First Rate Mortgages

Office address: Level 1, Tasman Building, 50 Centreway Road, Orewa, Auckland 0931 
Website: www.firstratemortgages.co.nz 
Year established: 2006 
Company type: financial services 
Employees:
Expertise: first home buyers, refinancing, new home builds, KiwiSaver, buying a new home, bridging finance, debt consolidation, property investments, bad credit home loan, self-employed loan 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Kim Lyons (director and financial adviser), Allan Nicol (financial adviser), Murray Moore (financial adviser), Natalie Siebrits (financial adviser), Danielle Happy (financial adviser), Fiona Lyons (office admin) 
Financing status: N/A 

First Rate Mortgages is a niche broker service in Orewa, New Zealand, specialising in securing financing for clients rejected by other lenders. Operating with a team of six employees, they focus on home loans, property investment, and refinancing. Their commitment to personalised solutions and customer service sets them apart in the mortgage industry. 

History of First Rate Mortgages 

First Rate Mortgages was established in 2006 by Kim Lyons. The company was founded to help individuals and businesses secure property finance, even if they had been turned down by other banks. Initially, the company focused on home finance, residential and commercial property investment, construction finance, refinancing, and debt consolidation.  

Their clientele mainly spans the greater Auckland region, with services extending to Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, and Christchurch. Over the years, the team has amassed over 100 years of combined experience in New Zealand's financial sector. First Rate Mortgages has built a reputation for professionalism and quality service, assisting clients from major urban areas and small towns alike. 

Products and Services of First Rate Mortgages 

First Rate Mortgages offers a diverse range of financial products and services tailored to meet various client needs: 

  • first home buyers: providing guidance and finance options for individuals purchasing their first home 

  • new home builds: specialising in securing loans for new construction projects 

  • buying a new home: assisting clients with the purchase of new residential properties 

  • KiwiSaver: offering advice on using KiwiSaver funds for home purchases 

  • bridging finance: providing temporary loans to bridge the gap between buying and selling properties 

  • refinancing: helping clients renegotiate their mortgage terms for better rates and conditions 

  • debt consolidation: assisting clients in consolidating multiple debts into a single, manageable loan 

  • property investment: offering tailored financing solutions for property investors 

Culture at First Rate Mortgages 

First Rate Mortgages fosters a culture of creative problem-solving and personalised service. They prioritise understanding each client's unique situation to find workable solutions. Their motto, "You can bank on us," reflects their commitment to reliability and customer support. 

The company states that their expert brokers work tirelessly to find solutions, even for clients who do not meet traditional bank criteria. They explore all options, including bank and non-bank lenders, to ensure clients achieve their property finance goals. 

About First Rate Mortgages Director Kim Lyons and Key People 

Kim Lyons serves as a director and mortgage broker at First Rate Mortgages. He is also the owner and financial adviser at NonBk Limited. Lyons previously held roles as a director at NZ Mortgage Finance, a mortgage broker at Allbank Mortgages, and a branch manager at ANZ. 

The key people that help the director in operating the company include: 

  • Allan Nicol acts as a financial adviser for east and south Auckland, providing tailored financial advice to clients in these regions 

  • Murray Moore serves as a financial adviser, working closely with clients to secure favourable mortgage terms and conditions 

  • Natalie Siebrits is a financial adviser, offering comprehensive advice and support to help clients achieve their property finance goals 

  • Danielle Happy is a financial adviser, specialising in securing specialist lending solutions for clients with complex financial needs 

  • Fiona Lyons manages office administration, ensuring smooth operations and providing essential support to the financial advisers 

The Future at First Rate Mortgages 

The firm is positioned for future growth by specialising in refinancing, loan top-ups, and cash back offers. Their expert advisers help clients navigate home loan structures, legal fees, and bank incentives to find the best solutions. By leveraging these services, First Rate Mortgages attracts new clients and strengthens their market presence. 

The company is committed to continuing its growth by leveraging its strong industry relationships and team of experts. The firm’s adviser, Danielle Happy, recently won in the 2024 New Zealand Mortgage Awards for being a top adviser in specialist lending. This recognition enhances the company's reputation, attracting more clients seeking expert financial advice. 

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