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Is Refinancing Right for You? Understanding When and Why to Refinance Your Mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can be a strategic financial move that offers potential benefits, but it’s essential to understand when and why it might be the right choice for you. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of refinancing, key considerations to keep in mind, and how to determine if it’s the right decision for your financial goals....

Common mistakes to avoid when buying your first home

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it’s also a significant financial decision that requires careful consideration. Avoiding common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some common mistakes to avoid when purchasing your first home....

Government Assisted Programmes for First Home Buyers

Perhaps you have heard about people using their KiwiSaver for their first home. Or maybe you are curious to know more about the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan. In this blog post, we’ll dive into these two government assistance programmes for first home buyers....

Refinancing and completing a top up: Using Your Home Equity Wisely

Refinancing with a top up can be a valuable tool for homeowners looking to leverage their home equity. In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into what equity in your home means, how it works, smart ways to use this financial strategy, and important considerations to keep in mind....

KiwiSaver for First Home Buyers: How It Works and Its Benefits

For many first-time home buyers, KiwiSaver can be a powerful financial tool that opens doors to homeownership. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what KiwiSaver is, the advantages it offers to first home buyers, and the step-by-step process of utilising KiwiSaver funds for purchasing your first home....

The Importance of Credit Scores for First Home Buyers: How to Improve and Maintain a Good Score

It is very important that you have a positive credit score, when you want to buy a property. It certainly makes everything a lot easier! A positive credit history is crucial for securing mortgage approval from banks. A positive credit score demonstrates financial responsibility and reduces the risk for the banks. A lower credit score might force you to seek financing from second-tier lenders, often resulting in higher interest rates and less favourable terms....

Your Ultimate Guide to Due Diligence

When you are buying a property, it’s very important to understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Whether you are buying a fixer-upper or you’re buying a brand new home, doing due diligence is important....

Pros and cons of buying property with friends and whānau

Buying a property with friends and whānau can be a fantastic idea, and in some cases it is needed to get into that first home. It is, however, also important to understand the consequences of buying with others. As with anything else, there are pros and cons, so let’s explore them in this blog post....

Saving for Your First Home: Budgeting Tips and Financial Planning Advice

We have all seen the Excel spreadsheets with income in one column and expenses in another column. There is nothing quite as exciting as a good old-fashioned budget. In all seriousness, while you don’t need an Excel spreadsheet (because who can actually figure out how Excel works anyway?) budgeting is important. Budgeting is especially important if you have no clue where your money is going.Let’s look at why budgeting is important if you want to purchase a home:    By creating ...