In this episode of Mortgage Matters, Joel interviews Travis Hamilton from Plan B about how pre-existing conditions affect personal insurance such as life, health, disability, trauma, and medical cover. 

Travis explains that what counts as “pre-existing” depends on the type of cover, and a helpful rule of thumb is whether something is recent or significant (material) versus long ago or minor. 

He outlines how layered health questions and pre-underwriting reduce the risk of non-disclosure, and notes he has never had a non-disclosure claim declined in 15 years, though it can happen. 

Travis describes when insurers may request targeted GP notes or health screenings, how supplemental test results can support an application, and how family history questions typically focus on immediate family and only what the applicant knows.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:47 What Travis Covers
01:12 Why Insurance Matters
01:43 Pre Existing Basics
02:38 Material Disclosure Rule
04:41 Health Questions and Pre Underwriting
06:22 Exclusions and Advisor Advocacy
07:09 Medical Records and GP Notes
08:20 Supplementary Tests and Family History
10:22 Wrap Up and Contact Info

To book a free appointment with Travis please go to https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/contact/

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Has the latest OCR increase changed mortgage rates, and what does it mean if you're planning to buy a home?

In this episode of the Advanced Mortgage Solutions podcast, host Joel Sadler speaks with mortgage adviser Scott Miller about the latest New Zealand mortgage market update, how the recent Official Cash Rate (OCR) increase is affecting home loan interest rates, and why now could be an ideal time to get mortgage pre-approval before the busy spring property market.

Scott explains why the 0.25% OCR increase had only a small impact on bank mortgage rates, discusses the inflation pressures influencing future Reserve Bank decisions, and shares his outlook for interest rates over the coming months.

The conversation also covers current property market conditions across New Zealand, including why Christchurch continues to outperform some other regions, what buyers can expect as spring listings increase, and why getting organised early can give you an advantage in a competitive market.

You'll also learn how long mortgage pre-approvals remain valid, how quickly banks are currently processing applications, and what happens if your pre-approval expires before you find the right property.

If you're a first-home buyer, looking to refinance, or planning your next property purchase, this episode provides practical mortgage advice to help you prepare with confidence.

For personalised mortgage advice, contact Scott Miller and the team at Advanced Mortgage Solutions:
https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions...

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Buying your first home in New Zealand can feel overwhelming, especially when you realise how many professionals are involved in the process. In this episode of the Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast, Christchurch mortgage adviser Scott Miller joins Joel Sadler to explain the five key people first home buyers will encounter and who each professional actually works for during the home buying journey.

Scott explains why both a mortgage adviser and solicitor work entirely for the purchaser, helping buyers navigate bank lending criteria, KiwiSaver withdrawals, legal due diligence, property titles, and LIM reports.

The episode also covers why buyers should commission their own building report and LIM report rather than relying on documents provided by the vendor. Scott explains how independent reports protect buyers and can be used to renegotiate or exit a contract if issues are discovered.

You’ll also learn when a registered valuation may be required by the bank, and why valuers and building inspectors provide independent services rather than representing either the buyer or seller.

Finally, Scott explains the role of the real estate agent, who legally works for the vendor, and outlines the typical timing differences between auction purchases and conditional offers.

If you're planning to buy your first home in New Zealand, this episode will help you understand the team around you and how to navigate the process with confidence.

Learn more or contact the team at Advanced Mortgage Solutions:
https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/

00:00 First Home Buyer Overview
00:32 The Key People Involved in Buying a House
00:56 Mortgage Adviser and Solicitor Roles
02:19 Why Building Reports Matter
03:17 Commissioning Your Own Property Reports
04:38 Registered Valuations Explained
05:33 The Role of the Real Estate Agent
06:14 When to Engage Each Professional
09:03 Trusted Professionals and Referrals
10:20 Getting Started with Your First Home

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

In this Episode, Joel Sadler and mortgage adviser Scott Miller from Advanced Mortgage Solutions discuss the emotional side of buying a first home and how to reduce stress. 

Scott explains that the process can feel daunting because it’s new and involves many moving parts (finance, legal, negotiation, and multiple people), but it becomes easier as steps are completed. 

He advises using a team of professionals, communicating in a relaxed one-on-one setting, and being fully transparent about finances so lenders can assess applications quickly; credit checks can reveal undisclosed debts. 

Scott covers the value of pre-assessment and written step-by-step guidance, the need to disclose factors like pregnancy that affect affordability, and balancing emotional attachment with thorough due diligence such as building reports to avoid problems when buying or later selling. 

He directs listeners to the company website to get started: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/ 

00:00 Welcome And Episode Focus
00:42 Why Home Buying Feels Daunting
02:02 Build Your Professional Team
03:18 Be Transparent With Finances
04:37 Credit Checks And Disclosure
05:58 Real Story Debt Collection Surprise
08:07 Pregnancy And Affordability Planning
10:00 Step By Step Timeline Checklist
13:07 Stay Calm When You Miss Out
15:16 Due Diligence Before You Commit
17:17 How To Get In Touch
17:46 Final Thanks And Sign Off

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Host Joel Sadler interviews assurance expert Travis Hamilton, a financial advisor specializing in health and insurance risk with 15 years’ experience and country chair for the Million Dollar Round Table, about mortgage protection. 

Travis explains that mortgage protection provides a monthly payment if you can’t work due to sickness, illness, accident, or injury, and it’s based on a percentage of income (up to 45%)—you don’t need a mortgage to hold it. 

He compares it with income protection, noting mortgage protection can be more generous because it may pay on top of ACC in accident scenarios, and advisors often combine mortgage and income protection to reach up to 75% of income (not 100%). 

They discuss that banks don’t legally require this cover, but clients are guided through scenarios to decide what they want, including how life insurance and trauma cover can protect families and mortgage obligations. 

Travis shares examples of current claims (mental health/stress leave, lower back pain, carpal tunnel, chronic bowel condition) and outlines key policy settings such as benefit periods (2 or 5 years up to age 65/70) and waiting periods (1–3 months), with cost trade-offs. 

The episode closes with advice to make an informed decision by considering how long you could last without income, and how to contact Travis via Advanced Mortgage Solutions; consultations are typically fee-free, with remuneration via disclosed commissions if a policy proceeds.

To book a Free meeting with Travis please visit: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/contact/

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast + Meet Travis Hamilton
00:55 Mortgage Protection 101: What It Is and What It Covers
02:29 How Much Can You Cover? Income % Limits + ACC Top-Ups
04:22 Mortgage Protection vs Income Protection (and Why You Might Combine Them)
07:03 Is It Required by the Bank? Common Misconceptions + Needs-Based Advice
10:23 Real-Life Framing: Your Income Is Your Biggest Asset
12:45 Claims in the Real World: Mental Health, Back Pain, Stress Leave & More
13:59 Choosing Your Settings: Benefit Periods, Waiting Periods & Cost Trade-Offs
16:49 Final Tips + How to Contact Travis (Fees, Commissions & Transparency)

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

In this Episode, Joel Sadler speaks with Scott Miller, owner and founder of Advanced Mortgage Solutions, about why using specialists is important when buying or selling property. 

Scott explains that licensed professionals can give compliant, competent advice that bank staff may not be able to provide, and outlines where different specialists fit in the home-buying timeline: starting early with a mortgage adviser/financial adviser for preparation and pre-approval, then involving real estate agents, solicitors, building inspectors, and registered valuers at the appropriate stages. 

He discusses when second-tier lenders may be needed (such as adverse credit circumstances), the value of a broker’s trusted network of professionals without referral fees, and why legal advice is critical—especially with private sales and sales and purchase agreements. 

The episode also covers using accountants for property investment structures (trusts, companies, personal ownership) and the added complexities in Christchurch post-earthquakes, including insurance/EQC work, ‘as is where is’ properties, and lender caution. 

To book a free meeting with Scott or his team head over to: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/ 

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast + Today’s Topic: Why Specialists Matter
00:32 What a Specialist Actually Does (and Why Licensing Matters)
02:27 When to Start: Getting a Mortgage Advisor In Early
03:33 The Property-Buying Timeline: Broker → Bank → Agents → Lawyer/Inspectors/Valuer
05:20 Mortgage Broker vs Bank: Pre-Approval and ‘Security’ Checks
06:25 Why a Solicitor Protects You (Recourse, Contracts, and Risk)
07:16 Trusted Referrals & No Kickbacks: Building a Network You Can Rely On
09:32 Property Investing Structures: Trusts, Companies, and the Right Accountant
11:00 Private Sales: Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
12:44 Real Example: Unconsented Driveway Found in the LIM
13:59 Christchurch Earthquake Nuances: EQC Work, ‘As-Is’ Homes, and Extra Due Diligence
15:33 Wrap-Up + How to Contact Advanced Mortgage Solutions

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Looking for the latest NZ interest rates, mortgage rates, first home buyer advice or Christchurch property market insights? Scott Miller from Advanced Mortgage Solutions discusses bank cashback offers, home loan trends and what buyers should know in July 2026. 

To speak with Scott reach out via his website: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/ 

The war in Iran has potentially ended and the Strait of Hormuz is open, which should lower petrol and transport costs and potentially leave households with more disposable income. 

He notes an unexpected move by Westpac, cutting its 3, 4 and 5-year rates by 0.2% while other banks have been raising rates, possibly to lock borrowers into longer terms; cashback offers are around 0.9–1% and discounts are stronger with a 20% deposit. 

Regionally, Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown remain weak, while the West Coast is up about 6% and Christchurch about 5%, helped by buyers relocating for affordability; 

Scott also highlights the importance of local knowledge, including EQC history and school zones.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:38 Global Events and Fuel Prices
01:35 Interest Rates and Bank Moves
03:11 Cashback and First Home Buyers
04:11 Buyer vs Seller Market Update
04:22 Christchurch Growth and Migration
05:52 EQC and Local Knowledge Matters
06:54 School Zones and Price Gaps
07:19 How to Contact Scott

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Welcome back to the Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast! 

In this Episode, host Joel is joined by mortgage expert Scott Miller, who provides a detailed step-by-step guide on applying for a new home mortgage. 

Scott discusses the entire process, from getting pre-approved for finance to settlement day, offering tips on real estate platforms, building reports, and loan structures. 

This episode is perfect for first-time home buyers. 

Download the guide at https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/mortgages/first-home-buyers-guide/ and book a free consultation with Scott or his team for personalized assistance. Don't miss this comprehensive guide to home buying!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:47 Step 1: Getting Pre-Approved for Finance
02:05 Step 2: House Hunting Tips
02:53 Step 3: Making an Offer and Getting It Approved
05:02 Step 4: Receiving an Unconditional Offer of Finance
06:00 Final Step: Settlement Day
07:33 Post-Purchase Follow-Up and Tips
09:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Welcome to the Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast!   

In this Episode, host Joel Sadler is joined by mortgage expert Scott Miller, owner and founder of Advanced Mortgage Solutions. 

Scott, a seasoned property investor with over 20 years of experience, breaks down what banks look for when calculating home loans. 

They discuss the importance of accurate and truthful financial disclosure, how banks assess loan applications under the responsible lending code of 2017, and the differences between renting and mortgage payments. 

Scott also delves into the nuances of refinancing and provides essential tips for prospective home buyers, like managing consumer debt and adjusting KiwiSaver contributions to improve cash flow. 

Don't miss this informative episode packed with insights to help you on your property journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast
00:36 Understanding Bank Calculations for Home Loans
02:07 The Responsible Lending Code and Its Impact
04:49 Refixing and Rolling Over Mortgages
07:48 Relocating and Mortgage Considerations
09:25 Detailed Mortgage Application Process
13:33 Tips for a Successful Mortgage Application
16:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Welcome back to the Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast with your host Joel Sadler and expert Scott Miller! In Episode nine we delve into the world of building a new home and explore the various lending options available. 

Scott, with over 20 years of industry experience, breaks down the differences between traditional construction loans and the more modern turnkey builds. 
Learn about the pros and cons of each method, their impacts on your finances, and key factors to consider whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned investor. 

Tune in for valuable insights and tips to make informed decisions on building your dream home!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:27 Understanding the Home Building Process
01:51 Construction Loans Explained
02:50 Turnkey Builds: A Modern Approach
03:26 Comparing Costs and Benefits
05:28 Legal and Financial Considerations
10:36 Building for Rental Properties
13:38 Final Thoughts

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz