Google Reviews

5.0 from 902 Reviews

Our Team

Experienced Brokers who put you first.

Our Team

Mary Nebotakis
Mary Nebotakis

Managing Director

Mary Nebotakis has spent her career helping Australians access finance that actually works for them. With a professional foundation built across more than 15 years in financial services, Mary brings a level of industry knowledge and lender relationships that few can match.

As a key figure at Mortgage Broker Bayside and Natloans, a trusted Melbourne-based firm that has helped over 10,000 Australians secure the right financial solutions, Mary is dedicated to removing the complexity and frustration that too often defines the finance experience. Backed by a team with 100+ years of combined experience and access to 50+ lenders, she delivers competitive options and personalised advice across home loans, personal finance, and business finance.

Mary's leadership is defined by a hands-on approach, a commitment to genuine client outcomes, and a belief that every customer deserves access to competitive finance regardless of their situation. She understands that behind every finance application is a person with a goal, whether that is buying a first home, growing a business, or finding a solution that simply fits life right now. That perspective shapes everything about the way she leads her team and serves her clients.

Based in Melbourne Bayside and supporting clients nationwide, Mary's work is reflected in the firm's strong reputation, built on 800+ five-star reviews and long-term client relationships that speak to the trust and care she brings to every interaction.

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Saskia Coleman
Saskia Coleman

Senior Mortgage Broker

Saskia Coleman is a Senior Mortgage Broker dedicated to helping clients navigate the home loan process with confidence and clarity. Whether assisting first home buyers, growing families, property investors or refinancers, Saskia takes the time to understand each client's goals and develop lending solutions tailored to their circumstances.

Known for her proactive communication, attention to detail and genuine care for her clients, Saskia is committed to making what can often be a complex process feel straightforward and stress-free. With access to a wide range of lenders and loan products, she works hard to secure competitive outcomes while providing support every step of the way.

Saskia is passionate about building long-term relationships and helping clients make informed financial decisions that support their future goals.

Declan Fode
Declan Fode

Senior Mortgage Broker

Declan Fode is a Senior Mortgage Broker who specialises in helping clients achieve their property goals through personalised lending advice and exceptional service.

From first home buyers and refinancers to experienced investors, Declan works closely with clients to understand their needs and identify finance solutions that align with their objectives.

Recognised for his professionalism, responsiveness and strong industry knowledge, Declan takes pride in simplifying the lending process and ensuring clients feel informed and supported throughout their journey. He is committed to delivering a seamless experience while helping clients secure competitive home loan options from a broad panel of lenders.

Declan believes great mortgage advice is about more than finding a loan, it's about creating a strategy that helps clients achieve their long-term financial goals with confidence.

Mortgage Broker Bayside Awards

Hear From Our Clients

Rated 5.0 from 902 Reviews

Review from Google

It was a big process but Lizzy Lawrence was amazing and extremely professional, patient and helpful from start to finish. Thank you so much Lizzy.

Teresa Hadfield

Review from Google

Saskia and Mary have been absolutely wonderful to work with. From the very beginning, they have been knowledgeable, responsive and incredibly supportive. Our circumstances are quite complex, involving business interests, trusts and multiple lending scenarios, and they have taken the time to answer countless questions, explain things clearly and explore every possible option for us. The team at NatLoans has made what could have been a very stressful process much easier to navigate, and we have always felt genuinely supported and well looked after. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Saskia, Mary and the team at NatLoans to anyone looking for a mortgage broker, particularly if they have a more complex financial situation. Thank you for all of your guidance, support and hard work. We truly appreciate it.

Alyson Gale

Review from Google

Great experience! Michelle was excellent and extremely helpful in every aspect!! :)

Lauren Heffer

Review from Google

I’ve been trying to get a loan for about 2 weeks and since getting my own documents such as Medicare and birth certificate, due to family reasons, Michelle was very patient and help me through this process so much. She was such a major help with getting my first personal loan when there was so many hurdles, I’d go through these business again, great help.

Deandre

How It Works

1. Initial Conversation
We start with a no-obligation chat, either in our Cheltenham office or over the phone. This is your chance to tell us about your goals, whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing. We listen first so we can help you better.

2. Fact Find and Assessment
We take a closer look at your financial situation, including your income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. This helps us understand your borrowing capacity and identify the right loan options for your needs.

3. Loan Research and Comparison
Using our access to a wide panel of lenders, we research and compare hundreds of loan products. We look beyond the interest rate to find a loan with the right features, fees, and flexibility for your situation.

4. Loan Recommendation
We present you with a clear recommendation and walk you through your options in plain language. No jargon, no pressure. We want you to feel confident and informed before making any decisions.

5. Application Preparation
Once you are happy to proceed, we handle the paperwork. We prepare your application, gather the required documents, and submit everything to the lender on your behalf. We know what lenders want to see, which helps avoid delays.

6. Approval and Settlement
We manage the process through to formal approval and keep you updated along the way. If the lender has any questions or needs more information, we handle that too. Our goal is to make settlement as smooth as possible.

7. Ongoing Support
Our relationship does not end at settlement. We check in regularly to make sure your loan still suits your needs. As your life changes, we are here to help you review, refinance, or plan your next move.

Lenders We Work With

Ready to talk to our team?

Mary Nebotakis and the team at Mortgage Broker Bayside are here to help you find a home loan that suits your situation. Book a time to chat and take the next step with confidence.

Book Appointment

Got Questions?

Why should I use a local mortgage broker in the Bayside area?

Working with a local mortgage broker who knows the Bayside and south-eastern Melbourne area can offer real advantages. We understand the local property market, the types of properties people are buying and selling in the area, and the financial situations that are common among residents in suburbs like Brighton, Sandringham, Mentone, Cheltenham, and beyond. Being local also means we are accessible. You can meet with us in person, have a proper conversation, and build a relationship based on trust rather than just exchanging emails or phone calls with someone you have never met. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we are part of this community. We care about the outcomes we achieve for our clients because many of them are our neighbours, and we take that responsibility seriously. Your financial wellbeing matters to us.

I am a first home buyer. Where do I even start?

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and it is completely normal to feel unsure about where to begin. The good news is that you do not have to figure it all out on your own. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we work with first home buyers regularly and understand that the process can feel overwhelming at first. We start by having a genuine conversation with you about your situation, your savings, your income, and what you are hoping to achieve. From there, we can help you understand what may be involved in getting a loan, what government assistance schemes you might be eligible for as a first home buyer in Victoria, and what the overall process looks like from start to finish. Our aim is to make sure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.

What is refinancing and how do I know if it is worth considering?

Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People choose to refinance for a variety of reasons, such as wanting to access the equity in their home, consolidate debts, change their loan structure, or simply review whether their current loan still suits their needs. It is worth noting that refinancing does involve costs, such as discharge fees from your existing lender and potential application fees with a new lender, so it is important to weigh these up carefully. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we can help you review your current loan and compare it against other options that may be available to you. We will give you a clear picture of the potential costs and benefits so you can make a well-informed decision that suits your financial goals.

Can you help me if I am self-employed?

Yes, we regularly work with self-employed clients across Melbourne's Bayside and surrounding areas. Applying for a home loan when you are self-employed can feel more complicated because your income may not look the same as someone who receives a regular salary. Lenders typically want to see a clear picture of your business income and financial history, which often means providing two years of tax returns, business financial statements, and notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office. Some lenders also offer loan products designed specifically for self-employed borrowers who may not have traditional documentation. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we understand the nuances of self-employed lending and can help you present your financial situation in a way that gives your application the strongest possible foundation.

What documents will I need to apply for a home loan?

While the exact documents required can vary depending on your circumstances and the lender involved, there are some common items that most lenders will ask for. These typically include proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence, recent payslips or evidence of income, your last two years of tax returns if you are self-employed, bank statements showing your savings and regular expenses, and details of any existing debts or financial commitments. If you are purchasing a property, you will also need a copy of the contract of sale. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we will walk you through exactly what is needed for your specific situation before you apply, so you can gather everything together without any confusion. Being well-prepared from the start can help avoid unnecessary delays in your application.

How long does the home loan process take?

The timeline for a home loan can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender you go with, the complexity of your application, and how quickly documentation is provided. In general terms, once a full application is submitted to a lender, formal approval can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we work to keep things moving as efficiently as possible by helping you prepare your documentation correctly from the start and maintaining communication with the lender throughout the process. We will keep you updated at each stage so you know what is happening and what to expect next. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and supported from your very first enquiry through to the day your loan settles.

What types of loans can Mortgage Broker Bayside help with?

We assist clients with a wide range of lending needs. This includes home loans for first home buyers, loans for people looking to upgrade or downsize their property, investment property loans, and refinancing existing home loans. We also work with self-employed borrowers who may have a more complex financial situation, as well as clients who are looking at construction loans for building a new home. In addition to home lending, we can assist with asset finance and some personal lending needs. Every person's situation is different, which is why we start with a conversation to understand what you are trying to achieve. From there, we can give you a clearer picture of what options may be available to you based on your individual circumstances.

Do I have to pay for your mortgage broking services?

In most cases, our services come at no direct cost to you as the borrower. Mortgage brokers in Australia are typically paid a commission by the lender once your loan settles. This commission is paid by the lender, not by you. We are required by law to be transparent about how we are paid, and we will always disclose this information to you clearly before you proceed. There are some circumstances where a fee may apply, and if that is the case, we will let you know upfront so there are no surprises. Our commitment at Mortgage Broker Bayside is to be open and honest with you throughout the entire process, so you always know where you stand and can feel confident in the decisions you are making.

How is Mortgage Broker Bayside different from going directly to a bank?

When you go directly to a bank, you are only seeing what that one lender can offer you. A mortgage broker, on the other hand, has access to a panel of lenders, which means we can look across multiple options to find one that may suit your situation. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we are not tied to any single lender, so our focus is on you and your goals rather than on promoting a particular product. We also guide you through the entire process, from your initial enquiry right through to settlement, so you are never left wondering what happens next. For people living in Melbourne's Bayside and surrounding south-eastern suburbs, having a local broker who understands the area and the local property market can be a real advantage.

What does a mortgage broker actually do?

A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and non-bank lenders. Rather than you having to approach each lender individually, a mortgage broker does the legwork on your behalf. They assess your financial situation, help you understand your borrowing options, and submit your application to a lender that may suit your needs and circumstances. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we take the time to understand what you are trying to achieve, whether that is buying your first home, refinancing an existing loan, or investing in property. We then work through the available options with you so you can make an informed decision. Having someone in your corner who understands the lending landscape can make a real difference to your experience.

How long does the home loan application process take?

The timeline can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender you apply with, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly all the required documents can be gathered. In general, once a full application is submitted, lenders can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to provide formal approval. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we work to keep things moving as efficiently as possible by preparing your application thoroughly before it is submitted and staying in regular contact with the lender on your behalf. We will keep you informed throughout the process so you always know where things stand. Being well-prepared from the start can help avoid unnecessary delays.

What types of loans can Mortgage Broker Bayside help with?

We assist clients with a wide range of lending needs. Whether you are purchasing your first home, upgrading to a larger property, investing in real estate, refinancing an existing loan, or looking at options for a construction project, we can help you explore what may be available to you. We also work with clients who are self-employed or have more complex financial situations, as these circumstances can sometimes make the lending process more involved. Our goal is to understand your individual situation and connect you with lenders who may be suited to your needs. No two clients are the same, and we take a personalised approach rather than a one-size-fits-all method.

I am a first home buyer. Can Mortgage Broker Bayside help me?

Absolutely. Buying your first home is a significant milestone, and it can feel overwhelming when you are not sure where to start. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we work with first home buyers regularly and understand that the process can raise a lot of questions. We take the time to walk you through how home loans work, what to expect at each stage, and what you may need to have in place before applying. We can also help you understand what government grants or schemes you may be eligible for as a first home buyer in Victoria, such as the First Home Owner Grant or stamp duty concessions. We are here to support you from the very beginning.

What does a mortgage broker actually do?

A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Rather than you having to approach each lender individually, a mortgage broker does that work on your behalf. They take the time to understand your financial situation, your goals, and what you are hoping to achieve, then research suitable loan options from their panel of lenders. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we handle the paperwork, communicate with lenders, and guide you through each step of the process. Having someone in your corner who understands the lending landscape can make a real difference, particularly when you are making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

What is refinancing and should I consider it?

Refinancing means replacing your existing home loan with a new one, either with your current lender or a different one. People refinance for a variety of reasons, including wanting to access equity in their property, consolidate debts, change their loan structure, or simply review whether their current loan still suits their circumstances. Whether refinancing is worth considering depends entirely on your individual situation, your current loan terms, and your financial goals. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we can help you review where you currently stand and what options may be available to you. We do not push refinancing as a solution for everyone, but we are happy to have an honest conversation about whether it is worth exploring in your case.

Why should I choose Mortgage Broker Bayside over a broker I find online?

Choosing a local mortgage broker means you are working with someone who genuinely understands the Bayside and south-eastern Melbourne property market. We are part of this community, and we take pride in building real relationships with our clients rather than treating them as a transaction. When you work with Mortgage Broker Bayside, you get personalised attention from someone who takes the time to understand your situation and is available to answer your questions throughout the process. We are not a call centre or an automated platform. We are real people who care about the outcome for you and your family. Our clients come back to us and refer their friends and family because of the experience we provide, and that means everything to us.

How much does it cost to use Mortgage Broker Bayside?

In most cases, our service does not cost you anything directly. Mortgage brokers are typically paid a commission by the lender once a loan settles, which means you can access our expertise without paying out of pocket for it. We are always transparent about how we are paid and will explain this to you clearly before we begin working together. There are some circumstances where a fee may apply, and if that is the case, we will let you know upfront so there are no surprises. We believe you deserve to understand exactly how the process works, including how we are compensated, so you can feel confident in the advice and support you receive from us.

Do I need a deposit to get a home loan?

In most cases, yes. Lenders typically require a deposit as part of a home loan application, and the amount required can vary depending on the lender and the type of loan. A deposit of at least 20 per cent of the property's purchase price is often preferred by lenders as it means you avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which is an additional cost that protects the lender if you are unable to meet your repayments. However, some lenders do offer loans with a smaller deposit, and there are also government schemes available in Australia that may assist eligible buyers with lower deposits. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we can help you understand what may be required based on your circumstances.

What documents will I need to apply for a home loan?

While the exact requirements can vary between lenders, most home loan applications will require you to provide proof of identity, evidence of your income such as recent payslips or tax returns, details of your assets and liabilities, bank statements, and information about the property you are looking to purchase or refinance. If you are self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation such as business financial statements or notices of assessment from the Australian Taxation Office. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we will give you a clear checklist of what is needed based on your specific situation so you know exactly what to gather. Being organised with your documents from the outset can help the process run more smoothly.

How is using a mortgage broker different from going directly to my bank?

When you go directly to your bank, you are only seeing what that one lender has to offer. A mortgage broker, on the other hand, has access to a wide panel of lenders and loan products, which means they can present you with a broader range of options suited to your circumstances. Your bank's role is to sell their own products, whereas a mortgage broker's role is to work in your interest and help you find a loan that fits your needs. At Mortgage Broker Bayside, we take the time to compare options across multiple lenders so you have a clearer picture before making a decision. This broader view can be particularly valuable if your situation is not straightforward.