A conversation with a broker convinced Adrienne and Dave to buy their fixer-upper.
This content was prepared by Heartland Bank and is being published by The New Zealand Herald as Advertorial.
When Adrienne and Dave returned to New Zealand after nearly two decades overseas, they weren’t entirely sure what their next chapter would look like.
What they did know was that they wanted to enjoy retirement closer to family, and make the most of the life they’d built.
After heading offshore for what was meant to be a six-month working holiday, Adrienne and Dave ended up staying away for 19 years. Eventually, the pull of family brought them back.
“We went over with two suitcases and came back with a container full of furniture,” they recall. “But it was time to come home.”
Returning to New Zealand came with big decisions. Initially, the pair considered putting their savings in the bank, buying a motorhome, and travelling full-time. But after speaking with a finance broker, they decided to explore another option: a reverse mortgage with Heartland Bank.
That decision proved pivotal.
“Walking into the Riccarton branch that day was the best thing we ever did,” Adrienne says. “The whole process was seamless.”
Adrienne and Dave purchased a modest property – a home they instantly loved, despite its rough condition.
“It had no curtains, no blinds, no light fittings, it didn’t have any outside garden area of anything like that. Honestly, it was a bit of a tip…
“But with Adrienne being very good at looking at things and saying, ‘I can make that work’, we decided to buy the place. So, we’ve now put in a pergola, we’ve got raised gardens, we’ve been able to put power on in the garage. It’s endless what we can do.”
For Adrienne and Dave, the biggest benefit hasn’t just been home improvements, it’s the sense of financial freedom.
“If you need more money, they’re just a phone call away. Knowing it’s there when you need it is such a good feeling.”
Looking back, the couple has no hesitation in their decision.
“None whatsoever,” they say. “If you’ve got money tied up in your home and want to make the most of it, why not?”
Their message to others considering a reverse mortgage is simple: “Don’t muck around – go and talk to them. The worst they can say is you’re too young. And wouldn’t that be nice?”
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