• Loan FAQs

    Take a look at our FAQs below:

    Do I have to be a member to take out a loan?

    MemberFirst is a mutual financial services organisation and as such is owned by its members, each one of whom is a shareholder. Therefore you must be a member of MemberFirst to have a loan. However, you don't need to become a member before you can apply for a loan - anyone can apply for a loan with us. ^

    How much can I borrow?

    Would you like to calculate how much you may be able to borrow? Use one of our calculators. ^

    What costs do I need to consider?

    Deposit

    The biggest initial cost is the deposit. This could range from 5% and above of the value of the property.

    Registration fees

    Registration fees are payable on a property purchase and on a mortgage.

    Whenever a property changes hands, the change of ownership must be recorded with the appropriate State Titles Office. A document known as a Transfer of Land must be lodged, the cost of which varies in each State/Territory. Please contact your solicitor/conveyancer who should perform this task on your behalf.

    There is also a government charge to register your mortgage document. We will pay the applicable state authority on your behalf. You will be charged at cost.

    Legal Fees

    Legal expenses for the average home purchase include:

    • Solicitors fees (between $500-$2000)
    • Survey and building certificate ($450)
    • Building inspection and pest report ($400-$500)

    Searches and inspections

    Contracts should never be exchanged until the necessary searches and inspections have been completed. Searches and inspections may include the following:

    Title search

    A Certificate of Title obtained from the Titles Office by your solicitor/conveyancer provides details of who owns the property and who else has an interest in it. This is a good way to research if there are any mortgages, caveats, restrictive covenants etc on the property which would affect the transfer of title.

    Building inspection and pest report

    The report completed by your building inspector will detail any building flaws, e.g. structural issues with the building or roof, damp etc. The pest report should detail any evidence of pest infestation. It will enable you to assess the cost of any required treatment. ^

    How do I make repayments on the loan?

    You can arrange to make your loan repayments either by payroll deduction, direct debit from your savings or transaction account, internet or telephone banking transfer, at any of our branches or using Bank@Post. ^

    How often will I receive information on my account?

    Statements are produced six monthly or more frequently on request. Duplicate statements can be requested at any time from our office.  Account information is also available through our Internet and Phone banking services. ^

    What security is required to take out a Home Loan?

    Your loan must be secured by a registered mortgage over a residential owner occupied property. ^

    What happens if I get sick, have an accident or lose my job?

    If you are unable to work, please contact us immediately. We will do everything we can to help you. However, the best way to obtain peace of mind that your repayment obligations will be met in the case of accident, illness or involuntary unemployment is to take out Loan Repayment Insurance. ^

    Do I need to take out Home insurance?

    Building insurance is required to be taken out equal to the amount stated in the recommendation on the property valuation. ^

    Do I need to take out Loan Repayment Insurance?

    It is recommended that you take out insurance on your loan, although not compulsory, it is designed to cover your lending obligations in the case of sickness, accident or involuntary unemployment. ^

    Is a redraw facility available?

    The Credit Union gives you the option of making extra repayments on your loan and then having the flexibility of being able to redraw on these extra repayments. Terms and conditions are available on application. ^

    What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance?

    Lenders mortgage insurance if applicable, covers the Credit Union against a loss in the unlikely event that we have to exercise our right to sell the property due to ongoing default of loan repayments. It must not be confused with Insurance designed to cover your lending obligations in the case of sickness, accident or involuntary unemployment. ^

    What is Loan Repayment Insurance?

    Loan Repayment Insurance provides you with the peace of mind that if an unfortunate event, such as your death, disability, involuntary unemployment or trauma occurs, your assets will be safe and your loan repayments will be taken care of. ^

    Questions?

    If you have any questions, please contact us Enquire Now