Home Loan Top Ups – What are your options for topping up on your home loan?
If you already have a home loan, you can potentially look to borrow more with a home loan top up. A top up allows you to borrow additional funds using the equity you’ve built up in your home. This loan can either be consolidated with your existing home loan or taken out as an additional […]
How to get mortgage free faster
Most mortgage holders want to do whatever they can to pay off their mortgage earlier, but don’t know where to start. Paying your mortgage off faster doesn’t mean living on 2-minute noodles or going without. Making minor adjustments to your mortgage can make a big difference over time and can save you thousands of dollars. […]
Buying a House with Friends or Family in New Zealand: A Guide to Co-Ownership
The objective of Co-Own is to find an alternative way of buying a home that allows friends or family members to financially team up to purchase and own property. Buying a property together is a way to get on the property ladder sooner. Co-owning is become especially popular with: Friends who want to stop renting […]
What is an Offset Mortgage?
An Offset Mortgage is a facility that links your mortgage to your savings and everyday accounts. The balances in these accounts are used to offset the amount of interest you’ll pay on your offset mortgage. Interest is calculated daily, so the more funds you keep in your savings and everyday accounts, the more interest you’ll […]
What is a Revolving Credit mortgage?
A Revolving Credit is a type of home loan that works like a big overdraft. You can deposit money into this account type and take money back out as often as you like without incurring fees – so long as you stay within your approved limit. This facility is different from a regular mortgage, as […]
Things to consider when buying a home through private sale
Private sales offer a unique opportunity to buy directly from the property owner rather than going through a real estate agent. In these situations, because the seller is not paying commission, they may have more scope to negotiate the sale price with you. Understanding buying privately If you’re interested in a property that is being […]
What does it mean to go “Unconditional” on a property
If you’re purchasing a property, understanding what it means to go “Unconditional” on a property is a crucial part of the home-buying journey. What happens when you make an offer on a property When you make an offer on a property that you wish to purchase, it can be conditional or unconditional. A “Conditional Offer” […]
KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal
As a first home buyer, you can use your KiwiSaver to help with your deposit. You may even qualify to access your KiwiSaver if you’ve previously owned a home before. You can withdraw your KiwiSaver if you’ve been contributing for at least 3 years, however, at least $1,000 must remain in your KiwiSaver account and […]
What you need to know as a self-employed borrower
If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, you’re probably already familiar with the ongoing challenges of keeping your accounts, finances, and income all in order. You’ll often be wearing a lot of different hats in your day-to-day operation and working longer hours than an employee. So, applying for a mortgage, may seem daunting. Unlike […]
Costs to be aware of as a First Home Buyer
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll probably ever make. So you need to make sure you’re aware of the costs involved in purchasing a house, so that you’re prepared and not stung by any unexpected costs along the way – as people often are! Apart from the obvious expense […]