That Home Loan Hub

• The Hidden Costs and Considerations of New Home Construction

  Dreaming of building your perfect home? Before you break ground, you need to understand how banks approach new builds differently from established properties. This eye-opening episode reveals the hidden financial complexities that can make or break your construction journey.We explore the three main building pathways - turnkey packages, progressive payments, and labour-only builds - each with dramatically different financial implications. Did you know banks can offer 12-month pre-approvals for turnkey builds? Sounds great until you learn about the valuation risks that could leave you scrambling for extra funds at completion if the market shifts downward.The financial juggling act of building becomes clear as we explain how banks assess not just your ability to repay, but also factor in potential cost overruns. For progressive payment builds, you'll face the double burden of rent plus mortgage repayments during construction. And if you're considering managing your own build, prepare for much stricter lending criteria - typically just 70% LVR compared to the 90-95% available for other construction types.Perhaps most surprising is our revelation about developer "gifts" - those tempting furniture vouchers or upgrade packages can actually reduce your property's valuation in the bank's eyes, potentially creating financing headaches. However, there's good news too - new builds are exempt from the Reserve Bank's loan-to-value restrictions, potentially allowing more flexible deposit requirements.Whether you're weighing up building options or already committed to construction, this episode provides crucial information that could save you thousands and prevent major financial stress. Don't start your building journey without listening first!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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• When Your House Is Your Only Asset: Understanding Home Equity Release

  Looking to make the most of your retirement years but find yourself house-rich and cash-poor? Our latest deep dive into reverse mortgages might just offer the financial flexibility you've been searching for.Reverse mortgages have earned a somewhat tarnished reputation over the years, but as we explore in this episode, they serve a valuable purpose for specific situations. For many Kiwi retirees who own their homes outright but didn't benefit from KiwiSaver during their working years, the pension alone simply doesn't stretch far enough. This financial product allows homeowners over 60 to access 15-20% of their property's value without making regular repayments.We unpack several compelling scenarios where reverse mortgages make perfect sense—funding critical private healthcare to bypass lengthy public waiting lists, making essential home improvements for comfort and safety, or even creating precious memories with loved ones facing health challenges. One particularly moving example features a mother who used a reverse mortgage to travel the world with her daughter during her final months battling cancer.The conversation takes an interesting turn when we discuss the intergenerational dynamics at play. Many retirees feel obligated to preserve their assets as inheritance, but we challenge this thinking. Is sacrificing your quality of life to leave a larger inheritance really what your children want? Many adult children actually prefer seeing their parents enjoy retirement rather than scrimping and saving for the next generation.The most critical takeaway? Timing is everything. A reverse mortgage taken at 60 could triple in size by age 85 due to compound interest, potentially limiting future options like moving to a retirement village. Understanding when and how to use this financial tool makes all the difference between empowerment and regret.Curious if a reverse mortgage might be right for you or your parents? Get in touch with us—we're here to listen to your unique situation and provide guidance without pressure. After all, retirement should be about living well, not just getting by.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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• KiwiSaver: Your Secret Weapon for Home Ownership

  Ready to take the plunge into home ownership? You might be surprised to learn that right now could be your golden opportunity. Professor Buchanan joins us to unpack why current market conditions are uniquely favourable for first home buyers. Gone are the days of frantic multi-offer scenarios—today's buyers often find themselves with the luxury of time and negotiating power on properties that have been available for months. This breathing room, combined with historically reasonable interest rates (COVID's extraordinarily low rates were truly an anomaly), creates a perfect environment for thoughtful decision-making.The KiwiSaver scheme emerges as the unsung hero in this conversation. Many potential buyers in their early-to-mid thirties have now accumulated 10-15 years of contributions, resulting in substantial deposits that often reach the coveted 20% threshold. Looking to Australia's more mature superannuation system provides fascinating insight into how these schemes can transform economic landscapes—they're now measuring their super funds in trillions of dollars after a 20-year head start on New Zealand.We also explore the shifting perspectives on property prices among key market participants. There's growing recognition that while gradual increases might be sustainable, the dramatic fluctuations we've experienced in recent years only fuel speculation rather than stable home ownership. For those wavering on the fence about buying, now might be the ideal time to seek professional advice tailored to your unique circumstances. With employer KiwiSaver contributions set to increase from 3% to 4% next year, the future looks even brighter for prospective buyers.Curious if this is your moment to enter the property market? Listen in, then reach out—we'd love to help you navigate these favourable conditions and find your path to home ownership.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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• Women in Finance: Changing Lives Beyond the Numbers

  What does football have to do with financial freedom? Everything, according to our latest conversation with Khounch about recent industry conferences that left us inspired and motivated to make real change in our communities.The excitement begins with Mike Pirro's new sponsorship of A-League football teams - a move that demonstrates their commitment to supporting communities and helping people realize their homeownership dreams. As Khounch passionately explains, this resonates deeply with our mission to show first-generation potential homeowners from underserved neighborhoods that property ownership is within reach. "If I can do it, I want to show everyone can do it," Khounch shares, reflecting on his journey from being a child who couldn't speak English to becoming a successful financial advisor.Sir Graham Henry's appearance at the conference brought surprising insights about the softer side of the renowned coach and valuable lessons about team culture that translate perfectly to financial advisory work. The key takeaway? "You make your own luck" - whether on the football field or in your financial journey. This mindset shift is precisely what many clients need to overcome the paralysis created by negative financial news cycles.The Financial Advice New Zealand Roadshow delivered sobering retirement planning statistics that surprised even us. A retired couple needs approximately $1,200 weekly for a comfortable lifestyle with "frills" - and that's assuming they own their home outright. With insurance costs and rates continuously rising, proper financial planning becomes essential, not optional. The stark reality for those still renting during retirement paints an even more challenging picture.Perhaps most telling was the observation about gender representation in our industry. With only two women among nine advisors in breakout sessions, we're reminded why our mission to bring more women into financial advice matters so deeply. Many clients, particularly single mothers, simply feel more comfortable working with female advisors who understand their unique challenges. This is why we approach each client as a person with a name and story, not as a number toward monthly targets.Ready to work with advisors who genuinely care about changing your life rather than just meeting quotas? Reach out today and experience the difference that authentic, person-centered financial advice can make in your journey toward homeownership and financial security.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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• Money in Your Pocket: The Sweet Spot in Wellington's Housing Market

  The financial landscape in New Zealand is shifting in fascinating ways following the recent 0.25% drop in the Official Cash Rate. After years of climbing interest rates and market uncertainty, we're witnessing a welcome change that's creating unique opportunities for homeowners, first-time buyers, and investors alike.Six-month fixed interest rates have fallen below 5% for the first time in recent memory – a dramatic improvement from the 6.7% rates of just twelve months ago. For the average mortgage holder, this translates to approximately $120-180 monthly savings in repayments. But here's where it gets interesting: contrary to the typical economic pattern where falling interest rates drive property prices upward, we're seeing property values remain remarkably flat. This creates what we're calling a "sweet spot" in the market, particularly in regions like Wellington where property values dropped by a staggering 27%.Smart investors are already capitalizing on this unusual market condition. We've seen clients purchasing properties in areas like Shannon for $550,000 that include additional dwellings on the same land, generating rental returns of around $850 – the kind of yield that has these investors immediately asking "can we buy another one?" While Auckland prices continue their upward trajectory, Wellington and surrounding regions present exceptional value for those willing to make calculated moves. However, not everyone benefits equally from these changes – term deposit holders face diminishing returns and may need to consider alternative investment strategies. Whether you're looking to enter the property market for the first time, considering an investment property, or simply wanting to refinance your existing mortgage, now might be the perfect time to make your move before the market shifts again. Connect with us to explore how these changes could benefit your financial future.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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