What happens when your rent looks a lot like a mortgage, but lenders keep saying no? We sit down with Mark to unpack how he and Shelly went from casual work, rising rents, and thin savings to owning a low maintenance beachside unit in their 60s—without pretending the numbers were easy.We walk through the moments that changed their trajectory: both securing full time roles, setting clear non-negotiables (no renovations, stable cash flow), and using KiwiSaver to close the deposit gap. After passing on a hot market buy, they waited, saved, and negotiated hard on a property that fit their life stage. We dig into why they fixed their mortgage for three years when rates were volatile, and how a simple spreadsheet helped them stress test payments, factor in body corp and rates, and even model one-income months. The theme is simple: certainty beats guesswork when your budget has to hold.Age and mindset take centre stage. Mark shares what it felt like to apply in his 60s, balance fears about depleting KiwiSaver, and still choose “no regrets.” We talk lending realities, the importance of health and income stability, and how a 20-year approval can still make sense with a credible plan. We also map out the trade offs—fewer dinners out, more free days at the beach—and the discipline of rebuilding a $25k emergency fund while keeping KiwiSaver contributions growing. There’s practical advice here for every stage: automate savings early, diversify sensibly, and treat property as simple but serious work.If you’re weighing rent risk against ownership stability, or wondering whether to refix or refinance as rates shift, this conversation gives you a grounded way to decide. It’s not about perfect timing; it’s about aligning the loan with your life. Subscribe, share with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a review with the one trade off you’re willing to make next.Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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