That Home Loan Hub

• When Your Address Is a Deal-Breaker (And How to Fix It)

  Geographical discrimination in mortgage lending is rarely discussed, but it nearly derailed the homeownership dreams of a hardworking Greymouth couple. Their story reveals a shocking reality that many New Zealanders may face when seeking to buy in regional areas.Meet our clients: a couple in their 30s with three young children who had done everything right. They'd saved $68,000 for their deposit through KiwiSaver and personal savings. Both earned stable incomes of $55,000 in secure professions. On paper, they were ideal candidates for the Kāinga Ora first home loan scheme. Yet their application was declined by a major lender for one reason only – they wanted to buy in Greymouth on the West Coast.This was unprecedented in my 15 years in finance. The same clients would have been approved had they wanted to buy in Wellington, Christchurch, or other major centres. We immediately regrouped and approached alternative lenders, eventually finding a major bank that assessed their application based on their financial merits rather than postal code. Not only were they approved, but they secured more than their initial requirement – and just in time to avoid the significant Kāinga Ora low equity premium increase coming on July 1st (jumping from 0.5% to 1.2%).The takeaway is clear: if you're buying in a regional area and face rejection, don't assume it's your financial position at fault. Different lenders have different geographical restrictions, and finding the right match is crucial. Have you faced similar obstacles in your homebuying journey? We'd love to help you navigate these hidden barriers to homeownership. Contact us today to discuss your situation and discover options you might not know exist.Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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• First Home Buyers Alert: Kāinga Ora Premium Doubles from July 1st

  Breaking news for Kiwi first home buyers! The Kāinga Ora low equity premium is more than doubling, jumping from 0.5% to 1.2% of your loan amount effective July 1st. This change significantly impacts anyone using the First Home Loan scheme with less than a 20% deposit.Let's put this in real money terms: on a typical $600,000 mortgage, you're now looking at $7,200 instead of $3,000 – that's an extra $4,200 straight out of your pocket! And if you add this to your loan balance rather than paying upfront, you'll end up paying considerably more over a 30-year mortgage term. This fee increase only affects Kāinga Ora First Home Loans for buyers with less than 20% deposit, and only for applications submitted after July 1st.Despite this increase, Kāinga Ora may still be your best pathway to homeownership, especially if you've only saved a 5% deposit. Many mainstream banks simply can't accommodate such low deposit lending in the current market. However, for others, this change might make alternative lenders or saving a larger deposit more attractive. Every situation is unique, which is why connecting with a mortgage advisor has never been more important – we can run the numbers across different scenarios and help you determine the most cost-effective approach. If you already have Kāinga Ora approval under the old premium rate, now's the time to act before that approval expires! Subscribe to our podcast and share this episode with your first-time buyer mates – this information could literally save them thousands of dollars.Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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• New Construction vs Existing Properties: The Rental Investment Breakdown

  Building to rent versus buying existing stock - which strategy makes more sense for property investors? We dive deep into the compelling reasons why new builds are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for savvy rental property investors across New Zealand.The numbers tell a powerful story. New rental properties in regions like Kapiti Coast command premium weekly rents of $650-700+, creating strong cash flow potential from day one. But the advantages extend far beyond just higher rental income. We share real examples of maintenance headaches from older properties, including a recent $2,000 repair bill across several rentals in just one month - costs you simply won't face with new construction.Financial institutions have recognized the reduced risk profile of new builds, requiring just 15% deposits compared to the standard 20-30% for existing properties. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for investors. However, we uncover a critical technicality that catches many investors by surprise: to qualify for these favorable lending conditions, you must purchase directly from the developer or builder, not from another investor who never occupied the property.The 10-year builder warranties, reduced maintenance requirements, and ability to attract higher-quality tenants make new builds particularly attractive. As we discuss in the episode, successful property investing requires removing emotion from the equation and focusing purely on the numbers - and for many investors, the calculations strongly favor building new.Ready to transform your investment strategy? Consider whether building new might be the key to unlocking greater returns while providing quality housing in your community. Subscribe to our podcast for more insider tips on maximizing your property investment success!Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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• Inside the World of Homely: Transforming Rental Property Management

  Navigating the shifting landscape of investment property management requires more expertise than many realize. Rachael Stipkovits from Homely Property Management pulls back the curtain on an industry that impacts thousands of New Zealanders yet remains surprisingly unregulated.Rachel shares her journey from 20 years in insurance to property management, bringing a unique perspective to protecting your investment. Her background allows her to spot potential issues that many would miss, from gradual damage claims to insurance coverage limitations. We explore how Homely's approach differs from traditional property management, with their focus on quality service through limited portfolio sizes and qualified professionals.The conversation delivers several bombshells for property investors. First, all rental properties must be fully Healthy Homes compliant by July 1, 2025, with no grace period. Second, upcoming changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will introduce pet bonds (an additional two weeks' rent for tenants with pets). But perhaps most shocking is the revelation that property management remains completely unregulated in New Zealand – literally anyone can hang up a shingle and start managing properties without qualifications or oversight.We delve into the technology revolutionizing property inspections, from 360° cameras to AI that detects damage, and how these tools protect both landlords and tenants. Rachel explains what to look for when choosing a property manager, warning that lower fees often mask hidden charges for services that should be standard.Whether you're a seasoned investor or considering your first rental property, this episode provides essential insights into protecting your investment in today's complex market. Learn why due diligence in selecting a property manager might be the most important decision you make for your financial future.Subscribe to hear more conversations with industry experts who provide practical advice for navigating New Zealand's property landscape.Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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• ( Repost ) Real Estate Revolution: How Karl Matakatea Built Sold on Kapiti

  What happens when you throw conventional real estate wisdom out the window? Karl Matakatea's journey building Sold on Kapiti Real Estate reveals exactly that. From jumping into the ocean for property videos to eschewing traditional advertising methods, Karl's approach to real estate is anything but ordinary.In this candid conversation, Karl shares how he built a thriving business without ever having a billboard or bus back advertisement. Instead, he leveraged authentic social media content that connected with the Kapiti Coast community in meaningful ways. "People know us before we know them," Karl explains, highlighting how this approach creates instant rapport with potential clients. It's a masterclass in modern marketing that businesses across any industry could learn from.Beyond business strategies, Karl offers refreshing perspectives on property ownership and financial freedom. At 35, his goal isn't to amass an ever-growing portfolio, but rather to be completely mortgage-free by 37. "I just want to be free," he shares, explaining his desire to eventually explore other careers beyond real estate. This philosophy challenges conventional wisdom about success and wealth accumulation.The conversation also explores the transformation of the Kapiti Coast, particularly Waikanae, from a retirement destination to a vibrant community attracting younger families. With improved infrastructure like Transmission Gully making commuting easier, properties offering drive-on access, double glazing, and less wind than Wellington, the area has become increasingly desirable. As Karl memorably puts it, "You don't go to Waikanae to die anymore - you go there to live."Whether you're considering a move to the Kapiti Coast, looking to build a business with authentic marketing, or simply interested in alternative views on property and wealth, this conversation offers valuable insights and a fresh perspective on success beyond conventional metrics. Connect with Karl and the Sold on Kapiti team through their social media channels or at https://www.soldonkapiti.co.nz/Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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