| 109 T T Rosa Watson Taking the stress out of buying a home Mortgage Mates has grown into a trusted, community-focused team of six working with clients across North Canterbury and beyond. Mortgage Mates PROPERTY Rangiora-based Mortgage Mates started out with a simple idea — make the home-buying journey less intimidating and more human. In the beginning, it was just founder Brent Findlay, an ex-banker who wanted to make things easier for people buying a home. “We were tired of seeing people overwhelmed by the traditional banking process — young couples feeling lost, families navigating big decisions alone, and first-home buyers convinced the process was too hard.” From day one, rather than reinventing mortgages, the goal was reinventing the experience in getting one. The business was built on being approachable, relatable, and completely down-to-earth. “No jargon. No judgement. Just genuine people helping other people make better decisions about their future,” Brent says. Over the years, Mortgage Mates has grown into a trusted, community-focused team of six working with clients across North Canterbury and beyond. “Everything is built around the idea that when you understand your options, making the right choice becomes so much easier.” Mortgage Mates’ key services include home loans for first-home buyers, families, and upgraders, refinancing services to secure better structures and rates, and refixing advice to help clients stay ahead of rate changes. They also provide financial guidance that focuses on paying loans off faster, pre-approval support to reduce stress and lift confidence, and property planning for those mapping out their long-term goals. And the company is excited to soon be launching an insurance service. Mortgage Mates was recently named a finalist in the Professional Services category, which Brent says was a huge moment for the team. “The nomination means recognition for the countless hours spent helping clients navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. “It’s validation that staying true to a people-first, honest, and relatable approach does make a difference — both to clients and to the community.” The recognition celebrates the team’s hard work, acknowledges the trust clients place in them, and puts the company proudly alongside other local businesses making a difference, he says. “Putting your name forward to awards is important because it gives small and growing businesses a platform to be seen. It sparks conversations, builds credibility, and helps the community understand who you are and what you stand for. “For Mortgage Mates, it was also a chance to show that mortgage advice can be modern, friendly, and truly community minded.” With the mortgage industry being busy, competitive, and fast-moving, Brent says Mortgage Mates stands out by focusing on people over paperwork. Clients regularly comment how easy the process was, and that’s the experience the team is committed to delivering every time. He says the team is approachable, with no-pressure advice that feels like talking to a friend. Conversations are always education-first, which helps clients feel confident. “Clients come back because they feel cared for.” Fast communication is key in an industry where responsiveness matters, along with a strong local presence with a real focus on supporting North Canterbury families, he says. The busiest space right now for the team is first-home buyers looking for guidance through the process, families upgrading as their needs grow and existing homeowners refinancing to get ahead financially. “Investors do come through the door, but the heart of the business is Mums, Dads, couples, and everyday people trying to make smart, achievable moves.” He says the mortgage landscape continues to shift, driven by inflation movements, bank competition, and Reserve Bank commentary. “Right now, rates are stabilising but are still sensitive to economic data. “Banks are becoming more competitive with cashbacks and special offers (and) many homeowners are rolling off higher fixed rates and seeking guidance.” First-home buyers are re-entering the market as confidence slowly improves, Brent says. Heading into the new year, Brent is expecting further easing of rates, especially if economic pressures soften, and there’s continued strong activity from first-home buyers. Increased refinancing is also expected as households try to reduce repayment pressure, and there’s a gradual return of upgraders as people regain financial confidence. “The theme for 2025 is likely to be balance — the market isn’t racing ahead, but it’s no longer stuck. People are cautiously optimistic, and advice will matter more than ever.” “Everything is built around the idea that when you understand your options, making the right choice becomes so much easier.” Property Sales & Purchases ∙ Subdivisions Wills & Enduring Powers of Attorney Commercial ∙ Business Sale & Purchases Proudly incorporating Fleur McDonald Legal Practical legal advice for every stage of life. Level 2, 575 Wairakei Road Burnside, Christchurch 03 377 4421 email@ktlaw.co.nz www.ktlaw.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=