That Home Loan Hub

Ever seen a “bargain” home that comes with an EQC claim, missing insulation, and a nervous insurer? We dig into real listener scenarios and show how fast a dream deal can unravel when banks, insurers, and lawyers aren’t aligned. From first-home jitters to investor calculus, we break down what to probe, when to pause, and how to protect your approval.

First, we tackle the EQC conundrum: you can’t draw a mortgage without insurance, and you might not get insurance with an unresolved claim. We share a simple decision path for first-home buyers and why patient shopping...

Ever stepped out of the shower and realised your front door frames your bedroom to the street? We start with that jolt of real-life design failure and build toward a simple claim: the right architect can save you stress, money, and long-term regret by aligning your home with how you actually live.

We dig into what architects really do beyond pretty drawings: translating messy constraints into clean solutions. Micah walks us through a deceptively tiny 40 m² flat conversion that’s a minefield of fire ratings, damp control, south-facing light, brick structure, and earthquake risk. He explains how ris...

Too many families face the same quiet stress: parents are rich on paper but short on cash, while adult children plan around an inheritance that may never arrive. We dive into reverse mortgages with clear, practical advice on when they help, when they hurt, and how to protect vulnerable borrowers while preserving choices later in life.

We talk through the core mechanics in plain English: minimum age 60, floating rates typically in the high sevens, ownership and occupancy rights that keep you in your home, and why lenders now require independent legal advice. From funding an urgent operation...

Grief arrives fast; chaos doesn’t have to. We open up about a recent loss and the unexpected relief that came from one simple gift: everything was organised. From who speaks at the service to where the documents live, clear choices turned a brutal week into one held together by dignity, love, and less guesswork.

We talk through what thoughtful planning looks like in real life. James shares how his mum set the tone of her celebration, chose family voices, and skipped rituals that didn’t fit her values. We explore end-of-life decisions with compassion—why someone might...

Fear about AI replacing architects is loud, but the reality is more nuanced and far more useful. We sit down with architect Micah Ricards to map where AI makes the work better—clearer emails, cleaner briefs, sharper questions—and where it hits a hard wall, like carrying responsibility for design decisions that affect how people live day to day. From first contact to final plan, we unpack the line between speed and stewardship.

Micah walks us through how he actually starts a home: not with a prompt, but with training, precedent, and the lived experience of walking citi...

What if your home could do more with less? We sit down with architect Micah to unpack the craft of designing compact spaces that feel generous, from clever room swaps and foldaway beds to ventilation that keeps things comfortable without energy-hungry cooling. His path through French Beaux-Arts training and life in dense European cities shaped a simple idea: small can be rich, warm, and deeply liveable when every square metre earns its keep.

Micah walks us through a standout project: a three-level Wellington home on a 100 m² site where a failing garage once sat. Picture a single-car f...

Big headlines say the OCR fell, but your bank rate barely budged. We open the bonnet to show why: lenders price off wholesale markets and move ahead of Reserve Bank calls, which is why retail rates don’t always mirror the cash rate. From there we get practical—how do you choose between a sharp short-term fix and the peace of a five-year rate around 4.99 percent? If you plan to stay put, value certainty, and want to protect your budget in case the next move is up later next year, a longer fix can make life easier. If you need...

Money pressure builds quietly—then feels impossible. We open up about what we’re seeing across New Zealand households right now: families juggling higher refix rates, patchy incomes after layoffs, and the creeping stress of arrears on essentials like rates and insurance. Rather than waiting for a final notice, we walk through practical moves that lenders actually respect and respond to.

We start with the first lifeline most people overlook: the bank’s care team. From temporary interest‑only terms to short mortgage holidays and structured arrears plans, there are real tools on the table when you engage e...

The scariest words in a mortgage journey aren’t “interest rates rising.” They’re “default recorded.” We walk through a real case where a couple kept up with their repayments, only to discover a large default wrongly sitting on their credit report. That single entry triggered declines across lenders and almost derailed their dream to buy a home—until we slowed down, traced the timeline, and proved the error with hard evidence.

Across the conversation, we break down how credit reporting actually works, why even reputable providers can lodge mistakes, and the exact steps to challenge inaccuracies. We talk about...

Want thousands back when you switch or buy? We break down the rare 1.5% cashback offers rolling out across major New Zealand banks and show how to capture the benefit even if your settlement won’t land until the new year. The key is understanding the power of “documented” before the lender’s December cutoff and using that window to lock in your deal.

Across the conversation, we map the evolution of cashback in New Zealand lending—from modest legal-fee rebates to percentage-based incentives that now change the refinancing equation. We get practical about eligibility, including the 20% equity or deposit...

A quarter of a point can feel tiny until it touches your mortgage, your savings plan, and your next move on the ladder. We break down the looming OCR tweak, the real reasons banks push cashbacks instead of cutting fixed rates, and how wholesale swap rates quietly call the shots. It’s a practical map for anyone deciding whether to fix short, float, or wait for February when a new Reserve Bank governor could shift the narrative.

We get candid about inflation that doesn’t feel like choice. Insurance and council rates keep rising and still get coun...

Think NZ Super guarantees an easy retirement? The safety net is real, but comfort requires more than a minimum KiwiSaver contribution. We sit down with Elizabeth to map the practical differences between New Zealand’s universal pension and Australia’s means-tested age pension, then dig into why higher compulsory super rates across the Tasman translate to far bigger balances at 65—and what Kiwis can do about it right now.

We get honest about KiwiSaver’s strengths and limits: it’s a managed fund with extra rules, great for long-term compounding but locked until 65 for most people. If you want o...

A life insurance payout can feel like a lifeline and a landmine at the same time. We open up a candid case study of young widows navigating sudden financial responsibility, the weight of grief, and the fear of doing the “wrong” thing with what feels like the last piece of their partner’s legacy. Our goal is to replace panic with a plan that respects values, funds real needs, and builds strength for the long haul.

We start by unpacking the psychology: why “a dollar is a dollar” breaks down when money comes from loss, and how that can d...

Missed payments aren’t always about low income; they’re often about bad timing. We dive into the practical steps that keep your credit score clean and your home loan humming, even when payroll runs late or a provider insists on debiting the 20th of every month. Drawing on real client stories, we show how a one-day buffer after payday, a dedicated bills account, and a simple budget can prevent bounced debits and protect your borrowing power.

We break down why modern credit reports are far more detailed than they were a decade ago and how banks use...

Headlines say capital gains on investment property could arrive from 1 July 2027. We dig into what that timing might do to behaviour: investors bringing sales forward, first-home buyers seeing more stock, and renters caught between short-term sell-offs and longer-term holds. Rather than debate politics or deep tax law, we focus on practical consequences you can plan for.

We start by untangling bright-line rules versus a broader capital gains tax and why that difference matters for anyone selling outside the current window. From there, we explore two market paths. Before the start date, a wave of investor exits could...

Rates are moving, budgets are stretched, and the clock is ticking toward the 26 November OCR call. We dig into why a 0.25 cut is back on the table, how unemployment at 5.2 percent shifts the Reserve Bank’s calculus, and why falling mortgage rates might still feel like standing still when power, insurance, fuel, and council rates climb. The story is not just data; it’s what happens when policy meets the supermarket checkout.

We get practical about winners and losers. Borrowers may catch a break as lenders sharpen specials, with a 3.99 percent fixed rate already on offer for sele...

Want a faster, cleaner path onto the property ladder without scraping together a 20% cash deposit? We dive into the growing strategy of buying your parents’ home at market value while using gifted equity to supercharge your approval odds, cut low‑equity costs, and keep the whānau home in the whānau. Across a real‑world $1m valuation scenario, we walk through how a $600k sale price to the kids, plus a $50k KiwiSaver withdrawal, translates into a bank‑friendly deposit position that makes sense on paper and in practice.

We talk through the nuts and bolts: why you mu...

What does it take to turn a tough season into a turning point? Jordan, a heavy diesel mechanic and single dad of twins, opens up about buying his first home after a separation—and how a clear plan, fast moves, and a little luck changed his family’s future. From broker dead ends to a trusted referral, we trace how focus and follow-through created momentum: a live deal strategy, a sharp offer, and an approval inside a day. When the valuation landed within 24 hours without an urgent fee, the window widened—and Jordan stepped through it.

We walk y...

Want the truth about timing your first home without the hype? We dig into why the current market is surprisingly kind to first-time buyers: fewer bidding wars, more time to think, and interest rates that sit closer to long-run norms than the pandemic anomaly everyone remembers. That calmer environment gives you room to negotiate, complete due diligence properly, and structure a loan that supports your cash flow rather than stretching it.

We also break down the quiet force reshaping first-home deposits: KiwiSaver. After a decade or more of steady contributions, many buyers in their early to mid-30...

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What happens when your rent looks a lot like a mortgage, but lenders keep saying no? We sit down with Mark to unpack how he and Shelly went from casual work, rising rents, and thin savings to owning a low maintenance beachside unit in their 60s—without pretending the numbers were easy.

We walk through the moments that changed their trajectory: both securing full time roles, setting clear non-negotiables (no renovations, stable cash flow), and using KiwiSaver to close the deposit gap. After passing on a hot market buy, they waited, saved, and negotiated hard on a pr...

A black belt in progress, a shared birthday, and a mission to help families thrive—this conversation with Lucy Edwards of Lucy Nutrition blends heart, humour, and hard-won tactics for eating well when prices feel impossible. We start with the human stuff: finding strength through taekwondo, turning a hard space into a happy one, and choosing health as a daily practice. Then we roll up our sleeves and get specific about what actually works in a busy Kiwi household.

We map out a simple system for affordable nourishment—plan a few anchor dinners, stay flexible for supermarket spec...

A 50 basis point cut just landed, floating rates slid, and yet those four and five-year fixes barely blinked. We unpack the why behind that mismatch, translating market dynamics into clear choices for homeowners who need more than headlines to make the next fix decision.

We walk through how banks price long-term rates off wholesale markets and inflation expectations—often “pre-pricing” central bank moves—so the long end can bottom before retail rates catch up. From there, we weigh certainty versus opportunism: whether to lock just over 5 percent for stability, ride a short-term dip toward 3.99, or split your lending...

Markets don’t wait for permission slips. We open with a candid look at why agriculture and some NZX names are surprising on the upside, and how those signals can help everyday buyers read what’s next for property. One quick portfolio check turns into a useful takeaway: listed property stocks often move months before the housing headlines catch up, giving first-home hopefuls and investors a way to learn the cycle in real time.

From there, we dive into the construction landscape. It’s been bruising, but green shoots are real: enquiry for new builds is lifting as job...

Markets have a way of whispering before the economy speaks. We zoom into New Zealand’s most telling tickers—retirement village operators and a key challenger bank—to read what might be next for housing, credit, and confidence. If you live and breathe property, these listed signals can become your early-warning system and your roadmap.

We unpack why Somerset’s steadier execution and Ryman’s rebound matter far beyond their share prices, touching everything from build pipelines to downsizing demand in Auckland, Melbourne, and beyond. Then we turn to Heartland Bank and its lending to vehicles, agriculture, and revers...

A single night out changed everything for a self-employed dad-to-be—until a well-structured plan kicked in. We sit down with adviser Blake Sutton to unpack how income protection, trauma cover, and private health insurance work in the real world, not just on paper. Blake’s three-generation insurance story takes us from hospitality floors to claim forms, and from corporate constraints to building Ridgeline Insurance around people, not policies.

You’ll hear the anatomy of a claim that mattered: a king-hit concussion, a four-week wait, six months paid upfront, and a surprise 56k trauma payout that kept a young...

One small omission on an insurance form can snowball into a denied claim when you need help most. We dive into the real meaning of disclosure for health-related risk cover, why non-disclosure shows up at claim time, and how to build a simple, future-proof record of your medical history so underwriters see a clear and credible story.

We start by stripping away the jargon: disclosure is just your answers to medical and occupation questions, and those answers must align with what’s in your medical notes. You’ll hear a striking case where a specific injury claim for...

Hate open homes and bidding wars? We take a clear-eyed look at private home purchases and map out when they shine and when they sting. From tenant-to-owner deals to family sales and investor shortcuts, we unpack the real-world pros, the bank rules that matter, and the due diligence that keeps your budget and sanity intact.

We start with the upside: less competition, first access, and the unbeatable win of not packing boxes when you already live in the property. Then we add the guardrails. Banks often require a registered valuation for private sales, even with 20% deposit, because...

Buying a home on New Zealand’s West Coast sounds simple until you try to secure insurance, line up a valuation, and satisfy your finance clause—all while lenders and underwriters grow cautious about flood risk. We open the door on what’s really happening across Westport, Greymouth, and Hokatika, and share a first-home buyer’s story that shows why due diligence can make or break your purchase.

A builder’s report became the turning point: after struggling to find anyone local, our buyer paid extra to bring in an out-of-town inspector. The findings were stark—foundation cracks, a 50...

The dream of a glossy first home is powerful—until the repayments start calling the shots. We take an honest look at the fork every first-home buyer faces: chase convenience and lifestyle now, or choose common sense and practicality that sets you up for bigger wins later. Through candid stories from our own first purchases—tiny floor plans, borders to boost cash flow, and unapologetically modest choices—we show how a smaller start can become the foundation for a future build or a forever home.

Across the conversation, we unpack the true cost of ownership beyond the bank’s...

Want a warm, efficient new home without a cold shock at settlement? We pull back the curtain on how lenders actually assess build loans and what it takes to move from signed contract to keys in hand. From contingencies and valuations to approval timelines, we share the practical steps that keep your project funded and on track.

We start with the three main build paths—turnkey, housing under construction with progressive payments, and labour‑only—and spell out the real trade‑offs. Turnkey can be simpler for renters with a small upfront payment and a larger balance on compl...

Most money rules weren’t written with women’s lives in mind. That gap shows up at retirement, in the middle of a separation, or when confidence takes a hit after caregiving breaks and career pivots. We sit down with Elizabeth Maloney Geany—former nurse turned financial adviser and founder of Know Your Worth—to talk about designing a plan that fits real life: messy, busy, and full of change.

We get specific about the gender gap in KiwiSaver balances, why late-life “lifestage” switches can be too conservative, and how to build diversified income streams so you’re not banking...

Buying your first home can feel like learning a new language under pressure, and the sale and purchase agreement is where that pressure peaks. We open the contract and walk you through the parts that matter most—names, price changes, deposits, conditions, and the one date that starts your finance clock—so you can move from uncertainty to control without blowing your timeline or budget.

We dig into why your purchaser name has to match your ID and loan documents exactly, how to handle counters and initials without voiding your deal, and what to do when the defa...

Rates are finally drifting down—and the numbers are a game changer. We take a real $700k mortgage, drop the rate from 7% to 4.49%, and show how repayments tumble from about $4,657 to $3,543 a month. That’s roughly $1,200 back in your pocket every month, or around $324 a week. The big question becomes strategic: do you take the cash flow win, or keep your repayments the same and attack your principal to cut years off your term?

We walk through both paths with live-style modelling and clear, simple math. If you’ve adapted to higher repayments, holding them steady at the lo...

A cough, a reality check, and a genuinely helpful shift in health cover design. We dig into AIA’s new specialist and testing support add‑on—a smarter way to secure access to private specialists, diagnostics, and imaging without paying for full health insurance. If you’ve felt priced out of comprehensive cover, this conversation lays out a practical middle path that focuses on the high‑impact moments: getting answers fast so you can act with confidence.

We talk through exactly what’s included, the annual caps ($10k for specialists, $100k for diagnostics and imaging), and how the optional...

Stepping up the property ladder presents unique challenges compared to buying your first home – a reality Lorraine Peterson knows firsthand. Having sold her first property before securing her next one, Lorraine candidly shares her experience navigating the uncomfortable limbo between houses and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies this major life transition.

The conversation delves into the fascinating dynamics of buying and selling in a declining market. While Lorraine faced the disappointment of selling her renovated home for less than hoped, she's capitalizing on the same market conditions to purchase a larger property at a reduced price. This ba...

Are you trapped in a high fixed-rate mortgage while watching interest rates tumble? The financial sting of being locked into rates around 7% until 2028 or 2029 has many Kiwi homeowners questioning if they should break their fixed terms and refix at today's lower rates.

This question doesn't have a simple answer. Breaking a fixed mortgage involves substantial upfront costs—we discuss one client facing an $8,000 break fee—but the long-term savings from dropping to a rate that's 2% lower might outweigh this initial pain. The calculation involves much more than comparing two numbers on a page.

When considering a br...

What happens when you grow up hearing "people like us don't own homes"? That limiting belief gets passed down through generations, creating invisible barriers to financial freedom that can feel impossible to overcome.

In this raw, emotional conversation, we share the inspiring journey of a client in his early 30s who just became the first person in three generations of his family to purchase a home. As immigrants ourselves, we understand the unique challenges faced by migrant communities and vulnerable populations when it comes to property ownership. Language barriers, cultural attitudes toward money, and a historical lack...

Wondering whether to build your dream home with a friend or go with a major construction company? You're not alone. The unexpected financial implications of this choice can be staggering – sometimes reaching six figures.

The construction industry is bouncing back across New Zealand, with Otago leading the charge at 9% above its 2022 peak. As more Kiwis consider building, they're facing tough decisions about who should handle their project. We dive deep into a real case study where clients discovered a shocking price difference between quotes from their builder friend and major construction companies.

This isn't just ab...

The housing market continues to present challenges across New Zealand despite conditions that should theoretically stimulate growth. Median house prices have dropped 0.5% year-on-year to $761,000, even as interest rates have fallen below 5% for the first time since 2022. This unexpected scenario raises important questions about consumer confidence and broader economic health.

For first home buyers, this market presents a fascinating dichotomy. While conditions appear favorable with increased housing stock and potentially more affordable prices, many prospective buyers remain hesitant, waiting to see if further drops materialize. With spring now upon us, we anticipate even more properties coming to market...

What's holding you back from homeownership? Fear? Uncertainty? The belief that you're simply not ready? In this heartfelt episode, we unpack a common phenomenon we've encountered countless times - people who are financially prepared to buy their first home but mentally convinced they aren't.

We share the story of a migrant couple we recently met who, despite having $90,000 in KiwiSaver, a combined income of $200,000, and minimal debt, believed homeownership was out of reach. The moment of realization when they discovered their mortgage payments would be comparable to their current rent was powerful - suddenly, the impossible became...

Ready for a financial shakeup? The Reserve Bank's upcoming October 8th OCR announcement has the mortgage market buzzing with anticipation. What started as whispers of a modest 0.25% cut has evolved into predictions of a substantial 0.5% reduction – the largest we've seen since the COVID emergency response.

New Zealand's economy is struggling, with GDP down 0.9%, prompting decisive action from financial authorities. We're diving deep into what this means for everyday Kiwis with mortgages. Currently, the best fixed rates hover around 4.72% for 1-2 year terms, with most longer options sitting below 5%. But after these anticipated cuts, we could see rates dr...

Money well spent or down the drain? That's the question many Kiwis ask about their insurance premiums. The answer becomes crystal clear when you learn that insurance companies are paying out a staggering $95 million MORE each year than the year before. Not just $95 million total—but $95 million additional dollars annually.

While traditional claims for cancer, heart attacks, and strokes continue to represent significant portions of these payouts, mental health has emerged as a major contributor to this dramatic increase. One insurance company alone paid approximately $25 million in mental health-related claims last year, with $8 million specifically for suicide-related li...

Wondering why your life insurance premiums keep climbing every year? There's a better way! Rebecca, our insurance specialist, reveals the power of level life insurance - a game-changing option many New Zealanders don't know exists.

Imagine locking in your premium at age 18 and still paying that same amount at 99! While level premiums cost more upfront, they can save you thousands upon thousands over your lifetime. Some insurers even offer "level to 100" policies where if you reach that milestone, your coverage continues free until you pass away. This episode breaks down exactly how this works compared to traditional...

Could you save a million dollars for medical expenses if disaster struck tomorrow? This revealing conversation challenges the popular notion that "self-insurance" through savings is a viable alternative to traditional insurance policies.

We dive deep into a sobering real-life account of a young man whose life changed dramatically at age 26. Perfectly healthy one day—climbing poles as a linesman, exercising regularly, eating well—he found himself on an operating table just days later with a Crohn's disease diagnosis that nobody saw coming. His subsequent medical expenses over the next decade exceeded $1 million, a sum that would have been...

What would happen to your family if you couldn't work tomorrow? That's the confronting question at the heart of our discussion about New Zealand's underinsurance crisis.

The statistics are startling - 70% of Kiwis are underinsured, with only 38% having life cover and even fewer with income protection or trauma insurance. This protection gap leaves countless families financially vulnerable when facing unexpected illness, injury, or death. As we explore in this episode, your income is your biggest asset, yet it's often the one thing people fail to protect.

We share powerful real-world examples that illustrate the ripple...

Ever wondered if insurance companies really have your back when disaster strikes? Our latest conversation with Rebecca, The Homlon Hub's resident insurance advisor, tackles the elephant in the room – the widespread erosion of trust in insurance providers.

Rebecca dives deep into why many New Zealanders believe insurers are actively looking for ways to avoid paying claims. This skepticism, largely stemming from historical issues with fire and general insurance claims following major natural disasters, has unfortunately tainted the reputation of all insurance products, including life, trauma, and income protection.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Re...

Bringing parents to New Zealand just got more complicated. The government's new extended parent visa offers families the chance to reunite for up to five years (extendable to ten), but there's a major roadblock many weren't expecting: mandatory health insurance.

This episode unpacks the "chicken and egg" dilemma facing families across New Zealand. Parents need comprehensive health insurance to get their visa approved, but most New Zealand insurers require applicants to be physically present in the country before issuing policies. Our resident insurance advisor Rebecca explains why this requirement exists, what coverage is needed (including emergency care...

The financial landscape for Kiwi homeowners is shifting dramatically as interest rates continue their downward trend. In our latest discussion, we dive deep into what these changes mean for your mortgage and financial wellbeing.

With the Reserve Bank recently cutting the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points and signaling two more reductions by year-end (targeting 2.5%), we're witnessing rates drop below 5% for the first time since 2022. This creates substantial opportunities for both existing homeowners and prospective buyers. Those coming off fixed rates from three years ago could save approximately $200 per fortnight by refinancing at today's rates – money that fl...

Money talk makes most people uncomfortable, but ignoring the elephant in the room won't prepare you for what's coming. The largest generational wealth transfer in history is underway as Baby Boomers begin passing their substantial assets – primarily property – to their children.

This wealth represents decades of hard work, careful spending, and meticulous money management by a generation that tracked every penny. Their hope? That their life's work creates lasting financial security for children, grandchildren, and beyond. Yet statistics paint a sobering picture: by the third generation, most inherited wealth vanishes completely.

Why does this happen? When...

The retirement landscape in New Zealand is changing dramatically, and what we've taken for granted may not be there when today's workers reach their golden years. This eye-opening discussion explores the demographic time bomb facing our nation – with birth rates dropping to just 1.5 children per woman and an aging population that will place unprecedented strain on government resources.

We dive deep into why the traditional retirement funding model is becoming unsustainable as the ratio of workers to retirees shifts dramatically. The stark reality? You should prepare as if no government pension will be available when you retire. Th...

The technological landscape is shifting beneath our feet at unprecedented speed. Fresh from attending the New Zealand Shareholders Association conference, we dive into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and what it means for your financial future.

While AI cannot predict market movements, it's revolutionising how we conduct investment research. Ask it to analyse a company you're researching, and it will fill gaps in your knowledge with remarkable efficiency. This isn't about job replacement—yet—but rather about supercharging productivity in economies like New Zealand and Australia where productivity growth has stagnated.

The most startling reve...

The exhilarating moment when you receive the keys to your first home marks just the beginning of your homeownership journey. After the champagne toast and unpacking those moving boxes, there's a crucial next chapter that many first-time buyers overlook. What exactly should you be doing now to protect both your investment and your future?

We dive into three essential considerations that could save your financial future. First, it's time to reassess your KiwiSaver strategy. Having depleted this fund for your deposit, you're now looking at decades until retirement access. This dramatic shift in timeframe might warrant switching...

Drowning in debt doesn't have to mean the end of your homeownership dreams. Our latest conversation tackles the often overwhelming challenge of high-interest consumer debt that keeps many New Zealanders up at night.

We've seen it all—car loans with eye-watering 20-25% interest rates, cultural obligations creating financial strain, and predatory lenders taking advantage of desperate situations. One client's story particularly stands out: when his car unexpectedly broke down, he faced a 15% interest rate from a predatory lender. Once they learned he was working with us, they dropped to 12.5% (we still secured 9.5%). This real-world example demonstrates how vu...

Fresh from winning the "Most Engaged Team" award at our national conference, mortgage advisor James Buchanan shares valuable insights that directly impact homeowners and buyers across New Zealand. This engaging conversation reveals how the connections we build with bank decision-makers translate into real benefits for clients, especially in those crucial moments when a mortgage application needs extra attention or an urgent approval is required after winning an auction.

James, our team's economic enthusiast, delivers an insightful forecast about interest rates that homeowners won't want to miss. With two more OCR cuts anticipated before year's end and fixed...

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.
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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...

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 eme...

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...

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 fa...

Ready to transform your rental situation into homeownership? You might be closer than you think. The current economic climate has prompted many landlords to reassess their property portfolios, creating a golden opportunity for tenants to purchase the homes they already live in and love.

Our mortgage advisors are witnessing firsthand how this trend is benefiting both parties. Landlords looking to downsize their investments are often willing to offer their properties at competitive prices to existing tenants, sometimes even providing assistance with financing arrangements. For renters, this presents a unique pathway to homeownership without the stress and expense...

Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about getting on the property ladder? Mortgage advisor Jordan returns to That Home Long Half to share eye-opening insights that will transform your homeownership journey.

The market has shifted dramatically in favour of first-time buyers. Jordan reveals how clients with just 5% deposits are successfully securing mortgages, including a remarkable case of a single-income family with five children who many would assume couldn't qualify. "Easy, easy," Jordan confirms when asked if 5% deposits still work in today's market. Multiple lenders, including Kāinga Ora programs and even major banks under certain c...

Building your dream home shouldn't keep you up at night, yet for many Kiwis, the prospect has become increasingly daunting. With construction costs soaring and over 1,100 building companies folding in just two years, the anxiety is understandable. However, as we explore in this candid discussion, building remains a viable and rewarding path for those properly prepared.

For homeowners with different circumstances, various financing strategies can make building achievable. Those fortunate enough to own land outright with strong incomes can access traditional bank financing with relative ease. Others looking to remain in their current home while building might...

Financial separations are challenging enough—add self-employment to the mix, and you're facing a uniquely complex situation. This episode dives deep into a fascinating case study that demonstrates how self-employed individuals can successfully navigate mortgage approvals during relationship breakdowns.

We follow the journey of a café owner who, despite the hospitality industry's rollercoaster ride through COVID and economic downturns, managed to secure mortgage approval from three major banks. The secret? Strategic business decisions clearly communicated to lenders. While her financial statements showed the inevitable ups and downs of recent years, her ability to articulate her business strategy and...

Curious about the real story behind reverse mortgages and wondering if now's actually a good time to buy property? We're pulling back the curtain on what's really happening in the market based on our recent networking events, seminars, and conversations with industry insiders.

Reverse mortgages often get a bad rap, but they're not universally good or bad – it's all about context. We share a heartwarming story about how parents used a reverse mortgage strategically to fund their daughter's necessary surgery, with a clear exit plan in place. This exemplifies the ideal use case: addressing an immediate need wi...

Wondering what's next for New Zealand's Official Cash Rate and how it impacts your mortgage? In this revealing episode of Home Loan Hub, we unpack surprising forecasts about where interest rates are heading.

ANZ has taken a bold position, predicting three OCR cuts on the horizon - one each in August, November, and February. This perspective differs from other economic forecasts and could mean mortgage rates have further to fall. While banks have already factored some potential cuts into their current fixed rates, we explain why another 50 basis point drop could still be possible if these predictions...

Have you ever been so inspired by someone's help that you decided to completely change your career path to do the same for others? That's exactly what happened with our newest team member, Jordan.

From diesel mechanic to mortgage advisor might seem like an unusual career transition, but Jordan's story demonstrates how powerful financial knowledge can be. After successfully purchasing his first home as a single father of twin boys with our guidance, Jordan became fascinated with the world of finance - something he admits he knew very little about before. He attended webinar after webinar, absorbing...

Have you ever felt abandoned by a financial advisor when trying to make one of life's biggest purchases? You're not alone. This raw and revealing conversation takes you behind the scenes of a remarkable first home buyer success story that almost didn't happen.

Meet the young truckie who waited weeks for a response from his first mortgage advisor, only to find himself putting an offer on a house just days after meeting the Home Loan Hub team. When most people expect the mortgage process to drag on for months, this case moved from application to approval at...

Breaking down barriers to homeownership is what drives our passion as mortgage advisers. In this heartwarming episode, we share a success story that proves there's always hope for aspiring homeowners, even when mainstream banks say "no."

Meet a remarkable family with three young children who faced significant obstacles on their homeownership journey. Despite having a steady occupation, the father had changed employers to support his family's needs, disqualifying them from Kāinga Ora's First Home Loan programme despite meeting income requirements. When traditional banks wouldn't consider their application, we discovered a creative solution through a second-tier lender t...

Wondering if your ACC payments could stand in the way of homeownership? Our latest episode shatters common misconceptions around mortgages for those with unconventional income streams.

We dive deep into a fascinating case study of a client receiving permanent ACC payments while working as an Uber driver. While his ACC income is viewed favourably by lenders, his self-employment history presents unique challenges. Despite seven years in business, a recent gap year and inconsistent earnings have made mainstream banks hesitant. 

The good news? Solutions exist. We explore alternative lending options and strategies for strengthening financial positions o...

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What happens when the safety net you think you have suddenly disappears? This eye-opening conversation with insurance expert Rebecca reveals the dangerous misconceptions that could leave you financially exposed when disaster strikes.

Many New Zealanders believe their income protection will cover them if they're made redundant – a potentially devastating mistake. Rebecca clarifies that standard income protection only covers illness and injury, not job loss. We explore why redundancy cover is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, especially for government workers, and why the protection it offers might be less valuable than you think.

The confusion between in...

The wealth transfer conundrum facing New Zealand is staggering. Billions in assets will soon pass from aging baby boomers to their children—most often landing in the hands of eldest daughters who frequently lack financial literacy or guidance. This reality sits at the heart of our latest conversation about the critical need for more women in financial advising.

We're thrilled to share the successful launch of Women in Financial Advice under the Financial Advice New Zealand umbrella, which held its first Wellington meeting with three times the expected attendance. Women from across the financial spectrum—mortgage specialists, insu...

What does it take to disrupt an industry with trust issues? Michael Seymour, owner of Tall Poppy Real Estate, takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from reluctant pharmacy student to revolutionary business leader.

Michael's story begins with his mother secretly enrolling him in pharmacy school, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to owning 44 pharmacies across New Zealand. But it was his discovery about himself - that he was fundamentally "unemployable" by others with his questioning nature and drive to improve systems - that shaped his entrepreneurial approach.

The heart...

Feeling the winter chill while your wallet feels the burn of skyrocketing gas prices? You're not alone. This eye-opening conversation dives into the reality many Kiwi homeowners face with traditional gas water heating systems – from the shock of cold showers when bottled gas runs dry to the frustration of waiting weeks for gas deliveries.

We explore the compelling alternative of heat pump hot water systems, a technology that's revolutionising home energy efficiency across New Zealand. These remarkable systems can heat ten times more water than conventional methods while using less power – a win-win for comfort and cost-saving. With...

Breaking free from financial hardship takes more than just hard work—it requires the right mindset, strategic thinking, and sometimes a little maternal wisdom. Brett Trilford's journey from growing up in a benefit-dependent household to owning multiple successful businesses showcases exactly how this transformation happens.

Brett's childhood was defined by financial constraints. His single mother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and relied on government assistance while raising Brett and his sister in a house that, while located on Kapiti Coast's million-dollar beachfront, lacked basic comforts like carpet and heating. Their family car sprouted mushrooms from water leaks, and ru...

Looking to buy a home but feeling unsure about the current market? This candid conversation between Zebenisa and James Buchanan unpacks fresh insights from ANZ Bank's latest economic forecast that might just change your perspective on property investment during economic uncertainty.

James shares valuable insights from an ANZ economist webinar, revealing that we can expect three more OCR cuts by February, potentially bringing rates down to 2.5%. This is excellent news for mortgage holders and prospective buyers alike. While inflation remains a concern, particularly in areas like council rates and utility bills that aren't affected by OCR changes...

What happens when you die without a will? The consequences can be devastating for those you leave behind. In this eye-opening conversation with returning guest Tracey Pavan, we unpack the critical importance of proper estate planning and the unexpected legal pitfalls that can trap even the most well-intentioned families.

Tracey shares shocking revelations about how marriage automatically revokes existing wills unless specific language is included, leaving many couples mistakenly believing they're protected when they're actually intestate. We explore a heartbreaking real-life case where a mother's death without a will resulted in her insurance payout going to her...

Starting fresh as a single father of twin boys, Jordan Holmes never thought homeownership was within his reach. After growing up with constant relocations across the UK before settling in New Zealand, Jordan craved stability—not just for himself, but for his children. "Having that instability, I've noticed later in life how it really affected me," he shares with raw honesty.

The path to property ownership wasn't straightforward. After feeling dismissed by previous mortgage brokers, Jordan finally connected with someone who took his dreams seriously. What followed was nothing short of miraculous. From finding his dream character ho...

A powerful shift is happening in the property market. Single women are stepping forward to claim their place as homeowners in unprecedented numbers. This isn't just a fleeting trend—it represents a fundamental change in how women view their financial capabilities and independence.

In this revealing conversation, we share our recent experience helping numerous single women purchase homes, many of whom initially doubted their ability to do so without a partner. We explore the fascinating dynamics we've witnessed over years in the industry: women often drive household financial decisions from behind the scenes while men take the pu...

Frustration abounds in today's mortgage lending environment. Both mortgage advisors and home buyers alike are feeling the strain of extended processing times and communication gaps. While some potential homeowners believe going directly to the bank offers a faster path to property ownership, the reality is considerably more nuanced.

When comparing the value of mortgage advisors versus direct bank engagement, it's important to understand what happens beyond the pre-approval. As we share in this episode, advisors don't just process paperwork—we provide comprehensive support throughout your entire property journey. We become your therapists, counsellors, real estate consultants, and fi...

Fresh from a 12-day adventure in Japan, mortgage expert Khouanchai returns to discuss New Zealand's economic landscape with a focus on the housing market. We kick off with travel tales – navigating Japan's epic train systems and comparing living costs between Japan and New Zealand – before diving into the financial matters that concern Kiwi homeowners.

The Reserve Bank's recent decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 3.25% signals their cautious approach to balancing inflation concerns with economic growth. What does this mean for your mortgage? With competitive rates still available – one-year terms at 4.85%, three-year terms at 4.99%, and special first...

Could you wait two years for a medical procedure while living in constant pain? Would your financial future survive a cancer diagnosis requiring $60,000 in treatment costs? These aren't hypothetical scenarios, but real situations facing Kiwis relying solely on our public healthcare system.

The Home Loan Hub tackles the crucial topic of health insurance in New Zealand, challenging the common "she'll be right" attitude that leaves many families financially vulnerable. We explore the stark reality of public healthcare waiting lists, where delays of months or years aren't just inconvenient – they can be devastating to your quality of life an...

Whispers about interest rate drops are turning into roars, and your mortgage strategy needs immediate attention. While the Reserve Bank currently holds steady, economists are predicting another OCR cut as inflation softens and unemployment ticks up slightly. Forward-thinking banks have already begun trimming long-term fixed rates, signaling the shifts to come.

The choices you make now could significantly impact your finances for years. Fix your loan today for too long, and you might miss the window to secure better rates when cuts arrive. Currently house hunting? Your affordability could dramatically improve once rates drop. Rolling off a...

The tide is turning in New Zealand's property market. After months of declining values and market uncertainty, we're seeing the first consistent signs of recovery with house prices increasing 0.2% in June, contributing to a 0.6% rise since January. While these numbers might seem modest, they represent a significant shift in market direction that buyers, sellers, and investors need to understand.

What's driving this change? A perfect storm of factors is creating newfound stability. Interest rates appear to have peaked, with OCR cuts anticipated later this year. Banks are responding by becoming more competitive and relaxing lending criteria, including...

What could you achieve if you ignored the naysayers and simply put in the hours? Carl Mitter's financial journey shatters every preconception about what's possible for someone working at KFC.

Growing up with a single mother on benefits, Carl witnessed firsthand the anxiety of running out of food before the next payment arrived. Rather than accepting this as his destiny, he transformed this financial trauma into fierce determination. At 23, while his friends were partying at Palmy's nightclubs, Carl was picking up extra shifts, working public holidays, and taking on second jobs—all to fund his first property pu...

When life throws its worst at you, what financial safety net do you have? Rebecca Watts, our newly appointed risk insurance specialist, joins the podcast to share powerful insights gained from five years as an insurance advisor and her extensive experience handling claims.

The conversation explores the harsh reality many families face when serious illness or death strikes without proper financial protection. Rebecca shares a compelling story about a couple who both received trauma payouts while raising three young children—the wife's payout enabled them to purchase a home for stability during treatment, while the husband's covered cr...

The emotional and financial aftermath of separation can feel like navigating through a storm with no compass. That overwhelming shift from thinking about "our money" to suddenly handling everything solo creates sleepless nights and genuine fear about the future. Having walked this path myself, I know exactly how isolating and frightening this journey can feel.

Today I'm breaking down a clear three-step approach to regaining your financial footing after separation. First, you'll need complete clarity on your current financial position—understanding your income, debts, joint accounts, and credit score before making any major decisions. Second, we explore yo...

Mortgage mistakes can cost you thousands, and unfortunately, there are so many ways Kiwis keep stumbling into these financial traps. Welcome back to part two of our deep dive into the epic mortgage fails we see every day as advisors.

Ever fixed your mortgage for five years only to discover you need to sell or refinance? Those break fees can be brutal. Or perhaps you've "forgotten" to mention a couple of credit cards when applying for a loan? The banks' sophisticated credit checks will find everything, and that character mark against you can be difficult to overcome...

The journey through separation is rarely easy, but rebuilding your financial future afterward can be surprisingly empowering. This episode tackles the challenging intersection of separation and home ownership, offering practical guidance for those facing one of life's most difficult transitions.

Financial clarity forms the foundation of recovery. We explore why honest assessment of your financial situation—gathering documents, understanding assets and debts, and outlining income and expenses—provides the knowledge needed to move forward confidently. Rather than facing this journey alone, we highlight the importance of building a support team of professionals and trusted friends who can prov...

Feeling overwhelmed by the home buying process? You're not alone. Mortgage anxiety affects countless potential homeowners, keeping them awake at night as they scroll through listings, crunch numbers, and second-guess their decisions.

This episode dives deep into the psychology behind mortgage anxiety and provides four powerful strategies to overcome it. We start by exploring how clarity becomes your most effective tool against uncertainty. By defining your goals, non-negotiables, and nice-to-haves in writing, you create a decision-making framework that cuts through confusion and reduces stress instantly. This simple practice not only calms your mind but also prevents unnecessary...

Geographical discrimination in mortgage lending is rarely discussed, but it nearly derailed the homeownership dreams of a hardworking Greymouth couple. Their story reveals a shocking reality that many New Zealanders may face when seeking to buy in regional areas.

Meet our clients: a couple in their 30s with three young children who had done everything right. They'd saved $68,000 for their deposit through KiwiSaver and personal savings. Both earned stable incomes of $55,000 in secure professions. On paper, they were ideal candidates for the Kāinga Ora first home loan scheme. Yet their application was declined by a major l...

Breaking news for Kiwi first home buyers! The Kāinga Ora low equity premium is more than doubling, jumping from 0.5% to 1.2% of your loan amount effective July 1st. This change significantly impacts anyone using the First Home Loan scheme with less than a 20% deposit.

Let's put this in real money terms: on a typical $600,000 mortgage, you're now looking at $7,200 instead of $3,000 – that's an extra $4,200 straight out of your pocket! And if you add this to your loan balance rather than paying upfront, you'll end up paying considerably more over a 30-year mortgage term. This fee increase only aff...

Building to rent versus buying existing stock - which strategy makes more sense for property investors? We dive deep into the compelling reasons why new builds are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for savvy rental property investors across New Zealand.

The numbers tell a powerful story. New rental properties in regions like Kapiti Coast command premium weekly rents of $650-700+, creating strong cash flow potential from day one. But the advantages extend far beyond just higher rental income. We share real examples of maintenance headaches from older properties, including a recent $2,000 repair bill across several rentals in...

Navigating the shifting landscape of investment property management requires more expertise than many realize. Rachael Stipkovits from Homely Property Management pulls back the curtain on an industry that impacts thousands of New Zealanders yet remains surprisingly unregulated.

Rachel shares her journey from 20 years in insurance to property management, bringing a unique perspective to protecting your investment. Her background allows her to spot potential issues that many would miss, from gradual damage claims to insurance coverage limitations. We explore how Homely's approach differs from traditional property management, with their focus on quality service through limited portfolio sizes and...

What happens when you throw conventional real estate wisdom out the window? Karl Matakatea's journey building Sold on Kapiti Real Estate reveals exactly that. From jumping into the ocean for property videos to eschewing traditional advertising methods, Karl's approach to real estate is anything but ordinary.

In this candid conversation, Karl shares how he built a thriving business without ever having a billboard or bus back advertisement. Instead, he leveraged authentic social media content that connected with the Kapiti Coast community in meaningful ways. "People know us before we know them," Karl explains, highlighting how this approach...

Finding your way through the complex world of home loans can feel overwhelming, especially when you're facing challenges that seem to stack the odds against you. That's precisely what happened to Jordan Richardson, a single father of two who had been told by his previous mortgage broker that his dreams of owning a family home were simply unrealistic.

With only a 10% deposit and the responsibility of raising two children on his own, Jordan was discouraged and nearly gave up on homeownership altogether. "I wasn't sure if I was ever going to be able to get my own...

Navigating your mortgage refix might seem straightforward, but as we reveal in this enlightening discussion, it's actually one of the most critical financial crossroads homeowners face. Your refix period isn't merely about securing another interest rate – it's a golden opportunity to completely reassess and optimise your home loan structure.

We start by clarifying exactly what happens during a refix and why staying with your current bank might not always be your best move, especially if you've been with them for more than three years. The conversation tackles that burning question on everyone's minds: "How long should I fi...

What does it really cost to sell your home and buy another? Mortgage broker James Buchanan returns to the podcast to share the eye-opening reality of his recent property journey. After living on a lifestyle block for 20 years, James and his family decided to move closer to town, unwittingly embarking on a financial adventure that would cost them $40,000 in additional expenses.

The breakdown of these costs offers valuable insights for anyone considering a property move. The largest expense was the $21,000 real estate commission, followed by $5,000 in lawyer fees ($2,500 each for buying and selling). James spent $1,500 on professional...

Death isn't a comfortable topic, but financial protection for your loved ones is too important to ignore. We dive deep into why proper life insurance coverage matters and the potentially devastating consequences when families are left without it.

What struck us most during our conversation was the contradiction many people live with - they'll insure their phones, cars, and homes but not themselves. When you're the financial foundation for your family, this oversight can have heartbreaking consequences. We share personal stories that highlight why this protection isn't just paperwork - it's an act of love and responsibility.<...