Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
The questions we get asked most
What does a mortgage broker actually do?
A mortgage broker organises your home loan for you, from working out what you can afford through to settlement. We look at your situation, compare options across a panel of lenders rather than just one, recommend a loan structure, and manage the application and paperwork through to approval. A bank can only offer its own products. We work across many, so the job is finding the right fit for you and handling the process so you don’t have to.
Why would I use a broker instead of going direct to my bank?
Because your bank can only offer its own products, while a broker compares across many lenders to find the one that fits you best. Going direct means one set of rules, one set of rates, and one answer. We work across a panel of banks and non-bank lenders, so if one won’t approve you, or won’t price it well, another might. In most cases it costs you nothing, since we’re paid by the lender, and we handle the application work you’d otherwise be doing yourself.
Your bank can only offer their own products. We work across a panel of lenders, banks and non-banks, and match you to the one most likely to approve your situation. We also know each lender’s current appetite, which changes more often than most people realise. Our service is free to you; we’re paid by the lender once a deal settles.
Does it cost anything to use a mortgage broker?
In most cases, nothing. We’re paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles, so for most clients there’s no direct fee from us. Our Financial Disclosure Statement outlines the rare instances where a fee may apply, and we’d always talk that through with you upfront.
What credit score do I need to get a mortgage?
There’s no fixed score you have to hit. In New Zealand, lenders look at your whole credit history and how you’ve managed money, not just a single number. Things like paying bills on time, keeping on top of credit cards, and avoiding missed payments or defaults all matter more than a magic figure. If there are marks on your record, it doesn’t automatically rule you out, it just means we may need to explain the story behind them or pick a lender that takes a broader view. We can take a look and tell you honestly where you stand.
What is pre-approval and how does it work?
Pre-approval is a lender’s conditional agreement to lend you up to a set amount, based on your income, expenses, deposit, and credit history. It tells you your likely budget before you start looking, and shows agents and sellers you’re a serious buyer. It usually lasts three to six months, and it isn’t the final yes. Full approval comes once you’ve found a property and the lender has checked the specifics, like a valuation. We organise the pre-approval, explain any conditions attached, and keep an eye on the expiry so it doesn’t lapse while you’re still looking.
What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
Pre-approval doesn’t lock in a rate — the rate you actually pay is set on drawdown day. If rates drop, you benefit. If they rise, we look at what’s available, including rate locks (some lenders offer them) and whether to fix some or all of the loan. We don’t try to predict the market; we make sure you’ve got a plan for either direction.
How long does the full mortgage process take?
Usually around four to eight weeks from application to settlement, though it depends on your situation and how quickly things move. It runs in two stages. The first, from full application to conditional approval, is often 5 to 10 working days depending on how busy the lender is. The second, from conditional approval through to settlement, is typically another 15 to 30 working days, shaped by the terms of your sale and purchase agreement. Being organised early, with documents ready, tends to move it along faster.
Can you help if I'm self-employed or have complex income?
Yes. Self-employed and complex-income situations are a big part of what we do. If your income comes from a business, contracting, multiple sources, or anything that isn’t a simple salary, lenders assess it differently, and some are far more comfortable with it than others. We know which lenders suit which situations, what they want to see, and how to present your income clearly. As long as the overall picture can meet a lender’s servicing requirements, we’ll work to find the right fit.
Fixed vs floating, which is better?
There’s no single right answer, it depends on what matters most to you. A fixed rate gives you certainty: your repayments stay the same for the term, which makes budgeting easier and protects you if rates rise. A floating rate moves with the market, so it can cost more or less over time, but it gives you flexibility to make extra repayments or pay the loan off faster without break costs. Many people use a mix of both. The right balance comes down to your plans and how much certainty you want, and we’ll talk it through with you rather than push one way.
Can't find what you're
looking for?
Let’s Chat
Start with a Conversation.
The easiest way is a chat. Tell us where you are and what you want to do, and we’ll come back honestly on whether we can help and what the path looks like.
We reply within one business day. Your details are private and used only to respond to your enquiry.