What the bank wants to know before it approves your mortgage

Welcome to Ask the Experts, where each week we talk to people in the industry to get the inside word on what’s happening right now, and what that means for the tactics that you should use to make the most of your money.Going in to ask for a mortgage is enough to make anyone a bit sweaty, even if you’re usually the calm and confident type. The process is a bit mysterious, and frankly, a test that is too important to fail.So what are mortgage lenders actually looking for? What red flags make them nervous, and what won’t matter nearly as much as you think?This week we’ve partnered with Kiwibank to get answers straight from the source.Mobile mortgage manager Chelsea Ladbrook joins us to explain how to increase your chances of mortgage approval, common mistakes to avoid, and the surprising tactics that can help you borrow smarter.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.