Urban Broker Pty Ltd

It’s been forever since my last Facebook post ..

Yes, my hair is much longer than you all remember from the banking days 😅😂 ..

So ..

We make consistently better decisions (including financial ones) from being consistently emotionally regulated ..

Super excited to be launching this special 6-week Men’s Circle starting mid January 2024 with Corrine Jade @ The Landing Space - NSW Central Coast NSW✨

Men - if you’re wanting to learn some different ways to better relate with your significant person, increase your emotional intelligence, improve your ability to emotionally regulate - and learn how to release trauma (that is keeping you stuck / stifled / or in toxic patterns in relationships) - register your interest 👋

Women - share with a man you feel may benefit from this 🙏🏻

📫 Message me directly to register your interest.

💥 National workshops coming soon ..

Big love 🩵 ANTHONY

Were you watching, & are you ready ?

Did you know, while you may have been distracted … fixed interest rates went up over a whole 1% this year ? 🤯

This time last year, a 4-year fixed rate was 1.94%pa with Australia’s biggest bank, CBA … Effective today, the CBA 4-year fixed rate is 3.34%pa.

That’s an increase 📈 of 1.40%pa this year.

Were you watching ?

That would be like the Australian Reserve Bank lifting interest rates every 2-months, with banks/lenders passing +0.25%pa increase each time.

So, would you have felt that 💸😰?

For a home loan of $1m, you’d need to find an extra $735 per/month. Could you ?

Question is - what to do now …

Fix some, fix all, refinance totally ?

One idea is make the equivalent repayment as if your % rate increased … so while your variable rate hasn’t moved much (may have even reduced recently) act as if it’s increased …

So pay the extra $735 per/month NOW.

Assuming your variable rate is 2.60%pa (average) on a $1m loan, this should generate approx $30k in buffer-extra repayments after 3-years … the buffer may be used as “redraw” which you might need for some life events, or budget protection 🛡…

Long term, if you can sustain the extra repayment, then you’ll pay off the loan much faster & save $ lots (those that know me know I don’t hang numbers on 25-30 year predictions) … but a lot of money.

Summary: low variable rate now? Make hay while the sun shines.

📲 ☀️

Ordered 2x shakes for my kids today.

Mango, chia, honey, scoop of protein 🤤.

But … the drinks weren’t what I ordered. I got 2x blueberry-banana smoothies.

I didn’t want to make a scene. My people pleasing muscle felt to flex, to say “no it’s OK” to the girl that made them.

So I flexed my people pleaser & said exactly that “ .. no it’s OK, I’ll see if the kids like them” 😬 … I knew they wouldn’t.

They didn’t like it.

What am I going to do?

Felt like a waste to just bin them. I had a sip, AMAZING. But I was wasn’t hungry.

Pretty awkward to give away 1 of the drinks, not touched - open cup / straw. Who’s going to take a drink from a stranger, esp in the current environment?

So they went in the bin.

I went back & re-ordered. They offered to make them at no cost as they knew it was a mistake.

I asked instead they put the money in the till & pay it forward.

As I waited for my new drinks, a lady approached me & asked “did you just buy my drink / that is so nice, thank you”.

I then felt awkward. I hope she didn’t think I was hitting on her. I mean she was attractive. But still, I wasn’t then expecting to be called-out on being the buyer of the pay-it-forward drinks.

So I left without the kids drinks.

Just kidding (are you still reading) …

I left with the new drinks, feeling like I did a nice thing for someone else. It also felt great not to make someone else feel bad for making a mistake.

Because it’s OK that people make mistakes. We are always learning, & the work never stops.

📸 my daughter of me.

In the distance is “Big Red” … a buoy which sits about 450m or so from shore. It’s a nice swim.

When you swim out there, your mind plays tricks on the way …. especially when doing it solo. You see tails & shapes. You feel currents that pull you & that scare you. You then remember that you’ll be OK.

You get to think about a lot of things out there.

One thing I’ve realised … 2020 was a big year for a lot of us. I now think it was actually a huge light - which is shining deeply into all of us, into all of our dark places. Testing us.

It’s always a good time to be a good human being.

☀️🌊 ~

Did you know Deer 🦌 grow & shed their antlers every year ?

To be strong & get stronger requires vulnerability. As well as nutrients & energy.

What a parallel to being human.

I hope more people may use this added time during LD to examine with honesty what their traumas are, their triggers, vices/addictions … what their values are, what fills their cup, & what boundaries may need resetting in their life.

Also, with honesty & softness/politeness - land with who their people are, & who may need to seek excellence elsewhere.

I believe the above “bits” in all of us influence personal relationships & work relationships - as well as our relationship with money & whether or not you are on the path to abundance & prosperity.

I also believe the only electronic thing in your bedroom should be a record player, & not a TV.

Well, major electronic device anyway.

⚡️💽💙.

“ … irreversible changes can be slowed down with rapid, strong & sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions”.
- Ko Barrett, 2021.

Which lenders support financing for green property improvements ? 🌿 …

📲 .

Please start somewhere 🌱 if everyone thinks the problem is too big, then the problem will just get bigger faster.

Super happy with the Kluger Hybrid, still on its first tank since purchase … 620km with 1/3 tank left 🙌 ⚡️💚.

Loyalty.

I did a values exercise recently & actually removed loyalty as a value.

Why did I drop loyalty …

Why do something, or stay with someone, or continue to do business with someone - when your intuition tells you it’s actually not a healthy thing/person/dealing … but you stay, out of loyalty. Obligation. Allegiance.

You wear that badge, because you’re taught loyalty is noble. Sure, it can be. At what cost though?

Our bodies change with how we treat them & fuel them.
Our heart changes when we learn to heal & grow with events that happen in life.
Our mind changes when we are open to asking more questions.
Our circles change when we meet people that are focussed on total well being & act out of integrity.
Our financial freedom changes when we detach emotion & past trauma to money … & treat it as energy - rather than “a thing”.

Our values are no different - they can change - if you allow yourself to get centred & listen to your intuition, & that’s perfectly OK.

So when you have that feeling you’re mixing with someone, or people, that are here for self indulgence or accolades, or they don’t have a genuine interest in your well being … you’re probably right - they’ll show their true colours soon enough.

In my work - same goes. I appreciate your business, I don’t expect it.
Regardless of history. No hard feelings.

For me that’s what I’ve learned recently.

I’ve also learned I eat too quickly, read books far too slowly (still going with one from 2019) & have a tendency to stay up too late listening to music.

How about you - What’s been something you’ve learned recently ?

Houses are flying around.
Cars are flying around.

Super low cost of borrowing money currently makes it super tempting to borrow more than you ordinarily “should”.

Avoid online ‘borrowing power’ guides which may get your hopes up (or send you down the path of over committing).

See a Broker (in the flesh / zoom / FaceTime) for an accurate, holistic assessment of what your options really are.

📲.

Spectrum & connection 🌕.

Today I spoke with first home buyers that have no idea what they want or need.

I spoke with a divorcee that has virtually nothing post-separation, wanting to know what options there are, & if they can re-enter the housing market (along with the roller coaster of emotions that go with that).

I spoke with a pre-retiree about accessing equity for renovations so they can downsize & capitalise their profit.

I spoke with a first time property investor about borrowing power & all things first-finance.

I spoke to a couple about the impacts a pay rise makes to borrowing power, along with the importance of strategic accounting to align within your borrowing goals ... every dollar matters.

I spoke with a high net worth individual that has over $20m net assets, & income streams from 5 companies/trusts in AUD, NZD, & DKK.

I am grateful that I love the complex challenges & variety I have in my job.

I am a believer that each person above is equally deserving of my time - we are all people, no matter the wealth, or where we are on the financial spectrum.

📲 🎢💰🙏🏻.

Promised you a sexy “how much can I borrow?” ... & here it is ... so much wood, what a tree 😍🌳.

This bad boy stands nearly 100 metres tall in the magnificent forest of giants ... in arguably one of my favourite places in the world - Tasmania. Take me back pls.

Anyhow enough reminiscing ... here is the current borrowing power “how much can I borrow?” guidelines for the following situation.
Single No kids No debts Borrowing to live in (owner occupied).

Now - this isn’t a statement about how much is a good idea you borrow ... Because there is a distinct difference between what you can borrow, & what you should borrow.

The format of the below is:
taxable income (salary excluding super), followed by ‘gle’ which means GENERAL LIVING EXPENSES as the lender assumed index of your living costs (this is not including the loan repayment .. this is a guideline on your living costs if you aren’t throwing back heaps of coffees & back rubs each month)... lastly - the loan amount.

If your ‘gle’ is higher than the minimum average below, your loan power will reduce.

Will run some other common scenarios I get asked about on some posts soon.

Income / general living expenses (monthly) / loan amount:

40k, gle $1400, $300k
50k, gle $1400, $428k
60k, gle $1420, $528k
70k, gle $1635, $589k
80k, gle $1635, $695k
90k, gle $1946, $739k
100k, gle $1946, $839k
110k, gle $2230, $884k
120k, gle $2230, $984k

Notice how as income increases so does the lender index of living costs, even though you mightn’t spend that much.

Any questions 📲 🤓.

Here is me, half invisible, wearing a concert t-shirt🎫🎸from ... he has some sexy tunes 🕺.

I was asked this week “what sets you apart from other Brokers?”.

It was a question I was asked after sending an engagement quote for work outside the box - basically large unsecured cashflow lending for a new startup business ... with zero management or business ownership experience for the new business operators. Translates to: high risk lending 💀.

Most of the time I don’t charge anything because I’m paid by banks/lenders however from time to time when a tricky small business/commercial scenario lands on my desk - which will take extra resourcing to find a solution for (notwithstanding reputational risk) you have to protect your own time as fiercely as anyone else should protect theirs.

I am upfront with people about what I charge & why.

Some people call it a dk-head tax, or a tyre-kicker levy ... I call it “I’ll help you get the money, however your situation is pretty unique - it will cost you ABC for the extra work” fee.

If that fee represents less than 2% of your funding requirement & you think my time is not worth that - then we are not aligned in values & that’s OK. Gratefully - There is plenty of business for everyone.

I act in your best interests when making a credit recommendation - & if you want it done right, not rushed, not a bandaid solution, one that gives you flexibility & options long term - that takes time & an experienced perspective to give that to you.

Time is the only thing that matters to me. I value it, & yours too.

I guess that’s my answer.

⚔️💰🛡just out swimming with no sharks 🦈.

I hope your Sunday was special & you’re excited for the week ahead 🌊☀️.

I had some extra special hugs with people I love, too much gozleme, too much coffee & maybe not enough naps 😴.

This last month - existing client reviews have been energising - it has been so great to catch up with many existing clients to see how life is going 😊.

What’s been a great win is super attractive pricing getting around right now - so a little busier than usual helping many clients take advantage of the savings, revisiting goals & tracking outcomes 🏡.

New clients ... it’s been fun!

Some of you have enjoyed ⚡️ fast outcomes, & some record slow 🐌 process’ 😅 (the market we are in) ... either way I hope you’re all excited for your settlement dates & achieving your property goals.

gratefully on the water in the Kayak, listening to Iron Maiden.

Ps. See you soon clients !!

Rates are not forever ⏳.

Neither is my wrinkle-free forehead if I continue to make videos staring into the sun.

Anyway -

For certain business owners: weighing up paying more for your finance short term to secure opportunities & dropping the %rate focussed mindset is important.

Caveat on this message being- everyone should be mindful of what their maximum affordability threshold is when rates increase ... however make sure it’s not your emotional brain stopping you secure opportunities in property/business “because my neighbor has a rate of 1-something %”.

In other words, consider if being a little bit of a tight a*se for a few months to 2years may mean you miss out on some good opportunities.

📲 💰.



https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNqcPD5BFwG/?igshid=oeglv1noifnr

Rates are not forever ⏳. Neither is my wrinkle-free forehead if I continue to make videos staring into the sun. Anyway - For certain business owners: weighing up paying more for your finance short term to secure opportunities & dropping the %rate focussed mindset is important. Caveat on this message being- everyone should be mindful of what their maximum affordability threshold is when rates increase ... however make sure it’s not your emotional brain stopping you secure opportunities in property/business “because my neighbor has a rate of 1-something %”. In other words, consider if being a little bit of a tight a*se for a few months to 2years may mean you miss out on some good opportunities. 📲 @the_urbanbroker 💰. #property #finance #home #business #goals #options #urbanbroker

Sure loved Tasmania 🏔🌊☀️🌿.

With travel restrictions easing interstate & across the ditch, I highly encourage you take the opportunity to see this beautiful country 🦘& the places we have access to right now like NZ🥝.

I don’t usually advocate using debt for holidays (like credit cards/ personal loans/ home loan redraw-equity) ... however ... when you need to take a soul trip, & it’s a whole body yes, then do what’s best for you ☯️.

Feeding the magnificent “Dutchie” aka Duchess.

This exact spot was totally under water a few weeks ago. This is why it’s super critical if you’re buying land that you understand if flood risks exist.

What can you do?

1. Ask the agent - however, don’t stop there;
2. Have your conveyancer/solicitor review council records/contract documents - however, don’t stop there;
3. Contact local fire & rescue for any local knowledge on last events - however, don’t stop there;
4. Actually go chat with prospective neighbours ... this is both great for first hand knowledge (without potential vendor bias) PLUS actually getting a feel for the area, as sometimes the old saying “good fences make good neighbours” isn’t always true.

DON’T STOP THERE.

Lastly shop for a tinnie 🚣‍♀️ kidding ... step 5. is below &❗️Importantly for your budget ...

A hidden cost that many would-be tree-changers make is once they build their dream home/ acquire a home in a flood zone, the home insurance policy can often be substantially more expensive than out in the ‘burbs 💸 ... throw in a bush fire zoning (basically Australia 😂) & you could be paying several thousands of $ a year.

Some people don’t take insurance for their own personal reasons - however if you need a mortgage to finance the home, it’s a condition of the mortgage you have a policy in place. It’s also a common reason that settlement gets delayed when you buy a home if the lender doesn’t have a copy of your policy on file. So, step 5 ... get a quote from an insurer for the home address, they’ll know if it’s high-risk (coz they won’t miss a trick!) ...

does not provide insurance products. Just likes to feed the animals 🐮❤️.

Whatever your faith is, an extra long weekend is a great time to cherish the chance to be with family.

Have a fun n loving time whatever you’re doing 🙏🏻.

If circumstances are tricky for you at this time of year, please know that you are welcome to reach out to me 📲 ...

Here is my beautiful Mum, sisters & Dad.
This year marks the first Easter without the old boy. I am incredibly lucky to have these amazing strong women in my life & I know Dad would be super proud of “his chickens” as he’d say every Easter without fail.

How long is it really ?
Does it matter to you?
How much do you need?

I’m talking about time -

What sh*ts Brokers the most is when bank/lender BDM’s advertise their time frames in a cute way.

“3 days to pickup” or “2 days for pre-assessment” ... or my pet peeve “24 hour first touch” 🙄 ... is sales language - this should never be relayed to clients & setting time frames/expectations.

This language is slightly true, being that it is double-speak for an application being INITIALLY vetted (mostly by their offshore division) ... however the actual real credit assessment & decision on your finance application may not take place for days, or weeks later ...

Example: a big4 bank (won’t name them) are 2 days for pre-assessment, however, currently 23-days to actually assess your finance application.

So if your Broker ever tells you “initial feedback in 24 hours” ... make sure you push back a little & ask them what that actually means.

No point thinking/or emotionally investing in your finance being approved in 24hours if it may really take 23-days....

❗️there are lenders legit doing 24-hours approval, just depends if they’re right for you (?) ...

📲 to get the real deal.

Except this photo ... it’s a fake candid. The kitchen is real tho .. it’s beautiful .. 🏡 from (matte black sink 🤤).

Congratulations to these two 😍!

When you’re in a competitive market, with lots of pressure during the sales process - you need to keep your cool ...

That goes for everyone involved, no matter your role to play.

Conveyancers, Accountants, Agents, Brokers - when everyone plays together, the client wins bigger.

Amazing accomplishment to you both Jon & Claire, you both did amazing ... enjoy making your first home 🏡 your haven 🪴☀️❤️.

Approaching age 45?

If you want a mortgage & you’ve used an online calculator most lenders have, you may not have noticed it will generally use a 25-30 year loan term.

So before you get all excited what the repayment is (with super low % rates right now) ... is the loan really affordable to you, &/or appropriate for your lifestyle when you’re cracking 75yo ?

Just have a think before you jump in.

Also be aware that many banks/lenders will want to see how you’ll make the repayments after the standard retirement age of 67yo (in Australia) ... what is your exit strategy ? Just saying “if the s*t hits the fan, I’ll just sell my home” may not be an acceptable exit strategy ...

They will also closely look at your occupation too, so if you’ve got a really physical job, that may make it challenging.

All noted - there are lenders that are OK with lending beyond those years, which you can only access via a Broker.

📲 for all the options.

How to ride a hot property market 💰...

Finance first - make sure you understand how to negotiate - then offer.

If you offer, then try to negotiate, then do your finance ... you’ll be outgunned.

Record low mortgage rates, economy improving, employment-job market confidence increasing, FOMO ... Lookout for the Cowboys.

📲.

Bank valuation less than purchase price 😱 ...

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMdmStshjLU/?igshid=ecywqmu7vvdm

🤷‍♂️What are the options when a bank valuation comes back lower than the purchase price? When borrowing a high amount/minimal equity in a purchase transaction, there is a minimum amount lenders will allow/tolerate with your equity reducing. When this happens, you may need to: . find more money; . have more/sufficient equity in another property you own; . if using a guarantor, they have more/sufficient equity AND they’re happy to help you out more ... If all of the above are not viable, chances are you will need to rescind your offer to buy the property. BTW ... NO ... Getting a large personal loan to cover this gap is NOT recommended. ❗️If you didn’t have the protection of a cooling off period & paid 10% deposit ... here is a REAL scenario that you could lose your 10% deposit if you need to rescind the deal. Hence ... unless you’re balling 💰 why take that risk. #finance #advice #property #home #urbanbroker

Did you get a “not right now” this time last year?

Major changes to all the ‘money things’ this last year (lending standards, affordability rates, taxation) is now making it possible for some buyers to get the finance they wanted now - that was out of reach this time last year.

So if you got a nay, come say hey 👋 ...

☀️🌊💰📲.

Want a career in finance broking ?

is hiring.

You: are passionate about helping people, relish a challenge, thrive under pressure, want to make a difference to someone’s life, want to help someone own their home sooner, want to help someone expand their business, want to help people grow their wealth.

Flex work from home arrangements also considered.

Feel free to DM 📫 tag yourself or anyone you know that could be a great fit.

Anthony.

Finance Fit ... review & adapt ...

Exisiting clients - we all had a big check-in nearly a year ago with how ole’Rona was impacting your world. I am so happy that most of you got through it OK, & for those that needed extra help I am grateful to have helped steer you through it.

So this coming week we are all having a chat about where rates are headed & making sure the finance you have is still strategically aligned to your requirements & objectives.

❗️Topical item that is important to note-
Fixed rate contracts that still exist may now be viable to break & payout (even though there is a break cost) due to the reset rate you’d obtain. This shouldn’t be considered lightly, so before we go chasing low rates - we chat first 📲.

New clients - thank you for coming to the party.
I don’t rush things because I want to make sure you get the best result instead of a rushed sh*tshow I’m often asked to repair from other Brokers or Bankers.

I post random things on here to have fun, some of it is seriously valuable, other times it’s just salubrious semi n**e shots of me which really satisfies my curiosity complex (& helps me deal with my social media triggers) ... I am though, passionate about helping you.

I basically become your father type figure when you’re a client (no daddy jokes intended) I’ll call you out on things that you’re doing that is (or will) making it hard to get the results you want.

I’ll talk smack with your Accountant & help them understand the numbers you need. I’ll link up with your CFO & get underneath your business to see where things can improve or ensure things are headed in the right direction.

I’ll liaise with your financial planner when we need to update your risk protection plan, recycle debt & make sure we are all on the same page.

I’ll help your lawyer understand what the real numbers are when you’re buying, selling, or in some cases divorcing.

I’ll keep the pressure on the lenders (not too much, just the right mix as we need them on side) to ensure you get the sharpest outcome ...

& ... when I see or hear about sh*t dealings you encounter in your journey in all things finance/property, I have your back, 100%.

☯️🙏🏻

Cheeky cost of funds reduction by a lender has resulted in some 5year fixed rate investment loans being slashed down to low 2%’s.

How low can they go?

I have no idea, however you can ask me to get you a loan 💰.

I hope that this next year there is more positive change with how we all work together (no matter where you are on the gender spectrum 🦄), & that more & more leaders continue to move against the bias of outdated attitudes.

I am grateful for these women ... my Mother, Sister’s & my beautiful Daughter. Even ex-partners (sigh) ... Without you all I wouldn’t be the man I am today.

💙☯️.