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Writer's pictureJared Mullane

5 of the best mortgage brokers in Cairns

Updated: Aug 12

We’ve compiled a list of five of the best mortgage brokers in Cairns. Our guide covers each broking firm’s services, awards, contact details and more. Plus, we provide insights on how to choose the right Cairns mortgage broker and the key questions you should be asking them.


Who are the best mortgage brokers in Cairns?

A mortgage broker outlinng the features of a home loan to clients in an office

Here are our top 5 picks for mortgage brokers in Cairns:

1. Astute Cairns

Previously known as Cairns Home Loans, Astute Cairns is part of the award-winning Astute North Queensland group, offering a wide range of financial services to the region. Astute Cairns has a team of skilled mortgage brokers and finance specialists, with not only a local presence, but also servicing Atherton, Ayr, Barron River and Port Douglas. In addition to home loans, Astute Cairns offers assistance with commercial and business lending as well as equipment finance, personal loans, insurance and superannuation.  


Specialises in:



Lender panel: 30+ lenders


Years in operation: 20+ years


Awards & recognition: (nominated to the wider Astute North Queensland group)


  • Astute Recognising Excellence Awards 2012, 2015-17, 2021 - Champion Broker of the Year

  • Astute Recognising Excellence Awards 2011, 2013-20 - Business Operator of the Year

  • Australian Mortgage Awards 2011, 2013 - Brokerage of the Year


Google review rating: 4.9 stars (based on 96 reviews)


Contact:



Business hours: Mon-Fri, 8am - 5pm


Onsite/online appointments: Yes

2. Green Finance Group - Karen Donato

Green Finance Group’s Karen Donato has been a broker for more than 10 years, stating she knows what it takes to make the loan process as ‘hassle-free as possible’. With access to a wide range of lenders, Green Finance Group can help you find a competitive rate and loan term suitable to your circumstances. Based in Cairns, Karen is part of the renowned Green Finance Group, which boasts over 130 industry awards and has finance brokers in Brisbane and Rockhampton.  


Specialises in:



Lender panel: 60+ lenders


Years in operation: 10+ years


Awards & recognition: (nominated to the wider Green Finance Group)


  • The Adviser Top 25 Brokerages 2023

  • The Adviser Australian Broking Awards Finalist 2023

  • Mortgage Professional Australia 2023 Top Brokerages 


Google review rating: 5 stars (based on 67 reviews)


Contact:



Business hours: 


  • Mon-Thurs, 9am - 4:30pm

  • Fri, 8am - 12pm 


Onsite/online appointments: Yes

3. Fairway Lending Solutions

Phil Collins is the Director at Fairway Lending Solutions, running a tight-knit team of mortgage professionals who can assist with a variety of loans. Fairway Lending Solutions prides itself on delivering outstanding customer service and support throughout the homebuying process. With access to dozens of lenders, Fairway Lending Solutions says its brokers will ‘work closely with you to find the perfect solution for your specific needs’.   


Specialises in:


  • First home buyer loans

  • Next home loans

  • Refinancing 

  • Investment loans

  • Pre-approval


Lender panel: 60+ lenders


Years in operation: 8+ years


Awards & recognition: None listed


Google review rating: 5 stars (based on 73 reviews)


Contact:



Business hours: Mon-Fri, 8am - 5pm


Onsite/online appointments: Yes

4. Mortgage Australia - Nick Barr

Mortgage Australia’s Nick Barr is a Cairns finance broker who can assist with all your lending needs. Whether you’re buying your first property, refinancing your existing mortgage or investing, Nick Barr says he’s with his clients from start to finish, ensuring the whole process runs smoothly. According to Mortgage Australia, Nick will meet you at a time and place that suits, including day, night or weekend.   


Specialises in: 



Lender panel: 40+ lenders


Years in operation: 20+ years


Awards & recognition: 


  • AFG Broker Awards Winner - AFG National Champion Broker Group Australia


Google review rating: 5 stars (based on 76 reviews)


Contact:



Business hours:


  • Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 9pm

  • Sat, 9am - 12pm


Onsite/online appointments: Yes

5. Eakins Finance & Insurance

Lauren Eakins is the Principal Broker at Eakins Finance & Insurance, an expert team that can help secure some of the best home loans for Cairns property buyers. With a team of mortgage brokers in Melbourne too, Eakins Finance & Insurance has established strong relationships with dozens of Australian lenders, including the big banks, to negotiate favourable deals for its clients. Lauren says her team will ‘support you by understanding your needs, providing local property market advice and managing your loan process from start to finish’.


Specialises in:


  • First home buyer loans

  • Refinancing

  • Loans for farms

  • Loans for medical professionals

  • Loans for Visa holders


Lender panel: No details listed


Years in operation: 7+ years


Awards & recognition: None listed


Google review rating: 5 stars (based on 69 reviews)


Contact:



Business hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am - 5pm


Onsite/online appointments: Yes


How to find a good mortgage broker in Cairns

To find a top mortgage broker in Cairns, consider these key factors:


  • Experience: Seek brokers with a proven track record and deep knowledge of the local market. Seasoned brokers can cut through the confusion of mortgage lending to find deals tailored to your needs and financial goals.

  • Customised service: Select a broker who can provide a personalised service that aligns with your circumstances. A broker who understands your overall position can deliver exceptional advice and recommend more suitable loan options.

  • Transparency is key: The majority of mortgage brokers earn commissions from lenders, but some may charge a fee for their services. Ensure you know how your broker is paid so you can avoid any surprises. 

  • Communication: Give preference to brokers who uphold open, honest and transparent communication throughout the entire lending process. Effective communication ensures you are well-informed to make confident decisions. 

  • Client testimonials: Check client reviews to assess the broker's reputation. Positive feedback from past clients can signal reliability and satisfaction.


Your broker needs to be across the Cairns property market

An aerial view of Cairns city with houses and buildings in the background

Cairns, like any other regional Australian city, has its unique dynamics, including market changes and property trends. A good mortgage broker should inform you of challenges in specific areas, such as seasonal tourism fluctuations and flood-prone suburbs, which can affect property demand. However, just last year, Cairns was touted as a hotspot for the nation’s best rental yields, signalling an opportunity for savvy investors.


With its tropical climate and relaxed lifestyle, Cairns remains a popular place to live and a favoured tourist destination. These favourable conditions mean your broker needs to bring their A-game when you’re ready to bid on a property. 


Not only that, you’ll need a broker who is across property transaction regulations, including transfer duty rates, as this can impact your borrowing needs. Furthermore, they should be knowledgeable about government incentives available to various borrower types, such as first-time homebuyers.


Lastly, while most larger brokerages operate online, a Cairns-based mortgage broker may have access to local lenders offering deals tailored to local borrowers.


5 questions to ask your Cairns mortgage broker

If you’ve weighed up the pros and cons of using a broker and wish to go ahead with their services, ensure you ask the following questions:


  1. How many lenders do you have access to? Mortgage brokers typically partner with a selection of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders. Confirm they have a diverse range of lenders, as this may increase the likelihood of having more loan products to choose from.

  2. How do you make recommendations for products and lenders? Brokers in Australia must be licensed and follow the 'Best Interests Duty,' which means their recommendations must align with the client’s best interests rather than being influenced by a product or lender offering higher commissions.

  3. Are there any fees associated with your services? While most brokers don’t charge upfront fees, they typically earn a commission from the lender chosen upon settlement. It's best to confirm, as some brokers may charge a fee in unique situations, such as for individuals with poor credit.

  4. Is it best to focus solely on low interest rates? A reputable mortgage broker will thoroughly explain all home loan features, including interest rates, fees, terms, redraw facilities, and offset accounts, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.

  5. How long does pre-approval usually take? The timeframe for pre-approval varies depending on the chosen lender, but given brokers' daily interactions with lenders, they should be able to provide an estimated timeframe.


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Disclaimer: The mortgage brokers presented on this page are based on research carried out by our experts at the time of writing. We are not making a recommendation about any particular brokers. Please use this information as a guide only, and do your own research before engaging with a mortgage broker.

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