u/LaxmiHomeLoans

I completed a pre approval for a couple about 8 to 10 months ago. Since then, they signed an off the plan land contract. I have spent approximately 15 to 20 hours assisting them through multiple discussions, structuring options, lender updates, and ongoing guidance.

Now they want me to arrange the land loan. However, they have also indicated that they intend to sell the land immediately after settlement. Most likely because they are getting good returns.

As you know, this would likely result in a 100% clawback.I have never charged clients directly for my service. I have contacted my compliance team to confirm whether charging a fee in this scenario is permitted.

I have informed the clients that if the land is sold within 12 months, I may need to charge a service fee. Otherwise, they are free to proceed with other places ( still 50% will go )

I understand brokers are paid by lenders, but situations like this raise questions about protecting our time and business sustainability.

How would you handle this situation?

• Would you proceed with the loan?

• Would you charge a fee?

• How do you manage clawback risk in similar cases?

Appreciate genuine industry feedback.

This was the question asked to me today :

Home buyer ( she ) : Am I throwing away money on LMI? I've saved 15% for a house deposit. Should I wait and save 20% to avoid LMI, or buy now with LMI? I’m not a first home buyer, previously bought & sold

Me: Most people think LMI is pure waste. It's not. Here's the real math. If you wait 1-2 years to hit 20%, property prices in Qld might climb 6-8%. That's $48-64K on a $800k property. LMI on 15% deposit runs about $12-15k depending on a bank.

So waiting costs you more in missed equity growth than LMI costs upfront. Plus you're locked into renting that whole time. LMI gets paid once. Property growth compounds. The math usually favours buying now if your income is stable and you can handle the repayments. That said, if rates spike or your job is shaky, waiting makes sense. But most home buyers, especially the owner occupiers, I see regret waiting, not buying early.

Try taking lmi quote from different banks because every banks have there own lmi fees threshold and some lenders offers 10% deposit & No lmi option by charging a bit higher interest rate. If your income is strong , you can save on lmi upfront & later 6-12 months down the line you can revalue and negotiate or refinance for a better rates , if your LVR reaches 80% !

This was the question asked to me today :

Home buyer ( she ) : Am I throwing away money on LMI? I've saved 15% for a house deposit. Should I wait and save 20% to avoid LMI, or buy now with LMI? I’m not a first home buyer, previously bought & sold

Me: Most people think LMI is pure waste. It's not. Here's the real math. If you wait 1-2 years to hit 20%, property prices in Qld might climb 6-8%. That's $48-64K on a $800k property. LMI on 15% deposit runs about $12-15k depending on a bank.

So waiting costs you more in missed equity growth than LMI costs upfront. Plus you're locked into renting that whole time. LMI gets paid once. Property growth compounds. The math usually favours buying now if your income is stable and you can handle the repayments. That said, if rates spike or your job is shaky, waiting makes sense. But most home buyers, especially the owner occupiers, I see regret waiting, not buying early.

Try taking lmi quote from different banks because every banks have there own lmi fees threshold and some lenders offers 10% deposit & No lmi option by charging a bit higher interest rate. If your income is strong , you can save on lmi upfront & later 6-12 months down the line you can revalue and negotiate or refinance for a better rates , if your LVR reaches 80% !

With negative gearing changing in 1 July 2027, do you think first home buyers will finally get an advantage over investors, or will higher rents cancel out any benefit?

With negative gearing changing in 1 July 2027, do you think first home buyers will finally get an advantage over investors, or will higher rents cancel out any benefit?