When it comes to getting a mortgage, many home buyers choose to work with a mortgage adviser rather than going direct to the bank. That’s because there are several benefits to working with a mortgage adviser. But it’s just not in the home buying process that mortgage advisers offer knowledgeable guidance and advice: even when you already have a home loan, there are instances where it’s worthwhile using a mortgage adviser.

Insurance is something many of us don’t think too much about. Often, it’s only as a result of an event that we even consider buying insurance. Like when we get a mortgage, start a family, or lose someone we love. The fact is, buying insurance isn’t always a simple purchase and there are a few things that can go wrong. If you’re reviewing your insurance options, look out for these five insurance mistakes that many Kiwis make, and consider how to avoid them.

Choosing to build a new home can be an effective option for first home buyers who want to get a foot onto the property ladder. Because it can be daunting trying to navigate the new build process for the first time, it’s helpful to have a heads up about what to expect. Like how long it should take, what to think about in terms of design, and how to find a builder. To help you get started, here are 5 things to consider when building a new home.

Warmer temperatures and more sunshine hours signal the beginning of spring, and for many of us, time to spring clean. A thorough spring clean of your home has a number of health benefits. Aside from helping strengthen your immune system and avoid illnesses, cleaning and organising the space you spend most of your time in can actually boost your mood and help you focus better. Here are five ways you can benefit from spring cleaning along with tips on what tasks to prioritise.

Ongoing lockdown restrictions have meant many New Zealanders are facing serious financial hardship. Those families that are still struggling from previous lockdowns will be hardest hit, and many will be tempted to turn to easy access, high-interest debt in order to pay for day to day expenses. If you are struggling financially – unable to repay existing debt, maintain your mortgage repayments, or simply put food on the table – please reach out for help. Here are some options.

There’s a lot you can do to chip away at your home loan, beyond just making regular repayments. While working towards being mortgage-free usually means making some sacrifices – like cutting back on spending, or paying more of your income into your home loan – there are a few quick wins that aren’t quite as painful but are just as effective. Here are 5 ways to save on your home loan.

Homeowners who commit more than 30 per cent of their after-tax income to paying the mortgage are likely to be feeling a form of financial stress known as “mortgage stress”. And with around 40 percent of all lending done to borrowers with debts that are five or more times their before-tax income*, as well as the ongoing economic impact of COVID-19 – including redundancy, reduced work hours, or illness – it’s not hard to see why mortgage stress is a growing concern in New Zealand.

Following the move to level 4 lockdown on 17 August 2021, Government has once again triggered support for businesses and workers. Along with Government’s Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Resurgence Support Payment, a number of other support measures are also being provided for businesses and workers. Read on to find a brief summary of the support you may be eligible for.

In New Zealand, redraw and offset facilities are fast becoming more popular home loan features for good reason. While mortgage interest rates are an important factor when it comes to choosing the right home loan, extra features – like a redraw or offset facility – play a big part too. These two home loan features allow you to use any extra funds you pay into your home loan while reducing the amount of interest you pay. And for diligent savers, that means significant savings. Here’s more about each of these features.

When it comes to buying a home, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy an existing property or to build new. While many people choose an established character home, there are those who love the idea of a brand-new home. No matter which option you choose, buying a home is a big investment. So, to help you make an informed decision about the type of home you’d like to buy, here are some of the benefits of buying a new build, as well as the pitfalls to look out for.