Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about loans, rates, and our service

General Questions

How does Esteb and Co work?

We use technology to compare 20+ lenders and match you with the best options for your situation. You complete a 2-minute assessment, our algorithm analyzes your profile, and you instantly see which lenders are likely to approve you and at what rates. It's completely free for you - we're paid by lenders when loans settle.

Is your service really free?

Yes, 100% free for borrowers. We earn a commission from lenders when your loan settles, similar to traditional brokers. This doesn't affect your interest rate or loan terms - lenders pay us, not you.

How is Esteb and Co different from other brokers?

We're technology-first. Our matching algorithm analyzes your profile against 20+ lenders instantly, calculates your match confidence score, approval probability, and personalized rate - all in 2 minutes. Traditional brokers take days to do manually what our algorithm does in seconds.

What loan types do you offer?

We compare lenders for: Home loans (first home buyer, refinance, investment), Car loans (new/used), Business loans (working capital, equipment), Personal loans (debt consolidation, renovations), and specialty loans (securities lending, private lending).

Application Process

How long does the assessment take?

Our quick assessment takes just 2 minutes. You'll see your matched lenders instantly. If you want to proceed with an application, gathering documents and submitting typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on your situation.

What documents do I need?

For PAYG employees: Payslips (last 3 months), bank statements (3-6 months), ID (driver's license/passport), proof of address. For self-employed: Tax returns (2 years), financial statements, BAS statements, bank statements (6 months). We'll tell you exactly what you need after your assessment.

How long does approval take?

Pre-approval: 2-5 business days. Full approval: 1-3 weeks. Settlement: 4-8 weeks total. Timeline varies by lender - some online lenders are faster than big banks.

Can I apply to multiple lenders at once?

We recommend applying to 2-3 lenders from your matches. Applying to too many can negatively impact your credit score. Our algorithm shows you which lenders are most likely to approve you, so you can be strategic rather than applying everywhere.

Will this affect my credit score?

Our initial assessment has zero impact on your credit score - it's completely soft. When you submit a formal application to a lender, that creates a credit enquiry. We minimize this by showing you lenders likely to approve you before you apply.

Rates & Fees

What's the difference between interest rate and comparison rate?

Interest rate is what you pay on the loan. Comparison rate includes the interest rate plus most fees (application, monthly, annual), giving you a better picture of the true cost. Always compare comparison rates when evaluating lenders.

Why is my rate different from the advertised rate?

Advertised rates are usually "from" rates for ideal borrowers (low LVR, high credit score, large loan). Your actual rate depends on your LVR, loan amount, credit score, employment type, and loan purpose. Our system shows you YOUR personalized rate, not just advertised rates.

Should I choose fixed or variable?

Variable rates offer flexibility (offset accounts, extra repayments, no break costs) but can rise. Fixed rates provide certainty but less flexibility and have break costs if you exit early. Many borrowers split 50/50 to get benefits of both. We can help you compare both options for your situation.

What fees should I expect?

Common fees: Application fee ($0-$600), monthly account fee ($0-$15), annual package fee ($0-$395), valuation fee ($0-$300), settlement fee ($200-$800). Many lenders waive some fees during promotions. We show you total costs, not just rates.

What is LMI and can I avoid it?

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) protects the lender if you have less than 20% deposit (LVR >80%). It can cost $10,000-$30,000+ depending on loan size. Ways to avoid: Save 20% deposit, use family guarantor, qualify for First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI), or choose a lender with lower LMI thresholds.

Approval & Eligibility

How much can I borrow?

Rough guide: 5-6x your annual income, but depends on expenses, debts, and lender. Use our assessment tool for a personalized estimate based on your actual income and commitments. We'll show you borrowing power across multiple lenders.

Can I get a loan with bad credit?

Yes, but options are limited and rates higher. Minor credit issues: Major banks may still approve. Defaults/missed payments: Specialist lenders (Pepper, Liberty, Bluestone). Bankruptcy: Usually need to wait 2-3 years. Our system shows you lenders who accept your credit profile.

Can self-employed people get home loans?

Absolutely. You'll need 2 years of tax returns and financial statements. Some lenders (NAB, Liberty) specialize in self-employed borrowers. Interest rates are usually the same as PAYG if you have strong financials. Low-doc options available for those with complex income (higher rates apply).

What income do lenders consider?

PAYG salary: Base salary (100%), bonuses/commission (50-80% if consistent 2+ years). Self-employed: Taxable income from tax returns (usually average of 2 years). Rental income: 75-80% of gross rent. Other: Child support, government benefits (often 100%). We calculate your total eligible income in our assessment.

Why was my application declined?

Common reasons: Insufficient income, too much debt (high DTI), poor credit history, insufficient deposit, unstable employment, property valuation too low, or inaccurate information. If declined, we can show you alternative lenders or help improve your application.

About Esteb and Co

Are you licensed and regulated?

Yes. We operate under Australian Credit License and comply with all NCCP (National Consumer Credit Protection) regulations. We're members of industry bodies and follow the Broker Code of Conduct. See our Credit Guide for full details.

Which lenders do you work with?

We compare 20+ lenders including: Big 4 banks (CBA, Westpac, NAB, ANZ), major banks (Macquarie, BOQ, Bendigo), online lenders (ING, UBank, Athena), and specialist lenders (Pepper, Liberty, Bluestone). Full panel list available on request.

How do you protect my information?

Your data is encrypted (SSL/TLS), stored on secure Australian servers, and we never sell your information. We only share data with lenders you choose to apply with. See our Privacy Policy for full details on data handling.

Can I speak to a human?

Yes! While our platform is digital-first, you can contact us via phone, email, or live chat if you need help. Complex situations often benefit from speaking with our team. Contact us anytime.

What if I'm not happy with the service?

We have an internal dispute resolution process. If we can't resolve your complaint within 30 days, you can escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) - a free, independent service. See our Terms & Conditions for the full process.

Still Have Questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly or start your assessment - we'll answer any questions during the process.