Frequently Asked Questions

  • We offer mortgage solutions including home loans, investment property loans and refinancing.

  • Our services do not cost you anything. We are paid a commission directly by the bank for any loans we settle. When we meet, we will provide a full break-down of our commission structure.

  • Cornertone has an easy, three-step process.

    1. Contact us via our website form and we’ll call within 12 hours

    2. We’ll collect some information in a single-form fact find and share a recommendation

    3. Choose your solution, and we’ll handle the rest to get your loan approved

  • It depends on your documents, the lender, and whether you need a valuation. We’ll give you a clear timeline and keep things moving.

  • Many buyers aim for 20% to avoid lender’s mortgage insurance, but some lenders allow deposits as low as 5% depending on your situation. We’ll map out realistic options and the trade-offs.

  • Pre-approval is an initial lender assessment of your borrowing power. Full approval happens after you’ve found a property and the lender has reviewed the contract and valuation.

  • Fixed can bring repayment certainty; variable can offer flexibility (like offset/redraw). We’ll help you choose based on how you live, earn, and plan — not guesses.

  • Interest-only can help cash flow. Principal and interest reduces the loan faster. We’ll match the option to your strategy and serviceability.

  • Yes, most lenders include rental income, but they may ‘shade’ it, only taking part in to account. We’ll check how different lenders assess it and what that means for your borrowing power.

  • Yes, however it depends on your equity position and lender assessment. We’ll talk through the numbers and the risks before you commit.

  • It can be useful for flexibility. However, depending on your longer term goals, other options may be more suitable for tax planning. We’ll compare the cost vs benefit based on how you’ll use it.

  • For Cornerstone customers, we will do a health-check on your loan every six months. When the savings or improved features outweigh the switching costs, it’s time to refinance.

  • Common costs include discharge fees and application fees. Fixed loans may also have break costs. We’ll flag these early.

  • Often, yes, depending on your property value, equity, and lender assessment. We’ll help you understand what’s possible and what’s sensible.

  • It can. Lenders reassess your income, debts, and spending when you refinance. We’ll check this before you apply. Your current loan will not be affected by our discovery process.