16 Apr Client story: A home of her own
Christie* never thought she’d own her own home at 50. After her relationship ended, she started renting. When she received a small inheritance, she took a look at her KiwiSaver balance and thought maybe there was enough for a house deposit.
She began looking at open homes and realised having a Mortgage Adviser by her side might be helpful. Her coworker mentioned Judy Steiner – and there was no looking back.
Finding the right support
Christie’s first attempt at getting help wasn’t a positive experience. “I contacted another mortgage broker who was really negative and could barely even give me 10 minutes on the phone, which was very disparaging,” she remembers. This left her feeling deflated and unsure about her chances of owning her own home.
Things looked up when a coworker suggested Judy. “My workmate said that she’d been to see Judy and had a really, really lovely experience with her,” Christie explains. This positive recommendation gave Christie the push she needed to explore her options again.
Personalised guidance and support
Christie felt an instant connection with Judy. “Judy is such a vibrant personality. I felt that she cared, and it was a personal experience,” Christie shares. At first Judy focused on getting the mortgage approved, but once that was sorted she looked at Christie’s insurance needs.
“I feel safe, I feel secure. I feel set up, you know, should anything happen,” she explains. This extra protection gives Christie peace of mind as she starts this new chapter.
Judy’s dedication was clear throughout the process. The level of care made Christie feel valued and understood every step of the way.
A dream come true
With Judy’s help, Christie achieved what once seemed impossible. “I own a home, I’m in my 50s, I’m single, I own a home. And I never thought that would be possible and Judy made that possible for me,” Christie says, sounding proud and a bit amazed. She moved into her new home in mid-December 2024, just in time to celebrate the holidays in her own space.
Christie’s story shows that with the right help and persistence, buying a home can happen at any age, even when it seems impossible. For others in similar situations, Christie’s experience offers hope and a possible way forward. It highlights how important it is to find a financial adviser who understands both the numbers and the personal side of such a big life decision.