Ever wondered who actually pays a mortgage broker and when? We pull back the curtain on broker commissions, client fees, and the real incentives that shape mortgage advice in New Zealand. From first home buyers to developers and self-builds, we explain the money flows in plain language so you can make smarter choices without second-guessing the fine print.
We start with the basics: for standard home loans, the bank pays the broker after settlement, which means most clients don’t pay us a fee. Then we get honest about the exceptions—fast flips, second-tier lenders with no commission, and short-term loans where a transparent fee keeps things fair. You’ll also learn about clawbacks, the little-known mechanism where banks take back commission if a loan is repaid or refinanced within about three years. That risk is exactly why we stay engaged after settlement with reviews and ongoing support, not just a quick sign-off.
Choosing a lender isn’t a commission chase. We walk through how we match clients to banks based on policy fit, timeframes, construction requirements, and long-term outcomes. Some lenders pay more, others less, but the best result is the one that actually works for your situation. Along the way we share why we don’t invoice when deals fall over, how referrals keep our model sustainable, and why we prioritise quality and relationships over rush and churn.
If you’re weighing up buying, building, or refinancing, this conversation will help you decode costs, spot fair fee structures, and understand how broker incentives align with your goals. Have questions you were too shy to ask? Send them through—we’re here to help. If you found this useful, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more Kiwis can find straight-up mortgage advice.
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