Starting your home-buying journey? Getting the keys to your first home is an exciting milestone and a proud moment that no one forgets. But with so many things to consider and make sense of, the journey to get there can also be challenging at times.

The good news is that you don’t have to pursue your journey to home ownership all by yourself. There are experts on hand to give you all the help and advice you need. So, here are some key professionals to have in your support team.

Property Lawyer or Conveyancer

Buying a home can be a fast-paced and stressful process, with plenty of paperwork to sift through, starting with the sale-and-purchase agreement itself. Being a legally binding document, it’s important to read it carefully and get legal advice before you sign, to protect yourself from any slip-ups.

For all these reasons and more, a property lawyer or registered conveyancer is probably the number-one professional to have on your ‘dream team’. They can help you identify and deal with any legal issues or complex transactions that might be involved, including checking council records and your sale-and-purchase agreement.

Mortgage Adviser

Need a home loan? Then it’s a good idea to engage a mortgage adviser as early as possible.

SHARE mortgage advisers liaise with a large network of banks and non-bank lenders, and can work with you to find the most appropriate finance solution for your needs. Importantly, they work for you, not for the lender, which means they may be able to negotiate rates and terms on your behalf.

In other words, they take care of the whole application and approval process – from considering the available mortgage options through to getting your home loan pre-approved and approved. They do most of the legwork with the lender, so you can focus on your house hunt.

Click here to learn more and find a SHARE mortgage adviser near you.

KiwiSaver Adviser

Have you been a KiwiSaver member for at least three years? Then the scheme may help you into a home of your own.

While KiwiSaver has been primarily designed to save for retirement, it’s also helping many New Zealanders buy their first home, in two ways:

• First-home withdrawal – Eligible KiwiSaver members can withdraw almost all their savings, including annual Government contributions, provided they leave at least $1,000 in their account.
• First Home Grant – Eligible members can get up to $5,000 towards purchasing an existing home, and up to $10,000 for a new-build. If buying in a couple or more buyers (for example, with a group of friends), you may be eligible for up to $10,000 for an existing home, and up to $20,000 for a new-build. Terms and conditions, such as minimum contributions, apply: click here to learn more.

Are you considering using your KiwiSaver to boost your first-home deposit? Talk to a SHARE adviser today: we can help you understand what help is available. Click here to learn more.

Builder/Property Inspector

You already know this all too well: a property purchase is a big financial commitment. So, unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, it’s crucial to make sure that the house has good bones and there are no hidden issues, which may turn into costly repairs down the track.

That’s why including a qualified property inspector in your home-buying team is recommended. You may want to choose one early in the process: once you’ve found the first home of your dreams, you’ll know exactly who to call to arrange an inspection.

Property Insurance Adviser

Property insurance is mandatory when taking out a mortgage. After all, your home is likely to be one of your most valuable assets, so protecting it from the unexpected – be it a fire or a natural disaster – makes good financial sense.

While we can’t provide advice on property insurance, we know some great specialists in this space who can assist you in arranging cover.

Personal Insurance Adviser

Unlike property insurance, taking out personal insurance is not compulsory when buying a house. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea.
 
You’ve worked hard to achieve your home ownership dream, to give your family security and a place to create memories. Personal insurance is designed to help you safeguard your family’s future and keep a roof over their heads, should something happen to you or your ability to earn an income.With this in mind, personal insurance comes in many forms, including life insurance, income protection, critical illness cover, and so forth. Not sure where to start? Click here to learn more and find a SHARE insurance adviser in your area: we can help you find an appropriate type and level of cover for your needs, goals, and circumstances.

With you every step of the way

Buying your first home is so many things – the quintessential Kiwi dream, an exciting journey, a challenging quest. With conflicting emotions and a multitude of important choices to make, seeking guidance can take some of the stress out of the equation.

As financial advisers, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis like you choose a home loan, maximise their deposit, and protect their ability to repay the mortgage. Like to learn more? Get in touch today.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.