Your First Home, Your Future
Let KSM get you there
Understanding Your Buying Power
Before you start looking at properties, it’s important to understand your borrowing power. This depends on your income, expenses, savings, and any financial assistance you may be eligible for.
One of the biggest concerns for first-home buyers is the deposit. Many people believe they need a 20% deposit, but that's not always the case! There are low-deposit options available that may allow you to get into your first home sooner.
Low-Deposit Home Loan Options
If you have less than a 20% deposit, you may still be able to buy a home with:
First Home Loan – This loan, available through select lenders, allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit, backed by Kāinga Ora.
Low-Deposit Loans with Lenders' Approval – Some banks and lenders accept deposits as low as 10%, depending on your financial situation. In these cases, you may need to pay a low equity margin (LEM) or fee, but I can help you understand and navigate this.
Using KiwiSaver for Your Deposit – If you’ve been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years, you may be able to use your savings towards your deposit.
Not sure which option is right for you? I can assess your situation and help you choose the best solution.
KSM works with the following :
Accredited with ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank, SBS Bank, The Cooperative Bank, Heartland, Unity and Leading Non-Bank Lenders. Giving you access to more options, competitive rates and tailored mortgage solutions. |
Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan
A home loan pre-approval is a crucial step because it tells you how much you can borrow and gives you confidence when making offers. It’s also an essential step in helping you understand your budget, so you don’t overextend financially.
To apply for pre-approval, you’ll need to provide details about your income, expenses, debts, and savings. I’ll work with you to make this process as easy as possible and help you structure your loan to fit your needs.
Together, we’ll also look at different loan structures—whether a fixed, floating, or split loan makes the most sense for your financial situation.
Finding the Right Home
Once you have pre-approval, you’re ready to start looking for your first home! Here are some things to consider as you search:
Location – Is it close to work, schools, and transport?
Property type – Are you interested in a house, townhouse, or apartment?
Budget – Stay within your pre-approved limit to avoid financial stress.
Once you’ve found a property you like, it’s important to request key reports like the LIM report, title, and builder’s report to make sure there are no hidden surprises.
Making an Offer with Confidence
When you find the right home, the next step is making an offer. Whether the property is being sold by auction, tender, or negotiation, it’s important to understand the process.
Before signing anything, be sure to get legal advice. You’ll also want to include the right conditions in your offer, such as finance approval or a builder’s inspection.
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll pay a deposit to secure the property, and we can move forward with finalizing your mortgage.
Finalising Your Mortgage & Preparing for Settlement
Once your offer is accepted, I’ll assist in securing your formal loan approval. Your solicitor will review and sign the mortgage documents, and you’ll also need to arrange house insurance, which many lenders require before settlement.
Settlement is the final step, where the purchase price is paid, and the property ownership is officially transferred to you. Your solicitor will ensure everything is handled correctly, so you can take possession of your new home.
Settlement Day & Moving In
Settlement day is a momentous occasion—the day you officially become a homeowner!
On this day, everything falls into place. After a final inspection of the property to ensure everything is in order, your solicitor will confirm that the funds have been transferred, and the sale is complete. Then, the keys to your very own home will be handed over to you!
This is your moment! You’ve worked hard to get here, and now you get to step into your future. Moving into your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones, full of new possibilities, memories to make, and dreams to build.
From here, it’s all about making your new house truly feel like home—whether you’re unpacking boxes, planning your next home improvement project, or simply enjoying the sense of accomplishment.
I’ll be here to support you even after you move in, whether it’s reviewing your mortgage or helping you achieve your next property goals. Congratulations on this incredible achievement!
If you’re ready to explore your options, I’d love to help!
Let’s chat and make sure you’re in the best position for your next step in property ownership.
Kylee Smit
Mortgage Adviser
Get in touch
P 027 273 7411
E Kylee@ksmortgages.co.nz
