Sally Richards & Karen Smart, Mortgage Brokers in Malvern East, Wantirna, Richmond & surrounds

Facebook

Call: 0419 049 445

Sally and Karen have an enormous breadth of knowledge and finance experience, giving them a unique understanding of the lending industry, its products and policies.

They are passionate, approachable, trustworthy brokers who strive to provide an outstanding customer service each and every time. They are committed to building long term relationships with their clients, who always remain their number one priority.

They offer a mobile service in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Call Us Mortgage Choice Mount Martha
Office - 0419 049 445

Open Hours Mortgage Choice Mount Martha
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
After hours by appointment
Free Appointment

Latest home loan interest rates

Starting from

p.a.

Comparison rate

p.a.

Disclaimer: Interest rate associated with | minimum loan size: . Further conditions, fees and charges may apply.

Start your home loan journey today

Services

Karen and Sally have the expertise to assist all lenders from first home buyers to investors. Empathetic and knowledgeable, they’ll identify suitable loan options and help you make educated decisions about your financial future.

Home loans
Investment loans
Refinance loans
Construction loans
Renovation finance
Equity release
Bridging loans
Reverse mortgages (Referred to third party)
Car and asset finance
Business equipment finance
Commercial property finance
Business loans

Other areas we service

Sally and Karen are results-focused mortgage brokers who take the time to listen and understand your needs, demystify the borrowing process, and deliver a positive outcome.

Sally is based in Malvern East and is mobile across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Karen is based in Wantirna and offers a mobile service throughout Melbourne.

Check out our free calculators!

Wanting to find out your borrowing capacity based on your salary and financial commitments? At Mortgage Choice servicing Malvern East, Wantirna, Richmond & surrounds, we understand that finding out how much you can borrow for a property can be tricky, which is why we have some awesome calculators to make it easy!

Check out our free home loan calculators here or get in touch with us to discuss your unique circumstances.

Ready to kickstart your journey to home ownership?

We’ll assist you along the way and do all the legwork for you! Call Sally on 0419 049 445 or Karen on 0405 539 750.

The right home loan for your needs

Our mission is to find the right home loan for your individual needs and to always have your best interests at heart. Plain and simple. Which is why we have such a wide range of lenders to choose from. We can search through hundreds of products to find something tailored to your situation. ~

Client reviews

We worked with Karen and Lauren to refinance our loans, and they were absolutely amazing Their expertise and support made the whole process so much easier and stress-free. They were always available to answer our questions and guided us through every step with patience and care.

Karen and Lauren really went the extra mile to get us the best deal possible. We couldnt be happier with the outcome, and... read more

18 September 2024

It was a fantastic decision to have Karen to guide us through purchasing our first home in Australia. Her expertise in mortgage broking and home buying has made every step of our decision-making process a breeze.
We are delighted to work with Karen and will reach out with further requirements and review the Loan conditions in the future. We will definitely recommend her services to our friends and family who are also looking to buy a home.

mridul
06 August 2024

Thank you Sally and Karen for your amazing expertise and support in preparing my partner and I to purchase our first home together Karen took the time to explain all our options and was kind and generous with her time throughout the whole process, we are now happy homeowners with thanks to you.

Harry
26 July 2024

Karen and Lauren were both extremely helpful in guiding us through the purchase of our home, and have a great network of other services needed throughout the process - as our conduit into the purchasing of our home, we couldn't be happier. Glad to recommend to anyone

Simon
03 May 2024

Karen and her team Lauren guided and educated us total novices through the mortgage procurement process as first-time home buyers purchasing off the plan. Karen was prompt, proactive and communicative at every stage -- she answered all of our questions and kept us updated throughout. While the process was not without stress income changes related to impending maternity leave, she and Lauren helped... read more

Ninianne
24 April 2024

Thank you Karen Lauren. Best in the business

Daniel
03 December 2023

My partner and I kept Karen busy working with us through the process of purchasing an off-the-plan apartment, there was no point that Karen wasn't responsive, informative and available to support us. We are very grateful for Karen's support and know that we now have a great broker for the future too Thanks so much.

Aaron
30 August 2023

My partner and I worked with Karen, Aleisha and Lauren to secure our home loan. As first home buyers, we were a bit nervous about the process but found ourselves in very safe hands with Karen and the team. We felt supported throughout the entire process and could feel that Karen was going above and beyond to help us achieve our goal. A massive thank you, Karen and team. We'll be recommending this service to all our loved ones who are looking to buy.

Andy
09 August 2023

Karen and her team assisted us in buying our first property. They were extremely knowledgeable and professional. We really appreciated their support throughout the process and would highly recommend them to others.

Simon
06 July 2023

Karen and her team Lauren Aleisha were truly exceptional. Her professionalism, expertise, communication and responsiveness is unparalleled. We were first home buyers and didnt have any idea where to start, but after our first meeting with Karen we felt at ease and confident that we would be guided and supported throughout our journey toward obtaining pre-approvalapproval for our mortgage and ultima... read more

Chloe
22 March 2023

Sally and her team provide an excellent service, assisting with forms, calling the bank to speed up a valuation and ensure a progress payment to our builder was paid on time. I don't know how we would have managed this complicated process without her.

Nina
12 April 2023

Having worked with Sally for almost 15 years - she has never failed to help us and offer us super helpful advice. As her team has grown, she has obviously attracted the best people to keep up the exceptional standard of service to keep us informed every step of the way! Thanks again!

Alexandra
16 February 2023

Sally was recommended to us by a friend. We were drawn to Sally as she respected our careers in the arts and helped us get the best loan possible with a sole trader income and job loss from covid. As first home buyers, no question felt too silly either, which was greatly appreciated.

Katherine
31 January 2023

Sally was incredibly patient, attentive and knowledgeable. She had brilliant attention to detail and knowledge of the available products, but also the time and ability to clearly explain it all to us. I felt throughout the entire process that I was in safe hands and that I could fully trust her to get us the best possible deal. I would recommend Sally to anyone and everyone - I can't imagine going through this process without her guidance and wisdom.

Stephanie
16 October 2022

Sally and her team were there to support us throughout the entire process, from determining how much we could borrow thru to Settlement. They went above and beyond and we cannot recommend them enough.

George
16 July 2022

Refinancing guide

If you’re thinking about refinancing, this guide can help you learn more about the refinancing process, benefits and options available.

Download now

Help me calculate

More calculators

I'm looking to borrow for

Just me Two of us

Dependants

Work status - are you self employed?

PAYG Self Employed

My monthly income before tax

Rental income

My monthly rental income before tax

Other income

My monthly other income before tax

My credit card limits

Other repayments

My other monthly repayments

2nd Applicant

2nd applicant monthly income before tax

Rental income

2nd applicant monthly rental income before tax

Other income

2nd applicant monthly other income before tax

2nd applicant credit card limits

2nd applicant other repayments

2nd applicant other monthly repayments

You could borrow up to

Repayments
/ month
Expenses
Remaining

Based on standard variable rate over years.

Start the pre-approval process

The borrowing amount is a guide only. Loan repayments are based on the lowest interest rate (either standard variable or 3-year fixed rate, owner occupier) from our lender panel over a repayment period of 30 years. Rates and repayments are indicative only and subject to change. The results from this calculator are an approximate guide only and do not constitute specialist advice. The calculations used should not be relied upon for the purposes of entering into any legal or financial commitments.

Your borrowing estimate

Recalculate borrowing power

Monthly income

Expenses

You may borrow up to

Value of property

Borrowing

Over

Interest Rate Use the lowest rate from Mortgage Choice's lender panel Input rate

Repayment options

Extra monthly repayments

Your monthly repayments
Total loan repayments:
Total interest charged:

There's a lot to consider when choosing the right loan.

The lowest interest rate from our lender panel is either standard variable or 3-year fixed for an owner-occupier. Rates and repayments are indicative and subject to change. The results from this calculator are an approximate guide only and do not constitute specialist advice. The calculations used should not be relied upon for the purposes of entering into any legal or financial commitments.

Value of property

State

Property use

Type of dwelling

Type of property

First Home Buyer?

Calculate

Total fees:

Breakdown	Amount
Stamp duty on property
Transfer fee
Mortgage registration fee

Need help with your next home purchase?

Extra Information

Home Buyer Concession Scheme

From 1 July 2019, the FHOG ACT has been replaced with exemptions on stamp duty. The stamp duty exemption is applicable to all properties in ACT, including vacant residential land and both new and established homes at any price. As this is still to aid first home buyers, to be eligible at least one buyer must live in the home for at least 12 months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.

To be eligible, first homeowners in the ACT must have a household income below $160,000. This number increases up to $176,650 depending on the number of children you may have.

Click here for more information on the ACT First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in NSW

From 1 August 2020, the NSW government has announced that stamp duty will not be applicable to first home buyers for properties valued up to $800,000 and vacant land valued up to $400,000. This stamp duty exemption will be in place for 12 months to 31 July 2021, in which the stamp duty exemptions will revert back to $650,000 for homes and $350,000 for land.

Additionally, a concessional rate of duty will apply to homes valued more than $800,000 but less than $1,000,000 and vacant blocks of land valued more than $400,000 and less than $500,000

How much is the First Home Owners Grant NSW?

The FHOG in NSW is worth $10,000 however conditions apply. To be eligible, your first home must have a total value below $600,000, and be either newly constructed or ‘substantially renovated’. A home is substantially renovated when most or all of the original house was removed or replaced, and it’s the first time the place has been sold, and lived in, after the renovations were completed.

If you plan to build a new home from scratch, you can still be eligible for the FHOG in NSW as long as your land plus the home you build have a combined value of less than $750,000.

Click here for more information on the NSW First Home Owner Grant.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant in the NT?

The First Home Owner Grant in NT is $10,000. Your income and the price of your home don’t affect the FHOG NT, and the grant is available if you buy or build a new house, apartment, duplex or townhouse.

As of 30 June 2021, there are currently no stamp duty concessions for first home buyers in NT.

Previously the Territory’s First Home Owner Discount was in place from 8 February 2019 to 30 June 2021. It let you save up to a maximum of $18,601 on the cost of stamp duty. The savings were available whether you purchased a new or established home as long as the home was valued under $650,000.

Click here for more information on the NT First home Owner Grant.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant QLD?

As a first home buyer in Queensland you could be entitled to the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant. To be eligible, you need to buy a brand new home or build a home from scratch with the total value (including the land) below $750,000. You may also be eligible if you buy off the plan or an established home that’s been substantially renovated.

As a guide, substantial renovations include replacing or altering foundations or replacing or altering floors. Cosmetic work such as painting the walls or sanding floors doesn’t add up to a substantial renovation when it comes to the FHOG in QLD.

Stamp duty concessions

If you’re buying vacant land to build your first home, you pay zero stamp duty as long as you pay $250,000 or less for your block. Concessions are available for vacant land valued above $250,000 and up to $400,000. Whereas if your first home is valued up to $500,000, you pay zero stamp duty. That’s a saving of $7,175 which is the maximum stamp duty rebate available to first home buyers in QLD.

Additionally, savings on stamp duty may still be available if you pay between $500,000 and $550,000 for your first home. As a guide, if your first home is worth $530,000, you pay stamp duty of $6,300 a saving of $3,500. These savings cut out altogether if your first home costs $550,000 or more.

Click here for more information on the QLD First home Owner Grant.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant SA?

There are currently no specific stamp duty concessions available for first home buyers in SA.

The $15,000 FHOG in South Australia is only available to first home owners who buy a new home. You can choose from a house, apartment, townhouse or villa.

You will only be able to claim the FHOG SA if you pay below the following amounts for your home:

Before 14 June 2023: $575,000
After 15 June 2023: $650,000

You can also claim the First Home Owner Grant in South Australia when you buy a block of vacant land to build your first home on. However, the end value of your building plus land must be no more than $575,000.

Click here for more information on the SA First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in TAS

If you buy an established home, you are not eligible for the FHOG in Tasmania but you may be able to claim savings on stamp duty. If you’re home is valued at

$400,000 or less, you will receive a 50% discount on the property transfer duty (stamp duty).

How much is the First Home Owners Grant TAS?

The FHOG Tasmania is worth $30,000 until 30 June 2022 but only when you buy or build a new home. Off the plan purchases are also eligible. In Tasmania, there is no limit on the purchase price of the property, and the FHOG is not means tested.

Click here for more information on the TAS First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in VIC

First home owners in Victoria don’t pay stamp duty at all on their first home as long as the property is valued below $600,000. You may still be eligible for savings on stamp duty if you pay between $600,000 and $750,000 for your first home. The stamp duty concessions available in Victoria apply to both established and new homes.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant VIC?

The FHOG Victoria is only available if you buy a newly built home or if you choose to build a home from scratch. The FHOG is worth $10,000 if you build/buy in Victoria.

Your first home can be a house, townhouse, apartment, or unit but it must be valued at $750,000 or less, and it must be a new home – being sold as a home for the first time, and less than five years old.

Click here for more information on the VIC First home Owner Grant.

Stamp duty concessions in WA

If you buy vacant land to build your first home, you’re exempt from paying stamp duty as long as you don’t pay more than $300,000. If you pay between $300,000 and $400,000 you will be entitled to a reduced rate of duty.

From 09 May 2024, if you buy a home costing up to $450,000, no stamp duty is payable at all. If the value of your home is between $450,000 and $600,000, you’ll be entitled to a reduced rate of stamp duty.

There are no additional concessions for homes valued above $600,000 and land valued above $400,000.

How much is the First Home Owners Grant WA?

The FHOG WA is worth $10,000 when you buy or build a brand new home. There are limits on what you can pay for your first home to be eligible for the FHOG in Western Australia.

If you’re located south of the 26th parallel, which basically covers all the Perth metropolitan area, you can claim the FHOG WA if your new home is worth up to $750,000 – this includes the value of the land plus buildings.

If you buy or build a home north of the 26th parallel, the property must be valued up to or below $1 million to be eligible for the FHOG WA.

The First Home Owner Grant in Western Australia is no longer available if you buy an established home however you may be able to claim stamp duty savings.