Buying your first home is one of life’s milestones. Everyone’s stories and experiences are different, which is why we’re sharing how our team members bought their first home, and what they learnt along the way.
This month Carolyn Rigarlsford shares her first-home story.
Carolyn Rigarlsford — Lending Assistant
My husband and I bought our first home in 1985 when I was 22 years old. It was a three-bedroom home in the Hutt Valley. We saved our deposit through a government scheme—a Home Ownership Account for three years, with weekly deposits.
It was a great feeling to put our own personal touches through decorating, it was a completely different feel from renting!
What is one lesson you would tell your younger self (if you could!) about buying your first home? It’s really important you understand your lending and mortgage structure.