Pre-auction offers can seem like a clever way to secure a property before the bidding war begins—but for New Zealand buyers, they often come with hidden risks. If you’re considering …
What is a priority amount on a mortgage?
On a mortgage, a “priority amount” is the maximum sum a lender can claim from a borrower if they default, ensuring the lender’s security interest ranks above any subsequent lenders …
How To Choose The Best Bank For Your Home Loan
From experience, I know that for most first home buyers the excitement of just getting a home loan approved feels like a win, but often it means that you do …
Homeowners Should Take Advantage Of Dropping Interest Rates
So the good news is interest rates are coming down and therefore when you refix your mortgage you could be paying less, but dropping interest rates also present a great …
Are You Headed To A Mortgagee Sale?
Banks can be very friendly when things are going well, but they can turn on you quickly if you get behind in your repayments – if you get into mortgage …
The Kāinga Ora Maintenance Clause (for First Home Loans)
If you intend to buy your first home using the Kāinga Ora low deposit First Home Loan scheme then you need to be aware of the eligibility and the maintenance …
The Less Known Rules For The First Home Loan Scheme
When you look at the Kāinga Ora website you will find the basic rules for the First Home Loan Scheme, but there are some less well known one’s that are …
What Lenders Look For In Your Bank Statements
Lenders are now looking at spending and bank statements in more detail when assessing people for a mortgage approval. Previously you would be asked what you spend and your mortgage …
Low Deposit Options For Your First Home
What low deposit options are there? Most first home buyers do not have a 20% deposit and so ask if it’s worth making the effort to buy with a low …
Using KiwiSaver For Buying Your First Home
I get asked often if using KiwiSaver for buying your first home is possible. It is, but there appears to be some confusion about this and people are being given …