How do I compare Westpac home loans?

To make sure you find the right Westpac loan you need a clear idea of what you're looking for in a mortgage. These simple questions can help: Do you want help from an actual person? Because Westpac has a large network of branches, you can talk to staff in person when you need home loan help. This is something online lenders and smaller banks may not be be able offer. What do you need the loan for? If you're buying a home to live in you need an owner-occupier loan. Property investors need an investment loan rate. Westpac has both. Fixed or variable? Do you want the flexibility of a variable rate loan that could rise or fall at any time? Or are you happy to lock in a fixed rate for a certain period so you can forget about rate changes entirely? What features do you need? You need to decide whether you need features like a 100% offset account, the ability to make extra repayments and the option to split your rate.

Does Westpac offer home loan pre-approval?

Westpac offers pre-approval and you can apply online or request a callback from a Westpac lending specialist. Home loan pre-approval is an optional step in the application process that some lenders offer. Pre-approval means a lender has examined your savings, income and spending habits and has a rough idea of how much it could lend you. It's not the same as full loan approval and it's no guarantee that the lender will ultimately approve a full application. But it does allow borrowers to start looking for a home with more confidence and a clearer idea of their borrowing power. Pre-approval is not something every lender offers, but many do.

Are there any risks going with a smaller lender?

Most Australian borrowers bank with one of the Big Four (Commbank, Westpac, NAB and ANZ). They have physical branches and ATMs in the most locations and strong customer support. These are big advantages. But if you're worried that smaller lenders are unsafe or less reliable, you probably shouldn't. In Australia, most lenders are authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) and are regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Almost every lender has a banking license or partners with a bank. There's an assumption that interest rates from the Big Four are less competitive than smaller lenders. And while this is broadly true, the gap has shrunk dramatically in recent years. You can get a very good deal from lenders large and small.

Should I go with a fixed or variable rate?

Deciding between a fixed or variable rate depends on what you want from the loan. A variable rate loan can change at any time, either up or down. A variable rate usually offers more flexibility in how fast you can repay the loan and the cost of refinancing. A fixed rate loan offers total certainty about your rate, for the fixed period. This means it won't rise, costing you more. But if your lender starts lowering rates you won't benefit either. Refinancing a fixed rate loan means breaking the loan, because you've agreed to a specific rate. This means you may have to pay a fixed rate break fee.

Do I need a mortgage broker?

Mortgage brokers are home loan professionals who can help you find a suitable loan. A broker typically charges you no fee, because they receive a commission from your lender. Brokers are great if you are short on time or find the whole process of researching and applying for a home loan confusing. But you can definitely do it yourself and find a good loan. You may even find a better deal. That's because brokers don't compare loans from every lender in the market. They have access to a panel of loans and often don't have smaller online lenders in their panel.