Just starting to save
Buying your first place doesn't start with a loan application.
Buying a property starts long before the loan. It starts with a plan. That's where getting the right guidance early makes all the difference.
You're probably wondering…
How do I know when I'm actually ready to buy?
How much deposit do I actually need?
Can I buy with less than a 20% deposit?
Will checking my borrowing capacity affect my credit score?
Is it too early to talk to a broker?
At Sphere, we work with clients well before they're ready to buy. That might mean working out how much deposit you'll really need, building a savings strategy that actually fits your life, finding ways to strengthen your borrowing capacity, or simply helping you understand when you'll be ready to start looking. The earlier we talk, the more prepared and confident you'll be when the time comes.
Questions?
If you're just getting started, you're probably wondering…
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It depends on the lender and the property, but as a guide, most aim for around 20% to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance, though there are options that let you buy with less. We'll show you what's realistic for your situation and what each path looks like.
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Often, yes. Some lenders accept smaller deposits, and there are grants and schemes that can help first home buyers get in sooner. We'll talk through whether paying LMI to buy now or saving longer makes more sense for you.
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That's exactly the kind of thing we help you work out. We'll look at your savings, your borrowing capacity, and your goals, then give you a clear picture of where you stand and what to focus on next.
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Having a strategy conversation with us won't touch your credit file. We only formally assess your borrowing capacity when you're genuinely ready to move forward, and we'll always explain the process first.
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Not at all. The earlier we talk, the more prepared you'll be. We're happy to help you map out a plan now, even if buying is a year or two away. There's no cost and no pressure.
“If you’re looking for a reliable, knowledgeable and supportive mortgage broker or even just wanting to explore your options, Sphere Home Loans is the perfect place to start. Six months after reaching out, we’re proud to say we’ve secured our perfect first home.”
Sigourney Wszola“Sphere made the entire process so easy and stress-free; something we genuinely didn’t think was possible with home loans!”
Bec & Brodie Harris“The whole process felt smooth and stress‑free with Sphere Home Loans. What really stood out was how patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive they were. Nothing ever felt rushed or confusing.”
Antony Wardle
Not sure where to start?
The Quick Start Guide to Your First Property
Personal finance expert Glen James and top mortgage broker Rachelle Kroon share the hacks that are actually getting first-time buyers into the market right now in this straight-talking, jargon-free guide.
What to start? Speak to our expert brokers
Genevieve Lyons
Senior Mortgage Broker
Known for: Warmth, care and deeply personal client support, particularly first home buyers.
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Genevieve is one of Sphere’s most trusted and deeply experienced Senior Mortgage Brokers. With more than 12 years at Sphere, she has played an important role in shaping the culture of exceptional service, care and client-first thinking the business is known for.
After spending her first five years at Sphere working directly with Rachelle Kroon, Genevieve developed a strong foundation in lending strategy, client care and high-performance broking. She brings a rare combination of technical knowledge, emotional intelligence and genuine warmth to the lending process, helping clients feel calm, informed and supported through big financial decisions.
Her approach is thoughtful, thorough and grounded in care, making her a trusted adviser for clients who want both strategy and support.
Outside Sphere: Genevieve is a wife and mum to Gia and Rowie, and her natural instinct to care for others is just as strong at home as it is with her clients.
Karen Kirby
Senior Mortgage Broker
Known for: Experience, drive and helping clients feel supported through every step.
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Karen is a highly experienced Senior Mortgage Broker with more than 20 years in lending. A fierce advocate for her clients and one of Sphere’s standout performers, she brings exceptional depth, energy and determination to every scenario.
Recognised as a Rising Star and named among the Top 50 Brokers last year, Karen is known for combining high-performance broking with genuine care. Whether she is helping clients buy their first home, upgrade, refinance or grow an investment portfolio, she brings focus, strategy and a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Her clients know she is in their corner from the first conversation through to settlement and beyond.
Outside Sphere: Karen is a proud mum of three daughters and loves spending time with family and friends. She is also passionate about Touch Football and represents her club and region.
Kirralee Andrews
Mortgage Broker
Known for: Bank lending experience, client care and exceptional follow-through.
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Kirralee brings nearly 20 years of bank lending experience to her role as Mortgage Broker at Sphere. In her first year as a broker, she has already made a powerful impact, earning an exceptional number of five-star Google reviews and building strong referral momentum through the client experience she delivers.
Her background gives her deep knowledge of lender policy, credit assessment and what it takes to get an application across the line. Moving into broking has allowed Kirralee to take that experience further, comparing options across more than 60 lenders to find the solution that genuinely fits the client. She brings clarity, energy and care to every scenario, whether clients are buying their first home, refinancing or building an investment portfolio.
Outside Sphere: Kirralee enjoys experimenting with new recipes in her Thermomix and watching her kids play sport across the Central Coast.
Nathan Dobie
Senior Mortgage Broker
Known for: Credit policy knowledge, complex lending and out-of-the-box solutions.
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Nathan is Sphere’s human encyclopedia of credit policy. With more than 14 years of experience across financial services and over four years at Sphere, he is the broker people turn to when a lending scenario needs deep thinking, sharp structuring and a genuinely strategic solution.
Clients value Nathan for his calm manner, technical knowledge and ability to make complexity feel manageable. He works through the detail of each scenario, from income structures and servicing challenges to lender policy and investment strategy, finding options where others may only see roadblocks. His advice is considered, steady and grounded in a clear commitment to client outcomes.
Outside Sphere: Nathan loves a weekend getaway, whether that is comedy, live music or theatre in Sydney, a Hunter Valley winery, or another attempt at growing his garden.
Kyle Gordon
Mortgage Broker
Known for: Calm strategy, clear communication and helping clients make confident property decisions.
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Kyle brings a strategic, composed and highly analytical approach to lending. With a Bachelor of Psychology from Macquarie University and a technical foundation built through his early career as a Parabroker, he combines credit knowledge with a strong understanding of people, goals and decision-making.
Kyle is especially good at cutting through complexity and helping clients understand what their finance options mean for the bigger picture. Whether someone is buying their first home, refinancing, investing or planning their next move, he takes the time to understand what they are working towards and structure advice around what will support them long term.
Outside Sphere: Kyle is an avid traveller who enjoys exploring different cultures, meeting new people and making the most of life on the Central Coast.
Sphere is here.
Wherever you are on the path to your first property, we'll help you get ready with confidence.
We think differently about mortgages
Many mortgage brokers focus on getting you approved for the biggest loan possible. We focus on what actually makes sense for your situation and your future.
That means asking questions like:
What are you working toward in 5 years? 10?
Will this property stay your home, or might it become an investment?
How does this loan fit with your broader financial picture?
What happens if your plans change?
We map out your property plan first, then find the loan structure that supports it.
1. First, we talk strategy
Before we talk about loan products, interest rates, or how much you can borrow, we talk about where you're headed.
In your first strategy call, we'll discuss:
Your property goals (short-term and long-term)
Your financial situation and borrowing capacity
Different loan structures and what makes sense for your plans
Timing—whether now is the right time or if waiting makes more sense
Your questions (and we'll answer them in plain English)
What you'll walk away with: A clear understanding of your options and a plan that makes sense for where you're headed—not just where you are today.
2. We handle the hard bits
Once we've mapped out your strategy, we get to work on the logistics.
Here's what we do:
Compare loan products from 60+ lenders (800+ options) to find the best fit
Prepare and submit your application
Liaise with lenders on your behalf
Chase up valuations, approvals, and any requests for additional information
Keep you updated throughout (in actual English, not banking jargon)
Coordinate with your solicitor, real estate agent, or buyers' agent
Answer your questions as they come up (because they will)
You'll upload your documents through our secure portal, and we'll handle everything from there. No need to spend hours comparing lenders or navigating bank websites. That's our job.
What you'll walk away with: A loan that fits your strategy, approved and ready to settle.
3. You settle. We stay.
Your loan goes through. You get your keys, and we keep in touch to support you through your future property journey.
Here's what happens after settlement:
Regular check-ins
We reach out periodically to see how you're tracking and whether anything's changed in your situation.
Loan reviews
We monitor your interest rate and let you know if there's a better option available, whether that's repricing with your current lender or switching to a new one.
Strategy updates
Your plans will evolve. Maybe you're ready to buy an investment property. Maybe you want to restructure for tax purposes. Maybe you're moving cities. We're here to help you think it through.
Next property moves
When you're ready for property two, three, or beyond, you've already got a broker who knows your situation and your goals.
What you'll walk away with: A long-term partner who's invested in your property success, not just your next transaction.
Why our approach works
Why Sphere?
✓ Strategy-first approach
✓ We’re here for the long term
✓ Salaried brokers
✓ 60+ lenders, 800+ loan products
✓ 500+ five-star reviews
Salaried brokers mean better advice
Our brokers aren't chasing commissions. They're salaried, which means they can:
Take six months to help you save a bigger deposit (if that's the right move)
Recommend repricing your existing loan instead of refinancing (even though we don't get paid for that)
Tell you to wait if now isn't the right time to buy
Spend time on strategy without watching the clock
This isn't how a lot of brokerages work. And that's exactly why we do it this way.
We think long-term
Most brokers optimise for this transaction. We optimise for your next decade.
That means:
Choosing loan structures that work now and later
Thinking about tax implications as your portfolio grows
Planning for life changes (career moves, family, etc.)
Building relationships, not just processing applications
We simplify what's complicated
Offset accounts, redraw facilities, fixed vs. variable, principal and interest vs. interest-only, LVR, LMI, serviceability… There's a lot of jargon in this industry!
We explain it all in plain English, answer your questions without making you feel silly, and help you make decisions you actually understand.
Getting started FAQs
You might be wondering…
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We compare loans from over 60 lenders (800+ products), then help you figure out which one makes sense for your situation and your goals. We also handle all the paperwork, liaise with agents, lenders and solicitors, and guide you through the process from start to settlement.
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Banks can only offer their own products. We work with 60+ lenders, which means you get more choice, better options, and access to loans you won't find by walking into a branch.
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Nothing. We're paid by lenders when your loan settles, so our service is completely free to you.
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Fair question. Here's how it actually works: Our brokers are salaried, not commission-driven. That means they're not incentivised to push you towards any particular lender. We get paid the same regardless of which bank you choose, so we're free to recommend what actually makes sense for your situation, not what makes us the most money.
The loan process FAQs
You might be wondering…
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That depends on your income, expenses, deposit, and other commitments. We can give you an estimate once we review your details in a strategy call.
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Generally: ID, payslips, bank statements, and details of your assets and debts. We'll give you a full checklist once we start working together.
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Pre-approval can take a few days.
Full approval would be 1-2 weeks once we have all the documents we need, sometimes faster sometimes longer dependant on the lender.
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Some lenders require it, but there are options where gifted funds or rent history may be accepted. We'll talk through what works for your situation.
Working with sphere FAQs
You might be wondering…
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Not at all. While we're based on the Central Coast NSW, we work with clients nationally.
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That's totally fine. We're happy to have a conversation about your goals and help you figure out when you'll be ready. We're not here to rush you.
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Before we talk about loan products or interest rates, we talk about where you're headed. What are you working towards? What happens in 5 years? 10? We map that out first, then find the financing that supports your plan.
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You’ll get the keys to your property!
As for us, we’ll check in regularly, monitor your interest rate, and let you know if there are better options available. When you're ready for your next property move, we're already here.
Still have questions?
Can't find what you're looking for? Book a strategy call and we'll answer your specific questions.
500+ 5 STAR REVIEWS
From people we've helped buy homes, build portfolios, and plan their property futures Australia-wide, including the Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong and Regional NSW.