Have you ever felt abandoned by a financial advisor when trying to make one of life's biggest purchases? You're not alone. This raw and revealing conversation takes you behind the scenes of a remarkable first home buyer success story that almost didn't happen.

Meet the young truckie who waited weeks for a response from his first mortgage advisor, only to find himself putting an offer on a house just days after meeting the Home Loan Hub team. When most people expect the mortgage process to drag on for months, this case moved from application to approval at breakneck speed, with the client set to move into his new home within weeks of his first consultation.

What made the difference? A mortgage advisor who understood both the numbers and the human side of home buying. Having recently purchased his own first home, Jordan could relate to the excitement and anxiety his client was experiencing. This shared perspective, combined with practical expertise about when to call a busy truckie and which financial steps would strengthen the application, created a seamless partnership.

The episode reveals critical insights about today's lending environment, including how responsive communication can overcome challenges, which actions can strengthen your application, and why some lenders go above and beyond with notes like "your client will have our full support." You'll hear firsthand how the right mortgage advisor fights for your success, keeps you informed even when there's no news, and celebrates your victories as if they were their own.

Whether you're a first-time buyer feeling overwhelmed by the process or someone who's been disappointed by financial advisors in the past, this conversation demonstrates what's possible when expertise meets genuine care. Subscribe to That Home Loan Hub and follow us on YouTube and Instagram to join a community that believes getting a mortgage shouldn't be a mysterious, frustrating experience but a supported journey to homeownership.

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Breaking down barriers to homeownership is what drives our passion as mortgage advisers. In this heartwarming episode, we share a success story that proves there's always hope for aspiring homeowners, even when mainstream banks say "no."

Meet a remarkable family with three young children who faced significant obstacles on their homeownership journey. Despite having a steady occupation, the father had changed employers to support his family's needs, disqualifying them from Kāinga Ora's First Home Loan programme despite meeting income requirements. When traditional banks wouldn't consider their application, we discovered a creative solution through a second-tier lender that allowed them to enter the property market with their 10% KiwiSaver deposit.

We explore the strategy of using non-bank lenders as a stepping stone, revealing how after just three months of proven payment history, clients can often refinance with mainstream banks through dollar-to-dollar refinance options. This approach proves particularly valuable in today's buyer's market, where Wellington property values have decreased by 3%. By entering the market now rather than waiting months to meet conventional lending criteria, buyers can build equity sooner and avoid being priced out by potential future market increases.

The podcast delves into common misconceptions about first home buying programmes, clarifying that income caps are just one of several eligibility factors for Kāinga Ora loans. We emphasize that homeownership remains achievable for many Kiwi families on average incomes through strategic planning and exploring alternative lending pathways.

Have you been turned down by mainstream banks? Don't lose hope – talk to us about finding your unique pathway to homeownership. We're passionate about helping families achieve their property dreams, no matter what obstacles stand in their way.

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Wondering if your ACC payments could stand in the way of homeownership? Our latest episode shatters common misconceptions around mortgages for those with unconventional income streams.

We dive deep into a fascinating case study of a client receiving permanent ACC payments while working as an Uber driver. While his ACC income is viewed favourably by lenders, his self-employment history presents unique challenges. Despite seven years in business, a recent gap year and inconsistent earnings have made mainstream banks hesitant.

The good news? Solutions exist. We explore alternative lending options and strategies for strengthening financial positions over time. The key takeaway: ACC income can absolutely work for mortgage approval when it's permanent and properly documented.

Perhaps most inspiring is our success story about a single mother with four dependents who secured a mortgage based entirely on ACC and benefit income. This remarkable achievement allowed her to buy out her ex-partner's share of their home—despite him having permanent employment with a substantial salary. It's powerful proof that with the right mortgage broker, homeownership remains accessible even in complex financial situations.

For anyone receiving ACC payments or working in non-traditional employment, this episode offers practical guidance and genuine hope. Whether you're self-employed, receiving permanent benefits, or balancing multiple income streams, homeownership might be closer than you think. Listen now to discover how to navigate your unique path to property ownership.

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What happens when the safety net you think you have suddenly disappears? This eye-opening conversation with insurance expert Rebecca reveals the dangerous misconceptions that could leave you financially exposed when disaster strikes.

Many New Zealanders believe their income protection will cover them if they're made redundant – a potentially devastating mistake. Rebecca clarifies that standard income protection only covers illness and injury, not job loss. We explore why redundancy cover is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, especially for government workers, and why the protection it offers might be less valuable than you think.

The confusion between income protection and mortgage protection is another critical area we address. Most people need both types of coverage working together – one ensuring you keep a roof over your head, the other covering essential living expenses. We walk through practical examples using case studies like single 25-year-old John and couple Lucy and Matt to demonstrate how different life situations require tailored protection strategies.

Perhaps most compelling are the real-life stories of clients who declined coverage only to face catastrophic consequences. From the cancer patient forced to sell an investment property during treatment to the young homeowner now at risk of losing everything after an injury, these cautionary tales highlight the true cost of inadequate protection. We also debunk the common belief that ACC, body corporate insurance, or KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals provide adequate safety nets.

Want to learn more about protecting your financial future? Comment or message us to register for our upcoming insurance webinar in early September where we'll dive deeper into these crucial topics.

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The wealth transfer conundrum facing New Zealand is staggering. Billions in assets will soon pass from aging baby boomers to their children—most often landing in the hands of eldest daughters who frequently lack financial literacy or guidance. This reality sits at the heart of our latest conversation about the critical need for more women in financial advising.

We're thrilled to share the successful launch of Women in Financial Advice under the Financial Advice New Zealand umbrella, which held its first Wellington meeting with three times the expected attendance. Women from across the financial spectrum—mortgage specialists, insurance advisors, financial planners, corporate representatives, and independent practitioners—came together to build a supportive professional community. The gathering even inspired a former stay-at-home mum currently pursuing her Level 5 certification who questioned whether she could succeed in the industry after 15 years away from the workforce.

Women bring unique strengths to financial advising that complement traditional approaches. The natural empathy and exceptional multitasking abilities many women possess create powerful advantages in building client relationships and understanding complex needs. We share a remarkable story of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities—launching a financial advice franchise with a five-month-old baby and ultimately raising four children without external childcare while building a successful practice. This flexibility makes financial advising particularly suitable for women seeking careers that accommodate family priorities.

For women contemplating their next professional chapter, especially those in physically demanding fields like nursing or beauty therapy, financial advising offers an intellectually stimulating alternative that leverages their existing relationship skills. The Women in Financial Advice group meets monthly at Wellington's Chapman Taylor, creating a supportive environment for anyone interested in promoting gender diversity in financial services. While women-led, the group warmly welcomes male advisors wanting to better support female colleagues or clients.

Want to join the movement transforming financial advice in New Zealand? Connect with us at the next meeting on Thursday, August 21st at 10am. Your perspective, whether as a practitioner, industry supporter, or someone curious about financial advising as a career, will enrich our community and help more New Zealanders access the guidance they deserve.

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What does it take to disrupt an industry with trust issues? Michael Seymour, owner of Tall Poppy Real Estate, takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from reluctant pharmacy student to revolutionary business leader.

Michael's story begins with his mother secretly enrolling him in pharmacy school, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to owning 44 pharmacies across New Zealand. But it was his discovery about himself - that he was fundamentally "unemployable" by others with his questioning nature and drive to improve systems - that shaped his entrepreneurial approach.

The heart of our conversation explores the real estate industry's fundamental problems. When Michael discovered real estate agents ranked just above sex workers in public trust despite handling people's largest assets, he knew something needed to change. "It's incongruous to me that such a massive thing, professionalism and the asset would be diminished to being non-trustworthy," he explains with characteristic candor.

What makes Tall Poppy different isn't just their pricing model - though their shift from a flat fee to a transparent tiered structure counterintuitively increased their business. It's their entire approach. Rather than following the traditional model where agents compete internally for commissions, they've created a collaborative "list and sell" system. Their upcoming technology platform will bring unprecedented transparency to the entire process, letting buyers make offers directly online without the mystery that pervades typical real estate transactions.

Michael's wisdom about perseverance resonates throughout our talk. "Everything's achievable if you know you can do it and you've got the tenacity," he shares. "The problem that a lot of people have are that when the barriers get in the way, they don't stand for long enough through the journey."

Listen now to discover how Michael's people-first philosophy and commitment to transparency is reshaping real estate, and pick up valuable insights about building businesses that generate both success and happiness.

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Feeling the winter chill while your wallet feels the burn of skyrocketing gas prices? You're not alone. This eye-opening conversation dives into the reality many Kiwi homeowners face with traditional gas water heating systems – from the shock of cold showers when bottled gas runs dry to the frustration of waiting weeks for gas deliveries.

We explore the compelling alternative of heat pump hot water systems, a technology that's revolutionising home energy efficiency across New Zealand. These remarkable systems can heat ten times more water than conventional methods while using less power – a win-win for comfort and cost-saving. With units available from major retailers like Bunnings for $6,000-$8,000 plus installation, the initial investment might seem steep. However, the financial equation becomes much more attractive when you consider the potential to recover costs within just two years through energy savings.

The conversation takes an even more interesting turn when we discuss the special green home loans currently offered by many New Zealand banks. These loans feature incredibly low interest rates – some as low as 0% or 1% – specifically designed to help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades. With natural gas resources predicted to diminish over the next few decades (leading to even higher prices), now might be the perfect time to future-proof your home's hot water system. Ready to say goodbye to unexpected cold showers and hello to efficient, reliable hot water? Explore your options today and see if a heat pump hot water system could be right for your home.

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