Real estate franchise ‘home loans’ off to positive start

A real estate franchise which recently moved into home loans has reported the new offering is proving popular among its clients.

Century 21 New Zealand’s recent expansion into the home loans market is receiving a positive response from clients. 

All its offices across the country are able to access a range of lending deals for clients, including for first homes, next homes, investment properties or refinancing existing home loans.

“Getting into the business of home loans is turning out to be a huge plus for Century 21 New Zealand and our clients,” said national manager Geoff Barnett. “We’re dealing with large and smaller banks, credit unions and non-bank lenders. In many cases Century 21 has greater access to more borrowing flexibility, opportunity and choice than what a traditional mainstream retail bank can offer. 

“Century 21 is actively harnessing the market momentum we continue to see nationwide in real estate. We’re on a deliberate growth drive across New Zealand - keen to build on our already world-famous brand and reputation for superior client service.

“Without doubt Century 21 is a strong and growing real estate brand here. We’re listing a lot more properties, opening more branches, employing more people, and we’re determined to get more Kiwis into home ownership.”

The company reported their nationwide listings for August 2016 were up 86.84% compared to August 2015. 

Speaking to NZ Adviser, Barnett said new offices also recently opened in Auckland’s Ellerslie and in Kaukapakapa while this month two more offices opened in Meadowlands and Tuakau. Potential future offices may be located in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Bay of Islands and Christchurch.

“Century 21 is very pleased with the level of inquiry across the country regarding our new home loans service,” Barnett told NZ Adviser. “Given it has only been a month, we’re reluctant to put a number on it. But let’s just say all our offices are reporting a lot of interest with our specialised mortgage broker service now responding daily to a lot of inquiries and questions. 

“Given house prices keep soaring, people are looking that much harder for the best deal on loaning. We’re now coming up with some great lending packages and that news is spreading.”  

He says his company is eagerly anticipating another strong summer aided by growing population growth, ongoing supply shortages and record low interest rates.