Blog | Briana McDonagh – Mortgage Adviser

Briana McDonagh 24 March 2026 Pre-Approval

Preparation for Pre-Approval: What's in Your Bank Statements?

Most people assume getting mortgage pre-approval is all about income. It's not. Before a lender runs the numbers, they're asking a simpler question: can we trust this person? Here's what your bank statements are really telling them — and how to make sure the answer is yes.

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12 March 2026 Refinancing

Why Do People Refinance Their Mortgage in New Zealand?

Many homeowners review their mortgage when their fixed term is ending. We explain why people refinance, the potential benefits, and a real example of how it can work.

26 February 2026 Repayments

The Power of Rounding Up Your Mortgage Repayments

Wondering how to pay off your mortgage faster? Rounding up your repayments could be a simple solution that saves you thousands in interest.

9 February 2026 First Home

How To Build a Deposit For Your First Home

From KiwiSaver to family support — many first home buyers assume they need more savings than they think. Here's what's actually possible.

22 January 2026 Buying

The Hidden Costs of Buying a House (Beyond the Deposit)

Buying a home involves more than just the deposit. Here are the upfront and ongoing costs that can catch buyers off guard if they're not planned for.

31 December 2025 Education

What Is LVR and Why Is It Important?

LVR stands for Loan to Value Ratio. Understanding it can help you better understand your deposit, lending options, and where you stand when buying or reviewing a mortgage.

More coming soon

New articles on mortgages, rates and home buying in NZ.

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