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When it comes to getting a mortgage - the default option is to walk straight into your main bank. It feels safe, familiar, and easy.
But the most important question is: are you actually getting the best deal, or just the most convenient one?
For the past few years, anyone trying to buy their first home could be forgiven for feeling hopeless. We've seen a frantic seller's market,
sky-high prices, and then a rapid spike in interest rates that crushed affordability.
But the market has shifted.
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After a period of rising costs, seeing interest rates begin to fall is a welcome relief for homeowners across New Zealand. While it’s
tempting to simply enjoy the extra cash in your account, this moment presents a powerful strategic opportunity to either improve your cash
flow or significantly accelerate your journey to being mortgage-free.
But what's the right move for you? It generally comes down to two common scenarios.
It’s the most common question I get from aspiring homeowners: "Do I really need a 20% deposit to buy a property?"
The short answer is no, but it certainly helps. While a 20% deposit is the traditional "gold standard," it's important to
understand why it's so beneficial, and what your options are if you're not quite there yet.
More first home buyers are getting into the market by choosing 'do-up' properties and building value through their own work - often called
'sweat equity'. With first-timers now making up around 26% of all buyers, it's clear this hands-on approach is working.
Buying a home that needs work isn't just a cheaper option; it's a smart financial strategy. However, before you start planning any
renovations, it's vital to understand the costs, the risks, and the overall game plan.
Buying your first home in today's market comes with a unique set of challenges and, understandably, a lot of questions. As Mortgage Adviser’s, we see the same concerns come up time and again.
Figuring out which home loan product to choose can be confusing, especially with so many options available.
Deciding between a Revolving Credit or an Offset Facility is an important decision that can significantly influence your financial strategy.
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Being self-employed often comes with the freedom to build your business on your terms - but when it comes to getting a mortgage, it can
sometimes feel like you’re speaking a different language to lenders.
The good news? More and more banks and lenders are starting to understand how self-employed income works. And with the right advice and
preparation, you can absolutely make your homeownership goals a reality.
Mortgage test rates are experiencing their most significant drop in recent years, unlocking additional borrowing power specifically
benefiting first home buyers and existing homeowners alike.
In this week’s update we’ll take a look at how the increased borrowing capacity significantly impacts potential homebuyers,
creating new opportunities in a previously challenging market.
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Many New Zealand homeowners are looking for better ways to manage their mortgages. A revolving credit facility can be a powerful tool to help you pay off your home loan faster while giving you access to your home’s equity when you need it. So in this week’s update, we’ll help you understand how a revolving credit works and whether it might be the right strategy for your financial situation.
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Planning to buy a home this year? You might be wondering if your recent holiday spending could hurt your home loan application. The good news: it probably won’t. In this week’s update, we’ll explain why you don’t need to cancel the fun to stay on track for your 2025 property goals.
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Non-bank lenders are financial institutions that provide loans without holding a banking licence from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. While they’re sometimes referred to as “second-tier” lenders, this terminology actually undervalues the significant role they play in the lending space.
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Deciding whether to refix or refinance your mortgage can seem like a daunting task, especially when your fixed interest rate is about to
expire.
The decision will largely depend on your current financial circumstances, the prevailing market conditions, and the potential advantages of
switching lenders.
When it comes to home loans, not all banks view and assess an application in the same way. They all have varying policies and criteria. Things like self-employed income, overseas income, variable (bonus, commission etc.) income, or rental income and multi ownership structures may be treated differently, directly affecting the amount you can borrow.
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Attending an auction can be an overwhelming experience.
With so much pressure to make the right decisions, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and lose sight of your goals.
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Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, knowing how each sale and purchase method works can help you make an informed
decision. In this week's update, we'll explore the different ways to purchase property, providing you with valuable insights to help you
navigate the process successfully