What to Research Before You Invest — From a Finance & Lending Perspective

WHAT TO RESEARCH BEFORE YOU INVEST?

Before making any financial move, it’s important to understand what to research before you invest — especially when it comes to loans and property.

At Onvested Finance, we believe smart investing starts with smart financing. Whether you’re looking to invest in property, purchase a new car, grow your business, or refinance, doing the right research before committing to a loan is critical.

Here are 7 things to research before making any financial investment or taking out a loan:

1. 🎯 Define Your Investment Purpose

Before applying for finance, ask yourself:

  • What am I investing in — property, a vehicle, or equipment?

  • Is it for personal use or income generation?

  • How long do I plan to hold this investment?

💡 Understanding your “why” helps determine the right loan structure (e.g., interest-only, fixed, or variable).

2. 💰 Know Your Loan Options

Different goals require different finance products:

  • Home Loans – for owner-occupiers or first-home buyers

  • Investment Loans – tailored for property investors

  • Car Loans / Hire Purchase – for vehicles, both personal and business

  • Commercial Loans – for business equipment, property or cash flow

✅ Work with a broker (like us!) to compare lenders, interest rates, loan terms, and repayment flexibility.

3. 🏦 Understand Your Borrowing Capacity

Knowing how much you can borrow (and comfortably repay) is key.

🔍 Consider:

  • Your current income and expenses

  • Existing debts

  • Deposit or upfront capital

  • Credit score

💬 We can help you get a realistic picture with a full pre-assessment.

4. ⚠️ Evaluate the Risks

Every loan carries financial commitments. Consider:

  • Can I handle repayments if interest rates rise?

  • Do I have a financial buffer?

  • Is the asset likely to appreciate or depreciate?

💡 For car or commercial finance, consider how quickly the asset may lose value.

5. 💸 Understand Loan Costs (Beyond the Interest Rate)

There’s more to a loan than just the advertised rate.
Be sure to check:

  • Application fees

  • Ongoing account fees

  • Early repayment or exit fees

  • Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI), if applicable

📉 These add up — and we help you compare the true cost of each option.

6. 📄 Check Loan Features That Can Help You Save

Some loan features give you flexibility and interest savings:

  • Offset Accounts

  • Redraw Facilities

  • Extra Repayment Options

  • Balloon Payments (for car or equipment finance)

We help you choose features that align with your lifestyle and goals.

7. 👩‍💼 Work with a Trusted Mortgage & Finance Broker

DIY loan shopping can be overwhelming. Working with a broker gives you:

  • Access to multiple lenders (not just your bank)

  • Tailored advice for your specific investment

  • Support with paperwork, approvals, and structuring the right loan

📞 We guide you every step of the way — whether you’re investing in property, upgrading your car, or expanding your business.

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