Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most Kiwis will ever make, and for many, securing the right mortgage is a critical step in that journey. With so many loan types, interest rates, fees, repayment options, lenders, and terms to navigate, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where a mortgage advisor can make all the difference.

What is a mortgage advisor?

A mortgage advisor (also known as a mortgage broker) is a home loan expert who works on your behalf to find the right lending solution for your needs. They act as the middleman between you and a range of lenders, including banks, non-bank lenders, and specialist financial institutions.

Unlike a bank lender, who can only offer you their institution’s own mortgage products, a mortgage advisor has access to a wider range of loan options and can tailor their recommendations to suit your unique circumstances.

How can a mortgage advisor help?

1. Access to a wide range of lenders

Mortgage advisors have relationships with multiple lenders, giving you access to a variety of home loan products. This can be especially valuable if your situation isn’t straightforward – for example, if you’re self-employed, buying your first home, or looking at an investment property.

2. Tailored advice

Everyone’s financial situation and goals are different. A good mortgage advisor will take the time to understand your needs and match you with a mortgage structure that works for you – whether that’s fixed, floating, or a mix of both.

3. They do the legwork

From comparing rates and negotiating with lenders to helping with paperwork and application processes, a mortgage advisor saves you time and hassle. They also have their finger on the pulse when it comes to what’s happening in the market, what the Reserve Bank is up to and the status of the OCR. They’ll guide you through the process from pre-approval to settlement, ensuring you understand every step along the way.

4. Potential cost savings

Because mortgage advisors deal with lenders daily, they often know where to find the most competitive rates or where there’s flexibility on fees. Even a slightly lower interest rate can add up to significant savings over the life of your mortgage. They can also provide valuable insight on government schemes that may be available to you, that could assist with the lending process.  

5. They’re usually free to use

In most cases, mortgage advisors are paid a commission by the lender – meaning you can benefit from their expertise without paying a fee yourself. It’s always a good idea to ask up front about how your advisor is compensated, but for most buyers, there’s no cost involved.

When should you talk to a mortgage advisor?

The earlier you engage one, the better. They can help you understand your borrowing power, get pre-approved, and give you confidence when making offers on properties. Alternatively, if you are not quite in the right financial position for a mortgage yet, they can offer valuable advice on what you need to aim for, to be in the right position to apply for a home loan.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading, or investing, working with a mortgage advisor is a smart step toward securing your ideal property. Want to find out more? Check out our info page on Vega Mortgages, EVES preferred financial advisor business: https://www.eves.co.nz/vega-mortgages