New kitchen seals dream buy

A casual work-time conversation on the merits of buying versus renting set a young Wanganui couple on a quest for the house of their dreams.

Radio announcer Brett Beston and his partner, Angela Cowley, had been renting for four years, always under the idea that they needed to save at least $8000-$10,000 for a deposit for a home. Taking that step seemed almost an impossibility, except for a chance conversation. “We were staying in temporary accommodation after a bad experience with a landlord, when Angela was talking to a friend at work who suggested we go to a broker,” said Brett.

Enter Phil Sedcole of Mortgage Link Wanganui.

“We got in touch with him, and it all just happened from there. He asked us a few questions such as how much we earned and how much we had. We couldn’t believe it - he went away and did the sums and we were just blown away to think that we could get into a home of our own.”

The “awesome house” the couple has bought is the perfect first home, in Brett and Angela’s opinion.

Weatherboard with three bedrooms and a nice garden, the house also came with a brand new kitchen. Angela wasn’t too keen on the original kitchen. “From my perspective it didn’t seem too bad, but Angela said there was no way she was working in there,” said Brett.

Because they couldn’t borrow extra money to renovate the kitchen, Phil guided the couple and the real estate agents through a sale and purchase agreement where the existing vendors agreed to install the new kitchen prior to settlement. Therefore, everything could be done with the one 100% mortgage.

“Phil did it all on our behalf. He weaved his magic for us. We can’t speak too highly of what he did for us. He’s the bee’s knees,” said Brett. “Now we’ve got a major asset, which is growing in value all the time. We’re so pleased to be in our own home. It’s the peace of mind of having your own home, doing what you like to it, and not having to worry ever again about landlords. “We’d recommend it to anyone.”

The couple said that since October, when they began living in their new home, they have told their story repeatedly. “A lot of young guys at work are amazed to learn about how it all came together for us, and have been keen to learn about what Phil did for us.”

Angela Cowley and Brett Beston, of Wanganui, toast the success of buying their own home with Phil Sedcole, left, of Mortgage Link Wanganui.

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