Scripts To Confidently Interview Mortgage Brokers This Week

You should interview at least two mortgage brokers, ask each the same core questions, and choose the one who explains strategy, risk and conflicts of interest most clearly. Use the scripts below word‑for‑word if you like, then compare notes that night while it’s fresh.

Quick script to open any broker conversation
“Thanks for making the time. I’m speaking with a couple of brokers this week so I can choose who’s the best fit. I’d love to hear how you’d approach my situation, and I’ll ask a few standard questions I’m using with everyone.”

Prepare a simple question list so every broker gets the same interview.

Core questions to ask every mortgage broker

Use these in order. Write answers down in a simple table or notes app.

1. “How will you actually run this process for me?”

You’re testing structure, not charm.

Good answer sounds like: clear steps, timeframes, and decision points.

Script:
“Can you walk me through your process from today to settlement? What happens in the first week, and what should I expect from you vs the lender?”

2. “How do you decide what I can safely afford?”

You want more than “the bank will tell us”. In Australia, good brokers stress‑test.

Script:
“How will you stress‑test my borrowing? Do you model my repayments at interest rates 3% higher, and aim to keep total repayments under roughly 30–35% of our after‑tax income?”

If they don’t talk about buffers or affordability, that’s a concern given Roy Morgan’s data showing over 30% of borrowers are now ‘At Risk’ of mortgage stress.

3. “What loan structure would you start with for someone like me – and why?”

This is where you see their real thinking.

Script:
“Based on what you know so far, what would you suggest around splits, fixed vs variable, offset vs redraw, and interest‑only vs principal and interest – and why those choices for my goals?”

For a deeper dive on turning this into a full strategy chat, see /insights/first-meeting-mortgage-broker-questions-to-expect-and-ask.

4. “Which lenders would you exclude for me, and why?”

You’re looking for policy knowledge, not a rate shopping list.

Script:
“Which lenders would you rule out for my situation, and what have you seen go wrong with them for people like me?”

If they only talk about interest rates and not policy, service, or long‑term flexibility, that’s a red flag.

5. “How are you paid, and how do you manage conflicts?”

Law matters here. Since 1 January 2021, brokers must act in your best interests (ASIC Best Interests Duty).

Script:
“Can you explain exactly how you’re paid on my loan – upfront, trail, and any clawback risk – and how you make sure that doesn’t influence which lender or structure you recommend?”

If this feels uncomfortable for them, read /insights/broker-remuneration-how-mortgage-brokers-paid-australia and /insights/are-mortgage-brokers-free-alexandria-borrowers-costs and try again.

6. “What does your service look like after settlement?”

You want ongoing help, not a one‑and‑done transaction.

Script:
“After settlement, how often do you review my loan? Do you proactively reprice, check if my structure is still right, and help if my income or goals change?”

7. “Given my situation, what are the 2–3 biggest risks you see?”

A serious broker talks about downside, not just approval.

Script:
“Looking at my income, deposit and plans, what are the top 2–3 things that could go wrong, and how would you help me manage them?”