Author: Corbin Fairweather

Buying a Home on a 40k Salary: What You Can Actually Afford
4 Apr

Can you buy a home on a 40k salary? Discover the realistic budget, mortgage options, and smart strategies to make homeownership possible on a modest income.

Student Accommodation Costs in the US: Complete Price Guide for 2026
30 Mar

A complete guide to student accommodation costs in the US for 2026. Learn about dorm prices, off-campus rent, utility expenses, and regional price differences to plan your budget effectively.

How Much Income Needed for a $400k FHA Loan: 2026 Guide
29 Mar

Find out exactly how much you earn to qualify for a $400k FHA loan using real DTI math. Learn about front-end ratios, credit scores, and total monthly costs to avoid rejection.

Minimum Credit Score to Buy a House in Ohio (2026 Guide)
26 Mar

Find out exactly what credit score you need to get approved for a home mortgage in Ohio. We break down limits for FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA loans plus how to boost your number.

Do Most People Put 20% Down on Their First Home?
23 Mar

Most first-time homebuyers in New Zealand put down less than 12% on their first home, not 20%. Discover the real deposit numbers, government help available, and why waiting for 20% might cost you more than you think.

How to Get Around Pet Rent: Practical Ways to Avoid or Reduce Pet Fees When Renting
22 Mar

Learn how to legally avoid or reduce pet rent when renting an apartment. Discover proven strategies like using pet insurance, offering a higher security deposit, and negotiating with landlords - all backed by real tenant rights and real-world examples.

What Is the Top Level of an Apartment Called?
19 Mar

The top level of an apartment is called a penthouse-a luxury unit defined by exclusive features like private terraces, high ceilings, and dedicated elevators, not just its height. Found in top-tier buildings worldwide, penthouses are status symbols that command premium prices.

How to Avoid Real Estate Agent Fees When Buying or Selling a Home
12 Mar

Learn how to avoid paying high realtor fees when buying or selling a home in New Zealand. Discover FSBO, flat fee MLS, discount brokers, and negotiation tactics that can save you thousands.

How much is a downpayment on a 200k house?
8 Mar

For a $200,000 house in New Zealand in 2026, first-time buyers typically need $10,000 to $40,000 for a downpayment. The minimum is 5%, but 10%-20% gives you better rates, more options, and lower long-term costs. KiwiSaver and family gifts can help bridge the gap.

How Many Shares Do You Need to Be an Owner in a Shared Ownership Home?
5 Mar

You don't need to buy 100% of a home to be an owner. In shared ownership, owning just 25% makes you a legal homeowner with equity, lower rent, and a path to full ownership. Here's how it works in New Zealand.

How does a share house work? A clear guide to shared ownership homes
1 Mar

A share house in New Zealand lets you buy part of a home while renting the rest - making homeownership possible without a full deposit. Learn how it works, who qualifies, and why it's changing the housing game.

How Does BTL Work? A Simple Guide to Buy-to-Let Property Investing
26 Feb

BTL, or buy-to-let, lets you earn rental income by owning property you don’t live in. Learn how it works, what costs to expect, and whether it’s still a smart move in 2026.