Questions to ask at your first mortgage adviser meeting

You do not need to know every lending term before meeting an adviser. You do need space to ask questions and understand the reasons behind a recommendation. Prepare a short description of your goals, limits and upcoming changes.

Start with what matters to you

Explain the purpose of borrowing, your comfortable payment range and any planned move, family change or business commitment. Bring an honest picture of income, spending, debts and savings. If something is uncertain, say so rather than guessing an answer that sounds better.

Understand the scope and choices

Ask what the advice covers, which lenders can be considered and whether another specialist is needed. The FMA encourages borrowers to understand how advisers are paid and why a loan is recommended. A recommendation should make sense for your circumstances, not just have an attractive headline rate.

Make costs and trade-offs explicit

Ask for written explanations of applicable adviser fees, commissions, lender fees and circumstances that could trigger a later charge. A bank cashback repayment and an adviser fee arising from commission clawback are different issues; check both where relevant.

Compare at least the features important to you: total cost, repayment flexibility, fixed-period commitments and what happens if plans change. Do not sign documents you do not understand or feel pressured to accept.

Leave with a practical next step

• What information is still needed, and who supplies it?
• Which conditions must be met before an offer becomes unconditional?
• Who coordinates with the lawyer and lender?
• When should the loan be reviewed again?

Meet our team, read our disclosure information, and explore home loan services. The goal of a first meeting is clarity about the process and suitable options, not a promise of approval.