Thomas Chew

Thomas takes pride in helping people with their financing needs. Before joining Redbrick, he enjoyed a celebrated career in the local banking scene, acquiring numerous sales and service awards to his name. Many years on in banking, Thomas takes his experience and now specializes in mortgage advisory. Exuding confidence in his work, he believes that every client should be prepared to be wowed by his award winning service.

Bank Loan Or HDB Loan – Which Is Better For You?

HDB Loan vs. Bank Loan: A Definitive Guide for Singaporean Homebuyers When buying an HDB flat in Singapore, the decision between an HDB loan and a bank loan is one of the most critical you’ll make. It’s not just about interest rates; it’s about your financial personality, risk appetite, and long-term goals. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the latest interest rates to eligibility criteria and the key differences that will impact your life for decades

Thomas Chew August 20, 2025

Top 5 Refinancing Traps to Avoid When Switching Home Loans in Singapore

Refinancing your home loan can significantly impact your finances, helping you save thousands on interest payments and better manage your cash flow. However, similar to any financial decision, it carries its own set of risks. Numerous homeowners in Singapore inadvertently get caught in typical pitfalls during refinancing, transforming a potentially money-saving decision into an expensive blunder. Here’s a closer look at the top five traps to steer clear of when refinancing your home loan. 1. Not Comparing All Available Options

Thomas Chew June 25, 2025

Mortgage Broker vs Bank: Which is Better?

When securing a home loan, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to work with a mortgage broker or go directly to a bank. Broker vs Bank? Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your unique financial situation, preferences, and the complexity of your mortgage needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between mortgage brokers and banks to help you make an informed decision. What is a Mortgage Broker?

Thomas Chew June 18, 2025

Do You Need a Bridging Loan?

You may find yourself in a tight financial spot when buying a new property before selling your existing one. A bridging loan is a possible solution, offering temporary financing to help you close the monetary gap while transitioning between homes. This article will cover everything you need to know about bridging loans from what they are, how they work, the types available, to what you should consider before applying. This will better equip you to make a more well-informed decision

Thomas Chew April 23, 2025

Mortgage Valuation and Appraisal Process in Singapore

Property valuation and appraisal play a crucial role in Singapore’s mortgage process. Accurate assessments of property value not only guide buyers and sellers but also provide lenders with confidence in financing decisions. This article explores the significance of these processes, the methodologies employed, key factors considered by professionals, and how the resulting reports impact mortgage approval and loan amounts. Importance of Property Valuation and Appraisal in the Mortgage Process Property valuation and appraisal are essential for ensuring transparency and fairness

Thomas Chew March 5, 2025

The Key to ABSD (Trust)

Recently, a new tax was imposed in hopes to plug loopholes that have been exploited. It was announced that ABSD (Trust) will be implemented on properties that are transferred into living trusts. But what does this truly mean, and how would it affect you as a property buyer? What is a Living Trust? A living trust is created by a person when he is alive, and this person is also known as the settlor. In contrast, a testamentary trust is

Thomas Chew January 8, 2025

10 Mistakes You’ll Make (And Must Avoid) When Decoupling

Since April 2016, married couples who own a HDB flat are not allowed to decouple. Currently, the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 20% is imposed on secondary home purchases for Singaporean Citizens. However, this does not apply in the case of an essential occupier. Since essential occupiers are not considered homeowners, after they complete the Mandatory Occupation Period (MOP), they would be considered first-time property owners when purchasing a private property. The title of essential occupier also entitles one

Thomas Chew December 26, 2024

Lowest Mortgage Rates in Singapore: Is Cheaper Always Better?

When choosing a home loan, it’s natural to gravitate towards the lowest mortgage rates. After all, who doesn’t want to save a little extra? But is the lowest rate always the best deal? Mortgage rates in Singapore have been fluctuating over the years, rising from historical lows during the pandemic to a more competitive but uncertain landscape today. However, the decision isn’t as simple as it seems. Fixed or floating, short-term savings or long-term security? In this guide, we’ll help

Thomas Chew November 13, 2024

In Principle Approval (IPA) Process: How to Get a Head Start

When considering the purchase of a home in Singapore, comprehending the In Principle Approval (IPA) process is essential. This procedure not only facilitates a smoother home-buying experience but also equips you with a clear understanding of your financial capacity. In this discussion, we will explore the significance of the In Principle Approval (IPA), the required documentation, methods for assessing affordability, and strategies to improve your chances of obtaining pre-approval. Importance and Benefits of the In Principle Approval (IPA) The In-Principle

Thomas Chew September 18, 2024

7 Secret Bank Policies Revealed

The considerations for loan approvals are often limited to the regulations / bank policies that you are already aware of, like fulfilling the debt servicing ratio. However, you may not always be able to borrow at your desired loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, putting a greater obstacle in the way of achieving your dream property. As prospective homeowners, how can you strive towards achieving higher loan approval rates? Let us first recap some factors that would affect the approval of a mortgage

Thomas Chew June 26, 2024