What to bring to your first broker meeting

A practical checklist that turns a first conversation into a useful one.

Start with your numbers

Bring a rough picture of income, regular spending, savings, debts and any credit card limits. Limits matter, not just balances: lenders usually assess an unused limit as if it could be drawn.

Documents most lenders ask for

Photo ID, recent payslips, recent bank statements for savings and everyday accounts, statements for any loans or cards, and your most recent tax return or notice of assessment if your income varies.

If you receive a gift towards your deposit, many lenders want a signed gift letter and evidence of the funds landing in your account.

Ask about government schemes

First home buyer schemes, grants and stamp duty concessions differ by state and change over time. Ask the broker which schemes may apply to you today and what the eligibility rules are, and confirm details on the relevant government website.

Questions worth asking

How many lenders are on your panel? How are you paid on this loan? What would make an application stronger? What happens if a valuation comes in low? How long does pre-approval usually last with the lenders you would suggest?

After the meeting

You should leave with a clear next step: usually a list of missing documents and an outline of which lenders might suit. You are not obliged to proceed, and it is fine to speak with more than one broker.