After a very difficult 2020 where many people lost their jobs, were furloughed or simply had their hours reduced, many home owners have been under increased worry and stress. If you are concerned about servicing your loan, reach out to Astute St Leonards for help.
As Australians everywhere take a close look at their financial circumstances and consider what could happen in 2021, mortgage brokers like Astute St Leonards stand ready to lend a helping hand.
Whether experiencing financial hardship through job loss, a reduction in work hours, or business disruption, an increasing number of Australians may be struggling to balance their books as a result of the Coronavirus, and in many cases are wondering how they will continue to pay the bills.
Difficulty with Repayments
According to research conducted by Finder last year, about one in five mortgage borrowers, or about two million Australian households, were struggling to make repayments, despite record low interest rates. With the challenging circumstances that have emerged since – despite lockdowns and restrictions easing, it is anticipated that these pressures will only increase this year forcing more people to require financial assistance.
Financial Relief Strategies
In this difficult time lenders responded by announcing financial relief strategies to deal with the initial income loss and many have kept these in place as State Governments bounce between lockdown and freedom. In an official Australian Banking Association (ABA) statement, CEO Anna Bligh said, “Banks stand ready to support customers and if anyone is in need of assistance, they shouldn’t wait but come forward as soon as possible”.
Different lenders have different assistance options. These may include waiving fees on early term deposit withdrawals, interest rate freezes on loans, options to defer or restructure home loan repayments and emergency credit card limit increases. Above all, with record low interest rates, a simple refinance may be a great option.
It is important to remember that mortgage brokers have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to assist people experiencing or expecting to have trouble paying their home loans as a result of changing circumstances. In times like these, the importance of mortgage brokers in assisting customers with hardship and facilitating access to credit cannot be overstated. For many Australians – particularly those in rural or regional areas – brokers may represent the only source of assistance.
Expertise of Brokers is of Critical Support
Brokers’ expertise in helping customers navigate the complex home lending market – and their intimate understanding of their customers’ personal circumstances – means they are uniquely positioned to provide critical support for people when discussing hardship and available options with lenders.
If you are concerned about servicing your loan, need further guidance on hardship assistance, or have other questions about your loan arrangements, give Astute St Leonards a call on 02 8912 2139. We are hear to help!
