Shows
That Home Loan HubUnlocking Your KiwiSaver: The Hidden Trade-offs for First Home BuyersFacing the KiwiSaver dilemma? You're not alone. The question of whether to use your retirement savings for a first home deposit or preserve them for your golden years is perhaps the most consequential financial crossroads many Kiwis will face.As your mortgage advisor who promises honesty over comfort, I'm diving deep into this complex decision. After three years of KiwiSaver contributions, first-home buyers can withdraw almost their entire balance (minus $1,000) – often forming their only substantial deposit source. But this convenience comes with significant long-term implications.The mathematics of compound growth means withdrawing at 30 or 35 potentially sa...2025-06-0704 minThat Home Loan HubProtect Your Pre-Approval: The Secrets Banks Don't Tell YouGetting pre-approved for a home loan feels like a victory – until suddenly the bank ghosts you or that precious approval vanishes right when you find your dream property. As a mortgage advisor who's seen countless pre-approvals fall apart at the worst possible moment, I'm pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes.Pre-approval isn't the golden ticket many think it is. It's conditional, temporary, and surprisingly fragile. Like Izzy, who lost her pre-approval after accepting a better-paying job, many homebuyers make innocent mistakes that derail their homeownership journey without realizing it. The probation period in...2025-06-0605 minThat Home Loan HubNew Build Nightmares: What Property Developers Don't Tell You"Should you buy a house that doesn't exist yet?" That's the question at the heart of our deep dive into the glittery but sometimes treacherous world of off-plan property purchases.Forget what you've seen in the glossy brochures—buying off the plans isn't just about picking finishes and waiting for the keys. It's a financial commitment with unique risks that can catch even savvy buyers off-guard. We explore the hidden traps lurking in developer contracts, like the notorious "sunset clause" that lets developers cancel your contract if property values rise, potentially leaving you in the cold after mo...2025-06-0506 minThat Home Loan HubShould You Break Your Fixed Mortgage Early? A Cost-Benefit AnalysisStruggling with a high fixed mortgage rate while watching interest rates drop? You're not alone. This episode tackles the complex question many Kiwi homeowners face: should you break your fixed mortgage early?Breaking a mortgage isn't just about chasing a lower rate—it's about understanding the true financial impact of that decision. I walk you through the common reasons people consider breaking their fixed terms, from significant interest rate drops to major life changes like selling property, separating, or relocating. But the critical factor is always the break fee calculation, which varies dramatically based on your specific ci...2025-06-0204 minThat Home Loan HubUnlocking Home Equity: Is a Top-Up Loan Right for You?Wondering whether that home renovation, debt consolidation, or family holiday should be funded through your mortgage? This eye-opening episode cuts through the confusion surrounding top-up loans - one of 2025's hottest financial topics.We unpack what exactly happens when you borrow against your home equity, highlighting both the opportunities and pitfalls that come with accessing this powerful financial tool. Your house might be sitting on significant untapped value, but accessing that equity comes with long-term consequences that aren't always obvious at first glance.The math tells a sobering story: that $30,000 renovation financed at 6.9% over 25 years...2025-06-0105 minThat Home Loan HubYoung Couple Proves Homeownership Is Possible Despite Initial DoubtsStepping onto the property ladder feels impossible for many young New Zealanders, but Ryan Bilby's journey proves otherwise. A bakery manager at Ben's Buns in Paraparaumu Beach, Ryan recently purchased his first home with partner Crystal despite believing they weren't financially ready.With an 18% deposit, concerns about past credit issues, and no substantial parental support, Ryan initially dismissed homeownership as unattainable. The turning point came when rental costs kept climbing and finding pet-friendly accommodation became increasingly difficult. Their leap of faith revealed surprising truths – Ryan's credit history was better than expected, their deposit was competitive, and their de...2025-05-3120 minThat Home Loan HubBreaking the 20% Deposit MythTired of the endless saving cycle while watching home prices continue to climb? You're not alone. Many Kiwis believe they need a 20% deposit to enter the property market—a seemingly impossible hurdle that keeps pushing the dream of home ownership further away. But what if I told you this widely accepted "truth" is actually one of the biggest myths in New Zealand real estate?As a mortgage advisor who's helped hundreds of families secure their first homes, I'm pulling back the curtain on low deposit options that could transform your housing journey. The reality is far more pr...2025-05-3005 minThat Home Loan HubRentvesting: The Unconventional Path to Property OwnershipFeeling priced out of your dream neighbourhood? You're not alone. Across New Zealand, aspiring homeowners face the harsh reality of skyrocketing property prices in our most desirable cities. But what if there's another path to property ownership that doesn't require million-dollar mortgages or sacrificing your lifestyle?Rentvesting – renting where you live while investing in property elsewhere – is changing how Kiwis think about entering the property market. This approach makes perfect sense when you break it down: Why stretch yourself financially to buy in Wellington, Auckland or Queenstown when you could maintain your current lifestyle while building wealth thro...2025-05-2904 minThat Home Loan HubNavigating Co-Ownership: The Ins and Outs of Buying Property with OthersThe property ladder feels impossibly steep for many Kiwis, but what if you didn't have to climb it alone? We explore the increasingly popular strategy of buying property with friends or family – a potential shortcut to homeownership that comes with both opportunities and risks.Pooling resources can transform the impossible into the achievable. By combining deposits, incomes, and sharing ongoing costs, co-ownership might just be your ticket onto the property ladder years ahead of schedule. But as we unpack in this episode, money changes relationships, and clarity becomes the ultimate form of kindness when property and friendship mi...2025-05-2804 minThat Home Loan HubNo Means "Not This Way": A Mortgage Advisor's Guide to RejectionReceiving that dreaded home loan rejection can feel like the end of your homeownership dream, but take heart—it's actually just a detour on your journey. This episode dives deep into the realities of loan application declines and offers a roadmap to navigate beyond that initial "no."We explore the most common reasons banks decline applications—from credit history issues and income instability to existing debt burdens (yes, even those unused credit cards count against you!) and insufficient deposits. You'll learn why panicking and applying to multiple lenders afterwards is one of the worst moves you can make...2025-05-2703 minThat Home Loan HubDon't Panic: Your Complete Guide to Mortgage Decisions in 2025Navigating your mortgage refix in 2025 doesn't have to be overwhelming. This expanded episode dives deeper into strategic approaches that could save you thousands, following up on our popular checklist episode that prompted numerous listener questions.Timing is everything when it comes to mortgage decisions. Discovering your fixed term end date too late can mean automatically rolling onto high floating rates around 8%, costing hundreds extra per fortnight. Give yourself 6-8 weeks before your expiry date to explore options properly. And here's something crucial to remember: your bank's default refix offer is rarely their best. Those who negotiate—or ha...2025-05-2306 minThat Home Loan HubThe Essential Mortgage Refix Checklist for 2025: What You Need to Know Before Your Rate ExpiresRefixing your mortgage might seem like a mundane financial task, but it's actually one of the most critical moments in your homeownership journey. A well-planned refix strategy can save you thousands of dollars and provide the flexibility you need for future goals.Our 2025 Mortgage Refix Checklist breaks down everything you need to consider before signing on the dotted line. We start with the basics – knowing your current fixed term end date and understanding potential break fees – then dive deeper into how your current financial situation should influence your decision-making process. Has your income changed? Are major expenses on t...2025-05-2203 minThat Home Loan HubNZ Property Market 2025: Stabilization After the StormAre Kiwi house prices finally turning a corner in 2025? After weathering an 18% decline from the 2021 peak, the market is showing tentative signs of stabilization with national average prices inching up 0.2% to $903,000. But does this modest growth signal a recovery worth betting on?The regional story reveals fascinating contrasts across New Zealand. Auckland values slipped 0.1% to $1.2 million – welcome news for potential buyers but concerning for homeowners hoping for capital gains. Meanwhile, Queenstown prices remain stratospheric at $1.81 million despite a slight dip, highlighting how location continues to dictate market dynamics. These variations emphasize why understanding your local market is cr...2025-05-2103 minThat Home Loan HubBeyond the Headlines: What Budget 2025 Means for Your Financial FutureThe 2025 Budget has arrived in Aotearoa, and regardless of your political leanings, its implications for homeowners and prospective buyers deserve your attention. Moving beyond economic jargon, this episode delivers a practical breakdown of what Budget Week means for your mortgage, KiwiSaver, and home ownership dreams.We dive straight into the pressing question: will this budget make buying a home easier or harder in New Zealand? The answer hinges on several factors, particularly how the budget might influence interest rates. If government spending restraint helps cool inflation, the Reserve Bank might lower rates faster – good news if you're ab...2025-05-2003 minThat Home Loan HubBalancing Act: How a Lifestyle Property Sale Changed EverythingWhat happens when a mortgage advisor faces his own property and financing challenges? In this refreshingly honest conversation, James returns after a brief hiatus to share his journey of selling the lifestyle block he's called home for 20 years.The decision didn't come lightly. After two decades in the countryside, James found himself spending 20 hours weekly just driving, with endless property maintenance consuming his remaining free time. With growing clarity about his true priorities—building his mortgage advisory business and pursuing his passion for cycling—James recognized something had to change.The story unfolds as both a pe...2025-05-1911 minThat Home Loan HubFrom Financial Chaos to Homeownership: How Debt Consolidation Changed EverythingFinancial magic happens when you look beyond the obvious. We've just transformed a young couple's future by saving them over $500 every month through strategic debt consolidation – an outcome that dramatically altered their homeownership possibilities.Most clients approach us thinking we exclusively handle mortgages, but our comprehensive financial approach means examining your entire financial picture. This couple had scattered debts across multiple lenders – personal loans with Avanti, car financing through MTF, and various credit cards – all with interest rates exceeding 20% in some cases. By consolidating everything into one manageable loan with an interest rate 9% lower than their previous arrang...2025-05-1804 minThat Home Loan HubFrom Offer to Acceptance: Understanding Live Deals in Home BuyingNavigating the property market as a first-time buyer can feel like learning a new language. One term you'll need to master quickly? "Live deals." Most major banks have implemented strict rules refusing pre-approval applications for buyers with less than 20% deposit, creating a challenging situation for many aspiring homeowners. The solution? Understanding how to create and leverage a live deal to get your mortgage application prioritised.We break down exactly what constitutes a live deal: a Sales and Purchase Agreement that's been signed by both you and the property vendor. This seemingly simple document transforms your t...2025-05-1705 minThat Home Loan HubThe 10-Day Wait: Is Working With a Mortgage Advisor Still Worth It?The mortgage landscape is shifting dramatically with banks now challenging advisors on their traditional strengths of service and turnaround times. We dive into a fascinating case study of siblings buying identical properties – one going direct to a bank with same-day approval, the other using an advisor and waiting 10+ days for identical rates and cashback. This real-world example perfectly captures the current tension in the home loan market.Beneath this surface-level comparison lies a deeper story about value. While banks excel at processing standardised applications quickly, mortgage advisors provide a comprehensive service that extends far beyond a single tr...2025-05-1609 minThat Home Loan HubThe $2,000 House-Hunting Mistake You're About to MakeEver wondered why mortgage advisers caution against making cash offers? This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on a common property market misconception that can leave first-home buyers thousands of dollars out of pocket before they've even secured a property.We dive deep into what constitutes a "cash offer" - not literally paying cash, but making an unconditional offer with no contingencies. For first-home buyers with deposits under 20%, this approach carries significant hidden costs. Between registered valuations (up to $1,500) and legal due diligence fees, you could easily spend $2,000 before knowing if your offer will be accepted. Multiply...2025-05-1507 minThat Home Loan HubAI Revolutionizing Insurance with Panos LeledakisPrepare to have your mind blown as we dive into the cutting-edge world of AI with tech visionary Panos Leledakis. From humble beginnings in Greece to winning 11 Global Innovation Awards from MIT, Panos shares his extraordinary journey and reveals how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the insurance and financial advice industries."AI can do everything if you know how to use it," Panos explains, demonstrating jaw-dropping applications that sound like science fiction but exist today. Imagine creating your own digital clone to conduct client meetings while you're elsewhere, or showing clients aged versions of themselves either thanking or...2025-05-1437 minThat Home Loan HubThe Ripple Effect: When Workplaces Invest in Physical WellbeingThe secret to workplace wellness isn't complicated, but it is revolutionary. Meet Isaac King, a personal trainer with 20 years of experience who's transforming New Zealand workplaces by focusing on what truly matters—the physical wellbeing of employees as the foundation for mental health, productivity, and community strength.Throughout our conversation, Isaac reveals how modern workplace stressors take a devastating mental toll, particularly when employees lack physical outlets for stress release. His innovative approach creates small-group fitness programs within companies that simultaneously address chronic pain, build team culture, and educate participants about their bodies. The results speak volumes: ha...2025-05-1318 minThat Home Loan HubFrom Survival Mode to Creating Generational WealthA chance conversation over coffee sparked something magical – the realization that wellness and wealth are not separate paths but beautifully intertwined journeys. Kimmy Tasker, co-founder of Retreat Yourself NZ, shares her remarkable journey from teaching yoga in London's exclusive clubs to facilitating transformative retreats across the globe.What happens when you blend financial wisdom with spiritual wellness? As Kimmy reveals the evolution of her international retreat career, she and Zeba explore the revolutionary concept of their upcoming Limitless Living retreat in Fiji. This isn't just another wellness getaway – it's a profound opportunity to transform your relationship with abun...2025-05-1141 minThat Home Loan HubYour Home Journey Should Never Be Stressful: Kim Tasker's Fresh PerspectiveWhat happens when global experience meets local real estate knowledge? Kimi Tasker of Team Vida Harcourts brings exactly this perspective to the Kapiti Coast property market. Having managed exclusive resorts and sold real estate in Nicaragua before political unrest forced a dramatic change of plans, Kimi's journey eventually led her back to New Zealand where she's now helping buyers and sellers navigate their own property transitions."Our job is just helping people move on," Kimi explains, capturing the essence of what makes a genuine real estate professional. Whether clients are downsizing, expanding their families, or making any...2025-05-0821 minThat Home Loan HubHow We Helped 11 Families Secure $5 Million in Home Loans This MonthCelebrating mortgage success! Our team has just wrapped up a remarkable April, helping 11 families secure their property dreams with over $5 million in approved home loans. Half of these were first-home buyers taking their inaugural steps onto the property ladder, while 30% were savvy homeowners refinancing for better deals or to fund green home improvements.What makes these successes particularly meaningful are the obstacles we helped clients overcome. Three families who'd been rejected by mainstream banks due to gambling transactions or credit challenges found pathways through second-tier lenders, securing rates around 7.99% – rates that were standard at main banks just la...2025-05-0709 minThat Home Loan HubThe Hidden Dangers of Unconditional Property OffersThe property market is heating up again. Interest rates are dropping, first-time buyers are returning with renewed confidence, and real estate agents are fielding more inquiries. But with this renewed activity comes a concerning trend: buyers being pressured to submit unconditional cash offers to "win" properties.This risky approach to property purchasing deserves closer examination. Making a cash offer essentially means you're locked in - comparable to clicking "buy now" on Trade Me. There's no backing out once committed, even if serious issues emerge with the property. While you might have finance pre-approved, you still need insurance...2025-05-0608 min