Author: Chris Raymond

Chris Raymond, the principle broker and founder of Unconditional Finance, stands as a beacon of expertise and dedication in the financial industry. With an extensive background and a wealth of experience, Chris has crafted a legacy rooted in the meticulous structuring of loans tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients. His profound understanding of the market, coupled with his personal experience as an investor, empowers him to guide clients in expanding their property portfolios sustainably and in alignment with their long-term financial objectives. Unconditional Finance, under Chris's leadership, has emerged as an award-winning mortgage broking company specializing in property investment finance, residential, commercial, and asset finance. Chris's exceptional contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has garnered numerous awards and accolades, consistently securing a place in the top 100 broker list multiple times. This recognition is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate the complexities of finance with precision and insight. Chris is passionate about educating his clients on the entire lending process, offering clear guidance and advice so they can make informed decisions. He works closely with his clients to determine which loan from his extensive network of lenders will best meet their financial goals. He then negotiates with lenders to secure the best possible loan terms, ensuring alignment with his clients' objectives. From completing paperwork to managing loans through to settlement, Chris handles all aspects of the lending process, monitoring loans post-settlement to maintain their competitiveness. Whether clients are in the market for their first home, their next home, or an investment property, Chris is there to help. He excels at finding lower interest rates, reducing repayments, and shortening loan terms, ensuring his clients always have the most advantageous financial arrangements. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is a devoted family man. He cherishes time spent with his wife and two young sons, often finding joy in the simple pleasures of family life. An avid sports enthusiast, Chris's love for watching sports serves as a perfect balance to his dynamic career. Chris Raymond's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and profound impact. At the helm of Unconditional Finance, he continues to set new standards in the industry, fostering growth and financial success for his clients while nurturing a rich and fulfilling personal life. If you need an award-winning mortgage broker or want to know how Chris can assist you, don't hesitate to get in touch or connect.

Property downturn may be over…

Australian property prices rose 0.6% in March, according to CoreLogic – the first monthly increase since April 2022. But while prices increased at a national level, and in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane as well, they did decline in the four smaller capitals. CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless, said one reason prices are rising again […]

How to protect yourself against scams…

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has launched a new campaign to raise awareness about scams. This is a very topical issue, with Scamwatch receiving 14,603 reports about bank impersonation scams in 2022, resulting in more than $20 million in losses, according to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. The ABA ads include these key messages: […]

Home owners reluctant to list their properties for sale…

The number of properties listed for sale has increased, although this is due to less new listings coming onto the market than existing listings taking longer to sell. SQM Research has reported that 231,039 properties across Australia were listed for sale in February, which was 7.7% higher than the year before. Significantly, though, the number […]

RBA ‘closer to the point’ where it will stop hiking rates…

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Philip Lowe has hinted that with monetary policy now in “restrictive territory”, interest rates may be near their peak. In a speech delivered the day after the RBA raised the cash rate for the 10th consecutive time, Governor Lowe said the RBA Board was closely monitoring the effect of […]

Have we reached the bottom of the market

New data from CoreLogic suggests we might be near the end of the housing downturn. While Australia’s median property price fell 0.1% during February, values then rose in some markets in the four weeks to March 15: That said, it’s too early to call the bottom of the market, according to CoreLogic’s executive research director, […]

First home buyers now need less time to save a deposit…

Over the past year, it’s become significantly easier for first home buyers to save a 20% house deposit, according to new research from Domain. In February 2022, first home buyers needed an average of 5 years 5 months to save a 20% house deposit. By February 2023, that had fallen to 4 years 11 months. […]

Rental vacancies fall by a staggering 34.2%

The rental market has turned decisively in favour of property investors, with the number of vacant rental properties plummeting by one-third over a 12-month period. Between January of 2022 and 2023, the number of rental vacancies across Australia fell from 47,977 to 31,592, a reduction of 34.2%, according to SQM Research. At the same time, […]