Mortgage & finance broker
Finance, made clear.
Lending, made simple.
I’m Stephen Ford. I bring more than 15 years in financial services, including business banking at Macquarie and NAB, to help you find the right loan from a broad panel of lenders, and I’m with you through to settlement.
Why work with me
Est. 2022- Accredited with all major and second-tier lendersOptions compared across a wide lender panel
- Retail & Business Banking BackgroundMacquarie, NAB and ANZ experience
- MFAA Full MemberMember No. 570918
- With you to settlementGuidance from first chat to settlement
What I help with
Lending for every stage of life
Home Loans & First Home Buyers
Buying your first home or your next one, with a clear plan from pre-approval to settlement.
Learn more 02Refinancing
Reviewing your current loan to see whether a better structure or deal is available.
Learn more 03Investment Loans
Finance for residential property investors, from your first investment to growing a portfolio.
Learn more 04Commercial Loans
Finance to buy, refinance or develop commercial property, owner-occupied or as an investment.
Learn more 05Business Loans
Business loans, equipment finance and working capital, backed by years in business banking.
Learn more 06Rent Roll Finance
Finance for agency principals buying, refinancing or growing a rent roll, Australia-wide.
Learn moreRun the numbers
Estimate repayments, borrowing power, stamp duty and the effect of extra repayments.
See the numbers
How a small rate difference adds up
Where each year’s repayments go
Example: $600,000 loan, 30 years, principal & interest, monthly repayments
At 6.00%, more of each repayment goes to interest than principal until year 19.
| Year | Principal at 6.00% | Interest at 6.00% | Principal at 6.50% | Interest at 6.50% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,368 | $35,800 | $6,706 | $38,803 |
| 5 | $9,361 | $33,807 | $8,692 | $36,817 |
| 10 | $12,627 | $30,541 | $12,019 | $33,490 |
| 15 | $17,031 | $26,136 | $16,620 | $28,889 |
| 20 | $22,973 | $20,195 | $22,982 | $22,527 |
| 25 | $30,987 | $12,181 | $31,780 | $13,729 |
| 30 | $41,797 | $1,371 | $43,946 | $1,563 |
Extra interest at 6.50%
$70,238
over 30 years, compared with 6.00%
| Example rate | Monthly | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| 6.00% | $3,597 | $695,029 |
| 6.50% | $3,792 | $765,267 |
| Difference | +$195 | +$70,238 |
Illustrative example only, not a quote or advice. Example rates are not current lender rates. Figures use the standard repayment formula and exclude fees and rate changes. Rates and repayments vary.
Client reviews
Meet your broker
Banking experience, working for you
I founded Essential Finance Hub in 2022 after a career in banking. Most recently I was a Relationship Manager in Real Estate Business Banking at Macquarie, and before that I held business banking roles at NAB and started out at ANZ.
That background means I understand how lenders think, and I put that knowledge to work on your side of the table.
- 15+ yrs
- in financial services
- 3
- banks: Macquarie, NAB, ANZ
- MFAA
- Full Member No. 570918
How I work
A clear process, start to settlement
No jargon, no surprises. You’ll always know what’s happening and what comes next.
- 1
Discover
We start with a conversation about where you are now and what you want to achieve.
- 2
Analyse
I review your financial position and what you can do now to move toward your goals.
- 3
Advise
I recommend lending options that suit your circumstances, compared across my lender panel.
- 4
Implement & review
From lodgement to settlement I guide you every step, and I’m here for ongoing support after.
Client reviews
Rated 5.0 by my clients
“Stephen was an absolute delight to work with. So knowledgable, responsive and helpful in every interaction we've had. He did so much heavy lifting to find us the best rate with our specific financial situation and truly went over and above to help us get settled. Thank you so much!”
“It was a pleasure dealing with Stephen, very efficient in his work answered all my questions. Nothing was too hard would definitely use Stephen again and recommend him to friends and family.”
“Stephen is an excellent broker. He is very professional, kind and courteous. He is very knowledgable and efficient. Highly recomended!”
Know someone who needs help?
Introduce a friend, family member or colleague, wherever they are in Australia.
Ready to talk about your next move?
Book a call. I’ll listen, explain your options and let you know what I can do to help.