Ep 81. Rates Are Rising - Here’s What to Do with Serena Lu from Funding Lab

In this episode, Michelle speaks with mortgage broker Serena Lu from The Funding Lab to unpack what rising interest rates really mean for buyers, homeowners and investors. Serena explains how rate increases flow through to repayments, borrowing capacity and lender behaviour — and why pre‑approval timing is more critical than ever in a fast‑changing market.

They explore how banks assess different borrower profiles, why valuations are becoming more conservative, and how issues like cladding, waterproofing defects and work orders can impact lending outcomes. Serena also outlines the practical financial‑hygiene steps buyers should take before applying, and why online calculators often give misleading results.