Episode 78 : Why Pre-Approvals Might Be Wasting Your Time
Thu Feb 05 2026
🎙 Top Quotes
"A pre-approval for pre-approval's sake doesn't help anyone. Sometimes they're not even worth the piece of paper they're written on."
"If you’re chasing rate as your number one priority, just go directly to the bank."
"We do all the research upfront before we even submit any applications — that’s how we give clients confidence."
📌 Episode Synopsis
In this punchy solo episode, Dion Fernandez breaks down the common misconceptions around pre-approvals in property finance — and why they can often do more harm than good. With over 75 podcast episodes under his belt, Dion delivers sharp insights on what truly matters when preparing to finance a property: strategy, structure, and smart lender selection. From credit checks to postcode pitfalls and the myth of “cheap money,” this episode is a fast-track education for anyone building a portfolio or navigating lending in Australia.
⏱ Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Intro & Today’s Topic
Dion tees up a focused discussion on the pitfalls of pre-approvals.
States why his team often avoids them entirely.
01:45 – The Pre-Approval Myth
Many pre-approvals aren’t fully assessed.
Credit checks are wasted when deals fall apart due to unverified income or shifting valuations.
03:20 – Real Talk on Lending Practices
Some banks and brokers don’t analyze financials upfront.
Dion stresses the importance of real due diligence vs. superficial approvals.
04:40 – What Dion’s Team Does Differently
Strategic financial diagnostics done before applications are submitted.
Detailed reviews of structure, servicing, credit files, and postcode restrictions.
06:15 – Case Study: When a Pre-Approval Did Make Sense
A self-employed client with complex financials needed a conditional approval.
Even when expired, strategic prep allowed the deal to go through seamlessly.
08:00 – More Examples of Mismatched Pre-Approvals
Dion recounts a client’s broker getting an invalid approval due to restricted postcode lending caps.
Highlights importance of aligning lender policy with property and borrower profile.
09:15 – Final Thoughts
Proper prep prevents portfolio stagnation.
Emphasizes: “Strategic finance diagnostics give you certainty — and options.”
10:00 – Outro & Contact Info
Find Dion on Instagram (@dion.financespecialist), LinkedIn, or financethispropertythat.com.au
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🎙 Top Quotes "A pre-approval for pre-approval's sake doesn't help anyone. Sometimes they're not even worth the piece of paper they're written on." "If you’re chasing rate as your number one priority, just go directly to the bank." "We do all the research upfront before we even submit any applications — that’s how we give clients confidence." 📌 Episode Synopsis In this punchy solo episode, Dion Fernandez breaks down the common misconceptions around pre-approvals in property finance — and why they can often do more harm than good. With over 75 podcast episodes under his belt, Dion delivers sharp insights on what truly matters when preparing to finance a property: strategy, structure, and smart lender selection. From credit checks to postcode pitfalls and the myth of “cheap money,” this episode is a fast-track education for anyone building a portfolio or navigating lending in Australia. ⏱ Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Intro & Today’s Topic Dion tees up a focused discussion on the pitfalls of pre-approvals. States why his team often avoids them entirely. 01:45 – The Pre-Approval Myth Many pre-approvals aren’t fully assessed. Credit checks are wasted when deals fall apart due to unverified income or shifting valuations. 03:20 – Real Talk on Lending Practices Some banks and brokers don’t analyze financials upfront. Dion stresses the importance of real due diligence vs. superficial approvals. 04:40 – What Dion’s Team Does Differently Strategic financial diagnostics done before applications are submitted. Detailed reviews of structure, servicing, credit files, and postcode restrictions. 06:15 – Case Study: When a Pre-Approval Did Make Sense A self-employed client with complex financials needed a conditional approval. Even when expired, strategic prep allowed the deal to go through seamlessly. 08:00 – More Examples of Mismatched Pre-Approvals Dion recounts a client’s broker getting an invalid approval due to restricted postcode lending caps. Highlights importance of aligning lender policy with property and borrower profile. 09:15 – Final Thoughts Proper prep prevents portfolio stagnation. Emphasizes: “Strategic finance diagnostics give you certainty — and options.” 10:00 – Outro & Contact Info Find Dion on Instagram (@dion.financespecialist), LinkedIn, or financethispropertythat.com.au