Getting a mortgage isn’t something most people do every day – but it’s what we do best. We’re here to guide you through the journey with clarity, confidence, and a genuine commitment to making it feel simple.  

Here’s what you can expect when you team up with a Mortgage Link adviser – step by step, we’ve got your back. 

Let’s start with a conversation 

The first step is getting to know each other. We’ll catch up in person or online – whatever suits you – and chat about your current financial situation, your goals and what you’re looking to achieve.  

We’ll also talk about how we work, what to expect from the process and what you need to do next. 

Most importantly, we follow a detailed advice process to ensure we provide you with the most suitable lending structure/options – whether you’re planning to buy a first home, next home or investment property. 

Gathering all the paperwork 

Once we understand your goals, we’ll need to collect some information so we can assess your situation and present your application to lenders. This includes:  

• Photo ID  

• Proof of address 

• Proof of income (e.g. payslips or tax returns if self-employed) 

• Recent bank statements 

• Details of your deposit 

• A snapshot of your expenses, debts and financial commitments 

If this sounds like a lot, no worries: we’ll give you a personalised checklist, so you know exactly what’s needed and why. 

Completing your mortgage application 

Now it’s time to pull everything together. We’ll help you complete your mortgage application down to the last detail, and we’ll use our knowledge of each lender’s criteria to present it in the best possible light.  

We can also talk through different loan structures – fixed vs floating, offset accounts, and more – so you can start thinking about what might suit your lifestyle and long-term goals. 

Getting pre-approved 

Before you fall in love with a property, it helps to know what your budget is. That’s where pre-approval comes in. 

We will submit your application to the most suitable lender (or lenders) and manage the back-and-forth until a pre-approval is issued. This gives you clarity on how much you can borrow, and give you confidence when it’s time to make an offer. 

Finalising the approval 

So, you’ve found the property and are ready to make an offer? We strongly encourage the importance of including a finance condition in the sale and purchase agreement. This gives you time to complete any remaining steps with your lender before the sale becomes unconditional. 

Supporting you in satisfying any final conditions from the lender is also part of our job. This may include promoting the importance of obtaining a registered valuation, building report or LIM report, and clarifying some paperwork. 

Once everything’s ticked off, the bank will issue a formal (unconditional) approval. Congratulations: you’re one step closer to settlement day. 

Important note for those buying at auction: All auction sales are unconditional, so there’s no opportunity to include a finance clause in the agreement. Your mortgage must be fully approved beforehand. We can help you make sure everything is in place before you raise your hand to bid.  

Settlement day and beyond 

Settlement day is when the property officially becomes yours, and you get the keys!  

While this marks the end of one journey, it’s not the end of your relationship with your Mortgage Link adviser. 

We’re here to support you well beyond settlement. We’ll check in with you at least once year, help you review your mortgage when interest rates or life circumstances change, and make sure your home loan stays aligned with your goals. 

Need help? 

Whether you're just starting to think about buying or you're already looking at homes, we’re here to help you make well-informed choices, every step of the way.

Get in touch with a Mortgage Link adviser today, and let’s take the next step together.

Disclaimer: Link Financial Group 2022 Ltd (FSP 1004590) holds a licence issued by the Financial Markets Authority to provide financial advice. The Mortgage Link and Insurance Link businesses are authorised by that licence to provide financial advice.

Please visit https://mortgagelink.co.nz/available-disclosure/ for more information and Disclosure information.