3 Things You Can Do to Get Ready for Your Mortgage (No Matter When You’re Buying)

Date Published: 2 January 2024

Whether you’re getting serious about buying a house or are thinking you’d like to buy sometime in the future, doing these three things today will help you get ready for your mortgage.

Order your credit report

It’s free to order your own credit report and is a great insight into what the bank will know about you.You’ll be able to see:

• loans recorded against your namewhat the utility companies say about you (if you’re late paying the electricity company, they note this on your credit report – a red flag for the bank)

But most importantly, you’ll see if there are any defaults marked against your name and, if they are incorrect, start the process to get it corrected. This is a long and tiring process so it’s better to know 3-4 months before you want to apply for a mortgage.

You can check your credit report at my credit file by equifax, www.checkyourcredit.co.nz or creditsimple.co.nz

Find out when you’re eligible to withdraw your KiwiSaver

You need to have been in KiwiSaver for 3 years before you can withdraw it for your first home. You’re allowed to take all but $1,000 from your funds if you meet the criteria.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Give your KiwiSaver provider a call to see if and when you are eligible.

Don’t know who your KiwiSaver provider is? Give one of our KiwiSaver advisers a call and they can help you access your KiwiSaver information and ensure your KiwiSaver fund is right for you.

Take a look at the First Home Buyers Club summary of KiwiSaver Withdrawal For First Home

Ask your boss for a pay rise

Hey, why not? An additional $3,000 per year could get you a house worth $50,000 more. That can make quite a difference in some areas and could be the difference between getting your dream house or missing out on it.

Take a look at these 5 Tips For Getting A Pay Rise.

Remember, when it comes to talking to a mortgage adviser, there is no such thing as “too early”. We prefer to get you on the path to being ready for a mortgage now so when it comes to applying for finance, it all goes nice and smoothly.

Mortgage Lab’s mission is to be the digital town square for financial decision-makers to gain knowledge about their current and future mortgage. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of our latest articles.