Over recent months we have continued to see the fluctuation in both market activity and interest rates. The Reserve Bank has further reduced the official cash rate this month, but this has not been followed by the main retail banks in reducing their floating interest rates. Over this time, the property market has experienced an increase in activity with more buyers hunting for good properties at a good price.

Due to all of these factors, and the complex nature of borrowers financial positions it is critical that you get the right information from trusted and reliable sources, to ensure your borrowing decisions meet your needs now and into the future. Please call the team at Taupo Home Loans to discuss any questions you have.

At Taupo Home Loans we pride ourselves on being able to arrange your borrowing as well as assisting you in managing the loan over its term.

"Despite the recent pick-up in world equity markets, New Zealand continues to be impacted by the global financial crisis," Deputy Governor, Grant Spencer, said today when releasing the Reserve Bank's May 2009 Financial Stability Report.

"Major government interventions have eased stresses in the international credit markets, but the adverse second-round effects of the financial crisis on global economic activity and commodity prices will take some time to play out," he said.

"These global pressures are encouraging a recovery in household savings which should contribute to an improvement in New Zealand's external balance over the next few years. Recent monetary and fiscal policy measures will help to ensure that the adjustment to more sustainable debt levels is an orderly one."

"The banking system has continued to lend to households and businesses over the past year, but credit growth has slowed in recent months, lending criteria have tightened and some businesses are reporting difficulties in obtaining credit. While current conditions warrant caution, it is important that the banks continue to lend to creditworthy borrowers."

Mr Spencer said New Zealand has been fortunate that its banking system has not experienced the distress seen in some countries. However, while the overall asset quality of the banks remains strong, impaired assets have increased sharply since late last year.

13 May 2009 - 9.00am – Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The Real Estate Institute, which has released new figures showing median prices up in April and the average time taken to sell falling.

Institute president, Mike Elford said the figures "reinforce a certain level of stability in relation to price and turnover", and were pleasing particularly as April was traditionally a slower month due to school holidays and seasonal adjustments.

The total number of homes sold nationwide in April (6,210) was down on the March 2009 figure of 6,694 but still well up on the February total: 5,228. This compares with 4,450 in April last year - a pleasing trend

The NZ Herald Tuesday May 12, 2009

While you may not be able to avoid disastrous events in your life you can prepare to meet them head on by protecting you, your family and your possessions with insurance.

The purpose of insurance is to protect you and your loved ones against major financial loss. People need specific levels of insurances to suit the different stages of their lives, but how is this calculated?

Personal risk insurance should be determined on your family’s needs and can fluctuate up and down depending on your circumstances. A family with young children and a higher mortgage would need more insurance in those early years, thus protecting their ability to fund immediate living expenses, home loan repayments and children’s educational needs if an income earner was unable to work due to disability or sickness or premature death. Once children have completed their higher education and left home the level of insurance required could diminish or the types of insurance necessary could change.

The best protection you can purchase is based on an informed decision.

Bearing this in mind it is easy to understand the necessity for expert advice from an experienced Insurance Advisor not only at the onset of your mortgage but at regular intervals throughout your family’s progression through life.

As a valuable client, Taupo Home Loans, is able to offer you and your family a complimentary insurance assessment which will include an obligation free recommendation.

If you would like to review your options please call Taupo Home Loans or e-mail enquiries@hlgi.co.nz and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit you.