Getting Started
A mortgage adviser helps you understand your options, compare lenders, structure your lending, and manage the application process from start to finish.
We act as your guide between you and the lender, and we focus on what suits your situation, not just what looks good on paper.
In everyday use, yes, those terms are often used interchangeably.
The key point is that your adviser should provide regulated financial advice, explain recommendations clearly, and make sure you understand your options.
A bank can only offer its own products. We compare options across multiple lenders and help match lender policy, rate, structure, and conditions to your situation.
That is especially useful for first home buyers, self-employed clients, and more complex scenarios.
Ideally, before you start house hunting, and again before key events like refixing, refinancing, or major financial changes.
Early advice gives you clarity on budget, deposit, costs, and lender requirements.
Usually: ID, income details, recent bank statements, existing debt details, deposit information, and property details (if you’ve found one).
We’ll give you a clear checklist and guide you through what’s needed.
It depends on the lender, how complete your file is, and market demand at the time.
As a guide, pre-approvals can take a few working days to over a week, and full approval can take longer if conditions need to be met.
Borrowing, Deposits and KiwiSaver
This depends on your income, expenses, deposit, existing debt, credit profile, and each lender’s servicing rules. Borrowing limits can vary between lenders.
We can assess your position early, before you make offers, and help structure things to give you the strongest possible borrowing position.
A 20% deposit is common, but some buyers can purchase with less, in some cases from 5%, depending on lender policy and your circumstances. KiwiSaver, family support, and first home support options may also help.
In some cases, yes.
Lower-deposit lending is possible, but criteria are usually tighter and can include different pricing or conditions.
In many cases, yes. If you meet the criteria and have contributed for at least three years, you may be able to withdraw most of your balance for a first home purchase.
You generally need to leave at least $1,000 in your KiwiSaver account.
Pre-Approval and Application Process
Pre-approval is confirmation from a lender that they may lend up to a set amount, subject to conditions. It helps you shop with a clear budget.
It is not final approval, so conditions still need to be met before you go unconditional.
No. Pre-approval is conditional.
Final approval usually requires property details and confirmation that all lender conditions are met.
Common issues include insufficient servicing capacity, unclear or inconsistent income evidence, high existing debt, credit issues, or not meeting policy criteria.
A well-prepared application can avoid many of these problems.
Yes. Self-employed lending can be more complex because lenders assess income differently.
We help package your financials clearly and target lenders whose policy is better aligned to your situation.
Often yes, depending on residency status, visa type, deposit, and lender policy.
The lending pool can be narrower, but there are still options in many cases.
Loan Structure and Repayments
Fixed lending gives repayment certainty for a set term. Floating or flexible lending gives more ability to repay early or adapt your structure.
Many clients use a mix, so they get both certainty and flexibility.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right term depends on your budget, future plans, risk comfort, and where rates may move.
We help you choose a structure that suits your goals now and gives flexibility later.
This is a facility linked to your mortgage that works like an overdraft. Your income and savings can offset your loan balance, which can reduce interest costs.
It can work well for disciplined borrowers who want flexibility and faster debt reduction.
Usually yes, but rules vary by loan type. Flexible lending generally allows more extra repayments. Fixed lending may have limits, and exceeding them can trigger fees.
You can refix, move to floating, restructure, or refinance to another lender.
This is the right time to check whether your current structure still fits your plans. We contact clients ahead of expiry so you can make a well-timed decision.
Break fees can apply when a fixed loan is changed or repaid before the end of the fixed term.
Whether a fee applies and how much it is depends on lender policy and market rates at the time.
Existing Mortgages and Reviews
Yes. We regularly help with refixing, restructuring, refinancing, debt consolidation where appropriate, and planning for future purchases.
Sometimes yes, but options depend on your equity position, servicing, and lender policy.
Even where a full refinance isn’t right now, restructuring with your current lender may still improve outcomes.
Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into one lending structure, often to simplify repayments and reduce pressure.
It can be useful in the right case, but it needs to be structured carefully so long-term cost doesn’t increase unnecessarily.
At least once a year, and any time there is a major life or financial change.
You should also review well before fixed terms expire so you have time to assess options properly.
Insurance and Mortgage Protection
For many households, yes. Life cover can help repay some or all of a mortgage so your family is not left carrying the full debt if something happens to you.
Mortgage repayment cover is designed to help with loan repayments if you cannot work due to illness or injury. Life insurance generally pays on death or terminal illness.
They solve different risks, and many clients use a combination.
The right amount depends on your loan size, household expenses, dependants, income stability, and how long you want support to last.
We help calculate a level of cover that is practical and affordable.
Often yes. Terms vary by insurer and medical history. You may receive standard terms, exclusions, or loadings depending on underwriting.
We help present your application clearly and compare insurer responses.
Yes. Cover should be reviewed whenever your debt, income, family situation, or goals change.
Regular reviews help make sure your cover still matches your real-world risks.
Yes. We compare providers, policy terms, waiting periods, benefit definitions, and pricing to help you choose suitable cover, not just the cheapest premium.
Still have questions? If you want advice tailored to your situation, contact our team and we’ll walk you through your options clearly and practically.