First Home Buyers

Q: How do I determine how much I can afford to borrow as a first home buyer?

Your borrowing capacity depends on several factors, including your income, expenses, existing debts, and the size of your deposit. A financial advisor can help you assess your financial situation and provide a realistic estimate of how much you can borrow.

Q: What should I look for in a home loan as a first home buyer?

As a first home buyer, consider factors such as interest rates, loan terms, repayment options, and any fees associated with the loan. It's also important to look for features that offer flexibility, such as the ability to make extra repayments or redraw facilities. A financial advisor can help you compare different home loan products to find the best fit for your needs.

Taking your first step onto the property ladder is an exciting journey, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. At RSFA, we provide expert advice and tailored solutions to help first home buyers secure the perfect home loan.

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Buying your first home is exciting, the prospect of a place that is truly your own.

We are passionate about first home buyers and are experts that value assisting first home buyers with what can be a minefield of information.

Our advisers can assist you with:

Calculating affordability
Find the best bank for you (or non-bank if main bank criteria isn’t met)
Seek pre-approval if you haven’t purchased at the time of applying
Give you step-by-step guidance (we can refer you to one of our network contacts too where appropriate)
Do as much of the ‘heavy lifting’ as we can with your application
Help you get up to 95% LVR; 5% deposits may be permissible for Kāinga Ora lending as well as access to shared equity lending as a specialist product)
Negotiate pricing with the banks to obtain the best terms for you

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Additional finance

Refixing or Restructuring

Reverse Mortgages

Contact our award-winning team and experience the difference

100+ 5-star
Google Reviews

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Get started with RSFA

With over 20 years of industry experience, Rod and his team provide expert guidance and top-notch service to help you achieve your financial goals. Reach out to our team today.

+64 9 950 8800

rod@rsfa.co.nz

Understand your finances with our financial analysis tools

RSFA Financial Advisers leverage Planolitix to provide clients with comprehensive financial planning and advanced data analysis, ensuring tailored solutions for optimal financial outcomes.

By utilising this sophisticated tool, RSFA Financial Advisers enhance decision-making processes and maximise investment strategies for their clients.

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Useful Calculators for First Home Buyers

Our website offers a variety of easy-to-use financial calculators designed to help you make informed decisions.

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Repayment Calculator

Estimate monthly loan repayments based on the loan amount, interest rate, & term.

Borrowing Power Calculator

Find out how much you can borrow based on your income and expenses.

Expense Calculator

Track and categorise your expenses to understand where your money goes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What government grants or incentives are available for first home buyers?

In New Zealand, first home buyers may be eligible for the First Home Grant and KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal. These programs offer financial assistance to help you with your deposit and overall home purchase. A financial adviser can provide detailed information and help you navigate the application process.

How do I determine how much I can afford to borrow as a first home buyer?

What should I look for in a home loan as a first home buyer?

Contact our award-winning team and experience the difference

Get started

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 135 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Deane Trethewey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rod and Jet great to deal with - that’s why we always come back
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Liam Watson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great team, really helpful. I was able to get an insurance policy better suited to my needs and at a much better price than my previous policy. Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katrina Knapp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had a great experience working with Rod. He helped us with a mortgage re-fix as well as two new builds, and each time he secured us strong deals and clearly explained multiple options from different banks. He’s knowledgeable, helpful, and takes the time to make sure you actually understand what you’re signing (which is underrated in this process). We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable mortgage broker.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   louise anderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently worked with RSFA to set up my health insurance and move my KiwiSaver under their management, and the whole experience was excellent. Kathleen made the health insurance process incredibly easy, and Jet was great to deal with on the KiwiSaver side. Both were friendly, clear, and genuinely helpful. I’m really happy with the service and would definitely recommend RSFA to anyone looking for solid advice and support.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom Mackay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Rod and Kathleen at RSFA for a couple of years now. They did a great job of understanding my personal and business insurance requirements, and were able to provide me a solution that was more targeted and comprehensive than my existing policies. Not only that, it cost me less than I was already paying. More recently, Jet at RSFA has become my kiwisaver adviser. She is extremely proficient and a pleasure to work with. I have recommended RSFA to others and will continue to do so!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Molly Stokes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rod and Jet have been outstanding to work with. It’s clear the RSFA team genuinely prioritise their clients and consistently offer top quality advice. They made the whole process seamless and stress free for my husband and I, with excellent communication throughout. I would absolutely recommend RSFA any day. Thank you Rod and Jet!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Gladstone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such a great experience with both Rod & Jet. We moved banks and our KiwiSaver. Great advice, they were always happy to answer our questions. Fast turn around time from start to finish! Thank you both! Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lyss Abbott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rod and Jet went out of their way to get me the best possible terms they could. And they blew my bank out of the water in every way. My bank was asking a million questions about my spending, going as far as wanting me to cancel my gym membership! Real Savvy assured me they weren't interesting in nitpicking my financial choices. They treated me like an adult who has autonomy over her own finances, whereas the bank acted like I was a child who didn't know how to run my own life. Not only did I appreciate being treated with respect and dignity, they also got the loan without heaps of conditions that the bank wanted to impose. And they were so easy to work with and so accommodating of my schedule as a shift worker. They also helped me switch to a more suitable Kiwisaver scheme for my stage of life and really listened to what I care about to ensure my investment was aligned with my values. I couldn't recommend them more! They made everything so effortless on my part, while getting the best possible lending outcome.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adele Nairn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot rate Rod Schubert and the team at Real Savvy Financial Advice highly enough. If you are looking top notch brokers (financial & insurance services) who are willing to think and work with you on the outcomes you are seeking then look no further! Rod helped us with some complex re-financing recently against some very tight timelines, always remaining cool under pressure and retaining his sense of humour throughout. On the insurance needs front, Jet Douglas, also of RSFA, walked on water to get us the best insurance cover tailored to our specific requirements. Neither of these requests were easy nor straightforward, however, both Rod & Jet never lost sight of our end goals and acted with exceptional professionalism throughout. We could not be happier with the outcomes and strongly recommend to anyone serious about reviewing where you are financially, including reviewing your insurance risk profiles, or simply looking for tailored mortgage advice - go talk to these two first.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Belinda S. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Rod Schubert and his team at RSFA.  Both Rod and Jet have been phenomenal to work with. Before coming to them, I had no idea how mortgages really worked—despite having one. Rod and Jet made it easy to understand. Their patience and professionalism gave me complete confidence throughout the process. What really stood out was how far they went above and beyond to achieve the best outcome. They took the stress out of what can be an overwhelming process, kept me informed at every step, and genuinely had my best interests at heart. If you’re looking for a mortgage lending advisor who combines deep expertise with clear communication, trustworthiness, and outstanding personal service, Rod, Jet and their team are the ones to go to.

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