Mortgage Brokers in Downswood, Kent

What is a mortgage broker?

A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary who brokers mortgage loans on behalf of individuals or businesses. The job of a mortgage broker is to identify banks or direct lenders that would make the actual loan an individual seeks.

Finding a good deal for a mortgage loan in Downswood will be easier if you work with a mortgage broker. If you work with a reputable mortgage broker and have a poor credit score or any other issues that could affect your mortgage application, your chances would be greatly improved.

Professional mortgage brokers are bound under strict regulations and required to comply with banking and finance laws in the customer’s jurisdiction, so, you don’t have to worry about being in the wrong hands.

Handy Tools and Calculators

With a clear idea of the maximum you can borrow and how much the loan will cost, it then becomes easier to plan your future. With this handy calculator, get a better understanding of how much your mortgage repayments will be, based on your full loan and interest rate. Find out how much you’ll have to repay every month instantly by simply entering those values with your term and pressing ‘Click to calculate’.

Mortgage Calculator
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Why Use A Mortgage Broker?

Working on your mortgage application with a mortgage broker in Downswood comes with many different benefits. Some of the more obvious benefits include:

Save Money

The possibility of saving money is the most obvious advantage of working with a mortgage broker. You only need to provide a few details, before an experienced professional committed to protecting your interests handles the hard work.

Some people are not fully convinced about this, what with the concept of a mortgage broker still vaguely understood universally. So, there has to be a catch somewhere, surely? While this train of thought is understandable, be assured that most mortgage brokers don’t have an incentive to work against your best interests.

If the broker cannot provide genuine reasons for recommending the mortgage they have (to you, their regulators, the Financial Conduct Authority or the Prudential Regulation Authority), then they could be in serious trouble. Exclusive mortgage deals not found on the high street can be unearthed by many mortgage brokers, which could potentially cut the cost of the entire loan for the client. A reputable mortgage broker will disclose how they are paid for their services, as well as detail the total cost of the loan. Positive user experience is much more valuable to a mortgage advisor company than padding out an individual broker’s pocket.

Search 1000s of mortgage deals by taking 15 minutes, speaking to 1 adviser

Finds The Most Advantageous Deal

A mortgage broker will always be in favour of your own interests and not those of the lending institution. They shouldn’t just play the role of your agent, but also those of problem solver and knowledgeable consultant. For terms like interest rates, repayment value and loan products, you can get the best possible value from a broker, who has access to a wide array of mortgage products. To ascertain your goals and needs (both short and long term), you’ll be interviewed by the mortgage broker. Sophisticated solutions and innovative mortgages are distinct advantages of working with experienced broker, because simple 15 or 30-year mortgages aren’t enough in some situations. These include mortgages to raise capital for debt repayment, money for your children, important home renovations or even the purchase of other properties like buy to lets.

Has Flexibility Expertise to Meet Your Needs

A mortgage broker navigates the client through any situation, handling the process and smoothing any bumps in the road along the way. For instance, brokers would know the lenders that can make available the best products for clients with credit issues. A broker will be beneficial in providing the necessary knowledge to source financing if a borrower requires a loan that’s larger than the bank would normally approve.

Save Time & Hassle

It’s never just about money. Your time and sanity are just as important as saving a bit of extra cash. Consider how much time it would take you to research multiple loan types from multiple lenders. You’d be required to fill out just one application with a mortgage broker, unlike completing one for every different lender. The loans recommended can be formally compared for you buy your mortgage broker. This will serve as a guide to the information which correctly shows cost differences, with present rates, points and closing costs for each loan illustrated. To find the best deal in terms of lower rates and overall cost, your broker will make comparisons between popular and less popular lenders.

By outsourcing, you can reduce the workload and get someone else’s professional advice. A mortgage broker can do a lot of the work by providing you with support throughout the application and approval process. This might involve completing all paperwork, helping you with applications to government schemes, answering questions and explaining the options and loan features, about which you may not have been aware. Drawdown facilities, offset accounts and extra repayments (to name a few) are just some of the features involved. Your general mortgage experience and overall expenses can be largely affected by these features. If you’re unfamiliar with these concepts and how they might affect you, your broker can clarify and answer any questions via a phone call.

Access to exclusive non-advertised deals

Brokers have access to exclusive deals which the banks do not announce. The brokers are charged with selling the products, as the deals are pushed on to them by the banks. Going to the bank directly could cause you to miss out on added benefits such as these, which you can procure by speaking to a broker.

A bank can provide access to their own deals (not those offered by other banks), but brokers can gain access to the entire market to find the best deals.

Better chance of pre-approval success

Whenever you request an Agreement in principle / Decision in principle of a loan, this leaves a mark on your credit rating if you’re refused. The experience and knowledge required for your best chance of approval the first time you apply is something brokers have in abundance.

Access to expert knowledge

Helping people secure loans is what mortgage brokers do for a living. They have access to information and select deals you wouldn’t discover by yourself. If you aren’t looking for them, you’re likely to miss the subtle details that come with loans. At the end of the day, these subtleties tend to improve your mortgage chances. If you have an experienced professional who can show you these things, you’ll be at a distinct advantage.
Rather than putting time aside to research thousands of loans and several lenders – and still possibly miss important subtleties – why not let someone else who has industry experience handle the work? For home loan requirements, a mortgage broker is the best ways to go, just as a hairdresser is for replenishing damaged hair and a plumber for fixing leaking pipes.

Contact the Mortgage Saving Experts in Horsell. You can reach us by dialling 01273 738 072 today for a friendly chat.

About Mortgage Saving Experts

Mortgages and insurance are not as complex as they seem at first. For this reason, it’s necessary to find an honest and knowledgeable adviser, with ample experience. Our mortgage savings experts will ease the process for you and make it as simple as possible. After all, why make everything more stressful than it ought to be? Let us make everything easy for you and ensure you get the best possible deal.

With the honest and transparent services customers receive at Mortgage Saving Experts, they will come to realise that mortgages and insurance are not as challenging as they seem. Here at Mortgage Saving Experts, we treat all mortgage and insurance applications as our own. This is what we do. Mortgage Saving Experts are here, no matter what the circumstances, whether you’re a landlord, first time buyer, moving on to a new chapter or just re-mortgaging. Providing help is why we’re here! Fundamentally “Get information about 1000s of mortgage deals by taking 15 minutes to speak to 1 adviser.”

Our Team of Downswood Mortgage Experts

As we are bound by regulations of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), we must ensure we get you the best available deal on the market. We need to provide justification to our customers and regulators for recommending the mortgages we do, so you understand just why you have that particular mortgage.

“Down to Earth Mortgage”

We are a team of experienced mortgage insurance experts, driven by honesty, passion and enthusiasm.

Our mortgage and insurance experts pride themselves on listening to what your current and future objectives are. We will make these goals happen by working meticulously alongside you.

Why chose Mortgage Saving Experts?

You’ll get an initial rate for the first few years after taking out a mortgage. The lender’s variable rate is implemented after the initial rate is complete. You will be contacted by our team approximately three months prior to the renewal time to agree a new deal, before the monthly payment and rate are increased. Other benefits of working with us include:

  • The deal you’ll get is better than the bank variable rate, which in turn saves you money.
  • You won’t have to remember when the deal is due to end, as we will do this for you.
  • While we deal with the stress on your behalf, you can sit back and ease your mind.
  • We know our stuff; you’ll always receive pertinent advice from a qualified mortgage expert.
  • We compare thousands of deals, so can advise you accordingly and arrange the very best.
  • You’ll be supported and expertly advised throughout the whole mortgage process.

Our Approach to Mortgage Advice

The services we offer are personalised and take into account your unique needs. The approach we take to mortgage advice involves three simple steps:

  1. Let’s have an Initial Chat, so we can get to know You and What Your Requirements Are
  2. We Search the Entire Market to Find the Best Deal for You
  3. We’ll Present you with the Cheapest and best Deals Available for Both Mortgages and Insurance Cover

How Mortgage Saving Expert Brokers Can Help you:

What makes our services superior to those of other mortgage brokers in Downswood includes:

  • Understand your needs and circumstances via fact-finding.
  • Point out the costs that come with buying and selling.
  • Request applicable documents to aid the application.
  • Recommend and explain the prospective mortgage.
  • Proffer replies to any questions you might have.
  • Collect an agreement in principle.
  • Have your entire mortgage application sent in.
  • Work with your estate agent, solicitor and mortgage lender to answer any questions comprehensively.
For a first-hand experience of how amazing our services are, give us a call today

Mortgage Types We Provide Expert Advice On

We advise expertly on a vast selection of mortgage products. In choosing to work with our team, finding the ideal mortgage product to meet your needs will be relatively easy. Some of the most frequently requested types of mortgage we assist with include:

First time buyers

Most mortgage lenders put people in the First Time Buyers category if they have either:

  1. Never owned a property or
  2. People who have owned a property in the past, but not owned one for six months or more.

The rules and ideas on this are different across various lenders. There usually are no issues in being a First Time Buyer. In order to qualify for stamp duty relief, it’s necessary for First time Buyers to have never been property owners before; this applies anywhere in the world.

Mortgages may appear to be a rather difficult process, but they really don’t have to be. Buying your first home can be exciting, so if you come across a suitable broker who can handle the process for you at a fair price, do take advantage of their expertise. The reason you should use one is fairly obvious. It stands to reason that you would contact a mechanic if your car became faulty – especially if you knew little or nothing about cars. With mortgages, it is exactly the same. With mortgage brokers, you can cut down on money, effort and time, so you should use one. The initial consultation will cost you nothing.

Buying a home

You should get to know more about mortgages if you’re thinking of buying a home in the near future or a few years to come. Learn what to do when applying, within the application process and even how to use a mortgage after buying your home. If you’d prefer a different approach, then speak to an adviser who can guide you through it.

Your credit is important.

A mortgage is not to be taken lightly. Since the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008, banks have trodden more carefully in terms of risking money up front. Good credit helps to qualify for a mortgage, but it isn’t a necessity. Depending on your present circumstances, we can be your guide on how much you can afford to pay for your new home and help set your cost limit. In addition to assisting you with the purchase of your dream home, we will also help with financing at minimum cost and the most agreeable mortgage available.

Re-mortgage your home

In short, this means you’ll switch from one lender to another to get a more affordable rate or cheaper deal. The two of them don’t have to go hand in hand. I’ll explain this clearly. If you’ve got a small mortgage, paying the arrangement fee to a new lender to go on a lower rate might not seem practical to you. You might find it cheaper by going on a slightly higher rate and paying no arrangement fee to the lender at all. It’s always best to speak with someone before deciding which deal to go for, as you don’t want to be caught out by being tied to a more expensive deal overall, even if the rate is much lower.

Be careful. One advantage of re-mortgaging is that you won’t have to pay any valuation or solicitors fees. That said, not everyone is eligible for this exemption. This is because only your circumstances are considered at the time of re-mortgaging. So, please make enquiries with your adviser.

Performing a re-mortgage in time is a practical way to reduce your mortgage costs significantly. Depending on your specific needs, a re-mortgage deal might not be the best option, even though it does have its advantages.

  • Depending on your individual circumstances, such as…
  • Mortgage debt is relatively small.
  • There has been a change in financial circumstances.
  • Early repayment charge is on the high side.
  • Decrease in home value.
  • You’re dealing with credit problems.
  • Already on a suitable current rate.
  • We will provide guidance to help you choose whether to re-mortgage.

Buy to Let

A property purchased in order to be rented to tenants is a ‘buy to let’. You aren’t allowed to live in the property by law. If you’re a First Time Buyer, the number of available lenders will be restricted if you’re purchasing a buy to let, while extra checks would be carried out by the lender in such cases.

  • When purchasing a buy to let property, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
  • The amount of rental income you receive more or less affects how the loan amount you’re able to borrow.
  • Other than your regular stamp duty, you will have to pay an extra 3% stamp duty on top.
  • If the value of the property isn’t valued at the amount for which stamp duty becomes liable, you are still required to pay the extra 3% of purchase cost.

TIP: If you want to buy a second property, find out the amount you’ll be require pay from your conveyancer/solicitor. A knowledgeable adviser will help find the right mortgage to suit your requirements by asking you the relevant questions. Get in touch with our advisers to find out if you qualify.

How Much Do Mortgage Brokers Charge?

Most mortgage brokers get paid commission from lenders, which will be a percentage of the mortgage loan you receive. This is usually around 0.33%, although this does vary massively, depending on what mortgage you require. For example, this would take into account buy to let or residential mortgages and whether you’ve had any credit problems in the recent past. Many independent brokers usually charge about £500 as a flat fee. Be sure to ask brokers how you can pay them. They must be completely clear, letting you know the exact figure and fee structure in place.

We charge the client £695 as part of our fee structure; if the mortgage lender pays any commission, it is then deducted from that figure. Our client will be asked to pay the difference between the commission we are paid and £695, if the amount of commission is less than £695. For instance, if the commission we receive is £495, then we would require you to pay £200 to make up the difference. This can be paid when your mortgage offer has been produced, meaning we only get paid on results.

How Much Can I Borrow?

This is based on a number of factors, such as the amount you deposit, your income, the number of children you have, and any current debts you might have. A total affordability assessment is required to determine how much a lender will agree to lend; this takes into account your income, any loan or credit card commitments you have, as well as regular household expenses. In addition, they will perform a credit check to ensure your credit rating is sufficient for the purpose of a mortgage.

For a more accurate idea of how much you can borrow, get a decision in principle before you apply for a mortgage in full. Arrange an appointment with one of our qualified mortgage experts today. We can provide an initial estimate, without the need for any credit checks to begin with.

The Latest Best Mortgage Rates

We can help, whether you’re seeking to re-mortgage, purchase a buy to let, move home or find a mortgage for a first-time buyer. We make comparisons on thousands of recent mortgage deals to help you find just what you’re looking for.

Request a free quote from Mortgage Saving Experts, your Downswood Expert Mortgage Broker

What Our clients say About us

Our list of happy clients in Downswood is long and diverse. If you’re still not sure that we are the experts to get you the most suitable mortgage deal in Downswood at the most affordable price, check out some of the things our clients have said about working with us. Contact us today to get a first-hand experience of the excellent services we provide.

Latest Mortgage News

The more information you have to hand in your search for the ideal mortgage arrangement, the greater advantage you’ll have. The latest mortgage news below will provide the insight you need to properly get started.

Mortgage Regulatory Information

The majority of mortgages in the UK are made available by banks, building societies and specialised mortgage lenders. Although a big portion of the market share is owned by Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide Building Society, all together there are 200 different financial institutions providing mortgages in Britain.

Although banks and building societies have always been closely regulated in the UK, the former Financial Services Authority (now the FCA) implemented a regulatory scheme specifically for mortgages as a result of the Financial Services Act of 2000.

The professional conduct of mortgage providers is regulated by the FCA. Strict rules are in place against using false or unfair adverts and promotions, in addition to checks to ensure the terms of contracts for financial services are fair for the consumer. Regulations were originally set out in the rules for Mortgage Conduct of Business (MCOB), but these were overhauled as a result of the FCA Mortgage Market Review (MMR) in 2014.

The Prudential Regulation Authority (a sister organisation to the FCA) presides over deposit-taking organisations in the UK, with regards their financial conduct.

They make sure firms have a substantial level of capital to offset their lending risks. The first step in tackling any issue you have with regards your mortgage provider is to take it up with them. If you feel it hasn’t been dealt with to your complete satisfaction, there is a complaints procedure which can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. Some mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority such as moist Buy to Let mortgages and if you make a complaint about these you are unable to take these to the Financial Ombudsman Service Connect with the Mortgage Saving Experts in Downswood. For a brief and informal chat, call us now on 01273 738 072.

What to Ask Your Downswood Mortgage Broker?

What happens if you don’t respond to my messages within that timeframe?

This is a valid follow-up question. Remember, insist on receiving a specific answer. As soon as your questions are answered, find out about the broker putting both claims down on paper. The seriousness of these claims will be all too evident.

How quickly will you respond to my messages?

You don’t want a broker who can’t respond sufficiently to any issues that could arise during the application process, hence the need for this question. Be forceful in asking for a specific answer: for example, say “within three hours” rather than “quickly”.

How much hand-holding is involved during the buying process?

This question is necessary to ascertain whether you will be closely guided by the broker (through this potentially complicated and stress-filled process) or be expected to figure things out on your own.

Why should I choose you rather than another broker?

Knowing you’re in safe hands is important, as it can be both complicated and stressful when purchasing property and organising finance. This makes it necessary to make sure brokers answer this question before you decide on who to work with. Don’t let the broker get away with vague statements like “Because I’m the best” or “Because I provide great service”. More details can be acquired by using follow-up questions.
  • “Why exactly are you the best?”
  • “In what way do you deliver great service?”

What sort of clients do you specialise in?

Another necessary question to ask. The reason is that while many borrowers work only with ‘plain vanilla’ clients, many others may prefer complex investors or borrowers with credit issues. Hypothetically speaking, Broker A may have worked on 450 regular loans and 50 bad-credit loans, while Broker B may have worked on 50 regular loans and 250 bad-credit loans. Therefore, if you were a borrower with credit problems, you might be better off with Broker B. Then, ask questions regarding their standard of customer service.

What will the true cost of my home loan be?

A good way to benefit from their experience and specialist knowledge is to ask them to figure out just how much your home loan will cost. A mortgage illustration with the actual cost attached can be sourced by your broker, depending on factors such as whether you’ll pay repayment or interest only; the length of your loan term; the size of the deposit you have in place; and the rates payable. This is usually reflected in the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). To significantly reduce the total cost of your loan, the loan term can be minimised and the deposit maximised. Determining exactly how much your home loan will cost requires much more work. Upfront fees need to be included in the entire cost; these include valuation fees, conveyancing and legal fees. For instance, using drawdown facilities can incur ongoing fees. Even though it’s not possible to foretell the exact cost of your mortgage in figures – and we can’t rule out the fact that things may change that can affect your ability to pay - a broker can put all the relevant details into perspective. Recommendations can be made by Mortgage Saving Experts for the protection and insurance of you and your family to provide for all of life’s unfortunate eventualities. Our team of advisers will utilise this information to help figure out the best possible loan for you.

How much can I borrow?

The big question plaguing home buyers tends to be “How much can I borrow?” Several factors affect the maximum amount, because lenders are all different in this area. In most cases, you can borrow up to roughly five times your gross annual salary, but in some instances, you may be able to borrow up to 5.5 times your gross annual income. We can get a much clearer indication of your borrowing capacity once you get in touch with us. Brokers act as middlemen between you and the lender. Lenders will require information concerning your debts, living expenses, credit score and any dependents you might have. All these details can be factored into the best loan by a broker. Home loan terms can also be explained to you by a broker, such as Loan-to-Value (LTV), which is in effect a percentage of the full loan amount you are seeking as a percentage of the property purchase value. They can also explain things like the differences in interest rates and repayment types, such as Interest Only and Repayment (Capital and Interest).

How many loans have you written during that time?

Asking this question as a follow-up is prudent, because it will give you a better understanding of the broker’s overall experience. For instance, consider that two imaginary brokers joined the industry in 2013, but while one has written 500 loans in that time, the other has written just 300. In that case, despite spending the same amount of time in the industry, the differences in their hand-on experience would be all too obvious.

How much experience do you have?

This is a good starting point, as a suitably experienced broker will certainly know more than a less experienced one. Press for specific responses like “10 years” or “I’ve been in the mortgage industry since 2005”, as opposed to vague answers, such as “I’m very experienced in that area”.

Get in contact with the Mortgage Saving Experts in Horsell. You can reach them by dialling 01273 738 072 today for a friendly chat.

Want to know more?

Get in touch with of our mortgage saving experts today to find out how we can help.

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