Tassie Mortgage Broker

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Old Beach, TAS
Tassie Mortgage Broker

With access to 100's of home loans, our free service will find one that's right for you.

26/07/2026

What are the hidden costs of buying your first home?

The deposit is usually the biggest amount first home buyers focus on — but it isn’t the only money you may need before settlement.

Depending on the property, lender and state or territory, your upfront costs may include:

🏡 Transfer duty, commonly called stamp duty
⚖️ Conveyancing or solicitor fees
🔍 Building and pest inspections
🏦 Loan application, valuation or settlement fees
📋 Registration and government charges
💧 Adjustments for council rates, water or strata fees
🚚 Moving costs, insurance and immediate repairs

Eligible first home buyers may receive a transfer-duty exemption or concession, but the rules and property-value limits vary between states and territories.

The exact cost of conveyancing and inspections also varies, so I wouldn’t rely on one standard figure for every purchase. It’s much safer to get quotes and build a buffer into your savings from the beginning.

These extra costs can add up to thousands of dollars, and some cannot simply be added to your home loan. That means having enough for the deposit alone may not be enough to reach settlement comfortably.

Before you start making offers, it’s worth working out your full **funds-to-complete figure** — not just the deposit.

Have a question about how much you may need upfront? Send me a message and I’ll help you work through the numbers in plain English.

24/07/2026

What are “genuine savings” — and why do lenders care?

Genuine savings are funds you have saved or held over a period of time, rather than money that has suddenly appeared just before you apply for a home loan.

Depending on the lender and the type of application, they may look for a savings history over several months to see how your deposit was built.

Why does that matter?

It helps show that you can:

💰 save consistently
📊 manage your everyday expenses
🏡 adjust your budget for future home loan repayments
🛟 maintain a financial buffer

A gift from family can still be incredibly helpful and may be accepted as part of your deposit.

However, a large gift on its own may not demonstrate the same savings history as regularly putting money aside from your own income.

The good news is that genuine savings don’t always have to mean cash sitting untouched in one savings account. What is accepted can vary between lenders and may depend on your overall application, deposit size and loan structure.

So before assuming your deposit won’t qualify, it’s worth having it checked properly.

Have a question about genuine savings or whether your deposit may be acceptable? Send me a message and I’ll help you work through it in plain English.

21/07/2026

Can I use the First Home Owner Grant as my entire deposit?

Usually, the grant alone won’t be enough to complete the purchase.

While the First Home Owner Grant can give eligible buyers a valuable boost, lenders may still want to see that you have contributed some of your own funds or demonstrated a genuine ability to save.

Why does that matter?

Regular savings can help show a lender that you’ve been able to manage your money consistently — which may give them more confidence in your ability to manage future home loan repayments.

The grant may form part of your overall funds, but you may also need money for things such as:

🏡 Your deposit contribution
📑 Conveyancing and legal costs
🔍 Building and pest inspections
🏦 Loan or lender fees
🚚 Moving and other upfront expenses

The amount you need to contribute yourself will depend on the lender, the property, your financial position and whether you qualify for any government schemes.

The good news is that not having a full 20% deposit doesn’t necessarily mean buying is out of reach.

The best first step is working out exactly what funds you have available, what assistance you may qualify for and what different lenders may accept.

Have a question about your deposit or the First Home Owner Grant? Send me a message and I’ll help you work through it in plain English.

19/07/2026

Who does Lenders Mortgage Insurance actually protect?

This is one of the most common questions I get from first home buyers, and the answer often comes as a surprise.

Even though the borrower usually pays the LMI premium, the insurance protects the lender — not the borrower.

LMI can apply when you have less than a 20% deposit, although the exact cost and requirements depend on the lender, your loan amount and your overall situation.

That doesn’t automatically mean buying with a smaller deposit is a bad idea. Sometimes paying LMI can help you buy sooner, rather than waiting years to save a larger deposit.

The important part is understanding the full cost and making sure the loan still suits your budget and goals.

Have a question about LMI or how much deposit you may need? Send me a message and I’ll help you work through it.

15/07/2026

Luna just celebrated 10 years… and now it’s my birthday. 🎂

I’m not 10, obviously. I’m more of a “premium vintage with excellent mortgage knowledge” situation. 😄

After celebrating such a big business milestone, I’m feeling incredibly grateful — for my clients, my family, every referral, every kind word, and everyone who has been part of the journey.

Here’s to another year of helping Australians feel more confident, supported and at home.

And yes, cake was consumed 😛🙃.

Michelle 🌙

09/07/2026

We've reached the final day of our 10-year celebration, and our hearts are absolutely full at Luna Mortgage Broker. 🥂

Our business has grown from local boutique roots into a trusted national brand entirely because of your ongoing support, reviews, and kind referrals. Word-of-mouth is the ultimate compliment in our industry, and we are so grateful to everyone who has trusted us with their home finance. To say a massive thank you, we're offering completely free, comprehensive Home Loan Health Checks all month. Let's make sure you aren't paying a cent more on your mortgage than you have to!

Thank you for an incredible 10 years from the team at Luna Mortgage Broker! Click the link in our bio to run your free 2-minute loan check today! 📲

08/07/2026

While I'm incredibly proud of the last 10 years, I'm even more excited about where Luna Mortgage Broker is heading next! 🚀

Bringing our Tasmanian roots and Whitsunday holiday inspiration together under the polished Luna Mortgage Broker brand has streamlined how I serve clients all over Australia. We are constantly updating our technologies to make your digital application experience smoother, faster, and more secure. But no matter how advanced our systems get, I promise I will never lose my focus on transparent advice, plain-English guidance, and good old-fashioned personal service.

If you've been thinking about your next property step, let's map out a plan. Head to our bio to book an appointment! 📅

07/07/2026

Home loans can feel confusing, especially when every bank, lender and well-meaning person at a BBQ has a different opinion. 😄

So I’ve put together 10 of the most common questions clients ask me — and answered them in plain English.

The truth is, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer with home loans.

Your income, deposit, debts, goals, property type and future plans all matter.

That’s why getting advice early can make such a difference.

If you have a home loan question you’d love answered in plain English, pop it below or send me a message. I might even turn it into the next Luna Answers post. 🌙

06/07/2026

If you walk into a single bank, they can only sell you their own home loan products. But when you work with Luna Mortgage Broker, you get the power of choice. 🌟

We are trusted with thousands of home loan options from a panel of over 60 leading Australian lenders. That means we don't work for a specific bank—we work directly for you. We evaluate and compare options, negotiate rates, and guide you through every step of the process. We work alongside your accountant, conveyancer, and builders to ensure your team is fully aligned before and after settlement. Plus, our services don't cost you anything as we are paid by the lender.

Ready to explore your home loan options with over 60 lenders in your corner? Reach out to Luna Mortgage Broker for a chat today! 📞

Address

Old Beach, TAS
7017

Website

http://www.tassiemortgagebroker.com.au/

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