Feature article
Buying my first home: what I wish I knew
Kevin & JC on buying their first home
Last updated: 3 March 2025
AI summary
Siblings Kevin & JC share their first-home buying experience in Auckland. A key financial surprise was the cost of council rates, which they manage by paying weekly. They found mortgage terms like fixed vs. floating rates confusing and valued the guidance of a mortgage broker.
A practical lesson was to organise furnishings like curtains early to avoid delays post-settlement. The greatest reward has been the security of owning their own space and being able to offer a safe haven to others.
What was the most surprising thing about the financial side of buying the house?
Were there any terms that confused you?
Is there anything you wish you knew before you went into buying a house?
What was the settlement period like?
Now that you're settled in, is there anything that's been especially great or annoying?
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