Using a mortgage broker or adviser gives you the maximum chance of finding the best mortgage for your needs. A mortgage broker can help you:
Buy your first home
Remortgage
Buy your next home
Buy business property
Release equity (turn some of your home’s value into cash in later life)
Get a specialist mortgage (e.g. a guarantor mortgage or family deposit mortgage)
The main advantage of using a mortgage broker is that they are unbiased. They are not restricted to a limited number of providers, so can source the best mortgage for you from the whole of the market. They can even access deals that are not available anywhere else. By finding you the best interest rates and mortgage terms, a mortgage broker can save you a lot of money.
A mortgage broker will also explain everything to you and guide you through the application process. This increases your chances of your mortgage application being accepted first time.
The cost of mortgage advice can vary from around £400-£500 to no fee at all, with the mortgage broker instead receiving a commission from the lender.
Sometimes, the broker will charge one or the other, and in some cases, they will receive both a fee and a commission.
At your first meeting, ask your adviser whether they can source direct deals (these may offer special rates or discounts).
If your adviser recommends a particular mortgage to you, ask them to explain in detail why this deal is most suitable for you.
A good mortgage adviser may also offer useful tips and guidance throughout the home-buying process, so be sure to find an adviser with whom you get along well.
Here are the 10 best questions to ask your mortgage broker.
Are you regulated?
How much do you charge?
What’s the best type of mortgage for me?
How many lenders can you access?
How do I need to save to buy my home?
How much can I borrow?
What is the mortgage interest rate, and will this change?
Are there any restrictions on my mortgage?
Can you help me with other aspects of the house-buying process?
What documentation do I need, and how long will it take to get my mortgage approved?
By asking these 10 questions, you can ensure that your broker is regulated, transparent about fees, and capable of providing tailored advice that suits your financial situation.
Understanding how much you can borrow, what types of mortgages are best for you, and the potential restrictions on your mortgage will help you make informed decisions.
Unbiased is the place to find advisers you can trust. Our site offers one of the easiest and quickest ways to find the right professional for you. Every professional is appropriately regulated, qualified and independent of product providers, so you can be sure of finding unbiased advice.
Our smart system can match an available professional to your requirements, so there’s no time-consuming shopping around. Alternatively, you can browse a list of local professionals and filter them to suit your preferences.