Home loan pre-approvals: What you need to know

Feb 19, 2018 3:05:25 PM

Having a pre-approval in place before you start house hunting has a number of benefits: As well as showing sellers and agents you’re serious about buying, it helps speed up the process when you find a home you like, which puts you in a far better negotiating position. If you are considering applying for pre-approval, take a look at our tips for a successful pre-approval application.


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Topics: Pre-approvals, Home Loan, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, nz mortgage, mortgage adviser, family home

Divorce or separation and the family home

Feb 19, 2018 11:00:00 AM

The end of a relationship is understandably an emotional and traumatic time, and the process of separating your lives, property and finances can be challenging. As your income and expenses are likely to change at this time, it’s important you understand the impact of these changes on your most important asset: your family home.


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Topics: Home Loan, new zealand real estate, nz mortgage, mortgage adviser, separation, family home, divorce

Non-bank lending options

Feb 14, 2018 11:00:00 AM

Choosing a mortgage involves a great deal more than simply approaching your bank for a loan. Shopping around both bank and non-bank lenders is an important part of the process which, regrettably, too many Kiwis neglect to do. It’s true that non-bank lenders haven’t always enjoyed the best reputation, but more and more home buyers are discovering just how effective this type of lending can be, particularly when banks say no.


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Topics: Home Loan, new zealand real estate, nz mortgage, mortgage stress, mortgage adviser, Home Loan Rates, non-bank lender, lending options

4 Common reasons why the bank might say no

Feb 13, 2018 5:35:44 PM

Having your mortgage application declined isn’t necessarily the end of the road when it comes to your home buying journey. There are a few reasons why your lender may turn you down and understanding what these are is the key to your success. Here are 4 of the most common reasons why lenders may decline a mortgage application.


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Topics: Credit Card Debt, Debt, new zealand real estate, mortgage stress, mortgage adviser, Budgeting, 2018 budget

2018: A year of change for the NZ property market

Jan 23, 2018 5:44:05 PM

As Auckland’s housing market continues to grow, albeit at a much slower rate, a major bank has forecast a decrease in house prices across New Zealand over the next four years. New Zealand’s labour-led government policies kick in this month, and an easing up of LVR restrictions could be just the boost first home buyers need. Take a look at some of the property market changes you could expect in 2018.


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Topics: Credit Card Debt, Debt Consolidation, Debt, new zealand real estate, mortgage stress, mortgage adviser, Budgeting, 2018 budget

Coping with a Christmas debt hangover!

Jan 23, 2018 5:38:25 PM

There’s no doubt that Christmas can be an expensive time. Family holidays, costly Christmas gifts, and maybe even a little something for yourself. Unfortunately, in January when the credit card bills start rolling in, reality hits many people. To help you overcome a Christmas debt hangover, we’re sharing our new year budgeting tips.


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Topics: Credit Card Debt, Debt Consolidation, Debt, new zealand real estate, mortgage stress, mortgage adviser, Budgeting, 2018 budget

Top tips for your 2018 budget

Jan 23, 2018 12:42:13 PM

If you haven’t already given much thought to budgeting for the year ahead, now’s a good time to start. Having a budget can help you reduce overspending, help you save more, and ensure you avoid situations where unplanned expenses drive you into debt. To help you plan a more financially secure 2018, here are our top budgeting tips.


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Topics: Debt Consolidation, new zealand real estate, mortgage adviser, Budgeting, 2018 budget

Maximising your property’s value

Jan 19, 2018 2:25:56 PM

Investing in property has the potential to provide astute buyers with an excellent return. But, as any seasoned investor will tell you, you need to spend money in order to make money. It needn’t cost you thousands of dollars, however, to add value to your home and increase your equity. There are a few key things you can do even on a shoestring budget.


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Topics: new zealand real estate, Home Maintenance, mortgage adviser, Home Renovations

Avoiding a Christmas budget blow-out

Dec 15, 2017 2:10:30 PM

There’s nothing quite like Christmas for evoking memories of long, lazy summer days, presents under the tree, and BBQ’s on the beach. Unfortunately, for many people though, Christmas can be a stressful time too. Coping with extra expenses at this time of year without blowing the budget is a challenge. Here are our tips for doing just that.


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Topics: Christmas, new zealand real estate, mortgage adviser, Budgeting, Christmas spending

Christmas Holiday Traditions

Dec 14, 2017 12:40:00 PM

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of the year again. Before you get carried away by the silly season, take a moment to slow down and plan some fun holiday traditions to share with your family. From Secret Santa to a Christmas countdown, here are some of our favourite ideas to help you get started on creating your own Christmas holiday traditions.


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Topics: Christmas, new zealand real estate, mortgage adviser, Holiday Traditions