Broker Codex

Fay

The Mortgage Mum

Family-first mortgage broker helping first home buyers, refinancers and investors across Australia. I compare lenders, explain everything in plain English and stay in your corner from pre-approval to keys, including Shariah/Islamic compliant and medico options.

I'm Fay Elhaj, an Arabic- and English-speaking mortgage broker and the founder of The Mortgage Mum. I'm based in Western Sydney and help first home buyers, families, refinancers and property investors find the right home loan and understand every step of the process. Where I work: I'm based in Western Sydney and meet clients across Parramatta, Blacktown, the Hills District and North Sydney, as well as Newcastle, Brisbane's south-west (including Eight Mile Plains and Mount Gravatt) and Melbourne City. Remote appointments are available Australia-wide. Who I help most: First home buyers: buying with a 5% deposit through the First Home Guarantee, the Help to Buy shared equity scheme, first home owner grants, and getting pre-approved before auctions. Families refinancing: lowering repayments, improving cash flow, consolidating debt or accessing equity for renovations. Property investors: structuring investment loans, interest-only options and building a portfolio. Specialist lending: construction loans, medical and professional home loans for doctors, nurses and dentists, business finance, car loans, and Shariah-compliant (Islamic) home finance. My background: I have over 10 years' experience in banking and finance, I've owned and run my own businesses, and I have a background in construction. I understand lending and cash flow from the inside, and I look at property as an asset from the ground up. I'm also a mum of four, and I've lived in both Brisbane and Sydney, so I know how different markets and life stages can be. My approach: I'm your mortgage advocate, not just your broker. I compare loans from a wide range of lenders, explain everything in plain English or Arabic, and support you from your first conversation through to settlement.
  • Self-Employed
  • Commercial Property
  • First Home Buyers
  • Low Doc Loans
  • Expat Finance
  • Rural & Regional
  • Investment Property
  • Asset Finance
  • Construction Loans
  • Adverse Credit
  • Medical Professionals
  • Single parents
  • Business Finance
  • Refinancing
  • Bridging Finance
  • Divorce & Separation
  • Working Capital
  • Equipment Finance
  • Trade Finance

Liverpool, NSW

Qualifications

  • Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management

Memberships

  • FBAA Member
  • AFCA Member

Credit Representative: 572248

Verified by Codex

How much does it cost to use a mortgage broker?
In most cases, you don't pay me anything. I'm usually paid a commission by the lender once your loan settles, and this doesn't change the rate you're offered. If a fee does apply to your situation, I'll tell you upfront, in writing, before we go ahead. All commissions and fees are set out in my Credit Guide.
Why use a broker instead of going straight to my bank?
Your bank can only offer its own products. I compare loans from a wide range of lenders, including major banks and specialist lenders, to find one that fits your situation. I also handle the paperwork, chase the approval, and explain every step, so you're not doing it alone.
How much can I borrow?
It depends on your income, expenses, existing debts, deposit and the lender's policies, and different lenders can give very different answers for the same person. I'll give you a realistic estimate in our first chat. You can also try the borrowing power calculator on my website for a rough idea.
How much deposit do I need?
Many lenders want 20% to avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), but it's often possible to buy with less. Eligible first home buyers may be able to buy with a 5% deposit and no LMI through the First Home Guarantee, or with as little as 2% under the Help to Buy scheme. We'll work out which options you qualify for.
I'm self-employed. Can I still get a home loan?
Yes. Many lenders welcome self-employed borrowers, usually with two years of tax returns, and some offer options for newer businesses or low-doc applications. Knowing which lenders suit your situation makes a big difference, and that's where I can help.
What documents will I need?
Usually ID, recent payslips or tax returns, bank statements showing your savings and spending, and details of any debts like credit cards, car loans or buy-now-pay-later. I'll send you a simple checklist tailored to you, so you only gather what's needed.
How long does the process take?
Pre-approval usually takes a few days to two weeks once your documents are in. After you find a property, formal approval typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the lender. I'll keep you updated at every stage.
Do you offer Shariah-compliant home finance?
Yes. I help clients explore Shariah-compliant home finance options that are structured to avoid interest (riba), and I can explain how each option works in English or Arabic.
Do we have to meet in person?
Not at all, but I love to if you'd prefer. I meet clients face-to-face across Western Sydney, Parramatta, Blacktown, the Hills District and North Sydney, and in Newcastle, Brisbane's south-west and Melbourne City. Phone and video appointments are available Australia-wide.
Can you help me after my loan settles?
Yes, and I'd love to. I check in regularly to make sure your loan is still competitive. When your circumstances change, whether that's a new baby, a renovation or your next property, I'll help you review your options.
Fay was extremely knowledgeable and well organized. She made the process easy and was very quick to sort out any issues. 10/10 would highly recommend her.
Fay went above and beyond to get my investment loan approved. Would highly recommend The Mortgage Mum to anyone needing finance and I'll be using her again for any future investments I have. She follows up and gets it done.
Fay helped me get my car loan approved after being declined many times. Thank you so much