Case studies
Real files. Details removed.
Three examples of what a "no" can turn into. Names, locations and lenders are removed, and every situation is different.
Case 01 · Refinance
A lower rate, and the deposit for the next property.
The situation
Stuck at 6.14%
A couple came to us in the second year of their mortgage. They were stuck at 6.14%, because their loan to value ratio (LVR) was 84%.
What we did
Valuations first, then equity
We ordered valuations with multiple lenders and secured a strong valuation of $1.38M. That brought their LVR down to 71% and unlocked a rate of 5.29%. We then released equity up to 80% LVR.
The outcome
$528 a month, and $120k for the next one
On a $980k loan, the lower rate saved $528 a month. The equity release pulled out $120k for their next investment purchase, which we're already working on.
The takeaway: A refinance isn't just about saving on repayments. Done right, it's about creating options. Lenders price higher-LVR loans higher, so getting under 80% can open up sharper pricing.
Case 02 · Structure
Same purchase, $3,360 apart.
The situation
A $670k purchase at 90%
A client was buying at $670k and borrowing 90%, including lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).
What we did
We compared two structures
At an 88.0% base loan, the loan funds were $589,600 and the LMI was $9,186. Nudging it to an 88.1% base loan added $670 of loan funds, but pushed the LMI to $12,546, which is $3,360 more.
The outcome
$3,360 saved
An extra $670 of borrowing would have cost about five times as much in LMI, so we structured the loan at 88.0%.
The takeaway: The wrong structure means unnecessary costs. The right structure saves thousands. That's why structure matters.
Case 03 · First home
A first home, after every lender said no.
The situation
"Not possible right now"
A first-home buyer in a new job, with $53k of HECS debt and a low deposit. Every lender she'd spoken to gave the same answer: not possible right now.
What we did
We found the lender that said yes
We found a lender that viewed her HECS debt favourably, waived LMI using her solicitor certificate on a 10% deposit, accepted just one payslip from her new job, and allowed a gift from her dad for stamp duty and legal costs. Then her new job letter turned out to be unclear on her role, which meant paying LMI or finding a 20% deposit. We explained, escalated and argued her case.
The outcome
Approved, with the LMI waiver
Her buying power rose from $650k to $750k. She bought before a government scheme cut-off, and didn't have to wait six months for her probation to end.
The takeaway: Every “no” can mean you haven't found the “yes” yet. If HECS or a job change is holding you back, it's usually the start of finding the right strategy, not the end.
These are real client files, with names, locations and lenders removed. Every situation is different, lender policy changes, and a past result is not a promise of a similar outcome. General information only, not credit advice.