FAQs

  • We believe in complete transparency regarding our fee structure. Our approach varies across different finance types, reflecting the complexity and work involved:

    Residential Loans:

    • Standard Residential Mortgages: Generally no fee charged to clients

      • We receive commission from the lender upon settlement

      • This lender commission covers our service costs

      • No hidden charges or additional fees

      • Commission details disclosed in loan documentation

    • Complex Residential Cases: May occasionally involve fees

      • Highly complicated scenarios with extensive work

      • Multiple property transactions

      • Unusual security arrangements

      • Limited lender commission situations

      • Always discussed and agreed upfront before proceeding

    Commercial Loans:

    • Standard Commercial Property Loans: May involve broker fees

      • Reflects additional complexity over residential lending

      • Based on loan size and structure complexity

      • Typically 0.5%-1% of loan amount

      • Often can be capitalised into the loan amount

      • Fully disclosed and agreed before application submission

    • Specialised Commercial Facilities: Fee structures vary

      • Development finance arrangements

      • Complex security structures

      • Multi-property portfolios

      • SMSF lending

      • Based on work involved rather than percentage

    Equipment Finance:

    • Standard Equipment Finance: Generally no direct fee

      • Commission received from lender

      • Covers straightforward equipment purchases

      • Most vehicle and machinery finance

    • Complex or Specialised Equipment: May involve fees

      • Multiple asset packages

      • Specialised or unusual equipment

      • International purchases

      • Low-doc or limited financial information scenarios

      • Always discussed before proceeding

    We provide a clear outline of any applicable fees during initial consultations, ensuring you have complete understanding of costs before proceeding with any application. Our priority is delivering value that significantly exceeds any fees charged, through superior finance structures, interest savings, and strategic advice.

  • We've streamlined the lending journey to make it hassle-free while ensuring no detail is overlooked:

    1. Initial Consultation

      • In-depth discussion about your immediate and long-term goals

      • Comprehensive review of your current financial position

      • Clear explanation of suitable lending options

      • Transparent outline of next steps

    2. Strategy Development

      • Thorough analysis of your financial situation

      • Extensive research across our diverse lender panel

      • Development of tailored lending solutions to match your specific needs

      • Presentation of options with clear, side-by-side comparisons

    3. Application and Submission

      • Efficient collection and verification of required documents

      • Meticulous preparation of application materials

      • Strategic submission to selected lenders

      • Proactive management of all lender queries

    4. Settlement Coordination

      • Seamless liaison with all parties (solicitors, accountants, etc.)

      • Detailed review of loan documents

      • Precise coordination of settlement timing

      • Comprehensive final checks and verifications

    5. Ongoing Support

      • Regular lending reviews to ensure you always have the right solution

      • Timely market updates on interest rates and lending trends

      • Identification of refinance opportunities when beneficial

      • Continued relationship management for future lending needsescription text goes here

  • Approval timeframes vary across different finance types, reflecting the complexity of assessment and documentation required. We prioritise efficiency without compromising thorough evaluation of each application:

    Residential Loans:

    • Pre-approval: Typically 1-2 business days

      • Basic serviceability assessment

      • Preliminary credit evaluation

      • Initial property eligibility confirmation

    • Full approval: Generally 5-10 business days

      • Comprehensive income verification

      • Detailed credit assessment

      • Formal property valuation

      • Lender-specific requirements

    • Settlement: Usually 21-28 days from full approval

      • Document preparation and signing

      • Lender settlement department processing

      • Liaison with solicitors/conveyancers

      • Final verification and funds transfer

    Commercial Loans:

    • Initial assessment: Typically 2-3 business days

      • Preliminary serviceability evaluation

      • High-level property and tenant assessment

      • Indication of terms and conditions

    • Full approval: Generally 10-15 business days

      • Detailed business financial analysis

      • Comprehensive property and lease evaluation

      • Formal valuation and tenant assessment

      • Lender credit committee consideration

    • Settlement: Usually 30-45 days from approval

      • Complex documentation preparation

      • Entity structure verification

      • Security registration

      • Multi-party coordination

    Equipment Finance:

    • Simple approval: Often same day

      • Standard equipment under $150,000

      • Established businesses with clean credit

      • Complete documentation provided upfront

    • Standard approval: Typically 2-3 business days

      • Most business equipment finance

      • Comprehensive lender assessment

      • Receipt of all supporting documentation

    • Settlement: Generally 1-2 days after approval

      • Equipment verification

      • Insurance confirmation

      • Final documentation execution

    We actively manage applications through each stage, maintaining regular communication with lenders to address any queries promptly. Our proactive approach often achieves faster outcomes than industry averages, particularly for well-prepared applications with complete documentation.

    If your finance needs are time-sensitive, we'll prioritise accordingly, selecting lenders with appropriate turnaround capabilities and expediting the application process wherever possible.

  • At SB Lending Group & Podium Money, we're not just transaction-focused—we're relationship-driven. We take pride in being your trusted partner for the long haul, delivering tailored lending solutions that propel your financial goals to the next level. Our extensive network of lenders and commitment to going above and beyond means we can often secure solutions where others can't.

    Our point of difference includes:

    • Deep relationships with over 60 lenders across Australia

    • Specialised expertise across residential, commercial, and equipment finance

    • A dedicated team that stays with you throughout your entire journey

    • Creative problem-solving approach for even the most complex lending situations

    • Ongoing support and regular review of your lending arrangements

    • Timely market updates and valuable financial insights

  • While we'll guide you through exactly what's needed for your specific situation, it's helpful to have the following ready:

    Basic Information:

    • Personal identification (driver's licence, passport)

    • Income evidence (recent pay slips, employment contracts)

    • Asset details (property, investments, vehicles)

    • Liability information (existing loans, credit cards)

    • Property details if applicable (for purchase or refinance)

    Financial Documents:

    • Recent pay slips or comprehensive business financials

    • Latest tax returns and notices of assessment

    • Last 3-6 months of bank statements

    • Current superannuation details

    • Investment portfolio information

    • Credit card and existing loan statements

  • Our relationship continues well beyond settlement. We provide comprehensive ongoing support throughout your entire lending journey:

    Regular Lending Reviews:

    • Annual Loan Health Checks: Systematic review of your lending position

      • Interest rate competitiveness assessment

      • Fee structure evaluation

      • Feature suitability for current needs

      • Equity position analysis

      • Identification of potential savings or improvements

    • Market Updates: Timely information on relevant changes

      • Interest rate movements and trends

      • Lender policy adjustments

      • New product offerings

      • Economic factors affecting lending

      • Regulatory changes impacting borrowers

    • Structure Assessment: Ensuring your lending remains optimally structured

      • Review of fixed/variable ratio appropriateness

      • Evaluation of loan feature utilisation

      • Assessment of current debt structure efficiency

      • Consideration of changed circumstances

      • Refinance opportunities when beneficial

    • Capacity Analysis: Regular review of your borrowing position

      • Updated equity position calculations

      • Servicing capacity reassessments

      • Portfolio growth opportunity identification

      • Risk management evaluation

      • Succession planning considerations

    Ongoing Practical Support:

    • Query Handling: Responsive assistance with any lending questions

      • Rate queries and negotiations

      • Statement and account explanations

      • Feature activation support

      • Online banking assistance

      • Document interpretation

    • Lender Liaison: Acting as your advocate with financial institutions

      • Interest rate reviews and discount negotiations

      • Fee waiver requests

      • Dispute resolution and issue management

      • Policy exception applications

      • Relationship management between you and lenders

    • Documentation Assistance: Help with ongoing paperwork needs

      • Annual review requirements

      • Security adjustment documentation

      • Statement and transaction history requests

      • Loan variation applications

      • Consent and authority management

    • Financial Guidance: Broader support beyond immediate lending

      • Refinance timing recommendations

      • Equity access strategies

      • Investment opportunity assessment

      • Succession planning input

      • Referrals to specialist advisors when needed

    Our commitment is to serve as your long-term finance partner, providing proactive support and regular communication to ensure your lending arrangements continue to serve your evolving needs. This relationship-focused approach has resulted in enduring client partnerships spanning decades, supporting multiple generations of financial success.