyers in Perth and across Australia make informed choices. With access to banks and lenders nationwide, we offer a variety of Home Loan options to suit your needs. Whether you are concerned about the interest rate or the application process, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding the financial aspects of buying a home is crucial. One important consideration is the interest rate which can be either fixed or variable. A fixed interest rate offers stability with predictable repayments, while a variable interest rate can fluctuate according to the market. Assessing your financial situation will help determine which option best suits your needs. We can also help you check eligibility for interest rate discounts which might be available through various lenders. Additionally, having a clear understanding of your borrowing capacity is essential before applying for a home loan. This involves evaluating your income, existing debts, and credit history to ensure you can comfortably manage the loan amount.

First home buyers should be aware of potential savings such as first home owner grants (FHOG) and stamp duty concessions. These can significantly reduce upfront costs and make buying your first home more affordable. Our team will assist you in understanding how these apply to your situation and ensure you take advantage of them where possible. Furthermore, it is important to explore options like lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers. Depending on your loan to value ratio (LVR) and other factors, you might qualify for an LMI waiver which can save you thousands.

When you apply for a home loan, the application process may seem complex but we aim to make it as straightforward as possible. Gathering all necessary documents such as bank statements and proof of income is a critical first step. Our streamlined application process is designed to minimise stress and maximise efficiency, allowing you to get pre-approved with ease. Once pre-approved, you can confidently begin house hunting knowing your budget. If you are considering future investments, we also offer guidance on investment loan options and can assist with your first investment property or investment loan application.

Village Home Loans is dedicated to supporting first home buyers throughout their journey from understanding the property market to securing the right loan. With our expertise in accessing Home Loan options from banks and lenders across Australia, we provide tailored solutions that consider your unique circumstances. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with buying your first home and make your dream a reality.

Buying your First Home

Step 1: Let's Have a Real Conversation

We know that thinking about a home loan can feel overwhelming, and that's completely normal. Your journey with Village Home Loans begins with a relaxed, no-pressure chat with Shawn. Whether you're a first home buyer who doesn't know where to start, someone looking to invest, or considering refinancing, this is a safe space to ask every question you have. Shawn will take the time to understand your goals, your situation, and what matters most to you before walking you through your borrowing capacity, loan options from across Australia, interest rates, LVR, and whether lenders mortgage insurance might apply to you. No jargon, no rush.

Step 2: Understanding Your Financial Picture

Before anything can move forward, Shawn needs to get a clear picture of where you stand financially, and this step is far less daunting than it sounds. He'll review your income, bank statements, assets, debts, credit history, and savings to calculate how much you can comfortably borrow and what your repayments might look like. He'll also do the research to see whether you qualify for any interest rate reductions or government support, such as the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty concessions. Think of this step as building the foundation for everything that follows.

Step 3: Finding the Right Loan for You

This is where Shawn's experience really comes into its own. With access to hundreds of loan products from banks, credit unions, and lenders across Australia, he'll research and present options genuinely suited to your circumstances. Whether a fixed rate gives you the certainty you need, a variable rate offers more flexibility, or an offset account helps you pay your loan down faster, Shawn will walk you through the pros and cons of each option so you feel confident in your decision.

Step 4: Getting Pre-Approved

Pre-approval is one of the most reassuring steps in the process. It gives you a clear, confirmed budget to work with, and when you find a property you love, it means you can act with confidence rather than hesitation. Shawn will handle the paperwork on your behalf, including tax returns, payslips, and bank statements, and submit everything to the lender. You focus on finding your property. He'll take care of the rest.

Step 5: Submitting Your Application

Once you've chosen a loan, Shawn manages the entire application process for you. He'll submit your application, liaise directly with the lender, and follow up on any questions they raise, so you're never left wondering what's happening or what comes next. If additional documentation is needed, he'll let you know clearly and promptly. The goal is to make this stage feel as smooth and stress-free as possible, because it should be.

Step 6: Approval and Settlement

When your loan is approved, Shawn will sit down with you to review the final loan documents, making sure you understand every term, from your interest rate and fees through to your repayment schedule. He'll also help you set up your repayment structure and, if needed, explore insurance options like home loan protection. Settlement is the moment everything comes together, and Shawn will make sure you arrive at that moment feeling informed, prepared, and genuinely excited about what comes next.

Step 7: Ongoing Support, Long After Settlement

At Village Home Loans, the relationship doesn't end when the paperwork does. Shawn remains available to you long after your loan settles, whether that's helping you manage repayments, reviewing your loan as your circumstances change, exploring refinancing when the time is right, or helping you use your equity to take the next step on your property journey. He's part of the Beeliar and Booragoon community, and that means he's here for the long haul, not just for the transaction.

S

Sarah

We had a fantastic experience working with Shawn. He went above and beyond for us, showing he cares about his clients by being committed to getting the best results for us. Shawn clearly had our best interests in mind and was always quick to respond to any questions we had. We really appreciated the support he offered throughout the journey. Highly recommend!

FS

Fraser Swan

Shawn has helped me out on several occasions now, a great help every time

PA

Pauline Antioch

So efficient and friendly would highly recommend this is the second time I have used Shawn and each time he has been awesome - guided us through each step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Village Home Loans help clients outside of Perth?

Absolutely. While we are proudly based in Perth and have a strong connection to the local community, we work with clients right across Australia. Thanks to technology and the ability to communicate via phone, video call, and email, distance is not a barrier to getting quality support. Whether you are in regional Western Australia, another state, or even overseas and looking to purchase property in Australia, we are here to help. We believe everyone deserves access to knowledgeable, caring support when it comes to one of the biggest financial decisions of their life, and we make it our priority to be accessible no matter where you are located.

What is a pre-approval and should I get one before I start looking at properties?

A pre-approval is an indication from a lender that they may be willing to lend you up to a certain amount, based on a preliminary assessment of your financial situation. It is not a formal loan offer, but it gives you a clearer idea of your borrowing capacity before you start attending open homes or making offers. Having a pre-approval in place can also show sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious buyer. At Village Home Loans, we recommend speaking with us before you start your property search so we can help you understand your position and get the groundwork in place. It puts you in a much stronger position when the right property comes along.

How long does the home loan process take?

The timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender, the complexity of your application, and how quickly documents are provided. Generally speaking, getting a pre-approval can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, while full loan approval after you have found a property can take a similar amount of time. Settlement timelines are usually set by the contract of sale and can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. At Village Home Loans, we keep you informed at every stage so you always know what is happening and what comes next. We aim to take the uncertainty out of the process.

What is the difference between a fixed and variable home loan?

A fixed rate home loan means your repayments stay the same for a set period, usually between one and five years, regardless of what happens to interest rates in the broader market. This can make budgeting more predictable. A variable rate loan, on the other hand, can go up or down in line with market changes, which means your repayments may change over time. Some borrowers choose a split loan, which combines both options. There are pros and cons to each approach depending on your circumstances, goals, and how much flexibility you need. At Village Home Loans, we will help you understand the differences so you can make a decision that feels right for you.

Can Village Home Loans help if I have had credit issues in the past?

Having a less-than-perfect credit history can feel like a barrier, but it does not automatically mean you are out of options. At Village Home Loans, we work with a range of lenders, some of whom specialise in helping borrowers who have experienced financial difficulties in the past, such as defaults, missed payments, or bankruptcy. Every situation is different, and the right approach depends on the specifics of your history and your current financial position. We will have an honest conversation with you about where things stand and what options may be available. We never judge, and we always do our best to find a path forward.

What documents will I need to apply for a home loan?

While the exact documents required can vary depending on your situation and the lender, there are some common items most lenders will ask for. These typically include proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence, recent payslips or tax returns if you are self-employed, bank statements, details of any existing debts or liabilities, and information about the property you are looking to purchase. At Village Home Loans, we will walk you through exactly what is needed for your specific circumstances so you are not left guessing. We help you get organised early so the process runs as smoothly as possible.

How much does it cost to use a mortgage broker?

In most cases, our service comes at no direct cost to you as the borrower. Mortgage brokers in Australia are typically paid a commission by the lender once a loan settles. This means you can access our knowledge, support, and lender connections without paying a fee out of your own pocket in most situations. We are always transparent about how we are paid and will explain this to you clearly before we proceed. Our obligation is to act in your best interests, and we take that responsibility seriously. If there are ever any costs that apply to your specific situation, we will let you know upfront.

Do I need to be a first home buyer to use Village Home Loans?

Not at all. Village Home Loans works with a wide range of clients across all stages of life and property ownership. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading to a larger property, investing in real estate, refinancing an existing loan, or looking at options for a construction project, we can help. We also work with self-employed borrowers and those with more complex financial situations who may find it harder to get support from a standard bank. No matter where you are in your property journey, we are here to have a conversation and see how we can help.

How is Village Home Loans different from going directly to a bank?

When you go directly to a bank, you only see what that one lender has to offer. At Village Home Loans, we have access to a broad panel of lenders, which means we can look across multiple options to find one that suits your specific needs. Beyond that, we offer something a bank simply cannot, and that is personalised support from someone who is in your corner. We take the time to explain things clearly, answer your questions without the jargon, and make sure you feel confident at every step. Our goal is to remove the stress from the process and make sure you feel supported, not just processed.

What does a mortgage broker actually do?

A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and a wide range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders. Rather than you having to approach each lender individually, a broker does that legwork on your behalf. At Village Home Loans, we take the time to understand your personal situation, your goals, and your financial position before we start looking at options. We then present you with loan options that suit your circumstances and explain each one in plain language so you can make an informed decision. Think of us as your guide through the entire process, from your first conversation right through to settlement.

Ready to get started?