Margaret Rochford

Finance & Mortgage Broker

info@finrocfinance.com.au

0414 012 250

Margaret Rochford FinRoc Finance

About Margaret Rochford

With a genuine passion for helping people make confident financial choices, I’m dedicated to finding the right loan solution for every client — backed by honest advice and personal service you can trust.

Based on Sydney’s Lower North Shore and working with clients across Australia, I bring more than 25 years of experience in financial services, together with qualifications in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management and a licence in real estate. Having bought, sold and refinanced multiple properties myself, I know how complex and overwhelming the lending process can feel.

My approach is grounded in my family’s motto, “Truth gives wings to strength.” In finance, as in life, I believe truth builds trust — and trust gives you the strength to move forward with clarity and confidence. That’s exactly what I aim to bring to every client relationship.

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, investing, or securing a business or personal loan, I’ll be your advocate and guide from start to finish. With access to a wide panel of lenders, I compare, negotiate, and tailor solutions designed to fit your goals — so you can move ahead with certainty.

Our Latest Reviews

Marie Bagnall

Margaret helped us see what was possible. We came to Margaret unsure how much we could borrow to purchase an office suite for our growing business. We wanted to use the equity in our home but weren’t sure where to start or what the banks would allow. Margaret took the time to understand both our business and personal finances then clearly explained the options available to us. Her guidance gave us the confidence to move forward and secure the funding we needed without overextending ourselves. What impressed us most was how approachable and professional she was throughout the process. It really felt like she was on our side, making sure every detail was right. We’d highly recommend FinRoc Finance to anyone wanting genuine, knowledgeable advice. — Maggie and Steve, Narrabeen

Jo Buckley

Margaret helped my daughter and son-in-law see the bigger picture.” As a parent, it was hard watching Tegan and Dave feel so stuck. They wanted to sell their unit and buy a bigger place, but the numbers just didn’t seem to work. Margaret took the time to really understand their situation and goals, then gave them three clear strategies to consider: staying where they were and saving a bigger deposit, reinvesting elsewhere or selling and renting while they built up their savings. It was such a relief to see them finally have a plan and options that made sense. With Margaret’s guidance, they chose the path that suited them best and now feel confident about their next move. — Tegan’s Mum

Dave and Tegan Robertson

“Margaret helped us see the bigger picture.” We were feeling stuck. We wanted to sell our unit and buy a bigger place, but the numbers just didn’t stack up. Margaret took the time to understand our goals and gave us three clear strategies to consider including staying where we were to save a bigger deposit, reinvesting elsewhere, or selling and renting while saving. It was such a relief to have options laid out so clearly. With her guidance, we chose the path that worked best for us, and we finally feel back in control of our next move. Tegan and Dave Robertson

We work with Australia's biggest lenders

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does FinRoc Finance provide to clients on the Lower North Shore?

FinRoc Finance is a specialist finance and mortgage broker serving clients across the Lower North Shore. We provide comprehensive mortgage broking services including home loans for first-time buyers, property investors, and those looking to refinance existing mortgages. Our services extend to commercial finance, business loans, equipment finance, and personal lending solutions. We work with over 40 lenders across Australia to secure suitable finance options for our clients' specific circumstances. Our experienced brokers handle the entire application process from initial consultation through to settlement, ensuring you receive professional guidance at every step of your finance journey.

How long does the mortgage application process typically take?

The mortgage application timeline varies depending on several factors including lender choice, loan complexity, and how quickly documentation is provided. Generally, pre-approval can be obtained within 3-5 business days once we submit a complete application. Full approval typically takes 7-14 business days for standard applications. More complex situations involving self-employed borrowers, investment properties, or non-standard lending may require additional time. At FinRoc Finance, we work diligently to expedite the process by ensuring applications are complete and accurate before submission. We maintain regular communication with lenders and keep you informed of progress throughout the entire application journey.

How does using a mortgage broker differ from approaching banks directly?

When you work with FinRoc Finance, you gain access to a wide network of lenders rather than being limited to one institution's products. Our brokers compare loan options from multiple lenders to identify solutions that match your financial situation and goals. We handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders on your behalf, and provide expert advice throughout the process. Unlike bank staff who only offer their employer's products, our brokers have obligations to act in your interests. We also provide ongoing support after settlement, helping with refinancing opportunities and loan reviews as your circumstances change.

What costs are involved when using FinRoc Finance's services?

FinRoc Finance operates on a commission basis, meaning our standard mortgage broking services don't cost you anything directly. We receive remuneration from the lender when your loan settles. This arrangement ensures our services are accessible to all clients regardless of loan size. Some specialist services such as commercial finance or complex structuring may involve additional fees, which we'll discuss transparently before proceeding. You'll still need to budget for standard loan costs including application fees, valuation fees, legal costs, stamp duty, and mortgage registration fees. We provide detailed cost breakdowns so you understand all expenses involved in your finance transaction.

How often should I review my existing mortgage with FinRoc Finance?

FinRoc Finance recommends reviewing your mortgage annually or whenever your circumstances change significantly. Regular reviews ensure you're receiving value from your current lending arrangement and taking advantage of market opportunities. Interest rate changes, new loan products, and improvements in your financial position may present refinancing opportunities that could save thousands of dollars annually. We also recommend reviews when considering major purchases, investment opportunities, or debt consolidation strategies. Our ongoing client relationships mean we proactively contact you when beneficial opportunities arise. These reviews help ensure your mortgage continues supporting your long-term financial goals rather than becoming a burden on your household budget.

What happens if my loan application is declined by a lender?

If your initial loan application is declined, FinRoc Finance doesn't give up on your finance goals. We analyse the reasons for decline and work with you to address any issues identified by the lender. This might involve improving your credit profile, adjusting loan amounts, or sourcing alternative lender options. Our extensive lender panel means we can approach institutions with different lending criteria that may be more suitable for your circumstances. We provide clear guidance on steps needed to strengthen your application and realistic timeframes for reapplying. Our brokers have successfully secured finance for many clients after initial setbacks.

What types of commercial finance does FinRoc Finance arrange?

FinRoc Finance arranges various commercial finance solutions for businesses across the Lower North Shore. Our commercial lending services include property acquisition loans for office spaces, retail premises, and industrial properties. We also arrange business loans for working capital, equipment finance for machinery and vehicles, and development finance for commercial projects. Our commercial brokers understand the unique requirements of different industries and work with specialist commercial lenders. We assist with loan structuring, security arrangements, and ensuring finance terms align with your business cash flow patterns. Our ongoing relationship includes regular reviews to ensure your finance continues meeting business needs.

Can FinRoc Finance help with investment property loans?

FinRoc Finance has extensive experience helping Lower North Shore clients build investment property portfolios. We understand the unique requirements of investment lending including rental yield calculations, negative gearing implications, and tax considerations. Our brokers work with lenders who actively support investment lending and can structure loans to maximise your borrowing capacity. We assist with both residential and commercial investment properties, helping you understand serviceability requirements and deposit obligations. Our service includes ongoing portfolio reviews, helping you refinance or restructure existing investment loans as your portfolio grows and market conditions change.

How does FinRoc Finance help first-time home buyers?

FinRoc Finance provides dedicated support for first-time home buyers throughout the Lower North Shore, helping you understand the entire home buying process. We explain different loan types, government grants, and stamp duty concessions available to first-time buyers in New South Wales. Our brokers help you determine realistic borrowing capacity and provide guidance on deposit requirements, including options for smaller deposits with lenders mortgage insurance. We coordinate with your solicitor and real estate agent to ensure smooth settlement processes. Additionally, we provide education about ongoing loan management, budgeting for home ownership costs, and future refinancing opportunities.

What documentation do I need to prepare for a home loan application?

For a home loan application through FinRoc Finance, you'll typically need recent payslips (usually the last two), tax returns and notices of assessment from the past two years, and bank statements covering three to six months. We'll also require identification documents such as your driver's licence and passport. If you're self-employed, additional documentation including business financial statements, BAS statements, and accountant letters may be necessary. Property investors will need rental agreements and depreciation schedules. Our brokers provide a comprehensive checklist tailored to your specific situation and loan type, ensuring you have everything required before submitting your application.