Taking the stress out of the home buying journey
Following her role in On the Ladder with Kiwibank, we asked Mobile Mortgage Manager Chelsea Ladbrook for her insights, and what it takes to achieve your property goals. This is helping Kiwi on the ladder.
What do you hope Kiwi will learn or be inspired by from watching On the Ladder with Kiwibank?
The series shows a range of buyers using different methods to buy a home, so I hope Kiwi feel inspired to explore the options available. This could begin with talking to friends and whānau about the possibility of buying together or looking at low equity options. You don’t always have to have 20% deposit.
Many people assume they can’t get into the property market but they’ve never actually spoken to a home loan specialist. My advice is talk to an expert first.
What are some considerations for Kiwi looking to buy their next home?
It has been a tough market recently with a lot to consider in a high interest rate environment. Everybody’s situation is different, so talking to a specialist like your bank or an adviser will help you to understand the opportunities available to you.
I work closely with my customers to weigh up all the options and look at different scenarios. Some people like to look at buying property in other regions as an affordable investment property, others see if they can afford to keep their current property and use the equity to buy a new home. Once you’ve got your foot on the property ladder, you’ve usually got more options available to you.
What’s your fondest memory of helping someone into their first home?
My fondest memory is of three siblings and their partners, who went into a co-ownership arrangement together. They bought a massive property in Otaki with the idea that it would be whānau owned land, where everyone could build their own home on it.
Two of the siblings already owned property, but they really wanted to help the other couple out. So, they bought this property together and now have a place where all their kids can grow up together.
I feel very much at the forefront of helping Kiwi to achieve their goal of owning a home. This can then lead to generational wealth, making Kiwi better off - both today and in the future.Chelsea Ladbrook, Mobile Mortgage Manager at Kiwibank
Are you able to share a memorable experience where you've helped a customer leverage equity in their home to reach other financial goals?
I’ve helped many of my customers buy investment properties, but sometimes my customers goals sit outside the property world. I’m currently working with a couple whose daughter has been accepted to a prestigious dancing school in Australia.
Student loans are very expensive in Australia for New Zealand citizens, so I’m helping them to get the finance by leveraging the equity in their property. Being able to help their daughter live her dream and achieve international success is also a dream come true for them.
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