Q: Michelle, can you tell us a little about what life was like before HouseMe?

Michelle:

My husband and I had built a wonderful life together.

When he passed away, everything changed. I didn't just lose my husband. I also lost the house we'd built together and our business.

It felt like I was starting life all over again, and that's incredibly daunting when you're older.

There were certainly days where I wondered what my future was going to look like.

Q: What became most important to you?

Michelle:

Family. Without a doubt. I realised pretty quickly that life isn't about having a big house. It's about the people inside it.

My son suggested putting a tiny home on his farm, and the more we talked about it, the more it made sense.

I absolutely didn't want to stay living in the city. I wanted to be somewhere peaceful, surrounded by people I love, where the grandkids could pop over whenever they liked.

That became my goal.

Q: Was downsizing difficult?

Michelle:

Not at all. People often think downsizing means giving something up. For me, it felt like gaining my freedom back.

Everything I need is here. It's warm. It's modern. It's easy to look after. I spend far less time worrying about maintaining a large property and far more time enjoying life.

........

Discovering No Deposit Finance

Q: Did you think buying another home was even possible?

Michelle:

Honestly...

No. I'd accepted that I would probably rent. After everything that had happened, I simply didn't have a deposit sitting in the bank.

That was the biggest hurdle.

Q: How did you first hear about HouseMe's No Deposit Finance?

Michelle:

I came across it online while looking at different housing options. My first reaction was probably the same as everyone else's...

"This sounds too good to be true."

But instead of talking myself out of it, I decided to ask the question.

Q: What made you submit an application?

Michelle:

My son encouraged me. He said, "You'll never know unless you ask."

Looking back, I'm so pleased I listened.

It only took a few minutes to complete the application.

Q: Were you nervous?

Michelle:

Very. I think anyone would be. You're worried about whether you'll qualify.

You wonder if someone is going to judge your financial situation.

You replay everything that's happened over the years in your head.

But none of that happened. Everyone was incredibly respectful.

Q: What happened after you applied?

Michelle:

Someone contacted me really quickly. They explained exactly what would happen next.

There was no confusing finance jargon. Everything was explained in plain English.

I always knew what the next step was.

Q: Was there a lot of paperwork?

Michelle:

There was paperwork, but that's expected when you're applying for finance.

What made it easy was that HouseMe told me exactly what they needed and why.

It never felt overwhelming.

Q: Did you ever feel pressured?

Michelle:

Never! Not once.

I genuinely felt like they wanted to help me find a solution rather than sell me something.

That made a huge difference.

Q: What surprised you most about the finance process?

Michelle:

How straightforward it was. I'd imagined weeks of stress.

Instead, everything happened one step at a time. Whenever something progressed, somebody called me.

I always felt informed.

Q: What did it feel like when your finance was approved?

Michelle:

Relief. Absolute relief. It was probably the first time in a long time that I thought...

"Everything is going to be okay."

...........

Choosing HouseMe

Q: Why did you choose HouseMe?

Michelle:

The homes felt right. They're modern, and they're cosy. They're also very practical.

I didn't need a mansion. I needed somewhere I could happily live for the rest of my life.

That's exactly what I found.

Q: Did HouseMe help you choose the right home?

Michelle:

Absolutely. Nobody tried to sell me something bigger or more expensive.

They asked what I needed. They asked about my budget.

They helped me choose a home that suited my lifestyle.

I really appreciated that.

..........

The HouseMe Experience

Q: What was the communication like?

Michelle:

Outstanding! Every time something happened, someone let me know.

I never felt forgotten. I never had to chase anybody.

Buying a home can be stressful enough without wondering what's happening.

HouseMe kept me informed from beginning to end.

Q: Did you enjoy watching your home being built?

Michelle:

I loved it. Well, I didn't watch it being built, but I was kept in the loop at every milestone.

Every update made it feel more real. You start imagining where your furniture will go.

Where you'll sit with a cup of tea. 

Where the grandkids will play.

It's a really exciting time.

Q: Tell us about delivery day.

Michelle:

It was incredible.

Watching the transport team position the home was amazing.

They made something that looked incredibly difficult seem easy.

The whole team were professional, friendly and clearly knew exactly what they were doing.

I was genuinely impressed.

Q: What was going through your mind when you walked inside?

Michelle:

I actually got emotional and had a bit of a cry with my family. I gave the transport team a big hug!

After everything that had happened...

Standing inside my own home...

It felt like I'd finally found my feet again.

Q: Were there any issues after delivery?

Michelle:

Just a couple of very minor things. Nothing unusual.

What impressed me was how quickly HouseMe responded.

I made one phone call, and they organised everything.

There were no excuses. No arguments.

Everything was sorted straight away.

That gave me confidence they genuinely stand behind their homes.

...........

Life Today

Q: What's your favourite part about living there now?

Michelle:

Being close to family. That's what this was all about.

The grandkids come over all the time.

Sometimes it's planned, and sometimes they just wander over.

Those little everyday moments are priceless.

Q: Has life changed?

Michelle:

Completely. I feel settled, and I feel secure.

I have a home that's perfect for me.

I'm surrounded by people I love.

I honestly couldn't ask for anything more.

Q: What does it feel like making your repayments?

Michelle:

It's actually something I enjoy.

That might sound strange.

But every repayment is going towards my own future.

I'm not paying someone else's mortgage anymore.

I'm investing in my forever home.

That feels incredibly rewarding.

Q: If someone reading this is wondering whether to apply, what would you say?

Michelle:

Don't rule yourself out. I nearly did. I assumed I wouldn't qualify.

If I'd listened to that little voice in my head, I'd probably still be renting today.

Just ask the question.

The HouseMe team were honest, supportive and genuinely cared about helping me.

They made the whole experience so much easier than I ever imagined.

A fresh start and a new chapter. I get teary-eyed now just talking about it.

Michelle's story is proof that sometimes the biggest step is simply asking the question.

If you've been putting off home ownership because you don't have a deposit, or you think buying a home is out of reach, it might be worth finding out what's actually possible.

HouseMe's No Deposit Finance has helped eligible New Zealanders take the next step into a home they can truly call their own.

Whether you're downsizing, starting over, or simply wanting to be closer to family, our team is here to guide you through the process, from your first enquiry to the day you receive your keys.

Ready to find out what you could qualify for?

Complete a No Deposit Finance application today and let our team help you explore your options.

Because sometimes, all it takes is asking the question.