It’s one of the most common questions I hear from first home buyers.

“Should I go straight to the bank, or should I use a mortgage broker?”

After helping hundreds of New Zealanders purchase homes, my answer is simple:

It depends on what you’re looking for.

If all you want is to know whether one particular bank will lend to you, then going directly to your bank may work perfectly well.

But if you want someone to guide you through the entire home-buying journey, help you maximise your borrowing position, avoid costly mistakes, and coach you every step of the way, then working with an experienced mortgage adviser can make all the difference.

The Bank Can Only Offer One Opinion

When you visit a bank, you’re speaking with someone who knows their bank’s lending policies and products.

They’re there to help you with what their bank can offer.

A mortgage adviser is different.

We compare multiple lenders, understand the differences in lending policies, and recommend the lender that best fits your circumstances—not simply the one where you happen to have your everyday banking.

Sometimes your own bank is the best choice.

Sometimes it isn’t.

You deserve to know the difference.

It’s About Much More Than Getting Approved

Many people think a mortgage adviser simply submits an application.

In reality, that’s only a small part of what we do.

At Bricks and Mortgages, I believe my job starts long before you sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement.

I actively coach my clients through the entire buying process.

That includes helping you:

• Understand exactly what lenders are looking for.
• Create a step-by-step action plan if you’re not quite ready.
• Improve your borrowing position.
• Structure your bank accounts so your finances are easy for lenders to assess.
• Understand KiwiSaver, grants, deposits and genuine savings.
• Know when you’re ready to make an offer.

Many clients are surprised that small changes to how they manage their money can significantly improve their application.

I Don’t Just Help You Find a Loan—I Help You Get Mortgage Ready

One of the most rewarding conversations I have is with people who have previously been declined or told to “come back later.”

Rather than simply saying “no,” we work together on a practical plan.

We’ll often look at:

• your account structure
• spending patterns
• savings strategy
• debt reduction
• credit conduct
• timing

The goal isn’t just to get approved.

The goal is to put you in the strongest possible position to buy the right home.

Sometimes that takes a few weeks.

Sometimes a few months.

Having a clear roadmap removes so much of the stress and uncertainty.

The Property Purchase Process Can Feel Overwhelming

Buying your first home isn’t just about finance.

There are so many moving parts:

• getting pre-approved
• understanding conditions
• making an offer
• negotiating
• organising builders’ reports
• LIM reports
• valuations
• insurance
• solicitors
• meeting finance deadlines
• settlement

For many buyers, these steps are completely new.

One of the biggest pieces of feedback I receive is:

“Having someone explain what happens next made the whole process so much less stressful.”

That’s exactly how I believe buying a home should feel.

Every Situation Is Different

One thing that stood out in a recent discussion among first home buyers was that everyone’s experience was different.

Some people had excellent experiences dealing directly with their bank.

Others found a mortgage adviser opened doors they didn’t even know existed.

Some discovered another lender offered significantly more borrowing power because they assessed commission income, overtime, self-employment, or investment income differently.

Others appreciated having someone manage the paperwork while they focused on finding the right property.

There isn’t one answer that suits everyone.

The important thing is working with someone who takes the time to understand your goals before recommending a solution.

What About Broker Commissions?

Another topic that often comes up is commission and clawbacks.

Mortgage advisers are generally paid by the lender once your loan settles—you don’t usually pay us directly.

Some lenders include clawback provisions if a loan is repaid or refinanced very soon after settlement.

These arrangements vary between advisers and should always be clearly explained upfront.

A good adviser will be transparent about how they’re paid and ensure you understand any agreements before proceeding.

My Philosophy

At Bricks and Mortgages, I don’t see myself as someone who simply arranges mortgages.

I see myself as your coach throughout the home ownership journey.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or simply wondering where to start, my goal is to give you clarity and confidence.

Together we’ll:

• build an easy-to-follow plan
• organise your finances
• structure your bank accounts effectively
• improve your borrowing position where possible
• prepare you before you make offers
• support you through the purchase process
• continue helping long after you’ve collected the keys

Because getting a mortgage is just one milestone.

Building long-term financial confidence is the real goal.

Thinking About Buying?

Whether you’re ready to buy today or you’re hoping to purchase in six or twelve months, it’s never too early to start planning.

Often, a simple conversation today can save months of frustration later.

If you’d like someone to help you understand where you stand, create a personalised plan, and guide you through every step of the journey, I’d love to help.