Question 1

Do I have to pay for your service?

Accepted Answer

No — our mortgage and lending advice is free to you. We're paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles, and we set that out in our written disclosure statement. Our advice stays independent of who pays us: if a lender isn't the right fit, we won't recommend them, whatever the commission.

Question 2

What documents do I need to apply for a loan?

Accepted Answer

Generally: photo ID, proof of income (recent payslips, or 1–2 years of financial statements if you're self-employed), about 3 months of bank and credit-card statements, evidence of your deposit or KiwiSaver, and details of any other debts. Since the CCCFA affordability rules were eased in 2024–25, lenders take a more practical view of your income and spending rather than scrutinising every line — but a clean, well-presented set of statements still helps. We give you a tailored checklist up front.

Question 3

Do you only work with people in Wellington?

Accepted Answer

No — we're based in Lower Hutt but work with clients right across New Zealand. Phone, video calls, and secure online document upload mean your location is rarely a factor in getting great advice.

Question 4

How long does the home loan approval process take?

Accepted Answer

From a complete application, a lender decision usually takes about 5–7 working days. The main variables are how quickly your documents come together and the lender's current workload. Getting pre-approved first makes the final approval much faster — we'll give you a realistic timeline at the start.

Question 5

How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?

Accepted Answer

While 20% is the standard, you don't always need it. Through the First Home Loan scheme (underwritten by Kāinga Ora) eligible buyers can get in with as little as a 5% deposit, and banks also write some low-deposit lending each quarter under the Reserve Bank's LVR speed limits. Your KiwiSaver withdrawal can count toward your deposit, and new builds are often available with a lower deposit too. Note the old First Home Grant was discontinued in 2024. Lending is also tested against debt-to-income (DTI) limits, so we look at both your deposit and your income early on.

Question 6

Can I use my KiwiSaver for a first home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you've been a KiwiSaver member for at least 3 years you can usually withdraw most of your balance (you must leave at least $1,000 in) to put toward a first home, with the funds going to your solicitor at settlement. With the First Home Grant discontinued in 2024, KiwiSaver is now the main first-home support — we'll walk you through eligibility and timing.

Question 7

Should I fix or float my mortgage?

Accepted Answer

It depends on where rates are heading and how much certainty you want. Fixed rates are priced off wholesale swap rates, so they often move before the OCR does — meaning the 'best' term changes over time. Many clients split their loan across two or more terms to balance certainty with flexibility. We model your specific situation rather than apply a one-size-fits-all rule.

Question 8

What is the difference between a fixed-term and a floating-rate mortgage?

Accepted Answer

A fixed-rate mortgage locks your interest rate for a set term (commonly 6 months to 5 years), so your repayments are predictable for that period. A floating (variable) rate moves up and down with the market, so repayments can change at any time — but it's flexible, letting you make lump-sum repayments without break costs. Many borrowers split their loan across both.

Question 9

How long does pre-approval take?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward pre-approval is usually 3–5 business days once we have your documents. Complex cases (self-employed, multiple properties, a recent job change) take a little longer. Pre-approvals are generally valid for up to 90 days, giving you a clear budget while you house-hunt.

Question 10

Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most lenders look for around 2 years of financial statements plus recent trading, though some will consider a single year or use sensible add-backs. Appetite for self-employed income varies widely between lenders — knowing which ones will take a fair view of your business is a big part of the value we add.

Question 11

How do you ensure confidentiality with client data?

Accepted Answer

We take your privacy seriously. Your information is collected and handled under the Privacy Act 2020, stored securely, and only shared with lenders or insurers when you've authorised us to progress your application. You can read exactly how we handle data in our privacy policy.

Question 12

When does refinancing make sense?

Accepted Answer

When the long-term interest saving outweighs any break costs and fees, when a new lender's cash contribution tips the maths in your favour, or when you want to consolidate debt, restructure, or release equity. Cash contributions usually come with a clawback if you move again within a few years, so we model the numbers both ways — including whether a quiet restructure with your current bank gets you most of the benefit for less cost.

Question 13

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Accepted Answer

Each formal application leaves a credit footprint, which is why we shortlist the right lenders BEFORE you apply — so you only formally apply where you're genuinely likely to be approved. That protects your credit file and improves your odds.

Question 14

What documents will I need?

Accepted Answer

Typically photo ID, proof of income (payslips or financials), about 3 months of bank statements, evidence of your deposit, and details of any existing debts. We'll send you a tailored checklist up front so nothing holds up your application.

Question 15

How much can my business borrow?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your cashflow, the security available, and what the funds are for. Lenders look at serviceability (can the repayments be met from operating cashflow) and at security (property, equipment, or a personal guarantee). We'll give you a realistic borrowing range before you spend time on a full application.

Question 16

Do I need to provide personal guarantees?

Accepted Answer

Most SME lending in New Zealand requires a director's guarantee. The exposure can sometimes be limited to the loan balance, and for well-established businesses with strong assets a guarantee can occasionally be reduced or avoided. We negotiate this on your behalf.

Question 17

How long does business finance take to settle?

Accepted Answer

Simple chattel or equipment finance can settle in a matter of days. Cashflow facilities and commercial property typically take 2–6 weeks depending on the lender, the documentation, and the security being taken.

Question 18

Can I borrow if my last financial year was weak?

Accepted Answer

Often yes — particularly if the cause was clearly one-off (a lost contract, supply-chain disruption, a tough trading year) and recent trading has recovered. We'll usually know within one call which lenders will take a sensible, forward-looking view of your numbers.

Question 19

What is the interest rate on a business loan?

Accepted Answer

Business rates sit in a wider range than home loans. Asset-backed lending (commercial property, equipment) prices tighter than unsecured working capital. Rather than quote a generic range, we'll give you real numbers from real lenders during our first conversation.

Question 20

What rate will I get on a personal loan?

Accepted Answer

Secured personal loans (for example, against a vehicle) price well below unsecured ones. Your actual rate depends on your credit, the security, and the lender — banks are sharpest for strong credit, while specialist lenders price higher for more complex situations. We'll give you the real rate range for your circumstances, not a generic 'from' rate.

Question 21

How quickly can I get the money?

Accepted Answer

Some lenders fund within 24 hours of approval. Most settle within 2–5 business days, assuming your documentation is complete. We'll tell you which lenders are fastest for your situation.

Question 22

Can I pay off a personal loan early without penalty?

Accepted Answer

Bank personal loans typically have no early-repayment fee. Some specialist lenders do charge one — we flag this clearly up front so it never blindsides you later.

Question 23

Can you help if I have bad credit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we work with second-tier and specialist lenders who price for risk. We'll be honest about what's realistic now, and whether a few months of credit repair could unlock a much sharper rate down the track.

Question 24

Is dealer finance cheaper, or am I better with an adviser?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes dealer finance includes a genuine manufacturer subsidy and beats everything else. More often the dealer rate has commission built in and a comparable bank or specialist lender is sharper. We pull both and tell you which actually wins for your specific deal.

Question 25

Should I roll my car loan into my mortgage?

Accepted Answer

It lowers the interest rate, but stretches a 5-year debt across 20+ years — so the total interest cost can end up worse, and you're securing a car against your home. We model it both ways (and as a separate short loan) so you can decide with real numbers.

Question 26

How much deposit do I need on a car loan?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders will fund 100% of the purchase price plus on-road costs if your income supports the repayment. A deposit isn't usually required, but putting one in lowers your monthly payment and can improve the rate offered.

Question 27

Can I get vehicle finance if I am self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a chattel mortgage is the standard structure for self-employed buyers. The vehicle is the security, the GST can usually be claimed, and the interest is generally deductible to the business. We'll help structure it to suit your situation (always confirm the tax treatment with your accountant).

Question 28

What if I want to sell the car before the loan ends?

Accepted Answer

Most loans can be paid out at any time — you'll just need a payout figure from the lender. Some specialist lenders charge an early-termination fee, which we flag in your original quote so there are no surprises.

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