Stephanie Cook
Mob: 0411 721 514
About Us
I heard about Mortgage Choice from a friend who had used the service, and decided that it was time to restructure my own home and investment property loans. After learning a little more about the free service offered, and successfully changing my own home loan, I enquired about the possibility of buying a franchise in the company. In 1997 that's exactly what I did and I haven't looked back since.
As I live in Lane Cove it made sense to set up my franchise on Sydney's North Shore. I have been pleased to see the business grow so rapidly, mainly through referrals. I believe my success is due to the high level of customer service I provide. I aim to keep my clients informed and involved through all stages of the loan approval process.
In October 2000, after operating my Mortgage Choice franchise business for almost four years, I opened new premises in "The Village" at Lane Cove. For increased accessibility, I now operate from a shopfront open six days a week with a full time Office Manager. Naturally, I am still happy to visit clients after hours at their home or office if that is more convenient.
If you are an existing or a new client, call into our office next to the Post Office in Lane Cove and let us find the right home loan for you.
Testimonials
"We have been using your service now for about 10 years and quite a few loans, you have always been honest with advice and have saved us a great deal of money on reduced interest rates over these years, we will continue to use & recommend your services."
MH & DH (Naremburn) May 2010
"I really appreciate your dedication, professionalism and friendliness during a stressful time. You've made the process from start to finish much easier with your guidance and updates. Again, thank you so much."
CB (West Ryde) April 2010
"We have used your service quite a few times and the excellent care we get never varies! Thank you!!"
EC & SC (Lane Cove)
Investment Purchase - May 2009
"I thought your service was fantastic and I am so happy I bought a property with a loan I am comfortable with. Thanks again!!"
PP (Lane Cove)
First Home Buyer - July 2009
"Stephanie made the entire process seamless and unstressful, she provided me with all the options and walked through each to help me decide the best plan for me. She patiently answered all my questions clearly and made it all so simple!"
KR (Lane Cove)
Investment Purchase - August 2008
How to choose a home loan
Here are 5 essential tips that you should consider when choosing a home loan:
1. Interest rates
Interest rate is obviously important, but remember that you are not simply looking for the home loan with the lowest interest rate because there are many other considerations.
For example, the mortgage lender with the ‘best’ interest rate may have high ongoing fees and therefore your home loan may cost you more in the long term than a similar one with a higher interest rate.
Be sure to consider ‘break and switch’ costs as well because if you decide to pay out your home loan or refinance before time will you be charged exorbitant fees to do so.
Also, be wary of an introductory rate. It may be ‘cheap’ at the start but it may also revert to a much higher rate after once the introductory term has finished. You should try to negotiate an interest rate discount with your mortgage lender over the longer term.
2. Features and flexibility
What are the home loan features that you need? Home loans with the ‘best’ interest rate may not have all the features you need or be as flexible as you need it to be. For example, do you want the ability to pay extra so you can prepare yourself for future rate rises and also create a buffer if your financial circumstances change?
You also need to consider the accessibility of your mortgage lender in terms of ATM, internet, face-to-face contact, etc. Decide what you need and ask whether your chosen home loan lender has the features available.
3. Consider the current home loan approval times
Is your home loan approval time critical? If so, the lender with the ‘best’ home loan may not be able to get your loan approved in time. During peak processing periods, lender service times can vary between 2 to 20 working days.
4. Compare home loan products
Visit a reputable mortgage broker with more than 20 lenders on their panel. This way, you can research and compare a broad range of home loans and lenders all within the one visit.