Kobe Williams

First Home Buyers

Buying your first home can feel like a huge undertaking. I’ll help you understand your borrowing position, work through your home loan options, get your lending organised and guide you through the process from your first conversation through to settlement.

Whether you’re still working out if you can afford to buy, preparing for your first mortgage application, or ready to make an offer, I can help you understand what your next step should be.

Refinancing & Restructuring

As your life changes and grows, your mortgage should evolve with it.

I can review your existing lending, explore different options and help you consider whether restructuring or refinancing your lending could improve your position.

This could include reviewing your current lending structure, considering different repayment arrangements, or looking at how your existing home loan fits with your wider financial goals.

Investor Lending

Whether you’re considering your first investment property or planning your next move, I can help you understand your borrowing position and work through the lending side of the decision.

I work with a wide range of lending situations and can help you explore options across mainstream and non-bank lenders where appropriate.

KiwiSaver Advice

Your KiwiSaver is an important part of both your present and future financial position.

I can help you understand your KiwiSaver options and make more informed decisions about your investment fund, contribution strategy and long-term goals.

For first-home buyers, KiwiSaver can also play an important role in getting into your first home. For others, the focus may be on building long-term wealth and making sure your KiwiSaver strategy remains aligned with your retirement goals.

My aim is to make KiwiSaver easier to understand and help you make decisions that fit your circumstances and objectives.

A bank can offer you its own lending products. As a mortgage adviser, I can help you compare options across a wide range of mainstream and non-bank lenders and work through which option may be most suitable for your circumstances and goals.

More importantly, you get a familiar face to guide you through the process.

I handle the paperwork, communicate with lenders on your behalf, help navigate any challenges that come up, and keep you in the loop about what happens next.

My goal is to make the lending process feel straightforward, not stressful.

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Unusual situation? No worries. I’ve helped a wide range of clients buy a wide range of property, so it takes a lot to surprise me.

I’ve worked with clients young and old, employed and self-employed, single and married, with children and without. Some have had straightforward applications, while others have had more complicated circumstances, challenging credit histories or income that required a different approach.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to lending.

Whatever your starting point, I’m happy to have a conversation, understand what you’re trying to achieve and help you work out a practical path forward.

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I’m based in Rangiora, Canterbury, and frequently visit Christchurch, Kaiapoi, and Rolleston in person, while also working with clients throughout New Zealand by phone and video call.

Whether we’re meeting face-to-face or working remotely, you’ll have a direct point of contact throughout the advice and lending process.

When I’m not helping clients with mortgages and KiwiSaver, you’ll usually find me out on hiking and bike trails, digging deep on the next DIY project around home, or running amok with my two sons.

I think getting to know the person behind the application matters. I want my clients to feel comfortable asking questions, having honest conversations, and getting advice they can actually understand.

Professional Credentials

·        Registered Financial Adviser (FSP1012896)

·        Mortgage and KiwiSaver Adviser at Home Loan Factory

·        NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Residential Property Lending)

·        NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Investment)

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Do I need to pay for mortgage advice?

Generally, no — the lender pays my commission, not you. That means you get advice, comparison across lenders, and support through the whole process at no direct cost in most cases. Terms and conditions apply.

How much deposit do I need to buy my first home in New Zealand?

Depending on your situation, I can work with anything down to a 5% deposit - a home may be more in reach than you realise. Lenders tend to treat deposits of at least 20% most favourably, but there are certainly options out there if you are working with less! It's a case of matching your income, savings, and circumstances to the right lending option for you.

Can I use my KiwiSaver towards my first home?

Generally, yes! If you've been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years and haven't accessed it before, you may be able to withdraw some or all of it to put towards your first home deposit. I can help you understand whether you qualify and how it fits into your overall deposit plan.

I'm self-employed — can I still get a mortgage?

Typically, yes - we just need different ways of proving your income than an employee would, which can depend on whether you're a contractor, sole trader, or business shareholder. The various lenders look at these situations differently - let's discuss your income position to see which lender may suit best.

Is it worth refinancing my mortgage?

It depends on your current lending, your goals, and what has changed since you last reviewed it. I can look at your existing structure and help you work out whether refinancing would actually improve your position, or whether it's better to leave things as they are.

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