Most mortgage brokers get paid by commission from lenders, although some charge the client – you – a service fee instead. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Service fees can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars, especially if your broker works with you to identify the right type of loan for your financial objectives. That can add a large upfront cost that isn’t affordable for many Australians and means there’s no financial incentive for your broker to secure you a loan quickly. The benefit of paying your broker directly is that they’re not financially associated with lenders.
Brokers who get paid by commission, on the other hand, are completely free for you to use. They can work with you to find the right loan (not just the first one you can afford), develop long-term borrowing strategies, and resolve any problems free of charge. Because they get paid once a loan is settled, they’re incentivised to get you a loan quickly. The disadvantage is that unethical commission-paid brokers may refer you to certain lenders who may pay higher commissions, rather than the lender that’s the best fit for you.
To find an ethical broker, look for a brokerage like ALIC that has:
- a diverse lending panel with 15 or more lenders
- a proven record of happy clients
- a long-term, outcome-focused approach to lending
- no financial relationships with buyer’s advocates, real estate agents, or other property professionals.