December 2018's Property Gazette

We’re Wrapping Up 2018 – Almost!

It’s that time of the year again! The team at Advanced Mortgage & Insurance Solutions would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a fruitful 2019! We’re thrilled we were able to make obtaining or re-fixing loans for our clients a breeze during the year. Instead of taking our word for it, check out the fabulous feedback we’ve received!

With life in general becoming busier, it’s great to take time to spend and relax with friends and family over the holiday period. We hope that you too will be able to take a break and recover for what is looking like a fabulous year to come in 2019!

Our office will be closed from end of business on the 21st December, and will reopen on the 21st January. We will have a skeleton staff available throughout that time if required though. You can still get in touch with us during the holidays through, or call us on 0508 466 356.

Record Low Interest Rates Make a Great Gift!

Our office is humming, and we expect it to remain so right up until the 21st December! Record low interest rates have certainly encouraged both first home buyers and investors to take a more active approach in the market. Many existing home owners are also taking the opportunity to increase their mortgage to complete well overdue renovations, or to even upgrade to a larger property due to a growing family.

With plenty of great cashbacks being offered by lenders, plus the low fixed rates on offer, now is the perfect time to come and see us! We’ll do the legwork to find you the perfect loan which suits your needs. It’s even possible for us to apply for discounted interest rates on your existing loan too, so don’t fret if you’re locked into a fixed term at the moment.

Insurance advice for the festive season

12 Tips for Staying Safe Leading Up To Christmas

12 Cooking

Keep an eye on what you fry – a pan of oil, even on the BBQ, can ignite in under a minute. Also remember to keep your bbq away from the house, hedges or anything flammable - it would pay to keep a fire extinguisher handy (especially for me!).

11 Presents

Gifts under the tree are tempting for thieves so make sure they, and other valuables, can’t be seen from the outside your home.

10 Cash

Keep your wits about you when taking cash out of an ATM, it’s best to keep all valuables, including cash, out of sight.

9 Parking the Car

In the “silly season” people can be silly and it can take multipal trips to the mail to get all your Christmas gifts, so take care when driving/parking – be courteous, patient and if you ding someone else’s parked car, do the right thing and leave a note with your details.

8 Lock it or lose it

Don’t leave your belongings unattended, even if it’s just for a matter of seconds while you get cutlery at a café or a can of beans at the supermarket. Thieves are often opportunistic and may take advantage of your inattention.

7 Shopping bags (not plastic)

If you need to leave items in your car then keep your shopping in the boot where it can’t be seen.

6 Security options

Secure your property, especially if you are away on holiday, if you have security lights make sure they are working, deadlocks on doors and windows will deter thief’s. Are there items that could help burglars get into your home like wheelie bins and ladders and avoid posting your location on social media.

5 Smoke alarms

The Fire Service recommends long-life photoelectric type smoke alarms and at a minimum of five and remember to test them regularly to ensure they operate effectively.

4 Days at the beach

It’s best not taking valuables with you or leaving them unattended while at the beach, enough said.

3 Road trips

If you’re on the road over the over the holiday period some simple preparation while help you get there safely:

Be rested Checked your vehicle over Avoid distractions – (your phone is on hands-free) Pack some activities to keep the kids occupied

2 Visits to rellies

Before you set pop out to see the rallies as part of the road trip, remove all the things you don’t need to leave in the car while you’re parked outside. If you don’t want to take it with you then leave it in the boot and out of view.

1 Update your insurance! 

At Christmas you may have added new items to your house, holiday home, or caravan, it only takes a few minutes, to check you have enough insurance cover for your home and contents.

As always, we’re here to help! Pop in to our Christchurch office or drop us a line to arrange a time which best suits you.

Happy Holidays Everyone!