That Home Loan Hub

Zebunisso Alimova

Welcome to That Home Loan Hub, your ultimate guide to mastering the world of home loans and property. I'm Zebunisso Alimova, here to simplify the complexities of real estate and provide you with expert insights and the latest trends. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an experienced investor, or simply curious about the property market, this podcast is for you. Join me each week as we unlock the secrets to property success and help you make informed decisions. Let's dive into the world of property together!

  1. FEB 10

    Builders and lim reports and what you should be looking at in them

    Your offer just got accepted and the clock is ticking. Before you race to go unconditional, we slow things down and show you how to turn a builder’s report and LIM into your strongest tools for safety, savings, and peace of mind. With Jordan in the chair, we unpack real first‑home buyer stories where a quick skim missed unconsented work, a storage cut through a structural beam, and moisture hints that could snowball into expensive repairs. We break down how to read beyond the coloured flags and interpret the story in the details: what a small bathroom leak suggests about ventilation, why a “recent alteration” line should trigger a consent cross‑check, and how to match photos and past listings with council records. You’ll learn the difference between manageable maintenance and red‑flag risk, when to bring in a builder or engineer, and how banks view reports versus what you actually need to verify yourself. We also share practical ways to use homes.co.nz history and council files to spot inconsistencies early. Most importantly, we show you how to use findings to negotiate. From gathering quotes to structuring a calm, evidence‑based request, this walkthrough reveals how a modest repair estimate can support a meaningful price drop. We revisit a real case where roof work shaved $10k off the purchase, and we’re clear about the step that locks you in: once you confirm you’re happy with the builder’s report and go unconditional, the house is yours and backing out isn’t an option. If the facts don’t stack up, step away; if they do, use the report as a maintenance roadmap for the next five years. If you’re a first‑home buyer in New Zealand navigating LIM reports, consents, and builder inspections, this is your field guide. Hit follow, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review to help others find practical, no‑nonsense advice for smarter property decisions. Send a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    7 min
  2. FEB 9

    Banks Treat Lifestyle Properties And Small Apartments Differently, And Your Deposit Might Not Cut It

    The property looks perfect, the photos glow, and the price seems doable—until the bank says no. We take you behind the curtain on what lenders really want to see from first-home buyers and why certain properties make approvals harder than they need to be. If you’ve been torn between a tidy suburban house, a shiny apartment, or a dreamy lifestyle block, this conversation will help you choose a target that banks actually fund. We start with the bank-friendly basics: standard freehold or cross-lease homes that are simple to value and easy to sell. Then we get honest about lifestyle blocks, where bigger land, outbuildings, and hobby-farm features often trigger a 30% deposit requirement and slow resale risk. Even marketing cues—paddocks, cows, multiple sheds—can push lenders to reclassify a deal as higher risk. From there, we dig into apartments: minimum size rules that often sit around 45 square metres including balconies, Kainga Ora concentration limits, body corporate fees, and the red flags buried in meeting minutes. If you’re counting on a low deposit, these details can make or break the numbers. We also call out the structures most likely to derail a first purchase: company share titles and commercial or mixed-use properties that lenders view as poor security for owner-occupiers. And for the “buy it cheap and fix it” crowd, we explain why monolithic cladding and leaky-home risk can trap you. Banks anchor to purchase price, not future value, and they don’t like active issues at settlement—so the bargain can shrink your usable equity and complicate approvals. By the end, you’ll know how to pre-vet a listing, what documents to pull for apartments, when to walk from a risky title, and how to align your deposit with the property types banks prefer. Ready to buy smarter and avoid avoidable noes? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend who’s house-hunting, and leave a quick review with your biggest first-home question. Send us a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    8 min
  3. FEB 8

    From Fixer-Upper To Turnkey To Full Build: What First-Home Buyers Need To Know

    Ready to buy your first home but stuck between an older house, a shiny turnkey, or a full custom build? We break down the real trade-offs with straight talk and lived experience: what you actually see and risk with an existing property, why a turnkey can save your sanity even if it costs more upfront, and how custom design delivers joy while quietly inflating budgets through variations and staged payments. We share the simple rule that still holds up in a shifting market: buy what you can afford in a good area. From there, we dig into the details that matter in New Zealand right now—builder warranties and inspections, the difference between five percent deposits on eligible existing homes versus the 10–15 percent often needed for builds, and the cash flow crunch that happens when you juggle rent, a land loan, and progress payments. You’ll hear practical examples of cultural and lifestyle design choices, like entry wardrobes and handwash stations or multi-level layouts, and why those personalised touches can carry real cost and complexity. If you’re debating your next move, this conversation offers a clear framework: prioritise resale and rental appeal for your first step, understand the true cost of convenience versus control, and decide how much uncertainty you can live with while the market moves. Whether your goal is to get the keys quickly or to craft a home that fits your routines perfectly, you’ll come away with a grounded plan to climb the ladder without losing sleep or blowing the budget. Enjoy the episode? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review to tell us which option you’re considering next. Send us a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    10 min
  4. FEB 7

    How do mortgage broker commissions work in New Zealand?

    Ever wondered who actually pays a mortgage broker and when? We pull back the curtain on broker commissions, client fees, and the real incentives that shape mortgage advice in New Zealand. From first home buyers to developers and self-builds, we explain the money flows in plain language so you can make smarter choices without second-guessing the fine print. We start with the basics: for standard home loans, the bank pays the broker after settlement, which means most clients don’t pay us a fee. Then we get honest about the exceptions—fast flips, second-tier lenders with no commission, and short-term loans where a transparent fee keeps things fair. You’ll also learn about clawbacks, the little-known mechanism where banks take back commission if a loan is repaid or refinanced within about three years. That risk is exactly why we stay engaged after settlement with reviews and ongoing support, not just a quick sign-off. Choosing a lender isn’t a commission chase. We walk through how we match clients to banks based on policy fit, timeframes, construction requirements, and long-term outcomes. Some lenders pay more, others less, but the best result is the one that actually works for your situation. Along the way we share why we don’t invoice when deals fall over, how referrals keep our model sustainable, and why we prioritise quality and relationships over rush and churn. If you’re weighing up buying, building, or refinancing, this conversation will help you decode costs, spot fair fee structures, and understand how broker incentives align with your goals. Have questions you were too shy to ask? Send them through—we’re here to help. If you found this useful, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more Kiwis can find straight-up mortgage advice. Send us a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    8 min
  5. FEB 6

    Most advisors have access to the same banks and facilities so what separates a good one from a bad one.

    Buying a home is hard enough without radio silence from your advisor or a single-bank strategy that leaves money on the table. We open the bonnet on what actually makes a mortgage advisor worth your time: rapid communication, multiple lender applications, and loan structures that fit real life rather than just chasing a headline rate. With James in the chair, we share candid stories from the field—like clients waiting a week for a reply versus getting a same-day appointment after hours—and what that difference means when approvals, cashbacks, or conditions decide whether you settle on time. We walk through the practical markers of quality you can spot upfront. Look for advisors who reply fast and keep a steady cadence of updates, even when the update is “no news yet.” Expect them to submit to several banks so you get genuine choice, because lender appetites and policies shift quickly. Then weigh more than rate: the right term length, a smart mix of fixed and floating, and clear break-fee thinking can shape your cash flow and reduce risk. We also talk precision in emails, because one sloppy message can twist timelines or miss conditions. If you’re choosing between “Bob” and “Sam,” we offer a simple playbook: read Google reviews for specifics, lean on referrals that describe process not just personality, and trust your first impression without falling for the big-show vibe. You want someone relatable, presentable, and focused—ready to meet when the kids are asleep and able to explain trade-offs in plain English. By the end, you’ll know how to assess responsiveness, range of options, and the diligence that turns stress into certainty. Enjoyed the conversation and want more practical property insights? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house-hunting, and leave a review to tell us what you want covered next. Send us a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    10 min
  6. FEB 5

    What documentation do I need to apply for an investment property loan in New Zealand?

    Prices are off their peaks and lenders are cautious, which makes preparation your best edge. We open the playbook on how to get investment‑ready: the exact documents banks expect, how to present clean statements, and when a pre‑approval gives you real leverage. From Wellington’s reset to nationwide lending rules, we cut through noise and focus on the steps that actually move an application from maybe to yes. We break down the paperwork with zero fluff. For salaried buyers, that means recent payslips, ID, and three months of tidy bank statements. For self‑employed buyers, it’s two full years of financials plus current year‑to‑date results so the bank can see how the business is tracking right now. We explain why every new loan is treated as a fresh credit event, what to fix in your spending (goodbye, dormant Afterpay and Zip), and how lenders assess serviceability using their own stress rates rather than the headline mortgage rate. Funding the deposit doesn’t always require cash on hand. If you’ve built equity in your home over the past decade, you may be able to leverage it to meet the 30 percent requirement under current LVR settings. We walk through calculating usable equity, obtaining a rental appraisal to support income, and navigating extra steps for overseas owners or anyone switching banks. Along the way, we share how long‑term clients have grown from a first home to a tenth property by staying lender‑ready as rules and market conditions change. If you’re considering a rental, now’s the time to get organised. Clean up your accounts, gather your documents, and line up a pre‑approval so you can act with confidence when the right deal appears. Subscribe for more practical property guides, share this with a mate who’s equity‑rich but unsure where to start, and leave a review to tell us what topic you want next. Send us a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    7 min
  7. FEB 4

    When Couples Should Merge Money And How

    Thinking about merging money with your partner but not sure where to start? We dive straight into the messy middle: trust, spending habits, and the moment when shared goals like a first home or kids make joint systems not just helpful but essential. With Jordan’s candid stories from real relationships, we unpack what works, what breaks, and how to build a simple system that feels fair to both of you. We begin with the “test account” idea—one joint account used only for bills—to see how each partner handles responsibility, timing, and priorities. If that money keeps drifting to coffees and impulse buys, you’ve flagged a training need, not a green light. Once trust is proven, we layer in a joint savings account aimed at clear targets like holidays, a car upgrade, or a house deposit. We talk through contribution options—proportional by income or straight 50/50—and why equity beats rigid equality when pay differs. Autonomy matters, too. After bills and shared savings, personal accounts give breathing room and cut down on petty arguments. We cover the home-buying reality check: hidden debts derail pre-approval, and couples who haven’t agreed who pays for what often stall when the big numbers land. Communication and monthly money check-ins prevent cold feet and keep momentum. Finally, we explore life shifts—parental leave, daycare costs, and who stays home—and how to rebalance contributions so both income and unpaid care are valued. You’ll leave with a practical framework: start small, test responsibly, expand to shared goals, and keep personal freedom. Ready to try the system or refine your own? Follow the show, share this with a partner, and drop your money rules in a review—we’d love to hear what’s worked for you. Send us a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    7 min
  8. FEB 2

    Love Is Blind Until The Bank Calls

    Money can turn partners into teammates or adversaries, and the difference often comes down to structure, timing, and honesty. We unpack how to merge finances in a way that respects independence while building a shared future, from the moment you decide to move in to the seasons where careers, babies, and priorities shift. The conversation gets real with a story of a newlywed mortgage application denied by unaligned spending, and how a frank reckoning on values became the pivot point for their relationship and their goals. We walk through a practical framework many couples use: keep wages in separate accounts, contribute to a joint account for bills and family costs, and protect “fun money” for guilt-free spending. From there, we explore proportional vs equal contributions, how to set clear rules before resentment grows, and why transparency beats surprise every time. You’ll hear how to plan for parental leave, avoid the “his money, her money” narrative, and turn saver vs spender clashes into budget choices that reflect what matters most—security, freedom, and shared milestones. Later, we look at second marriages and blended families, where asset protection and openness matter even more. We talk about when it might be healthy to re-separate some accounts while staying together, especially once kids are grown and personal projects diverge. Along the way, we share tools for money dates, spending audits, and the value of a trusted adviser who can act like a financial therapist. If you’re navigating joint accounts, hidden habits, or big life transitions, this conversation gives you a roadmap to align money with love and long-term vision. Subscribe, share this with a partner or friend, and tell us: what money rule keeps the peace in your home? Send us a text Support the show Buy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

    10 min

About

Welcome to That Home Loan Hub, your ultimate guide to mastering the world of home loans and property. I'm Zebunisso Alimova, here to simplify the complexities of real estate and provide you with expert insights and the latest trends. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an experienced investor, or simply curious about the property market, this podcast is for you. Join me each week as we unlock the secrets to property success and help you make informed decisions. Let's dive into the world of property together!