What is a mortgage broker?
To broker a mortgage loan, a mortgage broker will act as a link on behalf of an individual or business. Mortgage brokers exist to find a bank or direct lender that will be willing to make the specific loan an individual requires.
You’ll have a stress-free time getting a great deal on the mortgage you need in Gillingham if you work with a mortgage broker. The right broker will also improve your chances of getting a mortgage, even if you have a poor credit score or are subject to any other circumstances that could complicate your mortgage application.
With regulations in place to make sure professional mortgage brokers follow banking and finance laws in the relevant customer jurisdiction, you won’t have to worry about being in the wrong hands.
Handy Tools and Calculators
Being aware of what you can borrow and the amount the loan will cost will make it simpler to plan your future. Take advantage of this handy calculator to determine exactly how much your mortgage repayments will be, based on your total loan figure and interest rate. Simply fill in the values plus your term and press ‘Click to calculate’ to immediately discover the amount you must repay monthly.
Why Use A Mortgage Broker?
Working with a mortgage broker for your mortgage application in Gillingham can be beneficial in various ways. Of these advantages, some of the more prominent include:
Save Money
Of all the benefits working with a mortgage broker provides, the possibility of cutting costs would be the most obvious. You only need to provide a few details, before an experienced professional committed to protecting your interests handles the hard work.
Some people are sceptical about this – especially with the concept of a mortgage broker not yet universally understood. There must be a catch somewhere, surely? Even though this line of thought is understandable, you can rest easy, because not working in your best interests is in no way profitable to a mortgage broker.
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 mortgages deals exist on the lower end that can be obtained by a number of mortgage brokers, possibly making the total cost of the loan that bit lower. Reputable mortgage brokers communicate how they expect to be paid for their services, as well as outline the details of the entire loan. Filing the pockets of a broker is of little value to a mortgage advisor company when compared to making sure customers have a positive experience.
Finds The Most Advantageous Deal
A mortgage broker represents your interests, rather than those of a lending institution. Not only should the role of being your agent be their focus, they also need to be knowledgeable consultants and problem solvers. 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. You’ll be required to meet with the mortgage broker to document your needs, as well as your short and long term goals. Many situations demand more than the simple use of a 30-year or 15-year mortgage. Therefore, innovative mortgage strategies and sophisticated solutions are distinct advantages of working with an experienced mortgage broker. These include mortgage to raise capital for repaying debts, money for the children or essential home improvements, or even to enable the purchase of other properties such as buy to lets.
Has Flexibility Expertise to Meet Your Needs
The client will be under the direction of a mortgage broker, who will manage the process and handle any issues that could arise along the way. If a borrower has credit issues for instance, the broker would know about lenders who have the best products available to meet their needs. 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. As much as it’s important to save some extra money, your time and sanity are important as well. Imagine how much time it would take to find out about the numerous types of loans available from multiple lenders. You’d only need to complete one application with a mortgage broker, instead of filling out forms for every individual lender. A formal comparison of the loans recommended can be provided by your mortgage broker to act as a guide for the information that accurately illustrates the differences in cost, showing present rates and points, as well as closing costs for each loan. Comparisons will be made by your broker between popular and less popular lenders to get you the most suitable deal, with lower rates and total cost.
Reduce the workload for yourself and outsource it to someone who can provide professional advice. Mortgage brokers do the legwork for you by supporting you throughout the application and pre-approval process. This includes completing all paperwork, answering questions, helping you apply for government schemes and shedding light on options and loan features you may not have considered or even known about. These features can include drawdown facilities, the option to make extra repayments and offset accounts to name a few. Your general mortgage experience and overall expenses can be largely affected by these features. Better still, your broker can answer any questions you might have over the phone or provide clarity if you don’t know much about these concepts and the impact they could have on you.
Access to exclusive non-advertised deals
Brokers have access to exclusive deals which the banks do not announce. The banks push these deals on to brokers, who are in charge of selling the products. If you contact the bank yourself, you wouldn’t have access to the extra benefits you would otherwise get 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
The job of a mortgage broker is to help people secure loans. There’s much information and numerous exclusive deals available to them that you won’t find 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. It is a huge plus to have the services of an experienced expert to show these things to you.
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? The same way you would contact a plumber to fix a leaking pipe or a hairdresser to work on damaged hair, contacting a mortgage broker is an ideal option for your home loan needs.
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 aren’t as difficult as they first appear. Finding an adviser who is reliable, knowledgeable and has significant experience is very important for this reason. Making the process as straightforward and seamless as it can be is something our mortgage experts will do for you. After all, why make everything more stressful than it ought to be? Let us simplify everything for you and ensure we get the best deal possible.
Mortgage Saving Experts offer honest and transparent services to our customers, making them feel that mortgages and insurance are not as problematic as they first appear. All the mortgage and insurance applications we take care of at Mortgage Saving Experts are treated as if we own them. This is what we’re all about. 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. Assisting you is the reason we’re here! Fundamentally “Search 1000s of mortgage deals by taking 15 minutes to speak to 1 adviser.”
Our Team of Gillingham 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 must justify to you and our regulators why we recommend the mortgages we do, so you know exactly why you have the mortgage you have.
“Down to Earth Mortgage”
We are an honest team of mortgage insurance experts, who are enthusiastic, passionate and widely experienced.
Our mortgage and insurance experts are particularly good at listening to your current and future goals. To achieve these objectives, we will then work hand in hand with you.
Why chose Mortgage Saving Experts?
For the first couple of years, you’re allowed an initial rate 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. Here are some of the other advantages you’ll enjoy if you work with us:
- With a deal better than the bank variable rate, you’ll subsequently save money.
- We will help you keep abreast of the expiry dates for deals, so you won’t have to worry.
- You can take a breather, while we do the bulk of the work.
- We know our business, so you’ll only be advised by qualified mortgage experts.
- We compare thousands of deals, so can advise you accordingly and arrange the very best.
- For the entire mortgage process, you will be expertly advised and supported.
Our Approach to Mortgage Advice
We provide personalised services and pay attention to all your specific needs. The approach we take to mortgage advice involves three simple steps:
- Let’s have an Initial Chat, so we can get to know You and What Your Requirements Are
- We Search the Entire Market to Find the Best Deal for You
- 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:
Our services are more remarkable than those of other mortgage brokers in Gillingham because:
- Understand your needs and circumstances via fact-finding.
- Spell out the costs buying and selling involves.
- Ask for applicable documents necessary for the application.
- Provide explanations and recommendations for the prospective mortgage.
- Proffer replies to any questions you might have.
- Get an agreement in principle.
- Get your whole mortgage application submitted.
- Answer any questions and work together with your mortgage lender, solicitor and estate agent until the final stages.
Mortgage Types We Provide Expert Advice On
We offer expert advice on a wide variety of mortgage products. By working with our team, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect mortgage product to match your needs. Mortgage types that we’re frequently asked to handle include:
First time buyers
First Time Buyers are classified by the majority of mortgage lenders as those who have either:
- Never owned a property or
- 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. Being a First Time Buyer is usually not an issue. First Time Buyers must not have owned property anywhere in the world before to be eligible for stamp duty relief for stamp duty purposes.
The mortgaging process might appear to be challenging, but this isn’t necessarily so. The prospect of buying your first home comes with a lot of excitement, so if you manage to find a competent broker who can oversee the process at a reasonable price, then go right ahead. It is abundantly clear why you should use one. 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. Mortgage brokers can help you save money, time and effort, so why don’t you use one? There are no charges for the initial consultation.
Buying a home
If you’re thinking of a home purchase any time soon – or even within a couple of years – you should familiarise yourself with everything involved with mortgages. Learn what to do when applying, within the application process and even how to use a mortgage after buying your home. If you would rather avoid any stress, speak to an adviser, who will guide you accordingly.
Your credit is a necessity.
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. For mortgage eligibility, good credit helps, but isn’t vital. We can also guide you with regards how much you can afford to pay for your new home and what should be your price ceiling, based on your current situation. Helping you buy your dream home is not all we do; we will also help you finance it with the lowest cost and most beneficial mortgage deal available.
Re-mortgage your home
Basically, what you’re doing here is changing lenders to get a more suitable rate or cheaper deal. They don’t necessarily have to be paired together. 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. It may seem cheaper to be on a slightly higher rate than pay an arrangement fee to another lender. It’s best to always talk to someone before agreeing any deal, because you don’t want one that’s more expensive overall, even though the rate might be significantly lower.
Be careful. One benefit of re-mortgaging is that you’ll not normally pay for any valuation or solicitors fees, although not everyone qualifies for this. This is due to the fact that it is based solely on your disposition at the time of re-mortgaging. So, please ask your adviser about it.
A smart way to significantly minimise the cost of your mortgage bills is to undertake a re-mortgage on time. Even though a re-mortgage deal is accompanied by various benefits, it might not the best choice for you, depending on your unique circumstances.
- Based on your individual circumstances, like…
- Mortgage debt is relatively small.
- Financial circumstances have changed.
- Significant early repayment charge.
- Decrease in home value.
- Existing credit problems.
- Already on a great rate.
- We will provide guidance to help you choose whether to re-mortgage.
Buy to Let
A ‘buy to let’ property is one bought with a view to renting to others. Legally, you cannot live in the property. 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, you’d be required to know quite a few things.
- The rental income you receive is a primary factor when determining the size of the loan you can borrow.
- You will have to pay 3% stamp in addition to your normal stamp duty.
- If the property is below the value at which stamp duty becomes liable, you will still have to pay the extra 3% of the purchase price.
TIP: You should ask your solicitor/conveyancer to figure out how much you must pay when considering buying a second property. A good adviser will know the exact questions to pose and will find a mortgage that fits your exact requirements. Contact our advisers to find out whether you’re eligible.
How Much Do Mortgage Brokers Charge?
A percentage of your mortgage loan is paid as commission to many mortgage brokers by lenders. Depending on the type of mortgage you need – whether buy to let or residential mortgage for instance – and whether you’ve had any credit problems of late. The figure is often set at around 0.33%, although this varies widely. A flat fee of roughly £500 is usually charged by the majority of independent brokers. Don’t forget to find out how brokers collect payment. The should be totally transparent, disclosing the amount to be charged, as well as their available fee structure.
Our fee structure is based upon charging the client £695; any commission which is received from the mortgage lender is 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. If for example, we are paid a commission of £495, we would ask you to pay a fee of £200, payable on production of your mortgage offer. Please note, we only take payments on a results-based arrangement.
How Much Can I Borrow?
This depends on several factors, such as the deposit value and how much you earn, how many children you have, as well as what debts (if any) you have in the background. How much a lender is willing to lend is based upon a full affordability assessment, whereby they will look to understand your income, as well as any loan or credit card commitments and regular essential household expenditure. In addition, they will perform a credit check to ensure your credit rating is sufficient for the purpose of a mortgage.
Prior to applying for a mortgage in full, obtain a decision in principle to form a clear picture with regards the amount you can borrow. Arrange to see one of our qualified mortgage experts today. Without the need for credit checks, we can at least provide an initial estimate.
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 compare thousands of the latest mortgage deals, so you can find the one you’re after.
Request a free quote from Mortgage Saving Experts, your Gillingham Expert Mortgage Broker
What Our clients say About us
We have a list of clients in Gillingham that is both lengthy and diverse. If you aren’t convinced that we are the professionals to make the best possible mortgage deal in Gillingham at the lowest price, take a look at what some of our customers have said about their experience with us. For a personal experience to discover how effective our services are, contact us today.
Latest Mortgage News
The more information available to you when trying to secure the best mortgage deal, the more advantages you’ll enjoy. Below can be found recent news on mortgages to provide the insight you need to get started.
Mortgage Regulatory Information
Most mortgages in the UK are provided by building societies, banks 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.
Even though UK banks and building societies have always been regulated closely, the FCA (formerly the Financial Services Authority) put a regulatory scheme in place for mortgages, because of the Financial Services Act 2000.
The professional services of mortgage providers are monitored by the FCA. Tough rules are in place concerning checks that ensure customers are fairly treated in terms of contracts for financial services, as well as misleading and unfair adverts and promotions. As a result of the FCA Mortgage Market review of 2014, the initial regulations set out in the rules for Mortgage Conduct of Business were revamped.
The Prudential Regulation Authority (a sister organisation to the FCA) presides over deposit-taking organisations in the UK, with regards their financial conduct.
They ensure firms have a high enough level of capital to offset their lending risks. For lodging complaints about your mortgage provider, the first step 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 Contact the Mortgage Saving Experts in Gillingham. You can reach them by dialling 01273 738 072 today for a friendly chat.
What to Ask Your Gillingham Mortgage Broker?
What happens if you don’t respond to my messages within that timeframe?
How quickly will you respond to my messages?
How much hand-holding is involved during the buying process?
Why should I choose you rather than another broker?
- “Why exactly are you the best?”
- “In what way do you deliver great service?”
What sort of clients do you specialise in?
What will the true cost of my home loan be?
How much can I borrow?
How many loans have you written during that time?
How much experience do you have?
Get in contact with the Mortgage Saving Experts in Horsell. You can reach them by dialling 01273 738 072 today for a friendly chat.
Other Areas We Cover
- Mortgage Brokers in Frinsted, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Frittenden, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Frogham, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Frogholt, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Garlinge, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Godden-Green, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Godinton, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Godmersham, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Golden-Green, Kent
- Mortgage Brokers in Goodnestone, Kent
