The right help.
At the right moment.

Your numbers are a starting point. A qualified professional can help you understand what they mean for your purchase. Use these questions before choosing who to work with.

Start with a mortgage adviser.

Before you rely on pre-approval or make an offer.

Mortgage advisers can explain lending options and help prepare an application. Check the adviser’s licensing arrangements, the lenders they cover and the scope of their advice.

  • Which lenders do you work with, and which are outside your panel?
  • Does a lender pay you commission? What fees could I pay, including if I repay or refinance early?
  • What conditions remain on my pre-approval, and when does it expire?
  • How would higher rates, lower income or ownership costs change this plan?
Prepare your pre-approval questions

Check the FMA’s mortgage-advice guide

Referral disclosure: FHBG has no active mortgage adviser panel and cannot currently arrange an introduction. These links are unpaid; we receive no referral fee. A future introduction will name the recipient and payment relationship before you choose to share anything.

Check insurance before committing.

A quote is a question to resolve, not a settlement-day surprise.

Ask an insurer or insurance adviser whether cover is available for the particular property, when it should start and what is excluded. Confirm your lender’s requirements. Your lawyer should advise on contractual responsibility and timing.

  • Can you insure this address, construction and known condition?
  • What sum insured, excesses and exclusions apply?
  • Are flood, landslip or earthquake risks relevant?
  • Is the adviser paid by the insurer, by me or both?
Understand insurance advice at the FMA

Affiliate disclosure: no insurance affiliate agreement is active. This is an unpaid official information link, not a quote or recommendation.

Make room for moving day.

Transport, utilities and somewhere to stay if dates don’t line up.

Get written moving quotes with the same scope: access, stairs, parking, packing, insurance and storage. Check cancellation terms before booking movers or temporary accommodation, especially while settlement is uncertain.

  • Who confirms that funds have settled and keys can be released?
  • What does each quote include, and what attracts extra charges?
  • What is the fallback if you cannot move in on the expected day?
  • Can utilities, internet and mail be arranged without a gap?
Plan the final week and settlement

Affiliate disclosure: FHBG has no moving or accommodation partner agreement. No booking is made and no commission is earned through this guide.

Take useful tools with you.

Keep your estimates, compare viewing notes and take unresolved questions to the appropriate professional. The tools are free and do not assess loan approval.

Estimate repayments

Open the viewing workbook

Tool disclosure: FHBG’s calculators and workbook are free. No subscription, paid download or sponsored tool placement is active.

Reviewed against FMA mortgage and insurance advice guidance on 4 November 2026. Information only; not personalised financial or legal advice. How we work and disclose relationships.