That Home Loan Hub

A startling revelation emerged from my trip to the Financial Advisor New Zealand conference in Christchurch – most Kiwis aren't getting professional financial advice. While our counterparts in Australia, the UK, and Canada regularly seek financial guidance, New Zealanders tend to rely on casual advice from "Uncle Bob at the barbecue" or friends at sporting events. This knowledge gap...

Mortgage relief or savings squeeze? The April 9th OCR announcement looms large with significant implications for Kiwi households. We're predicting a modest 0.25% drop, which could provide welcome breathing room for the mortgage holders currently floating and waiting for the right moment to fix. The impact of this anticipated change cuts both ways across our economy. While homeowners might cel...

Ready to make your home more energy efficient or purchase an electric vehicle without the financial strain? Our latest conversation dives into the world of green loans – a game-changing financial option that's flying under the radar for many Kiwis. We explore how these specialized loans offer dramatically reduced interest rates – as low as 0-1% compared to standard 5-5% loans – making environ...

Wrapping up the financial year with tremendous gratitude and celebration! Join us as we reflect on a year of remarkable achievements and growth for our mortgage advisory team. The numbers tell an inspiring story: over 200 families have found their pathway to homeownership through our services, with more than $70 million in loans settled despite many being cases that other advisors or banks had pre...

Discover the untapped potential of Second Chance KiwiSaver – a lifeline for Kiwis who've previously used their KiwiSaver for a home purchase but had to sell due to circumstances beyond their control. We dive deep into how this program works and who qualifies, with a focus on real-world application. The heart of this episode is an inspiring success story about a couple in their late fifties wh...

The highly publicized "cashback wars" between banks have many Kiwi homeowners wondering how to claim their share of advertised $20,000 incentives. But what's the real story behind these attention-grabbing headlines? We break down exactly how mortgage cashbacks work, revealing the often-overlooked mathematics behind these offers. While $20,000 sounds incredible, this would require bo...

A forgotten classic is making a comeback. Robert Kiyosaki's Cashflow Quadrant - the framework that revolutionized how a generation viewed wealth creation - remains as relevant today as it was 25 years ago when it first captivated eager minds seeking financial independence. James Shears breaks down this powerful concept with crystal clarity, explaining how income sources fall into four distinc...

Dreaming of that second property purchase but unsure if your numbers add up? Our candid conversation tackles the often misunderstood relationship between property equity and income requirements that determines your true buying power. Through a practical example based in Waikanae, we dissect the crucial difference between perceived equity and usable equity – a distinction that catches many property...

Michael Tresch from Southern Cross Partners pulls back the curtain on how property investors can access capital when banks turn them away. With over two decades of experience in non-bank lending, Michael shares invaluable insights into an often-overlooked corner of New Zealand's property investment ecosystem. For anyone who's had a bank decline their investment property loan, this conver...

Property inheritance creates a surprising legal maze that many first-time home buyers don't see coming until it's too late. We dive into a listener's real dilemma when Jackie discovered her carefully laid plans to use KiwiSaver for her first home purchase might be derailed after unexpectedly inheriting property. The moment your name appears on a property title—even through inheritan...

Navigating family financial relationships can be tricky, especially when it comes to helping children purchase their first homes. Our conversation with mortgage advisor Khounch dives deep into the modern reality of parent guarantors - a topic that affects thousands of families trying to help the next generation onto the property ladder. The guarantor landscape has changed dramatically. Gone are th...

The gap between knowing about money and actually managing it well is wider than most people realize. In this enlightening conversation with financial expert James, we unpack the crucial difference between financial literacy and financial capability—a distinction that explains why even finance professionals sometimes struggle with their personal finances. Financial literacy encompasses understandin...

Navigating the path to homeownership involves more financial considerations than many Kiwis realize. While you're busy saving for a deposit and checking interest rates, something as seemingly innocent as your Afterpay account could be silently working against you. We dive deep into the world of Buy Now, Pay Later services – those convenient, interest-free payment options that have revolutioni...

What makes financial advice truly valuable in today's world? Nick Hakes, CEO of Financial Advice New Zealand, brings global perspective and fresh insight into how advisors help Kiwis navigate their financial journeys toward better lives. Nick shares his fascinating journey from working in Australia's financial sector to Southeast Asia before returning home to lead Financial Advice NZ. Hi...

Auckland or Wellington? Where can Kiwis actually afford to buy a home? We dive deep into the startling affordability gap between New Zealand's two major urban centers, comparing hard data that reveals which city gives homebuyers more bang for their buck. Drawing from 2024 Infometrics statistics, we unpack the critical metrics that matter to potential homeowners. Wellington shows promising sig...

Budgeting is often dismissed as a dull subject, yet it holds the key to achieving your financial dreams. We dive into the core elements of budgeting in this episode, emphasizing that understanding your income and expenses is the foundation for financial stability. We'll explore various strategies for tracking spending, whether through traditional methods or using technology to gain insights i...

Are you aware of the crucial role credit scores play in securing your dream home? In our latest episode, we discuss everything you need to know about credit scores, including how they are calculated and what lenders truly look at while evaluating these numbers. With a credit score being a fundamental aspect of the home-buying process in New Zealand, understanding its nuances could mean the differe...

Are you a first-time buyer contemplating whether now is the right time to enter the property market? We delve into this crucial decision as we explore the benefits of owning a home versus continuing to rent. Many first-time buyers can enter the market today with just a 5% deposit, making it more accessible than ever before. Given the current climate, the discussion includes the reality of interest...

Get ready to dive deep into the essential process of calculating net worth. This episode explores how knowing your financial position can clarify your decisions and help shape your future. We break down the simple formula of assets minus liabilities, making it easy for you to assess where you stand and where you want to go.  Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, we guide you on iden...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the world of financial empowerment with Terri Watson of the Healthy Wallet Project. Terri's compelling story showcases how she transitioned from financial despair to a fulfilling career dedicated to helping women gain financial confidence. She opens up about her family’s financial struggles and the journey she undertook to reclaim control...

Ready to make sense of the latest Official Cash Rate drop? In this episode, we dive deep into how the recent 50 basis point cut can significantly impact homeowners and those considering buying a house. This is more than just numbers—it’s about real people and their financial futures. As we break down the implications of falling interest rates, we touch on everything from reduced mortgage repayment...

Discover the remarkable journey of Khouanchai Adams, an award-winning ex-banker who transformed her life from a refugee to a passionate advocate for financial literacy and empowerment in our latest episode. Khouanchai shares her authentic story, illustrating how experiences shaped her view on finances and motivated her to fight for underprivileged communities. Growing up in Laos and moving to New...

Join us as we explore James Buchanan's journey from teaching English to investing and mortgage advising, highlighting the importance of financial literacy, budgeting, and long-term planning. James shares practical insights and personal stories that underscore the significance of understanding finances for creating a secure and fulfilling life.  • The impact of financial education on personal...

Join us in an inspiring conversation with Lisa Budny, a passionate real estate photographer and videographer from Sundays Real Estate, whose journey from family photography to real estate is nothing short of transformative. Lisa shares her unique insights into the art of showcasing homes, revealing how the nuances of each property fuel her creative process. She underscores the importance of first...

Discover the essential strategies for safeguarding your assets and ensuring smooth transitions for your loved ones in our conversation with Polina Kozlova, director of PK Law. As a specialist in private client law, Polina unpacks the critical importance of contracting out agreements and shares her expert insights on the complexities of estate planning, particularly within blended families. Learn w...