Ex-ski instructor helps Kiwis achieve homeownership dreams
From carving ski trails to carving out smart lending solutions, James Kingscote (pictured) brings clarity, calm, and client-first advice to every mortgage journey.
Now based in Queenstown and Wanaka, the former ski instructor helps Kiwis navigate the often-confusing path to homeownership – with a focus on relationships, resilience, and results.
A global ski career led to guiding first-home buyers
Kingscote, mortgage adviser at Mike Pero Mortgages Wanaka and Queenstown, took an unconventional route into broking – one that began with ski instructing around the world.
“I started out as a ski instructor around the world. Switching to mortgage advising felt natural – both roles guide people through unfamiliar territory and build their confidence,” he said.
Kingscote compared the journey of a first-home buyer to learning a new sport.
“Buying a first home is like learning to ski: everything seems overwhelming,” he said. “My job is to steer clients from ‘no idea’ to ownership or smart investing.”
Kingscote said the emotional payoff is unmatched: “Seeing someone get the keys to their first place or hit a big financial goal is hard to beat. Helping people shape their future is why I moved into this profession and it’s still the best part of the job.”
Client-first advice is changing the game
Kingscote said the most encouraging shift in the industry has been a deeper focus on genuine, people-focused guidance.
“The biggest positive shift I’ve seen is the move toward real client-first advice,” he said. “More advisers are recognising this job’s not just about numbers or deals – it’s about people.”
According to Kingscote, the value comes from taking time to understand and support clients, not just process transactions.
“Listening properly, helping them understand their options, and giving advice that works long term. Not just a quick fix,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s a huge privilege to be part of someone’s journey and I reckon if you keep doing what’s right by the client, the rest follows.”
Navigating lending complexity through clarity and advocacy
Kingscote highlighted policy complexity and lender unpredictability as key obstacles.
“Our biggest hurdle right now is increasing complexity of lending rules and unpredictable turnaround times,” he said.
Kingscote believes the solution lies in making the process clear and supportive for everyday borrowers.
“Every day, Kiwis look at the requirements and get lost fast,” he said. “Our job is to cut through the noise. Keep the process simple, set clear expectations and stay in our clients’ corner from start to finish.
“If we focus on straight talk and smart advocacy, we can still get the best outcome for them.”
From heartbreak to homeownership: A client story four years in the making
One story continues to fuel Kingscote’s passion for broking – his very first client.
“My first client sticks with me,” he said. “He was pumped to buy in a new development, ready for that first home. Then the project collapsed and his dream vanished.”
Despite setbacks, Kingscote stayed in touch.
“Life moved on. He became a dad, priorities shifted, but we stayed in touch. I told him the goal was delayed, not dead,” he said.
“Four years later we settled his first home. His grin said it all and I felt it too.
“That moment reminds me why I love this job – guiding people through setbacks and still landing their big goal.”
Advice for future advisers: Listen more, learn always
For those entering the mortgage industry, Kingscote emphasised the basics: relationships, listening, and integrity.
“This job is all about relationships, communication, and doing what’s right for your clients,” he said. “Listen more than you talk, ask great questions and keep learning.
“If you focus on making it easy and clear for the client, the rest tends to take care of itself.”
