Homefree Mortgages is a mortgage broker, loan broker and finance broker for the Eastern and South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Services
Homefree has access to an extensive range of products through our network of over 60 residential and commercial lenders. Our team is dedicated to helping you discover the perfect product, tailored to your unique requirements.
Home Loans
Homefree Mortgages has experience working with all loan types and lifestyle scenarios.
Our panel of more than 30 lenders allows us to help you find the best fit for your needs, whether you're a first home buyer or purchasing a new investment property for your self-managed super fund (SMSF).
First home buyers
Homefree Mortgages can help make owning your first home a reality.
First home buyers can face some intimidating questions when considering entering the property market:
How much can I afford to spend on my first home?
What type of property should I buy?
How do I manage the mortgage repayments?
How can I fit all of this into my busy schedule?
Homefree Mortgages takes the stress out of purchasing your first home by providing a trusted and reliable representative to answer your questions and:
•meet with you to discuss your personal situation and needs,•provide a selection of products from a variety of lenders that allows you to make an informed decision,•help you decide on a suitable loan product, from one of our 30 residential lenders,•explain in detail what is required of you and what costs will be involved in the process. This includes stamp duty, conveyancing and fees,•complete all the necessary documentation on your behalf,•submit and monitor your application,•be available to answer all your questions at any stage of the loan application,•provide ongoing post-settlement support and advice,•ensure that arranging your finance is simple and straight-forward,•advise you on government grants (FHOG) and your eligibility to apply. If applicable, we organise this all for you. (See below for some guidelines on the First Home Owners Grant).
Homefree's finance brokers specialise in making you feel comfortable and informed and do all the heavy lifting so you can concentrate on the excitement of owning your first home.
If you answer YES to all of the questions below, you may be eligible to claim the First Home Owners Grant.
Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident?
Are you buying or building your first home in Australia?
Do you intend to occupy the home as your principal place of residence within 12 months of the settlement?
Is this the first time you have applied for the FHOG?
•The FHOG is not payable for existing homes, although you may be eligible for a stamp duty reduction.•The FHOG is subject to change, so please ask your experienced Homefree Mortgages broker for the latest updates when you visit for your free, no obligation consultation.
The First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
The First Home Guarantee (FHBG), also known as the 5% Deposit Scheme, is an Australian Government Initiative to support eligible home buyers. The scheme assist those who:
•are Australian citizens or permanents residents over 18 years of age,•have an annual taxable income up to $125 000 (single applicants) or $200 000 (joint applicants),•are applying for a first home OR have not owned a property in the last 10 years,•or are a single parents/legal guardian with at least one dependent child,•have a minimum 5% deposit
At Homefree Mortgages, we can help navigate the complexities of the scheme and assist in providing expert advice and education regarding the eligibility criteria and paperwork.
Lenders have limited places available, so we urge those interested to reach out to Homefree Mortgages and obtain the most up-to-date information on who has places available and what products and interest rates those banks are offering.
At Homefree Mortgages, one of our primary goals is to help educate our clients on how to obtain a place in the First Home Guarantee Scheme, enabling them to achieve their goal of moving into their own home. We are here to help.
If you are interested and believe you may be eligible, please contact us at Homefree Mortgages so we can discuss the eligibility criteria with you and whether or not you meet these criteria.
At first glance, this process may seem daunting, which is why we are here to guide you through the entire process, from pre-approval and property purchase all the way through to settlement.
Purchasing your next home
Purchasing your next home is exciting and sometimes overwhelming. Homefree are here to guide you through the entire process and ensure that you are left smiling.
We will:
•meet with you to discuss your personal situation and needs,•provide a selection of products from a variety of lenders that allows you to make an informed decision,•help you decide on a suitable loan product, from one of our 30 residential lenders,•explain in detail what is required of you and what costs will be involved in the process. This includes stamp duty, conveyancing and fees,•complete all the necessary documentation on your behalf,•submit and monitor your application,•be available to answer all your questions at any stage of the loan application,•provide ongoing post-settlement support and advice,•ensure that arranging your finance is simple and straight-forward,
If you would like more information about purchasing your next home, please call Homefree to speak with one of our professional team members.
Refinancing
When refinancing your loan, there can be additional costs and potential time delays that you may not be aware of.
Homefree Mortgages' brokers have access to an extensive panel of lenders, which makes them confident in assisting you to find the most suitable product.
The professional team at Homefree Mortgages can expertly guide you, whether you are refinancing your home or investment property loan to purchase a new vehicle, complete renovations or go on that well deserved overseas holiday.
Homefree Mortgages takes the stress out of refinancing by providing a trusted and reliable representative to answer your questions and:
•meet with you to discuss your personal situation and needs,•provide a selection of products from a variety of lenders that allows you to make an informed decision,•help you decide on a suitable loan product, from one of our 30 residential lenders,•explain in detail what is required of you and what costs will be involved in the process,•complete all the necessary documentation on your behalf,•submit and monitor your application,•be available to answer all your questions at any stage of the loan application,•provide ongoing post-settlement support and advice,•ensure that arranging your finance is simple and straight-forward,
Homefree's finance brokers specialise in making you feel comfortable and informed, doing all the heavy lifting so you can concentrate on the excitement of owning your first home.
Investment Properties
Whether you are considering your first investment property or have a growing portfolio, building your wealth through property is a solid long-term investment strategy.
Homefree Mortgages will assist you in understanding your current objectives and future goals. Our experienced team will work with you to select a tailored loan product that fulfils your needs and requirements.
Homefree Mortgages can produce personalised property profiles that provide valuable statistics, thereby ensuring that you have accurate, up-to-date, and detailed data to facilitate your decision-making process when purchasing your investment property.
We appreciate how important your time is, which is why we:
•Meet with you to discuss your personal situation and needs.•Provide a selection of products from a variety of lenders that allows you to make an informed decision.•Complete all the necessary documentation on your behalf.•Be available to answer all your questions at any stage of the loan application.•Provide ongoing post-settlement support and advice.•Ensure that arranging your finance is simple and straight-forward
The First Home Guarantee (FHBG)
The First Home Guarantee (FHBG), also known as the 5% Deposit Scheme, is an Australian Government Initiative to support eligible home buyers. The scheme assist those who:
•are Australian citizens or permanents residents over 18 years of age,•have an annual taxable income up to $125 000 (single applicants) or $200 000 (joint applicants),•are applying for a first home OR have not owned a property in the last 10 years,•or are a single parents/legal guardian with at least one dependent child,•have a minimum 5% deposit
At Homefree Mortgages, we can help navigate the complexities of the scheme and assist in providing expert advice and education regarding the eligibility criteria and paperwork.
Lenders have limited places available, so we urge those interested to reach out to Homefree Mortgages and obtain the most up-to-date information on who has places available and what products and interest rates those banks are offering.
At Homefree Mortgages, one of our primary goals is to help educate our clients on how to obtain a place in the First Home Guarantee Scheme, enabling them to achieve their goal of moving into their own home. We are here to help.
If you are interested and believe you may be eligible, please contact us at Homefree Mortgages so we can discuss the eligibility criteria with you and whether or not you meet these criteria.
At first glance, this process may seem daunting, which is why we are here to guide you through the entire process, from pre-approval and property purchase all the way through to settlement.
Vehicle & Equipment Finance
Vehicle Finance
Homefree Mortgages can assist you in finding a car finance loan to suit your individual needs, whether you require a vehicle for work or leisure.
Types of vehicles we finance
•New cars•Used cars•Trucks•Commercial vehicles
Equipment Finance
Looking to secure equipment finance for your business needs? We can assist in finding the right option for you.
Types of equipment we finance
•Earth moving/construction•Farm machinery•CNC machines•Boats and yachts•IT and computer equipment•Heavy equipment•Office and retail equipment•Medical equipment•Forklifts•Industrial equipment
We can help start-up business’s (1 Day ABN) to obtain finance for leasing cars, trucks & machinery!
Commercial Lending
Homefree Mortgages offer commercial property loan finance, tailored to your needs, from a variety of top Australian commercial lenders.
Our experienced brokers can provide commercial loan finance options, from simple to more complex transaction scenarios.
With years of experience and specialist knowledge, our team will help you structure your finances correctly, advise you in all aspects of the loan product and process, and organise your application so you have the best opportunity to obtain a competitive loan.
Homefree Mortgages offer:
•Business finance•Rural property loans•Commercial self-managed super fund loans•Commercial property loans•Property development•Overdraft and cash flow lending•Purchase and acquisitions
Homefree Mortgages can assist you in achieving your goals, whether you're looking for a business loan or finance for a commercial property.
We offer a no-obligation consultation to review your current lending situation and advise you of options that could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
Purchasing property through a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF)
Homefree Mortgages specialise in securing finance for their clients who wish to purchase residential or commercial properties through their Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF).
Buying investment properties through a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) has become increasingly popular in Australia.
Whether purchasing a residential or commercial property, borrowing for property within super is different to borrowing to invest outside of super. There are different laws in place that regulate how you can use the borrowed funds and the property itself.
Our experienced brokers can assist in navigating this complex scenario.
Development & Construction Finance
When we say construction, we aren’t just talking about a single, owner-occupied property.
Here at Homefree Mortgages, we are also able to assist our clients in securing funds for multi-unit developments.
There is no shortage of construction loan choices in Australia, but choosing the right one for your needs can be stressful.
From the initial application to the progress payment stages, our experienced brokers can help you navigate the ins and outs of the entire process.
Our brokers are all experienced in their own personal construction projects, so you know you are in safe hands with us here at Homefree Mortgages.
We offer a no-obligation consultation to advise you of your options, so what have you got to lose? Contact Homefree to arrange your mortgage review.
Reverse Mortgages
Homefree Mortgages now offers Reverse Mortgages for select clients.
A reverse mortgage (RM) generally allows applicants 60 years and over to borrow money to fund their lifestyle, using the existing equity in their home as security.
You also remain the owner of your house and may live in it as long as you like, with no repayments required. Interest then compounds and adds to your loan balance, unless a trigger event occurs, which could be the death of the owner(s), the last borrower selling the property or breach of specific clauses.
The reverse mortgage loan balance will need to be repaid in full, including interest and any ongoing fees, once one of these trigger events occurs..
This option is not for everyone, so give us a call to see if this option is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us if you cannot find the answer to your question here. We are happy to help!
What is a Mortgage Broker?
A Mortgage Broker is an intermediary between the borrower and the lender, finding and negotiating loans on your behalf.
We are responsible for finding you or your company the best and most competitive product to suit your needs, based on your individual financial situation.
At Homefree Mortgages, we will approach your lender of choice and, where possible, negotiate special pricing below the advertised rate.
What are the benefits of using a Mortgage Broker?
There are a number of benefits to using a broker, particularly during the application process.
Firstly, we do the legwork and research for you and are always up-to-date with all of the new products and rates that you may not be aware of.
At Homefree Mortgages, we make it our business to take care of everything for our clients.
We:
•meet with you to discuss your personal situation and needs,•provide a selection of products from a variety of lenders that allows you to make an informed decision,•help you decide on a suitable loan product, from one of our 30 residential lenders,•explain in detail what is required of you and what costs will be involved in the process.•complete all the necessary documentation on your behalf,•submit and monitor your application,•be available to answer all your questions at any stage of the loan application,•provide ongoing post-settlement support and advice,•ensure that arranging your finance is simple and straight-forward,
Our service and support doesn't end with settlement of your loan, as we provide post-settlement loan advise and support. .
Essentially, we are a one stop shop. You will never have to sit on hold to your bank to ask a question or change an account - we do that for you. We liaise with your conveyancer, solicitor and/or real estate agent as required.
What does a Mortgage Broker do?
A Mortgage Broker takes the stress out of buying a home or investment property for you. We shop around for the most competitive rate and product that is going to suit your specific needs.
We will explain everything clearly, so that you can understand exactly what is happening.
We take care of the initial application from the start, all the way through to settlement and beyond..
How is a Mortgage Broker paid?
A Mortgage Broker is paid by receiving a commission or fee from lenders. This commission will vary depending on the lender as well as the size of the loan.
Firstly, an upfront commission is paid. This is the largest proportion of our payment and is normally around 0.55% to 0.77% (inc. GST) of the loan value.
The second part of our payment is through a recurring commission, also known as a "trailing commission". This is paid on a monthly basis and is calculated based on the remaining loan amount each year. While some lenders offer no ongoing commission, others offer an ongoing commission of 0.165% to 0.33% based on the remaining value of the loan.
How much will using a Mortgage Broker cost me?
Absolutely nothing! Our service to you is free of charge as we make our money through commission from our lenders.
The commission can vary slightly with different lenders, though it is still fairly standard across the industry regardless of which lender we arrange your financing through. This way you can be sure that there are no conflicts of interest and that we are always looking for the mortgage that will best suit you and your circumstances.
We do charge a fee for commercial lending.
About Us
At Homefree Mortgages, we are not interested in buzzwords or advertising jargon; we are simply committed to providing our clients with honest, straight-forward and individualised advice.
Homefree Mortgages was established in 2011 by Director Nathan Xenophontos. Since then, it has grown into a trusted provider of mortgage solutions, dedicated to helping clients navigate the financing process with ease and confidence. Our team is committed to offering personalized service and expert guidance to ensure you find the right loan for your unique needs.
Types of loans we offer:
•Home loans•Business finance•Car loans•Refinancing•Investment loans•Commercial property loans•First home buyer home loans•Chattel mortgage/hire purchase•Self employed loans•Self-managed super fund loans•Vehicle and equipment finance•Reverse mortgages•Rural property loans
No matter who you are, we can help:
•First home buyers•Home owners•Property investors/developers•Self managed super fund borrowers•Business owners•Self employed borrowers
We Do the Work for You
Homefree has access to hundreds of products via our panel of more than 60 residential and commercial lenders. We can find the most suitable solution for your personal and business needs.
Our Values
At Homefree Mortgages, we work for you, not the bank, so your goals and requirements always come first. We focus on helping you develop strategies to achieve your goals.
Locations
Homefree serves the entire Melbourne area, encompassing but not restricted to:
•Bayswater, 3153•Belgrave, 3160•Belgrave Heights, 3160•Blackburn, 3130•Boronia, 3155•Cockatoo, 3781•Croydon, 3136•Emerald, 3782•Ferntree Gully, 3156•Kilsyth, 3137•Olinda, 3788•Ringwood, 3134•Rowville, 3178•Sassafras, 3787•Tecoma, 3160•The Basin, 3154•Upper Ferntree Gully, 3156•Upwey, 3158•Vermont, 3133•Wantirna, 3152
Meet the team
Nathan Xenophontos - Director
Nathan has over 15 years’ experience as a mortgage broker, is extremely dedicated to his work, and always goes above and beyond to provide the highest quality service to his clients. He takes pride in offering the kind of old fashioned, personalised service many don't expect to see in a modern business setting and aims to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Nathan is highly qualified in all areas of mortgage broking and is a fully accredited member of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and the Australian Complaints Authority (AFCA). He has a diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management as well as a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking.
As well as being an award winning, highly successful and experienced mortgage broker, Nathan has been a first home buyer, property investor, property developer and has expertise with property sub-division. Nathan has successfully completed numerous property developments in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and has attained a substantial property portfolio.
Nathan is highly experienced in providing a broad range of loan services for owner-occupied, investment and commercial properties. He assists his clients in getting first home loans, moving to new family homes, refinancing current properties for a better rate or more suitable product, and refinancing complex investment portfolios.
In his spare time, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, Max and Ava. He also enjoys supporting his beloved football team, the mighty Hawks.
Does your broker have their own property portfolio?
Do they have the same level of real world finance experience?
Are you sure they really understand your situation and individual needs?
If not, call Homefree Mortgages for an obligation free discussion about your property goals and how best to achieve them.
Contact Details:
nathan@homefree.com.au
t: 03 9753 5208
m: 0409 316 161
Nathan Xenophontos is a credit representative (Credit Representative Number: 399302) of BLSSA Pty Ltd ACN 117 651 760 (Australian Credit License Number. 391237) | Corporate Credit Representative Number: 397638
View LinkedIn Profile
Amanda Plenty - Loans Processor
Mandi brings a wealth of experience to her role as Loans Processor, with over 12 years’ experience in the property and finance industry and a Certificate in Mortgage Broking.
Mandi brought her skills and experience as a Senior Loan Officer to Homefree Mortgages in 2021. Her bright and bubbly personality, paired with her in-depth industry knowledge and experience, makes her a pleasure to work with for both clients and colleagues alike.
In her spare time, Mandi enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, travelling and supporting her favourite footy team, the Saints.
Contact Details:
loans@homefree.com.au
t: 03 9753 5208
Lauren Henderson - Loans Assistant & Adminstrator
Lauren is the dedicated Loans Assistant and Administrator at Homefree Mortgages, playing a key role in supporting clients throughout the loan application process.
With a strong focus on efficiency and client satisfaction, she assists clients directly with their applications, processes loans, and provides crucial administrative support to ensure every step runs smoothly.
Lauren holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and brings over 11 years of experience in administrative roles across a variety of sectors. Her passion for organisation, efficiency, and process management ensures a prompt, friendly, and professional experience for every client.
When she’s not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her creative young daughter, diving into Tudor history, and getting lost in a good book.
Contact Details:
admin@homefree.com.au
t:03 9753 5208
Our Panel of Lenders
AMP
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Angle Finance
Visit Angle Finance
ANZ
Visit ANZ
Assetline Capital
Visit Assetline Capital
Athena Home Loans
Visit Athena Home Loans
Australian First Mortgage
Banjo Loans
Visit Banjo Loans
Bank of China
visit Bank of China
Bank of Melbourne
Bank of Queensland
Visit Bank of Queensland
Bankfirst
Visit Bank First
Bankwest
Bendigo Bank
Visit Bendigo Bank
Better Choice
Visit Better Choice
Beyond Bank
Bluestone
Visit Bluestone Mortgages
bridgit
visit Bridget
Capital Finance
Visit Capital Finance
Citibank
Link for Citibank
Commonwealth Bank
Visit Commonwealth Bank
Deposit Power
Visit Deposit Power
FASTLend
Link for FASTLend
Firstmac
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granite
Visit Granite
Heartland Reverse Mortgages
Visit Heartland
Heritage Bank
Visit Heritage Bank
Homeside
Visit Homeside
Imb
Visit IMB Bank
Homeloans
Visit Homeloans
Heritage Building Society
Visit Heritage Building Society
ING
Visit ING
Judo Bank
Visit Judo Bank
La Trobe Financial
Visit La Trobe financial
Liberty Financial
Visit Liberty Financial
Macquarie
Visit Macquarie
ME Bank
Visit ME Bank
Metro Finance
Visit Metro Finance
Moneytech
Visit Moneytech
Mortgage Ezy
visit Mortgage Ezy
Mortgage Mart
Link for Mortgage Mart
Moula
Visit Moula
MyState
Link for MyState
NAB
Link for NAB
On Deck
Visit On Deck
Paramount
Link for Paramount
Pepper
Link for Pepper
Pepper Money
Link for Pepper Money
Prospa
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Red Zed
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Resimac
Visit Resimac
Scottish Pacific
Visit Scottish Pacific Business Finance
Shift
Visit Shift
St. George
Link for St. George
Suncorp
Link for Suncorp
Thinktank
Link for Thinktank
Teachers Mutual
Visit Teachers Mutual
The Rock
Link for The Rock
Ubank
Visit ubank
Virgin Money
Link for Virgin Money
Westpac
Link for Westpac
Wisr
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Contact Us
Phone: 03 9753 5208
Email admin@homefree.com.au
Office Address:
Suite 209
Waterman Caribbean Park
44 Lakeview Drive
Scoresby VIC 3179
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Privacy Policy
Respecting your privacy
We respect your personal information, and this Privacy Policy explains how we handle it. The policy covers Homefree Mortgages.
This Policy also includes our credit reporting policy, that is, it covers additional information on how we manage your personal information collected in connection with a credit application, or a credit facility. We refer to this credit-related information below as credit information.
What personal information do we collect and hold?
General information
The types of information that we collect and hold about you could include:
•ID information such as your name, postal or email address, telephone numbers, and date of birth;
•other contact details such as social media handles;
•financial details such as your tax file number; and
•other information we think is necessary.
When the law authorises or requires us to collect information
We may collect information about you because we are required or authorised by law to collect it. There are laws which require us to collect personal information. For example, we require personal information to verify your identity under Australian Anti-Money Laundering law.
What do we collect via your website activity?
If you’re an internet customer of ours, we monitor your use of internet services to ensure we can verify you and can receive information from us, and to identify ways we can improve our services for you.
If you start but don’t submit an on-line application, we can contact you using any of the contact details you’ve supplied to offer help completing it. The information in applications will be kept temporarily then destroyed if the application is not completed.
We also know that some customers like to engage with us through social media channels. We may collect information about you when you interact with us through these channels. However, for all confidential matters, we’ll ensure we interact with you via a secure forum.
To improve our services and products, we sometimes collect de-identified information from web users. That information could include IP addresses or geographical information to ensure your use of our web applications is secure.
How do we collect your personal information?
How we collect and hold your information
Unless it’s unreasonable or impracticable, we will try to collect personal information directly from you (referred to as ‘solicited information’). For this reason, it’s important that you help us to do this and keep your contact details up-to-date.
There are a number of ways in which we may seek information from you. We might collect your information when you fill out a form with us, when you’ve given us a call or used our website. We also find using electronic means, such as email or SMS, a convenient way to communicate with you and to verify your details[1].
How we collect your information from other sources
Sometimes, we will collect information about you from other sources as the Privacy Act 1988 permits. We will do this only if it’s reasonably necessary to do so, for example, where:
•we collect information from third parties about the loan or lease made available to you arising out of the services we provide you;
•we can’t get hold of you and we rely on public information (for example, from public registers or social media or made available by third parties) to update your contact details; or
•we exchange information with your legal or financial advisers or other representatives.
What if you don’t want to provide us with your personal information?
If you don’t provide your information to us, it may not be possible:
•for us to give you the credit assistance you seek from us;
•to assist in finding a loan or lease relevant to your circumstances;
•verify your identity or protect against fraud; or
•to let you know about other products or services that might be suitable for your financial needs.
How we collect and hold your credit information
We will collect your credit information in the course of you answering the enquiries we make of you relating to the credit assistance you seek from us. In addition to what we say above about collecting information from other sources, other main sources for collecting credit information are:
•your co-loan applicants or co-borrowers;
•your guarantors/proposed guarantors;
•your employer, accountant, real estate agent or other referees;
•your agents and other representatives like the person who referred your business to us, your solicitors, conveyancers and settlement agents;
•organisations that help us to process credit applications;
•organisations that check the security you are offering such as valuers;
•bodies that issue identification documents to help us check your identity; and
•our service providers involved in helping us to process any application you make for credit through us.
What do we do when we get information we didn’t ask for?
Sometimes, people share information with us we haven’t sought out (referred to as ‘unsolicited information’). Where we receive unsolicited personal information about you, we will check whether that information is reasonably necessary for our functions or activities. If it is, we’ll handle this information the same way we do with other information we seek from you. If not, we’ll ensure we do the right thing and destroy or de-identify it.
When will we notify you that we have received your information?
When we receive personal information from you directly, we’ll take reasonable steps to notify you how and why we collected your information, who we may disclose it to and outline how you can access it, seek correction of it or make a complaint.
Sometimes we collect your personal information from third parties. You may not be aware that we have done so. If we collect information that can be used to identify you, we will take reasonable steps to notify you of that collection.
How do we take care of your personal information?
We store information in different ways, including in paper and electronic form. The security of your personal information is important to us and we take reasonable steps to protect it from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Some of the ways we do this are:
•document storage security policies; •security measures for access to our systems; and •only giving access to personal information to a person who is verified to be able to receive that information.
We may store personal information physically or electronically with third party data storage providers. Where we do this, we use contractual arrangements to ensure those providers take appropriate measures to protect that information and restrict the uses to which they can put that information.
What happens when we no longer need your information?
We’ll only keep your information for as long as we require it for our purposes. We may be required to keep some of your information for certain periods of time under law. When we no longer require your information, we’ll ensure that your information is destroyed or de-identified.
How we use your personal information
What are the main reasons we collect, hold and use your information?
Collecting your personal information allows us to provide you with the products and services you’ve asked for. This means we can use your information to:
•give you credit assistance; •give you information about loan products or related services including help, guidance and advice; •consider whether you are eligible for a loan or lease or any related service you requested including identifying or verifying you or your authority to act on behalf of a customer; •assist you to prepare an application for a lease or a loan; •administer services we provide, for example, to answer requests or deal with complaints; and •administer payments we receive, or any payments we make, relating to your loan or lease.
Can we use your information for marketing our products and services?
We may use or disclose your personal information to let you know about other products or services we or a third party make available and that may be of interest to you.
We will always let you know that you can opt out from receiving marketing offers.
With your consent, we may disclose your personal information to third parties for the purpose of connecting you with other businesses or customers. You can ask us not to do this at any time. We won’t sell your personal information to any organisation.
Yes, You Can Opt-Out
You can let us know at any time if you no longer wish to receive direct marketing offers from us. We will process your request as soon as practicable.
What are the other ways we use your information?
We’ve just told you some of the main reasons why we collect your information, so here’s some more insight into the ways we use your personal information including:
•telling you about other products or services we make available and that may be of interest to you, unless you tell us not to;
•identifying opportunities to improve our service to you and improving our service to you;
•allowing us to run our business efficiently and perform general administrative tasks;
•preventing any fraud or crime or any suspected fraud or crime;
•as required by law, regulation or codes binding us; and
•any purpose to which you have consented.
How long do you keep your information?
We are required to keep some of your information for certain periods of time under law, such as the Corporations Act, the Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, and the Financial Transaction Reports Act.
We are required to keep your information for 7 years from the closure of accounts, or otherwise as required for our business operations or by applicable laws.
We may need to retain certain personal information after we cease providing you with products or services to enforce our terms, for fraud prevention, to identify, issue or resolve legal claims and/or for proper record keeping.
Who do we share your personal information with?
To make sure we can meet your specific needs and for the purposes described in ‘How we use your personal information’, we sometimes need to share your personal information with others. We may share your information with other organisations for any purposes for which we use your information.
Sharing Your Information
We may use and share your information with other organisations for any purpose described above.
Sharing with your representatives and referees
We may share your information with:
•your representative or any person acting on your behalf (for example, lawyers, settlement agents, accountants or real estate agents); and
•your referees, like your employer, to confirm details about you.
Sharing with third parties
We may share your information with third parties in relation to services we provide to you. Those third parties may include:
•the mortgage aggregator through whom we may submit loan or lease applications to lenders or lessors on the mortgage aggregator’s panel;
•the Australian Credit Licence holder that authorises us to engage in credit activities;
•referrers that referred your business to us;
•valuers;
•lenders, lessors, lender’s mortgage insurers and other loan or lease intermediaries;
•organisations, like fraud reporting agencies, that may identify, investigate and/or prevent fraud, suspected fraud, crimes, suspected crimes, or other misconduct;
•government or regulatory bodies (including ASIC and the Australian Taxation Office) as required or authorised by law. In some instances, these bodies may share the information with relevant foreign authorities;
•guarantors and prospective guarantors of your loan or lease;
•service providers, agents, contractors and advisers that assist us to conduct our business for purposes including, without limitation, storing or analysing information;
•any organisation that wishes to take an interest in our business or assets; and
•any third party to which you consent to us sharing your information.
Sharing outside of Australia
We may use overseas organisations to help conduct our business. As a result, we may need to share some of your information (including credit information) with such organisations outside Australia.
We may store your information in cloud or other types of networked or electronic storage. As electronic or networked storage can be accessed from various countries via an internet connection, it’s not always practicable to know in which country your information may be held. If your information is stored in this way, disclosures may occur in countries other than those listed.
Overseas organisations may be required to disclose information we share with them under a foreign law. In those instances, we will not be responsible for that disclosure.
Where we transfer your information from the EEA’ to a recipient outside the EEA we will ensure that an adequate level of protection is in place to protect your personal information such as putting in place contractual protections to ensure the security of your information.
How do you access your personal information?
How you can generally access your information
We‘ll always give you access to your personal information unless there are certain legal reasons why we can’t. You can ask us in writing to access your personal information that we hold. In some cases we may be able to deal with your request over the phone.
We will give you access to your information in the form you want it where it’s reasonable and practical. We may charge you a small fee to cover our costs when giving you access, but we’ll always check with you first.
We’re not always required to give you access to your personal information. Some of the situations where we don’t have to give you access include when:
•we believe there is a threat to life or public safety; •there is an unreasonable impact on other individuals; •the request is frivolous; •the information wouldn’t be ordinarily accessible because of legal proceedings; •it would prejudice negotiations with you; •it would be unlawful; •it would jeopardise taking action against serious misconduct by you; •it would be likely to harm the activities of an enforcement body (e.g. the police); or •it would harm the confidentiality of our commercial information.
If we can’t provide your information in the way you’ve requested, we will tell you why in writing. If you have concerns, you can complain. See ‘Contact Us’.
How do you correct your personal information?
How we correct your information
Contact us if you think there is something wrong with the information we hold about you and we’ll try to correct it if it’s:
•inaccurate; •out‑of‑date; •incomplete; •irrelevant; or •misleading.
If you are worried that we have given incorrect information to others, you can ask us to tell them about the correction. We’ll try and help where we can - if we can’t, then we’ll let you know in writing.
What additional things do we have to do to correct your credit information?
If you ask us to correct credit information, we will help you with this in the following way.
Helping you manage corrections
Whether we made the mistake or someone else made it, we are required to help you ask for the information to be corrected. So we can do this, we might need to talk to others. However, the most efficient way for you to make a correction request is to send it to the organisation which made the mistake.
Where we correct information
If we’re able to correct the information, we’ll let you know within five business days of deciding to do this. We’ll also let the relevant third parties know as well as any others you tell us about. If there are any instances where we can’t do this, then we’ll let you know in writing.
Where we can’t correct information
If we’re unable to correct your information, we’ll explain why in writing within five business days of making this decision. If you have any concerns, you can access our external dispute resolution scheme or make a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Time frame for correcting information
If we agree to correct your information, we’ll do so within 30 days from when you asked us, or a longer period that’s been agreed by you.If we can’t make corrections within a 30 day time frame or the agreed time frame, we must:
•let you know about the delay, the reasons for it and when we expect to resolve the matter;
•ask you to agree in writing to give us more time; and
•let you know you can complain to our external dispute resolution scheme or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
How do you make a complaint?
How do you generally make a complaint?
If you have a complaint about how we handle your personal information, we want to hear from you. You are always welcome to contact us.
You can contact us by using the details below
Nathan Xenophontos
03 9753 5208
nathan@homefree.com.au
We are committed to resolving your complaint and doing the right thing by our customers. Most complaints are resolved quickly, and you should hear from us within five business days.
Need more help?
If you still feel your issue hasn't been resolved to your satisfaction, then you can raise your concern with the:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner:
•Online: www.oaic.gov.au/privacy•Phone: 1300 363 992•Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au•Mail: GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 or GPO Box 2999 Canberra ACT 2601
Australian Financial Complaints Authority
•Online: www.afca.org.au•Phone: 1800 931 678•Email: info@afca.org.au•Mail: GPO Box 3 Melbourne VIC 3001
What additional things do we have to do to manage your complaints about credit information?
If your complaint relates to how we handled your access and correction requests
You may take your complaint directly to our external dispute resolution scheme or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. You are not required to let us try to fix it first.
For all other complaints relating to credit information
If you make a complaint about things (other than an access request or correction request) in relation to your credit information, we will let you know how we will deal with it within seven days.
Ask for more time if we can’t fix things in 30 days
If we can’t fix things within 30 days, we’ll let you know why and how long we think it will take. We will also ask you for an extension of time to fix the matter. If you have any concerns, you may complain to our external dispute resolution scheme or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Letting you know about our decision
We’ll let you know about our decision within 30 days or any longer agreed time frame. If you have any concerns, you may complain to our external dispute resolution scheme or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Contact Us
We care about your privacy. Please contact us if you have any questions or comments about our privacy policies and procedures. We welcome your feedback.
You can contact us by using the details below:
Nathan Xenophontos
03 9753 5208
nathan@homefree.com.au
What if you want to interact with us anonymously or use a pseudonym?
If you have general enquiry type questions, you can choose to do this anonymously or use a pseudonym. We might not always be able to interact with you this way, however, as we are often governed by regulations that require us to know who we’re dealing with. In general, we won’t be able to deal with you anonymously or where you are using a pseudonym when:
•it is impracticable;•or· we are required or authorised by law or a court/tribunal order to deal with you personally.
What do we do with government-related identifiers?
In certain circumstances we may be required to collect government-related identifiers such as your tax file number. We will not use or disclose this information unless we are authorised by law.
Changes to this Privacy Policy
This Policy may change. We will let you know of any changes to this Policy by posting a notification on our website.
[1] However we’ll never ask you for your security details in this way – if you are ever unsure, just contact us