Let’s discuss a common misconception – mortgage advisers help you obtain a mortgage and then gallop off into the sunset.
Wrong. There’s so much more to it than that.
Getting you that home loan is our bread and butter at Hastie Mortgages, but the value isn’t just in the initial transaction – it’s in the ongoing relationship that ensures your mortgage continues working for you as your life changes.
It’s us stupid!
Take one of our clients, for example. Over the years, we’ve guided him through several fixed interest rate expiries for both his residence and investment properties. Recently, he came to us in a quandary about whether to sell his rental properties, keep them, restructure his mortgage payments, or pursue other options entirely.
Looking genuinely confused, he asked me, “Who provides advice on that stuff?”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Me, you bloody idiot!” I told him. “We’ve done it before, and we can do it again!”
There was a moment of silence before his face lit up with recognition. “Oh yeah!” he laughed, shaking his head. “I completely forgot that’s what you do. I guess I’ve been so focused on the properties themselves.” We both had a good chuckle about it. But far out. This perfectly illustrates why the ongoing relationship with your mortgage adviser is just as valuable as securing that initial loan.
The ‘we’ll do it ourselves’ story
Here’s another example that really drives the point home. Just a couple of years ago, when interest rates were going through the roof, one of our clients came back to us with a confession that said it all: “The last time we did a refix, we just did it ourselves. And we got it wrong. I wish we’d listened to you.”
This happens all the time. People think, ’great, got my mortgage sorted, I’m all set!’ Then, they stick with their current terms for years without even looking at better options. That’s where we come in.
When you work with us, you’re also getting a financial partner who can advise on everything from optimising your loan structure to navigating complex financial decisions. We’ll help you determine exactly how much you can borrow based on your unique situation, not just a generic calculator that you find on a website.
Here’s what ongoing engagement with us means:
- Strategic mortgage structuring that considers your life circumstances
- Expert guidance on accessing equity without always needing a new application
- Help with splitting loans to manage risk and interest rate exposure
- Plain-English explanations of complex financial products
Positioning you for success with the banks
Think of us as your financial GPS system. We don’t just find you a mortgage at brilliant rates – we position you strategically with lenders from the start. Your application isn’t just thrown into a generic system; it’s carefully packaged to highlight your strengths and address potential concerns head-on.
Take that client whose business weathered the Covid storm. Getting him a mortgage wasn’t just about filling in forms – it was about creating a comprehensive strategy that accounted for his business volatility and showcased his true borrowing capacity to lenders who initially saw only risk.
Self-employed? The banks see you as complicated and risky, but we see opportunity. We know exactly how to present your finances, so lenders focus on your business’s potential rather than just the last two years’ accounts. It’s about telling your financial story properly.
Market expertise that saves you money
The mortgage market is constantly shifting. What worked brilliantly six months ago might be outdated advice today. Our team is immersed in this world daily, picking up on subtle changes in lending criteria that don’t make the headlines but could make or break your application.
We’ve had clients ring us in a panic because they’ve been declined elsewhere, only for us to get them approved within days. After all, we knew exactly which lender would see their situation favourably. That knowledge doesn’t come from a quick internet search.
Saving money through strategic thinking
Our clients often tell us, ‘I had no idea I could save that much just by structuring things differently.’ That’s because most people aren’t taught this stuff – why would they be? That’s our job.
We’ve seen clients save tens of thousands over their mortgage term simply by implementing the right structure from day one. It’s not about tricky financial products, it’s about knowing which levers to pull and when.
When those fixed rates come up for renewal, most people accept whatever their current bank offers. Big mistake. This is precisely when having an adviser pays substantial financial dividends.
The interest rate itself? That’s only part of the equation. How you set your mortgage up makes a massive difference. Take offset accounts and revolving credit, for instance. They sound similar, but they’re quite different, and getting this wrong could cost you serious money.
Life changes? We’ll handle those too
Think about it – life doesn’t stand still after you get your mortgage. Maybe you’re planning for maternity leave or thinking about changing careers.
Here’s another true story – a client who had been dreaming of starting their own business for years approached me. They had already quit their job but when they approached the lender, they were told it would be very difficult to get the money because they no longer had a regular income or track record of earnings. The ideal scenario would have been to discuss financing options with us while they were still employed.
These are exactly the moments when you need someone who knows their stuff to guide you through. So, it pays to talk to us about your plans, before you make any big moves.
Property investment – not as simple as it looks
For most Kiwis, property investment is their go-to retirement planning tool. And fair enough, as well as the capital increase (if you have it for long enough), it also offers tax benefits and the unique advantage of leverage for another loan.
But – and this is a big but – while it’s often called ‘good debt’, you really need to know what you’re getting into and assess your financial capacity and risk tolerance.
This is where we come in. We’ll guide you through the financial aspects and connect you with experts for the nitty-gritty details.
The Bank of Mum and Dad
We see this all the time – parents wanting to help their kids into their first home. Brilliant! But you need to get the terms right for everyone. Whether it’s using parents’ property as security, sorting out gifted money, or setting up no-interest loans – there are ways to do this without causing Christmas dinner drama for the next decade. We’ll help you avoid the confusion and find the ideal solution for your situation. Find out more here.
Renovations and sustainability movements
Are you thinking about doing up the house? Or maybe you’re keen on those green loans for eco-friendly improvements? Most people don’t realise that banks often want a registered valuation to ensure your grand plans won’t tank their equity position. Read more here.
The advice no one else gives you
Most importantly, we’re the ones who’ll tell you when something’s not a good idea. Sometimes the best mortgage advice is ’not yet‘ or ’not this property.’ That’s the difference between a salesperson and an adviser – we’re playing the long game with your financial wellbeing.
Your mortgage isn’t just about getting the keys to your house. It’s about making your money work smarter for years to come. And in a market where getting it wrong can cost you thousands, having someone in your corner who knows what they’re talking about is essential. Want to have a chat about your next moves?