Buying your first home is one of life’s milestones. Everyone’s stories and experiences are different, which is why we’re sharing how our team members bought their first home, and what they learnt along the way.
Craig Pope — Director of Pope & Co. Mortgages
I bought my first home in 2002, when I was 31. I purchased this three-bedroom home in Paparangi for $162,000. I wish I still owned it!
I spent six to nine months saving a deposit—as quickly as I could—for a 95 percent home loan. The house was on the market ‘by negotiation’.
It was an extremely proud moment when I managed to achieve something like buying my first house all by myself. My parents lived in Auckland and weren't well at the time, so I had to navigate through the process myself and also used a mortgage broker. It was great having my own bachelor pad!
What is one lesson you would tell your younger self (if you could!) about buying your first home?
Spend money on insulation, and cover your TV and furniture if getting a cowboy builder to sand your floors!