I was in process of refinancing, spoke to Justin, the loan specialist. I supplied the balance of my loan with the extra I paid in as savings and tried to arrange to keep my savings, so I requested a 5 min call, which he didn't respond to. Then I sent an email with a suggestion that I withdraw my savings and reapply with the actual balance. He didn't respond to me at all. I have a clean credit record and no debt at all besides the mortgage. I am a full time employee with ample money to service the loan. This is the work ethic and level of care that you will encounter. Very disappointed with Homestar.
Homestar Finance is the worst financier I have ever dealt with and it appears their staff are incompetent and untruthful in their dealings. Firstly, it took nearly a week just to find someone to talk to about seeking pre-approval for a loan. After speaking to a number of offshore staff who continually took all of my personal details then lost them, I complained and spoke to a manager based in Australia who assured me Homestar Finance could provide preapproval for a loan prior to an auction I wished to bid on. I submitted all paperwork immediately and answered all follow up questions. Not only was I provided with no outcome prior to the auction, but my mortgage specialist did not even have the decency to contact me prior to advise there would be no outcome. On the day before the auction, which was a Saturday, I spoke to a manager who advised she would try her best to get an outcome for me by that day but in any event would call me back. I never heard back from her. Fast forward to over 4 weeks later and I still do not have preapproval. I have been assured by the mortgage specialist on multiple occasions that I would have an outcome within 2 to 3 days then I hear nothing and when I call and email I am given no explanation as to why I have not received an outcome and given further timeframes that are not adhered to. It is an absolute joke and I will now be going elsewhere. I caution anyone who values their own time not to waste it with this sorry excuse for a financier.
Slow approval process, was told 2 days but I haven't heard back after two weeks despite multiple follow up by email, phone. Just promise after promise.
I have been with Homestar about 2 years now and have found them to have a competative rate who pass on most of the RBA cuts. There online banking is a bit basic but gets the job done. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a great rate!
I've only been a customer for 18 months but already my rate is higher than the one they offer new customers. Its no introductory offer its just once you sign up your individual variable rate is put up above what they offer. I've contacted the bank but no response. Regretful decision changing to the them.
I applied for a home loan through Homestar based on their reviews on customer service. I had nothing but the worst customer service experience. I was called dyslexic and asked to have my "boyfriend" pay part of the settlement figures even though my loan would cover it. I applied for a loan for a land and home build. I required an extension on financing as Homestar informed me that a loan for a build would take longer. An extension was granted based on how long Homestar told me they needed. I called three days before financing was due to ensure everything was on track. I was told it was. Come the day of financing, I was told they needed one more day as my expenses were over by $80 per month. This was despite the fact I had pre-approval based on the expenses (-$80 a month) and had since had a $2500 a year pay rise. I was also told that the evaluation was delayed as they wrote the wrong address. There was never an apology. I asked for an extension and it was refused. All my hard work to get this home was gone. Luckily the builder managed to get the land seller to change their mind. The day before settlement, the amount for settlement came through and Homestar were going to contribute a lot less than what I expected. I had paid 5% to the builder but they did not take this into account. When I asked them to explain the amount they were paying towards settling the land I was told "I can't believe you would ask me that question, you should know the terms of your loan" and "there's no way you will settle tomorrow if you make changes". The change was very easy and straightforward in the end. I hope that I can eventually be proven wrong and they can improve their customer service. I would hate for anyone else to be spoken to and treated the way I was. I am not usually one to complain but I have had no luck solving this with Homestar.
Homestar finance is not as competitive as it used to be. I wish they would treat their existing customers as new ones.
Did my research, Homestar are the cheapest loan provider. Made the admin process as easy as possible. I never write a review but when I am this impressed with the overall benefit to me and bang for my buck, I think people should know!
Homestar is fantastic for low rates. I have never seen better. The only downside is that being a non-bank lender, and perhaps to maintain their cheap rates, their internet banking interface is very basic, and there is no app. This took a bit to get used to, but that's a small adjustment for a great value product.
I was referred to by a friend who refinanced her loan with Homestar. I didn’t know too much about them but I experienced excellent service from their Sales specialist who walked me through the application process without the hard sell. They answered all the questions I had and were able to assist with explaining any concerns I had since this was my first purchase. Their current internet banking is a bit outdated, but I was told that it would be updated in the next few months, which is something important to me because I like to see where my finances are at anytime. Lastly, I’m happy with my rate and the fact that they passed on the recent RBA cut was music to my ears. Thanks for your support Homestar and I hope this level of service continues!
Here are the pros for Homestar. They have one of the most competitive interest rates going around and have been passing on the full RBA cut, usually announced on the same day, which is very impressive. Their friendly, helpful, and responsive loan manager assisted us through the sign up process with no issues. Call centre staff were polite and helpful when I called up after settlement for assistance Here are the cons for Homestar. Their website is very basic, lacks essential features such as updating your contact details which you need to call up to do. It made it difficult chasing up a missing letter which went to an incorrect address. The website is also slow when clicking buttons, there often is a considerable wait before the next page shows up. Their is no mobile app available which really should be a given I would recommend Homestar to friends and family as the rates are competitive and they are aggressive in maintaining their low rates by passing on all the RBA rate cuts in full which is impressive, no fluffing around. I do find the website extremely frustrating as it is slow and lacks basic features. Even though they provide you with a debit card, I would not consider using Homestar as my day to day banking with the website in its current state.
I switched from ING to Homestar in 2012. I've topped up home loans, then sold my house and re-applied for a new loan with Homestar in that time. The front line staff are really very good: personable, one-on-one service and you're dealing with people not 'the machine'. This side of their business is an asset. However, their processes have taken several weeks at times – one re-finance was seven weeks from start to finish –and this obviously plays against them. My last application was a little speedier but the process for submitting paperwork was very sketchy and I often needed to send it 2 or 3 times. However: the bottom line is their pricing when it comes to interest rates is pretty competitive: we have a low fixed rate, and a variable split (which is good right now) that we can fix if need be.
Terrible customer service. Treated their customers like criminals. They don't seem to want or work hard to get your business. They believe you need them and not the other way. Would not recommend or go near these people
FALSE and MISLEADING mortgage rates on the Advantage home loan. The rate on their website is not what existing customers will be paying. BE CAUTIOUS PEOPLE !!
Their advertised rate is just to suck you in. My actual rate is 0.5% higher. The real rate is always higher. They are dishonest lenders. Go elsewhere!
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WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.
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