Briana McDonagh
Briana McDonagh Mortgage Adviser · NZ
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Blog | Briana McDonagh – Mortgage Adviser
Mortgage Tips & Guides

The blog.

Plain-language guides on buying, refinancing, and making the most of your mortgage in New Zealand.

Bank Statements Latest
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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Refinancing
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.

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Rounding Up Repayments
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.

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Building a Deposit
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.

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Hidden Costs
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.

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LVR
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.

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More coming soon
New articles on mortgages, rates and home buying in NZ.
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Briana McDonagh - Mortgage Adviser
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Briana McDonagh - Mortgage Adviser
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Briana McDonagh
Briana McDonagh Mortgage Adviser · NZ

Helping first-home buyers, homeowners and investors across New Zealand find the right mortgage with clarity and confidence.

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© 2025 Briana McDonagh. Operating under Guardian Smith Mortgages. All figures are estimates only and do not constitute financial advice.
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