Financial Advisor based in Tauranga

NZ Wide

Committed financial adviser based in Tauranga, servicing NZ wide


Welcome to Mortgage Matchmaker, where we specialise in finding the perfect financial match for your needs and goals. Just like a relationship matchmaker, we meticulously pair your unique financial profile with the bank or lender whose criteria align best with your best interests. Whether you're dreaming of your first home, refinancing, or investing in property, let us be your trusted guide in navigating the mortgage landscape. Building a business relationship with you is beyond a transaction.

Talk to Mortgage Matchmaker if you want to:

  • secure your dream home
  • buy an investment property
  • gain some cash top-up for a project
  • work on debt consolidation
...or you might just want to see if you can get a better rate - contact Michelle and see what the 'mortgage matchmaker' can do for you.

Wondering how to make your money work harder for you?


Find the perfect match for your financial needs

In case we haven’t (officially) met yet…


I'm Michelle (Mich) Schwab, a mortgage broker (although now known as Financial Adviser), multiple business owner/operator/entrepreneur, wife, and mum to our fur baby Floyd, former real estate agent and secretly ambitious. I'm a Tauranga girl who was lucky enough to spend the last 16 years calling the Sunshine Coast in Australia home. 

With a diverse background in entrepreneurship across various industries, I’ve always been drawn to property. It’s my true passion, and I find immense joy in helping owners maximise their property’s potential for wealth building. I also enjoy working with first home buyers, guiding them through the complex process of securing their dream home.

Drawing from my real estate agent background, I offer a unique perspective that ensures a smooth buying process.



Holding a keen interest in property all my life, having built, bought, and sold multiple properties of our own over the years, I always knew I’d end up in a profession relating to property; I feel it’s my destiny, my true passion, and as someone who enjoys networking, it is simply the best way to meet and engage with new people.

Property holds significance for everyone, whether as a tenant aspiring to own, an owner, or an investor. Many are unaware of the valuable services an adviser like myself can offer, often mistakenly believing loyalty to their bank is the best route.

I’d welcome the chance to meet over a cuppa for a casual chat about the current finance market. I’ll keep you updated on the latest trends and demonstrate how I can save you money by connecting you with the ideal lender for your needs.

My qualifications include...

  • NZ certificate in financial services, residential lending level 5.
  • Certificate IV in financial services and mortgage brokering.

Core Values


Family

Family comes first.

Gratitude

Appreciating every opportunity to serve and support our clients.

Integrity

We uphold integrity by ensuring transparency and honesty in every interaction.

Giving back

We are committed to giving back to our community, enriching lives beyond mortgages.

Empowerment

I LOVE empowering people (especially women) and enriching their lives through financial education.

Our Services

An “Interview with Michelle (Mich)“ Schwab

"Hi, I’m Michelle Schwab. As a mortgage broker, I act as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders. My role is to help clients find the best mortgage product that suits their financial needs and circumstances, and to guide them through the application and settlement process."

You might wonder, "Should I bypass the mortgage advisor and just deal with the bank directly?" Generally, it's beneficial to work with a broker, and here's why:

When you go directly to a bank, they can only offer you their specific mortgage products. This limits your choices to what one institution has available.

At our firm, we collaborate with 26 different lenders, significantly broadening your options. With us, you're not just getting access to a single lender's offerings but to a diverse portfolio of potential mortgages.

Our goal isn't merely to find you a mortgage but to find the right mortgage that aligns perfectly with your financial goals and needs. This tailored approach ensures that you get the best possible terms and a mortgage that fits your life.

"There are several factors to consider, including the interest rate, loan term, fees, features like offset accounts or redraw facilities, and whether the loan is fixed or variable. Depending on your financial goals and how long you plan to stay in the home, one type of loan might be more suitable than another."

Here's a brief overview to prepare you:

Before our meeting, I'll send you a Fact Find document to fill out. Completing this ahead of time shaves about 20 minutes off our session, allowing us to focus more on discussion rather than paperwork.

Please be ready to discuss your financial goals and bring any required documents; I'll specify what you need to bring or send in beforehand. This preparation helps streamline the process and saves you time later.

During the meeting, we’ll review your information to identify any potential issues that banks might flag in your application. This proactive approach helps smooth the path for your mortgage approval.

Obtaining a pre-approval is an essential step in the home-buying process. Here's why it's important:

A pre-approval gives you a clear idea of how much you can afford, based on an initial review of your financial information by a lender. This not only helps you narrow down your search to properties within your budget but also signals to sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer, which can be a significant advantage in competitive markets.

Additionally, having a pre-approval can speed up the full approval process once you find a home you want to purchase, as much of the financial vetting has already been done.

While not mandatory, getting pre-approved is highly recommended, especially in fast-moving real estate markets where being ready to make a quick decision can mean the difference between securing your dream home and missing out.

"It’s wise to review your mortgage at least once a year to ensure it still meets your needs, especially if there have been significant changes in interest rates or your personal circumstances. I also recommend checking in with me when any major financial changes occur, or if you’re considering refinancing or purchasing additional property."

"Sure! The process typically starts with an initial consultation where we discuss your financial situation and goals. From there, I'll help you gather necessary documents, which includes proof of income, employment verification, and credit history. Once we choose the best lender options, I'll submit the application on your behalf. After the application is submitted, it generally takes a few weeks for approval, during which the lender might request additional information or clarification."

"Interest rate changes can impact your monthly payments and the overall cost of your loan, particularly if you have a variable rate mortgage. If rates decrease, you might pay less per month, or you can continue to pay the same amount and shorten the term of your loan. If rates increase, your monthly payments might go up. I can discuss options like fixed-rate mortgages or refinancing that can help manage this risk."

Absolutely, it’s definitely worth coming in for a consultation even if you’re unsure about your ability to afford a loan. Many prospective homebuyers are surprised by the range of options available to them. During our meeting, we can assess your financial situation comprehensively and explore various possibilities.

We’ll look at your income, expenses, debts, and any other financial commitments to give you a realistic understanding of what you might be able to afford. We can also discuss potential strategies to improve your financial standing and increase your loan eligibility, such as consolidating debt or adjusting your budget.

Even if you're not ready to apply for a loan right away, our discussion can provide you with valuable insights and a clear action plan to help you prepare for a successful mortgage application in the future.

In most cases, using Mortgage Matchmaker’s services comes at no cost to you. We are typically paid a commission directly by the bank based on the value of your mortgage.
If there is ever a situation where a fee may apply, we will disclose this to you upfront and provide a clear explanation before you proceed—no surprises!

"Improving your credit score, saving for a larger down payment, and reducing your debt-to-income ratio are all effective strategies. I can provide personalised advice based on your financial situation to help strengthen your application."

Choosing the right mortgage broker can make a significant difference in your home buying experience. At Mortgage Matchmaker, we pride ourselves on our personalised, attentive service. We take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences, which allows us to match you with the best possible mortgage options. Additionally, we have established strong relationships with a variety of lenders, which can often result in better rates, faster approvals, and smoother transaction processes. Our commitment to education and transparency ensures that you are well-informed at every step of the process, helping you make decisions with confidence. Ultimately, our goal is to make your mortgage journey as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on moving into your new home.

What our clients say

Access to Over 50 Lenders

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What Makes Mortgage Matchmaker Different?

Service Mortgage Matchmaker Banks & Lenders
Your own personal, non-bank affiliated loan expert
I work in your best interests (not owned by a bank)
Quick turnaround times
Access to over 50 banks and lenders in one place
Ongoing support once your loan has settled
Financial Advisor based in Tauranga
NZ Wide