It's not as scary as it looks
Here's the full process from deciding you want to buy through to picking up the keys.
Step 1: Get clear on your goals
Are you buying a family home, an investment, or a stepping stone? Getting clear on this shapes every decision — the lender, the loan features, the suburbs you target, the offer price you'll go to.
Step 2: Meet with a broker
Your first broker meeting is a fact-finding session. We'll look at your income, expenses, deposit, and goals — then give you a realistic picture of your borrowing power and explain your options.
Step 3: Get pre-approved
Pre-approval is a conditional thumbs-up from a lender — they're prepared to lend you up to $X based on what you've provided. It gives you a clear budget, confidence to make offers, and credibility with agents.
Step 4: Search for your property
With a budget confirmed, you can search seriously. Weigh up suburbs, property type, proximity to work and schools, and what you actually need vs want.
Step 5: Make an offer
Two ways to buy — private treaty (negotiate with the agent) or auction (bid publicly, no cooling-off period). Always have a conveyancer review the Contract of Sale before you sign anything.
Step 6: Contracts exchanged
Once your offer is accepted, signed contracts are exchanged. Your broker starts working with the lender to progress the formal application immediately.
Step 7: Unconditional approval
The lender verifies everything, completes their property valuation, and issues formal approval. You finalise your loan details — rate, features, repayment structure.
Step 8: Settlement day
30–90 days after exchange. The lender transfers funds, title changes hands, your conveyancer handles the paperwork, and you go collect the keys.
Book a free chat with Kick Finance and we'll walk you through every step.
