What People Are Saying
Client Story: Making Homeownership a Reality
Client: First-home buyers
Goal: To purchase the home they were currently renting
The Scenario
After years of renting, our clients were given the opportunity to purchase the home they already loved living in. but a mix of personal loans and vehicle finance meant their borrowing capacity was stretched thin. They were so close to homeownership, but the numbers just weren’t falling into place.
Our Approach
We started by taking them through their options, instead of trying to fit them into a one-size-fits-all solution, we mapped out multiple pathways and worked through the pros and cons with them.
Behind the scenes, we collaborated closely with their solicitor and the real estate agent to keep timelines tight and communication crystal clear, everyone working together with one goal: get these clients into their first home.
We also reached out to several lenders, knowing each has different strengths and appetite for lower-deposit lending. After a bit of back-and-forth and a healthy amount of persistence, we found the right lender with the flexibility they needed.
The Solution
By consolidating their personal and vehicle debt into the new mortgage, even with a lower deposit, we were able to reduce their weekly repayments and free up the servicing they needed. The result was an approval that felt both achievable and sustainable.
The Result
Our clients are now the proud owners of the home they once rented, settling in with confidence knowing their repayments fit comfortably within their budget. A genuine team effort all around.
Client Story: Making Her Mortgage Work for Her
Client: New client with an existing mortgage
Goal: To make her mortgage work for her
The Scenario
A client came to us feeling that her current lending structure was not supporting her goals. She had built up significant savings but was unsure how to make them work alongside her mortgage. She also wanted to explore longer-term wealth options, including the possibility of an investment property, yet felt uncertain about where to begin and whether it was realistic. Her KiwiSaver had not been reviewed for some time, and she wanted to make sure it aligned with her objectives. She also hoped to set her child up with a strong financial foundation for the future.
Our Approach
We started by understanding her full financial picture and what mattered most to her. This included
• reviewing her existing mortgage structure
• assessing how her savings were being used
• exploring future investment goals
• analysing her KiwiSaver to ensure it was fit for purpose
• considering intergenerational planning, especially for her child
Once we had a clear understanding, we modelled a range of options that could improve her position both now and over the long term. This allowed her to make confident, informed decisions.
The Solution
We identified that an offset facility would be a strong fit. Because she held substantial savings, linking these directly to her home loan meant she could reduce the interest charged on her mortgage immediately. This structure is now saving her thousands of dollars in interest every year.
We also mapped out the financial impact of purchasing an investment property. After running the numbers together and building a sustainable plan, we confirmed that buying an investment home would support her long-term capital growth and retirement strategy. We completed a refinance of her existing lending, secured a competitive structure, and obtained a cashback of around eight thousand dollars from the bank.
Alongside this, we reviewed her KiwiSaver to ensure her fund choice matched her goals and risk profile, helping it work more effectively for her future. We then set up a KiwiSaver account for her child, giving her daughter a head start towards a meaningful deposit when she is ready to buy her own home.
The Result
The client now has a mortgage structure that actively works in her favour, leading to significant interest savings each year. She has successfully purchased an investment property, adding to her assets and strengthening her long-term financial position. Her KiwiSaver is aligned with her goals, and her child is now on the path towards a substantial first home contribution.
Most importantly, she feels clear, confident, and in control of her financial future.
Client Story: Turning an 8% Deposit Into a First Home
Client: First home buyer
Goal: To secure her first home with a low deposit
The Scenario
A first home buyer approached us with an 8% deposit made up of her KiwiSaver balance and a small amount of personal savings. She felt ready to purchase but was unsure whether her deposit was enough, what support was available, or how to navigate the lending process with confidence. She wanted a clear pathway to pre-approval so she could look for a home within her budget.
Our Approach
We began by reviewing her full financial position, including her deposit sources, income, existing commitments, and her long-term goals. We then looked at the different pathways available to first-home buyers and assessed which options would give her the greatest chance of success.
From there, we guided her through the eligibility requirements for the First Home Loan scheme, modelled her borrowing capacity, and prepared a strong application that reflected her financial profile.
The Solution
She qualified for the First Home Loan scheme, which meant she could secure lending with as little as a 5% deposit while still accessing the interest rates usually reserved for borrowers with a 20% deposit. This significantly improved her position and expanded the range of properties available to her.
Once her pre-approval was in place, she began actively viewing homes. She found a property in her preferred area that suited her budget and future plans. She submitted an offer, which was accepted, and we moved quickly to progress her finance to an unconditional approval. With all requirements met and the lender satisfied, her loan was confirmed and ready for settlement.
We secured competitive interest rates along with a five-thousand-dollar cashback to help with her initial costs. We also reviewed her KiwiSaver to ensure she was contributing at a level that would support a comfortable retirement in the future.
The Result
She is now a proud first home owner with a mortgage that reflects favourable interest rates and a strong long-term structure. The First Home Loan scheme allowed her to enter the market sooner than she expected, and the cashback provided meaningful support as she settled into her new home.
Her KiwiSaver is now aligned with her goals, giving her confidence that her future retirement planning is on track. Most importantly, she achieved her dream of buying her first home with clarity and support at every step.
Client Story: When the Right Loan Structure Changes Everything
Client: Homeowners with an existing mortgage
Goal: To be debt-free by age 50 (within 3 years)
The Scenario
The clients already owned their home and had an existing mortgage, along with savings held across several accounts. When one of their fixed loan terms was coming up for review, they asked us to help explore their options.
During our initial conversation, we asked a simple but important question: “What’s your goal?”
Their answer was clear - they wanted to be completely debt-free by the time they turned 50, which was just three years away. While this felt ambitious, they were open to reviewing their loan structure and making small changes if it meant achieving that goal sooner.
Our Approach
We started by reviewing their full financial position, including their existing loan structure, interest rates, repayment amounts, and how their savings were currently being used. We also discussed their future plans and whether they were comfortable with slightly different repayment structures to accelerate their progress.
From there, we compared the options available across lenders and assessed whether a revolving credit facility or an offset loan would better suit their situation. The key focus was ensuring their savings were working as hard as possible to reduce interest, while still allowing access to funds if needed.
The Solution
We restructured their lending to make better use of their existing savings by incorporating a revolving credit/offset facility, while placing the remaining balance on a fixed rate for certainty.
This structure reduced the interest charged on their mortgage, allowed their savings to actively work against their debt, and still gave them flexibility to access funds when required. The revised repayment structure aligned with their goal and timeframe, without placing unnecessary pressure on their day-to-day finances.
The Result
The clients were thrilled to see that, with the right loan structure, they could realistically become debt-free within their desired three-year timeframe. The new setup shaved over nine years off their original mortgage term and significantly reduced their overall interest costs.
Most importantly, they gained clarity and confidence, knowing their mortgage was structured intentionally around their life goals - not just the lowest rate at the time. This case highlights why reviewing and structuring your loan correctly can be just as important as the interest rate itself.