What makes Sarah Curtis Mortgages & Insurance different?

I’m Sarah, also known as the “Queen of Straight Up Advice”. I have tattoos, my hair changes constantly & my favourite work outfit is my ripped jeans and one of my multiple pairs of Chucks.

Alongside my right-hand guy Gareth (who you will likely find in shorts & a T-shirt) - we help everyday Kiwis make smart, confident choices about their mortgages and insurance.

We’re not a bank or insurer. We work for you, not them. We are all about making the process simple, transparent, and actually enjoyable. Whether it’s getting into your first home, reviewing your lending, or protecting what matters most, we’ve got your back the whole way. We used to be called “brokers” - we are now called “advisers” because we do so much more than just facilitate a transaction.

Who do you help?

We help real people — first home buyers, growing families, investors, and anyone who wants to feel more in control of their money. Whether you’re buying, building, refinancing, or sorting out your insurance, you’re in the right place.

With over 40 years of combined experience in mortgages and insurance, both Gareth and I know the ins and outs of what works (and what to do when something doesn’t!), and we use that knowledge to make the process smoother, smarter, and way less stressful for you.

Who we’re not the right fit for

If you don’t like honesty, if you don’t like straight-up advice, or if you’d rather be told what you want to hear instead of what you need to know - we’re probably not your people.

We don’t do sugar-coating, sales fluff, or shortcuts. We believe in clear communication, teamwork, and taking action. So if you value transparency, genuine care, and a bit of real talk along the way - we’ll get along just fine.

Also, FYI - there may also be a few swear words….

What’s the process like for mortgages?

1. Chat: I start with a quick call to understand your goals and where you’re at.

2. Plan: We review your information, deep dive into lender policies & let you know what we think the next steps are - based on your individual situation.

3. Action: We handle the application, negotiation, and follow-ups, working closely not just with you, but any other professional advisers you engage - think, solicitors, accountants, real estate agents.

4. Support: We stay in touch well after settlement — because life (and interest rates) change.

Why do I need insurance advice — can’t I just buy it online?

You can, but it’s risky. We are firm believers that something is better than nothing when it comes to insurance. However, experience tells us that online cover often can look cheaper because of exclusions included, and the potential that it might not actually pay when you need it most. Paying money to something each month you thought you had covered, it can be blimming heartbreaking when you do go to claim & it isn’t covered.

We make sure your policies work in real life, not just on paper.

What types of insurance can you help with?

We cover (pun intended):

• Life insurance

• Health insurance

• Income protection

• Mortgage protection

• Trauma and disability cover

We’ll tailor it to your lifestyle, family, and budget - plus make sure you understand what it is that is actually set up.

Do you charge for your service?

In most cases, no - our advice is completely free.

The bank or insurer pays us a commission once your loan or policy is in place.

If a fee ever applies (for example, with complex, short-term, or specialist lending), we’ll always be upfront about it before we start any work — no surprises, ever. All this is really clearly explained in our initial conversation & also in our nature & scope, which you will receive via email also.

Why work with an adviser instead of going straight to a bank or insurer?

Because we work for you, not them.
We’re independent — which means our job is to look after your best interests, not hit a lender’s or insurer’s sales target.

That means:

• We compare multiple options, not just one.

• We explain everything in plain English (no jargon, no fluff).

• We help you make smart decisions that protect your future — not just your rate or premium.

• And if something ever goes wrong, we’re on your side, advocating, explaining, and fighting your corner until it’s sorted.

What happens after everything’s set up?

We don’t disappear once your loan or insurance is sorted (I mean, if you want us to, we can, though?!)

When your home loan comes up for review, we’ll check your options, talk through your goals, and make sure your setup still fits your life.

And if you ever need to make an insurance claim, you call us first, not a 0800 number. We’ll handle the process, talk to the insurer, and make sure you get what you’re entitled to.

Once you’re part of the Sarah Curtis Mortgages & Insurance family, you’re supported for the long haul if that’s your vibe.

Do you only work with Northland clients?

Northland is home, with our office based in Kerikeri, but we work with clients all across New Zealand.
Whether you’re in Pukenui or Invercargill, or anywhere in between — we’ve got you covered via phone, email, and Zoom. We also have a lot of overseas clients - so if you are looking to move back to New Zealand, or simply want to know what your options are with getting lending for property in New Zealand, we can help.

What’s it like working with you and Gareth?

We’re a small team that genuinely cares and has a s**t ton of experience! It’s my website so I can say that hey?!

We started SCM over eight years ago, plus we had a total of 25 years of combined experience in lending & insurance before starting the business, so there isn’t much we haven’t helped clients through before.

You’ll always deal directly with one of us - no call centres or random “advisers of the week.” We’re approachable, honest, and always on your side. You’ll get straight answers, comprehensive replies, and the kind of support that lasts well beyond settlement day.

We don’t do scare tactics or jargon. When it comes to insurance in particular, our job is to make sure you understand what you’re covered for, why it matters, and how it fits into your overall financial well-being.

Ready to chat?

Whether you’re buying your first home, reviewing your lending, or sorting out your insurance, we’d love to help make things simple and stress-free.

At Sarah Curtis Mortgages & Insurance, we keep things real — no jargon, no pressure, just genuine advice that puts you first.

✨ Let’s chat about your goals and see how we can make them happen — get in touch to book a call.