Introduction

For most first-home buyers, the idea of talking to a mortgage adviser feels a bit daunting.
You might be thinking, "Do I need all my paperwork ready?" or "Are they just like a bank?"

The truth is, meeting with an adviser is one of the most helpful and stress-reducing steps you can take.
At Innovest, we make that first conversation easy, friendly, and entirely about you - not sales targets or commissions.

This guide walks you through exactly what happens in your first meeting, what to prepare, and how to make the most of it.

1. Why Meet a Mortgage Adviser in the First Place?

A mortgage adviser acts as your personal guide through the home-buying maze. Instead of you visiting multiple banks and comparing offers yourself, your adviser does it for you - efficiently and impartially.

Key benefits

• Choice: Access to multiple banks + non-bank lenders.
• Time savings: One application, many options.
• Expert advice: We know lender rules, KiwiSaver timing, and government grants.
• No extra cost: Our service is usually free to you; lenders pay us a standard commission.

Learn more in our {link} First Home Buyer Guide NZ.

2. Before the Meeting: What to Prepare

Prepare these documents

Having the right paperwork speeds everything up:

• Latest payslips (usually 3 months)
• Bank statements (showing income & spending)
• ID -- driver licence or passport
• Proof of savings/ KiwiSaver balance
• Any existing loans/ credit card statements

If you don't have everything yet, don't stress - your adviser can start with estimates and request the rest later.

Think about your goals

Ask yourself:

• Am I buying to live in or invest?
• What kind of property am I after (apartment, stand-alone, new build)?
• What deposit do I currently have?
• What monthly repayment would I feel comfortable with?

3. During the Meeting: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Getting to know you

We'll ask questions about your income, debts, family situation, and property goals. This helps us build your borrowing profile.

Step 2: Explaining how lenders assess you

We'll translate bank-speak into plain English - things like:

• Debt-to-income ratios
• Loan-to-value ratios (LVR)
• Serviceability tests

You'll learn how these affect the amount you can borrow and why one lender might approve $700k while another caps you at $630k.

Step 3: Calculating your deposit sources

We'll show how to combine your savings, KiwiSaver, and the First Home Grant to maximise your deposit.
See our {link} Kiwisaver Explained article for a clear overview.

Step 4: Mapping your next steps

Before you leave, you'll have a clear action list - what to send next, which lenders fit your profile, and when you can expect your pre-approval.

4. Questions You Should Ask Your Adviser

A good adviser welcomes questions - the more the better. Here are some worth bringing up:

• How many lenders do you work with?
• How is your service paid for?
• What are the current interest rate ranges?
• How long does pre-approval take?
• Are there banks that specialise in low-deposit or self-employed loans?
• Can I use a cash gift from family as part of my deposit?

Writing these down beforehand helps keep your meeting focused and productive.

5. Understanding Pre-Approval

A pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and said, "Yes, you can borrow up to X." It's not a guarantee but a powerful green light for house hunting.

Why it matters

• Agents and sellers take you seriously.
• You can bid at auction confidently (see {link} Buying at Auction).
• It sets your realistic budget.

Your Innovest adviser handles the full process and liaises with lenders for you - so you can focus on finding the right home.

6. How Innovest Advisers Add Value

We don't just "get you a mortgage." We help you build a long-term financial foundation.

Tailored advice

Every client's story is different - new migrants, families, solo buyers, self-employed contractors. We adjust lender options to suit you.

Strong lender relationships

Our advisers work with NZ's major banks and trusted non-banks. That means faster turnarounds and more flexibility if something unexpected comes up.

Holistic view

We look beyond the loan: At Innovest we care about your overall financial wellbeing including insurances, KiwiSaver, a Will, and future investments.

7. Common Myths About Mortgage Advisers

Myth	Reality
"Advisers cost extra."	Our service is free to you; we're paid by lenders.
"They only work with certain banks."	We work with a wide panel of banks and non-bank lenders to find your best fit.
"Advisers are biased."	We focus on long-term relationships - not quick sales.
"I need a huge deposit to see one."	No - we help buyers with deposits from 5% (with First Home Loan) to 20% or more.

8. After the Meeting: What Happens Next?

1. You send the remaining documents.
2. Your adviser submits your application to the best-fit lenders.
3. Pre-approval arrives (usually within a few days).
4. You start house-hunting - with your adviser still on call.

We'll also help with:

• Coordinating valuations and LIM reports.
• Arranging KiwiSaver withdrawals and First Home Grant applications.
• Liaising with your lawyer once you've found the right home.

9. What If You're Not Ready Yet?

That's okay - your first meeting isn't a test. We often meet clients months before they're ready to buy so we can help them early:

• Improve savings habits.
• Reduce debt-to-income ratios.
• Plan for KiwiSaver eligibility.
• Improve credit score.

Small changes today can mean a big difference in approval later. Read our {link} Tips to Save for a House Deposit Faster for practical steps.

10. Practical Checklist for Your First Meeting