Thanks to all of our existing clients who touched base with us at the Ideal Home Show again this year, and a big welcome to those of you who met with us for the first time and we welcome you to our monthly newsletter.

The Show this year was again great fun and we really enjoyed chatting with you all.

A big thank you to Tony Wagenaar, Pauline Cooper and Jules Farmer who so kindly donated the prizes for the prize draw, we hope that you will all use their services whenever the opportunity arises, we have attached their email addresses.

The winners this year are

1st Prize – A Registered Valuation valued at $506.25: Roxanne Brassington

2nd Prize – A Design Consultation with PJ from P J Interior Design valued at $200: Viv Lozell

3rd Prize - A Back Massage & Sauna from Anigma valued at $63.00: Rachel Shaw

Today, the Reserve Bank Governor, Alan Bollard, has held the official cash rate at 2.5%. In an announcement he said that while economic activity was showing signs of stabilising, the high New Zealand dollar was helping to keep the economy weak.

Source - Good Returns.

Over recent weeks we have continued to see many lenders publically stating that there is very little room for further interest rate cuts. As the marketplace has become aware, credit policy has again remained very conservative but at Manawatu Home Loans we have begun to see signs of flexibility for certain types of applications.

First Home Buyers may not necessarily have to have the full 20% deposit and there are signs of higher lending limits for standalone residential properties. In all these instances it is critical for the application to be presented to the lender in the best possible way.

At Manawatu Home Loans we pride ourselves on getting a full understanding of the borrowers needs and ensuring all supporting documentation is included in the application. If you, or anyone you know, is looking to borrow funds, please remember to refer them to us.

If you need to refinance then please come and speak to the team at Manawatu Home Loans.

We have competitive interest rates and are able to discuss the full range of lenders and options that will suit your needs. Alternatively let us know if your fixed rate is due to expire soon and we can provide you with the best options to refix your loans.

Please call us today at Manawatu Home Loans for a no obligation discussion - and remember, you can come to us, or our mobile service can come to you.

When you have a mortgage or are buying your first home it is very important to get qualified advice on making sure you protect your house and contents, as well as your ability to meet mortgage payments.

HLG Insurances Ltd are specialists in arranging suitable risk protection for you. They will provide you with:

1. a free risk assessment

2. quotes from suitable insurers

3. explanations of the different options

4. annual reviews as your circumstances change over time

So call us now at Manawatu Home Loans and we can arrange for someone to meet with you to discuss your cover.