What Information Will We Ask For? (Q&A)
When you book a meeting with us, it’s natural to wonder what information you’ll need and how prepared you should be.
To make things easier, we’ve answered the most common questions we’re asked before a first meeting.
The short version? You don’t need to be perfect — just open.
Do I need to have everything organised before the meeting?
No.
You don’t need every document, exact figures, or a property already chosen.
For an initial meeting, approximate numbers are usually enough. Our role is to help you work out what’s needed next — not to test how prepared you are.
What personal details will you ask for?
We’ll ask for some basic information to understand eligibility, such as:
- Whether you’re applying alone or with someone else
- Your residency status
- Your current living situation
This helps us understand which lending options may be available to you.
Will you ask about my income?
Yes — income is a key part of understanding borrowing capacity.
We’ll ask about:
- Your employment type (full-time, part-time, casual, self-employed)
- Your approximate income
- Any additional income sources
If your income varies, that’s completely fine — we’ll talk through how lenders usually assess it.
Do you need to know my expenses?
Yes.
Lenders look at how you spend as well as how much you earn.
We’ll ask about general living expenses such as household costs, transport, lifestyle spending, and subscriptions. This helps ensure any recommendations are affordable and realistic.
Will you ask about my debts?
Yes — all existing debts matter.
This includes:
- Credit cards (even if rarely used)
- Car or personal loans
- Buy now, pay later facilities
- Any existing home or investment loans
Being open about debts helps avoid surprises later and allows us to give accurate guidance.
Do I need to know how much deposit I have?
It’s helpful, but it doesn’t need to be exact.
We’ll ask about:
- Your current savings
- How long you’ve been saving
- Any additional funds (such as gifts or equity)
This helps us explain deposit options, loan structures, and whether lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) may apply.
What if I don’t have a property yet?
That’s completely fine.
Many people speak to us well before they start house hunting.
If you do have a property in mind — or you’re refinancing — we’ll ask for basic details such as price, location, and existing loan information.
Will you ask about my future plans?
Yes — because loans should suit where you’re going, not just where you are today.
We’ll ask about your goals and timeframes, such as whether this is your first home, an upgrade, or part of a longer-term plan.
This helps ensure the structure makes sense beyond the short term.
What happens if I’m unsure or missing information?
That’s normal.
If something is unclear, we’ll help you work through it and explain what’s needed next.
The meeting is about clarity — not pressure.
Why We Ask These Questions
We ask for this information so we can:
- Assess borrowing capacity realistically
- Explain suitable options clearly
- Avoid surprises later in the process
The better we understand your situation, the better the guidance we can provide.
How Chase Approaches These Conversations
Chase Douglas has extensive experience helping clients at all stages — from early planning to active applications.
Every conversation is focused on clarity, preparation, and helping you feel comfortable before making decisions.
Ready to Have the Conversation?
You don’t need to be fully prepared — you just need to be willing to start.
👉 Book a meeting with Chase Douglas and we’ll guide you through what matters, step by step.
Good decisions start with clear, honest conversations.
