If you’re looking to buy your dream home or an investment property, in this video I break down the exact six questions a mortgage broker will ask to work out whether you can qualify for a loan. I’ve been through four property purchases myself, I’ve used a broker, and I’ve just completed my mortgage broking qualifications—so I’m sharing the practical stuff that actually impacts your borrowing capacity in Australia. First, I explain my “16% rule”: before you even speak to a broker or bank, aim to have ~16% of the purchase price saved (typically 10% deposit + stamp duty + legal fees). If you’re doing a 20% deposit, you’ll need closer to 26%. Then I cover income requirements (PAYG payslips, casual vs full-time), how extra income like side hustles, rent, or dividends can boost your borrowing power, and what changes if you’re self-employed (tax returns vs director wages in some cases). Finally, I debunk two big myths: you don’t need a credit card for “credit history” in Australia, and HECS/HELP absolutely can reduce borrowing capacity. I also talk through why car loans and personal loans matter, and how cleaning up liabilities can set you up for a smoother approval with fewer surprises.