Frequently asked questions
I have a long established history with my bank so why would I need to look any further?
While your current lender may have provided what you needed in the past, is it still right for you today?
The fact is that your lender can only deliver you one set of products and credit policy. So while it might be their best product – is it the best the market has to offer?
If your lender has not grown with you, you may find that you are making important lifestyle and investment decisions to suit its credit policy. At Premier Finance & Associates, we will find a lender that fits your needs, not the other way around.
We have found that often a client remains with the one lender, however as staff move through the business they are having to start from scratch explaining their background and goals each time they have a new requirement and are having to deal with a new staff member. By working with Premier Finance & Associates you will be building a long term relationship with a small team. We have personally serviced some of our current clients since 2002!
Don’t Credit Advisors just place my business to the lender that pays them the highest commission?
Not the way we do business. We’re here to do the right thing by you, which means placing you with the lender and product that best suits your needs.
Most lenders pay similar commissions which is one reason that commissions don’t play a part in our client recommendations. We believe in full transparency so we supply fees, charges and commission schedules up front to all clients. Our strong focus on long-term relationships means that we do what is best for you today so that you come back to us time and time again.
What is the benefit in using the services of Premier Finance & Associates over other Credit Advisors or services?
In most cases there is no financial outlay or risk in working with us. We don’t charge for our initial consultation so around an hour of your time is the only investment you need to make.
After our initial meeting we will analyse facts and data provided by you, research the market, negotiate an attractive deal unique to you and present to you our recommendations. An application is then taken, further analysis of facts and data undertaken, a proposal is submitted on your behalf to the lender and the approval and documentation process is managed right through until settlement.
We keep you updated every step of the way, preferring to be proactive rather than being chased by you for feedback. You can see the full step by step process here [link to our funding process].
Where we recognise areas that may warrant some specialty attention such as taxation, insurance, estate planning, investment or legal, but we are not legally qualified to provide the advice, we can refer you to the appropriate vetted professional. We place a high value on surrounding ourselves with the right people in life as well as business.
We are conveniently placed in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD a couple of minutes’ walk from Southern Cross Station with ample parking and a view straight up Collins street.
In our experience, the majority of home borrowers are paying excessive interest rates and fees. That is, until they come to us!
Many borrowers may have started on a honeymoon type rate, but are now coasting along on an excessive interest rate that is costing them more money than it should be.
Further, your personal circumstances may have changed such as starting a family, commencing a new business, looking to improve your property, change in marital status, moving home or you may simply want a better deal (who wouldn’t?).
Why would I refinance?
The benefit of using a Credit Advisor is that there will be lenders with exclusive fee specials from time to time that only we can access. Plus we have the ability and contacts to negotiate further discounts for most of our clients.
The reality is that lenders know there are multiple loans per month to be referred to them from a Credit Advisor as opposed to an individual who may only be borrowing once every few years. This means that Premier Finance & Associates is more likely to be favoured in terms of service and pricing.
Can I access products through a broker that would otherwise be unavailable if I was to approach a lender directly?
In most cases there is no charge to you for our services. We are remunerated by the lenders, not our clients, which means your only commitment is an hour of your time at our initial meeting. There are however occasions where we do need to charge a fee in complicated cases or small loans. To avoid any nasty surprises, we let you know about any potential fees well before we get started and will always let you know if they’ll apply to you.
What will it cost me?
Yup, we’re legit. Premier Finance & Associates is:
Authorised under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (NCCP) to provide credit assistance and act as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders.
Premier Finance & Associates Pty Ltd is a full member of the Mortgage Industry Association of Australia - # 6809, the Credit & Investments Ombudsman - # 401365, ASIC compliant and Australian Corporate Credit Representative number 396885 of BLSSA Pty Ltd ACN 117 651 760 Australian Credit Licence number 391237.
Our founder, Cam Dunlop has over 25 years experience working and studying in the banking and finance industries. His qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Business (Finance)
- Diploma Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking Management)
- Certificate IV in Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking FNS 40804)
- Senior Associate of Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA)
- Associate of the Australian Institute of Credit Management
- ASIC RG 146 Tier One Life Insurance Compliant
- Australian Credit Representative number 396885 of BLSSA Pty Ltd ACN 117 651 760 Australian Credit Licence number 391237
Are you legit? What are your credentials?
Seeking funding for a new home or business is one of the biggest life decisions you’ll ever make. By using an online broker you’re essentially rolling the dice on who you are dealing with. You can’t be certain of that Credit Advisor’s experience or qualifications and you certainly can’t guarantee that they’ll come in to bat for you if things go wrong.
With Premier Finance & Associates we are highly qualified professionals and promise that we will be with you every step of the way.
Sound financial advice is not like buying a packet of Twisties from a vending machine – would you take personalised legal advice from a call centre or website?
By using an accredited advisor like Premier Finance & Associates you can build a long term, personalised relationship with us now and into the future.