When taking the plunge into the world of home loans and property investment, the challenge often lies in knowing which expert to approach for help. Brokers and financial planners, although similar in their professional outlook, cater to different financial endeavours.

Brokers that deal in home loans must be qualified and licensed loan advisers with in-depth knowledge of home loans and options suitable for a range of different financial situations. They negotiate with lenders to arrange loans and help manage the process through to settlement.

 “When it comes to talking about a client’s debt structure or interest rates, or the easiest way to set up a loan, it’s really something that needs to be done by a mortgage broker who is qualified to give credit advice,” says Justin Smith, an expert mortgage adviser from Smartline Rockingham.

In contrast, financial planners assist with anticipating and managing a longstanding financial outlook. They help sort through and select options for investment and insurance, with attention paid to retirement planning, estate planning and investment analysis.

“Planners take care of more of the long-term, wealth-creation strategy, as well as super and life insurance, and other sorts of wealth protection insurances,” the broker says.

A financial planner’s work is wide-reaching and important to your long-term financial health and stability. Options relating to loans and refinancing can only be recommended by qualified brokers.

There are some situations where it would be viable to include both types of a financial professional. For instance, if your broker is helping you refinance your loans in order to undertake a financial investment, a financial planner can step in to help you to assess the right investment option for you.

“There is rarely a time when I am dealing with a client, just on the loan side of things, where I’m not thinking about how it fits with what the financial planner is talking about,” he explains.

“In terms of whether the client’s choice is a viable investment strategy or whether it fits in with their long-term wealth goals, that’s something that we absolutely have to refer back to the planner to make sure that it fits in with their broader plan,” he adds.

The answer? It depends on your situation – for loans, see a broker, for investment advice, a financial planner. Of course, your broker can always refer you to a planner if you need one.

Contact Smartline Rockingham mortgage advisers to find out how they can help you secure property or commercial finance, and ask them to recommend a financial planner they trust.