Why you should work with a mortgage adviser when it comes to refinancing

While there’s nothing to stop you from researching various options for refinancing, getting an expert to do the leg work for you makes a lot of sense – especially in the current lending environment. Working with a mortgage adviser (aka mortgage broker) usually costs you nothing because they are paid by the lender. Read more about who pays a mortgage broker.

To give you an idea of how a mortgage adviser could make a difference when it comes to refinancing, we interviewed Karina Reardon, Head of Strategic Partnerships at mortgages.co.nz - here’s what she had to say.

Q. What’s the main benefit of working with a mortgage adviser for refinancing?

Working with an adviser will make refinancing more beneficial because the adviser is working with all banks, not just one. This helps to provide you with more options and a smoother ride through the loan approval process. Also, they’re going to work with you on an ongoing basis for the life of that loan to help you achieve your goals. What’s more, it’s worth remembering that an adviser is working for you, not the bank. With an adviser, your best interests come first.

Q. How can an adviser help with mortgage structure?

A mortgage adviser will help you choose the optimum loan structure to reduce your interest, this is an important piece of the refinancing puzzle. The less interest you pay over the life of a loan, the better. Good decisions at the refinancing stage can save you thousands as the years tick by. Your mortgage adviser will work with you to define your financial goals and how quickly you can afford to repay. They can also talk about the different products that are available to pay a mortgage off faster. These can be reviewed each year for the life of your loan.

Q. Do you have to move your banking if you refinance your mortgage with a different bank?

If you want to refinance to a new bank, generally there is no requirement for you to move all your banking to that bank. However, often it makes financial sense to put most of your accounts in one place. For example, you can reduce your mortgage faster by having income direct-credited into your mortgage account (revolving credit) or using savings to offset your mortgage (offset mortgage).

Q. Will a registered valuation be required for refinancing?

Valuations are only required in certain instances. An adviser will be able to tell you this upfront. The cost of a valuation can vary depending on the size of the property, its location and how quickly the valuation is needed.

Q. Do mortgage advisers know all the latest lending rules and requirements?

Banks’ policies are continually changing and it’s the adviser’s job to keep up-to-date with these so that they can advise accordingly. Different banks will have different calculators for assessing how much they could lend you. Advisers know how each major lender assesses a loan application, which can help you to get the loan you need.

Q. Is your existing bank included in the refinancing options?

Absolutely! Your adviser should always include your existing lender as an option. When considering your existing bank versus other lenders, it’s important to remember there’s an inconvenience factor when you move banks that only you can put a value on. Your adviser can help you make an educated decision on whether it’s in your best interests to move from your current lender.

Q. How do mortgage advisers price up the various options for refinancing?

Once an adviser has assessed your situation they will develop some options. Advisers can price up several deals without sending an application to the bank, so you will see real figures and loan options that will help you to make a wise decision.

To learn more read our article What does a mortgage broker do?