Kate Sawyer - Finance Broker

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from business owners and sole traders is:

“I’ll wait until I’ve got two years of financials before I speak to a broker.”

The truth is, lending isn’t one-size-fits-all.

While some lenders do require two years of financials, others may consider less depending on your industry, trading history, income, structure and overall position.

I’ve worked with sole traders, company directors, tradies, consultants, health practitioners and business owners who assumed they needed to wait – only to discover they were eligible sooner than they thought.

Every situation is different, which is why getting advice early can be so valuable.

If you’re self-employed and wondering whether buying a home, investing, refinancing or purchasing an asset is possible, don’t assume the answer is no.

A quick conversation could save you months – or even years – of waiting unnecessarily.

You might be closer than you think.

Kate Sawyer
Principal Finance Broker
Greenstone Finance Group

One week of Greenstone Finance Group… One client settled. One incredible opportunity!

This week I delivered a settlement gift to my very first Greenstone client 💚

There is something incredibly special about being trusted to help someone navigate an important financial decision. Whether it’s a property purchase, an asset purchase, growing a business or creating more options for the future, I never take that responsibility lightly.

I also received confirmation that I’d been accepted into the 2026 ANZ Doyenne Program. To receive that email in the very first week of launching Greenstone felt pretty special.

Doyenne is ANZ’s national development program that supports and empowers a select number of female brokers across Australia through leadership, business growth and industry development opportunities.

One client settled.

One incredible opportunity opened.

And a whole lot of excitement for what’s ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. The clients who have trusted me, the people who have referred me, the friends and family who have cheered me on, and the many people who have sent messages of encouragement over the past few weeks.

We’re only one week in, but already feels exactly like what it was meant to be.

Kate xx

I’m so excited to officially announce the launch of Greenstone Finance Group! 🎉

Helping people navigate the property and lending world is something I genuinely love. Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to support clients through major life moments – first homes, investments, business growth, restructures and everything in between – while building a career and client relationships I’m incredibly proud of.

Starting Greenstone felt like the natural next step. A business built on the values that matter most to me – honest conversations, clear communication, education, strategic thinking, and genuine long-term relationships, not just quick transactions.

I believe good finance advice should feel supportive, personalised and empowering – not overwhelming.

I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has trusted and supported me so far, and I can’t wait for this next chapter.

We are officially up and running, so if you or anyone you know could use support with property finance, lending strategy, or just a conversation about what’s possible – please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help! 🏡✨

Interest rates have moved again 📊

The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased the cash rate by 0.25%, now sitting at 4.35%.

This is the third increase this year.

What’s interesting this time:

⭐️ The decision was far more decisive – 8 members voted to increase, only 1 voted to hold
⭐️ Last time, it was a much closer split (5-4), showing more uncertainty
⭐️ This shift tells us there’s stronger conviction now around inflation needing to be controlled

We’re also back at rate levels last seen between late 2023 and early 2025.

What this actually means for you:

- If you’re on a variable rate, your repayments will likely increase again.
- If you’re fixed, this doesn’t change your rate right now – but it matters for what comes next.
- If you’re looking to buy or refinance, borrowing capacity may be slightly tighter.

This is where I think people get it wrong – it’s not just about rates going up.

It’s about having the right structure, the right lender, and a strategy that actually works in this environment.

There’s still opportunity out there. You just need to be positioned properly.

If you want to understand what this means for you specifically, reach out.