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WATCH: Work has been completed on the Gardiners pump station in the city’s north-west.
Head to Newsline for our latest water update: bit.ly...
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Sometimes life can work out better than expected. Going back a few years I would not have predicted that I would be working in a job that I really loved!!
I started my early career in banking and finance and did the whole 8-5pm thing for many years. In my later years as I moved along the … View moreSometimes life can work out better than expected. Going back a few years I would not have predicted that I would be working in a job that I really loved!!
I started my early career in banking and finance and did the whole 8-5pm thing for many years. In my later years as I moved along the corporate ladder I even got to do the 7am to 7pm and beyond thing. ☹ ☹
The biggest issue for me was that I wanted to buy a home for myself and my daughter. I found paying rent every month frustrating. I didn’t want to be paying off someone else’s mortgage when I could just as easily be paying off my own. I know everyone has to pay rent for a period in their lives but I thought it was just an expense, so why couldn’t I make it my own expense and get the benefit of paying my own rent to myself!!!
This went on for far longer than it should, as I worked, raised my daughter and juggled the costs of childcare, rent, insurance, living expenses etc. It certainly wasn’t easy. So I saved every dollar I could and after a time and with a few sacrifices (wine, dinners out, wine, holidays, wine) I was able to get a deposit together.
In the first instance, I was just so happy that my loan had been approved and that I would actually be able to move into my own home. 😊 😊 My mortgage was over 30 years which seemed fine with me. It took me quite a while to figure out that I actually needed to manage my mortgage rather than just go along with what the lender told me. I realised that paying even just a little more each week made such a huge difference to the amount of interest I would pay over the term of the loan AND it also reduced my loan term which meant I was paying off my loan faster!! Yayyy.
When I did the calculations I was amazed to see the amount of interest I was saving over the term of the loan – it was over $100,000 thousand dollars! I didn’t even have to stay in the same house to do this! I could also trade up and achieve the same savings.
So, because I learnt this knowledge on the job as it were, I could apply it to my own situation and it allowed me to create more financial freedom for myself.
Fortunately, a few years ago, I and realised that life was passing by quickly and it was time for me to get real and do a job where I could really make a difference and help people on a one to one basis. I think my volunteer work as a Business Mentor helped me to understand that this is where my skill set lay and I get a real buzz from seeing people develop themselves and their financial wellbeing.
During this time, the people I met all had mortgages and families, some with or without children and it became really clear to me that there was a huge knowledge gap about the process of how to get a mortgage and perhaps more importantly, how to repay it!! So …………. ”light bulb moment” I decided to do the study to become a mortgage adviser and become self-employed!
Like all things in life, the more you do things the more confident and adept you become even if it can be complicated. However, for most of us, getting a mortgage is not something we do every day and because the outcome can really impact on ourselves and our families, it can be downright nerve-racking. Also, we are usually very emotionally invested in the process never mind trying to balance it with our usual work and family commitments!
Despite limited media coverage, the fact is for the year ended June 2018, 34,343 First Home Buyers withdrew a whopping $769 million from KiwiSaver to assist with purchasing their first home. This is a big deal!
These are people who will have been in situations like ours - frustrated with paying rent or living with family members - who were just ready to move on to the next stage of their lives.
They made a successful step in the direction of home ownership. Guess what? First home ownership is absolutely within your reach in Canterbury! In fact, Interest.co.nz recently named Christchurch as the most affordable major centre for First Home Buyers since research began in 2005!
So how to become one of those smiling home owners we see in so many ads?
A deposit of 10% is required. Hopefully, you’ve been taking advantage of KiwiSaver or you’ve some savings put aside and/or perhaps some family assistance is available.
To become a confident first home buyer, it’s a great idea to arm yourself with as much information as possible so walking into a property, its value and what it is worth is not a mystery!
It’s a good idea to also remember that real estate agents are generally paid commission based on a percentage of the price the property is sold for, and their contract is to work for the vendor of the property.
Right off the bat, acknowledge that they do not have your financial interest at heart, so it is important to be aligned with someone who does. I can tell you where to easily find the information you need regarding the area you are interested in and even the property you are considering purchasing.
As a Mortgage Adviser, I am here to answer any questions. This is the guarantee that I provide and the relationship that I have with my first home buyer clients. I am here for every step of the process.
In fact, getting the mortgage is the easy part! My focus will also be on ensuring that there is a plan for repaying the mortgage efficiently, thereby saving many thousands of dollars in interest over the term of the loan, to ensure that your financial future is secure.
The great thing about my role is that there is no charge for my services. I am paid by the lender and/or insurance companies. I am independent and not aligned to anyone, so I can give the right advice for your situation and your circumstances and my service is FREE.
Let’s have a chat and work out what stage you are at and where to from here………. I offer a FREE 30-minute video or phone chat which can be booked to work in with your day.
Click on the link below to reserve your time. Looking forward to chatting or just give me a call on 0274 368 367. 🏡🏡😘😍
Gosh, September is here and the blossom is out. Still rather chilly though. Pop in store we have a splendid array of quality second-hand furniture plus loads of china and don't forget heaps of outdoor furniture ready for a new home. We are located 4 Curletts Rd or check out our website … View moreGosh, September is here and the blossom is out. Still rather chilly though. Pop in store we have a splendid array of quality second-hand furniture plus loads of china and don't forget heaps of outdoor furniture ready for a new home. We are located 4 Curletts Rd or check out our website www.christchurchauctions.co.nz...
We’re continuing to work to make busy streets and public areas safe, so that in a strong earthquake, emergency services can get to where they need to go. Find out more at Newsline: bit.ly...
The truck, initially gifted to Council for earthquake response by Kia Motors NZ, has now been donated to Kilmarnock enterprises. For more, head to Newsline: bit.ly...
Have you received some great service from your local GP? What about a dentist or optometrist? Leave a review for them on the Whitecoat website and be in to win $3,000.
Whitecoat is all about helping Kiwis make more informed decisions about their healthcare providers.
There has been a lot of discussions lately about the neighbourly etiquette when it comes to rubbish bins. We're sure everyone has had a moment when their bin is full on collection day and the question arises around what to do with the rest of the rubbish. We're keen to hear what you … View moreThere has been a lot of discussions lately about the neighbourly etiquette when it comes to rubbish bins. We're sure everyone has had a moment when their bin is full on collection day and the question arises around what to do with the rest of the rubbish. We're keen to hear what you think - is it okay to put rubbish in a neighbour's bin?
Is it fair game to use a neighbour's bin if it's out on the street? Vote in the poll below!
We want to help all New Zealanders benefit from trade wherever they are. That’s why the Government is consulting New Zealanders to develop a Trade for All policy. We want to hear your views on trade policy and what matters most to you. Take our short poll, share your comments or make a submission… View moreWe want to help all New Zealanders benefit from trade wherever they are. That’s why the Government is consulting New Zealanders to develop a Trade for All policy. We want to hear your views on trade policy and what matters most to you. Take our short poll, share your comments or make a submission here.
- How can trade support sustainable economic development that takes into account the impact on our environment?
- How can trade benefit our regions and support women, Maori and small and medium enterprises to succeed globally?
Come to a public meeting or hui. You can find the details and register here.
Find more information about Trade for All and our current trade policy at www.haveyoursay.mfat.govt.nz
Have your say on Trade for All. Submissions close on 14 October 2018.
Gday! We have a couple of creative builders available for weekend work to sort any of your carpentry needs. Give us a bell if we can be of any assistance:)
Christchurch isn't rebuilding, writes Vicki Anderson. We are ''reimagining'' ourselves as a city.
Calling all those card sharps, word wizards, and gaming gurus! Are you a fan of Yahtzee, card games, Scrabble, chess or other games and activities? Are you in need of someone to challenge or maybe you've always wanted to learn a game? The Hornby Community Centre would love to invite you to … View moreCalling all those card sharps, word wizards, and gaming gurus! Are you a fan of Yahtzee, card games, Scrabble, chess or other games and activities? Are you in need of someone to challenge or maybe you've always wanted to learn a game? The Hornby Community Centre would love to invite you to take part in this fortnightly opportunity have some fun and laughs, to meet others, and have a chat with coffee and a bite to eat ( provided).
Starting: TUESDAY 11th September
How often: Every 2 weeks
Where: Hornby Community Centre (Rm 5)
When: 10am-12pm
Cost: $2
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