For many first home buyers KiwiSaver forms an important part of their deposit.  I'll help you understand:

• How much KiwiSaver you could draw on
• Withdrawal requirements
• First Home Loan options where applicable
• Deposit requirements across different lenders

Many buyers are surprised to learn they may be closer to home ownership than they initially thought.

Before you start making offers on your potential new home, it's important to know what a lender is prepared to approve.  A pre-approval helps:

• Confirm your borrowing capacity
• Establish a realistic property budget
• Give confidence when attending open homes
• Put you in a stronger position when making offers

I'll manage the application process, gather the required information, and present your application to suitable lenders on your behalf. Pre-approval is often the key starting point for serious house hunting.

Once pre-approved, the fun begins.  As you start looking at properties, I'm available to help you:

• Understand any lending implications of different property types and titles, eg: apartment sizes,  body corporate fees, cross lease, freehold, monolithic, unconsented works etc 
• Review auction, tender, deadline sale on Sale & Purchase Agreements
• Review any conditions of purchase that are recommended
• Understand additional costs such as rates, insurance and maintenance

Sometimes a quick conversation before making an offer can save significant time and stress later.

Purchasing a property involves more than just a mortgage, you may also need:

• A solicitor or conveyancer
• Building inspector
• Registered valuer
• Insurance adviser
• Accountant (in some circumstances)

I can explain the role each professional plays and help point you in the right direction so you have the right support around you.

Making an Offer

When you've found the right property, I'll help you understand how to approach the purchase, whether that's by negotiation, deadline sale, tender, or auction.

This includes:

• The different methods of sale and what they mean for you as a buyer
• Recommended purchase conditions such as Finance, Builders report, Valuation report (if required), LIM, and any other due diligence
• Appropriate timeframes for conditions and settlement dates
• Minimum deposit requirements, particularly when KiwiSaver funds are being used
• Any bank conditions that need to be satisfied before going unconditional
• KiwiSaver withdrawal timing and ensuring funds will be available when needed

Buying at Auction

Auctions are particularly common and can move quickly.  Auction purchases are unconditional, so it's important to complete your due diligence beforehand.

This may include:

• Having finance fully approved (not just pre-approved)
• Obtaining a building report or LIM report before auction day
• Confirming your deposit requirements and funding arrangements
• Reviewing the property with your solicitor before bidding

I'll help you prepare beforehand, understand the risks, and ensure you can bid with confidence.

Having the right advice and completing the appropriate due diligence provides important protection and helps you make informed decisions on probably the biggest purchase of your life.

I'll work with you to satisfy any lender requirements to progress your approval once you've found a property.

This may include:

• Additional documentation
• Insurance requirements
• Valuations
• Building reports
• Verification of deposit funds
• KiwiSaver withdrawal process

I'll liaise with the lender throughout the process and keep things moving towards unconditional approval.

The final part of the lending process is your loan structure.   We'll discuss how to structure your lending to suit your own individual circumstances and future goals, including:

• Fixed vs floating loan options
• Splitting lending across multiple fixed terms
• Whether different types of accounts might suit you, such as:
• Offset accounts, and Revolving credit facilities
• Repayment frequency and strategies
• Future flexibility & goals

The right loan structure can potentially save thousands of dollars over time and provide greater flexibility as your circumstances change.

Settlement is the day you finally become a homeowner!

I'll work alongside your solicitor and lender to help ensure everything is ready, this includes:

• Loan documents are signed
• Insurance is in place
• KiwiSaver and any other deposit funds have been arranged and ready

Then comes the best part, collecting the keys to your first home!

My support doesn't stop at settlement.  As interest rates, lending policies and your circumstances change, I'm available to help with:

• Future refixes
• Restructuring your lending
• Renovation finance
• Investment property purchases
• Reviewing your mortgage over time

Many of my clients continue working with me long after they've purchased their first home.