More and more people are utilising the skills and expertise of online mortgage brokers, rather than going straight to their bank. The reasoning behind this is quite simple. Online brokers may not only save you money but should also have the expertise to get your mortgage application approved, even if it’s previously been declined.
In addition, advisors with access to the whole market can ensure that you’re getting the best mortgage available at that time. High street lenders will only offer you their own products, so you can’t be sure if it really is the best mortgage for you.
Is getting a mortgage from my bank easier?
Understandably, borrowers tend to go straight to their bank under the assumption that getting a mortgage is easier and less hassle than using a broker, but this is rarely the case.
This is especially true if you’re a borrower who doesn’t have a great credit score or you’ve recently become self-employed. A great mortgage broker will do all the hard work for you and will have access to specialist lenders for all the tricky mortgage applications.
Our experts specialise in the following:
Mortgage money-saving tips
Shop around for the best deal
Going to your bank for a mortgage isn’t always a smart move when searching for a mortgage. Often those looking for mortgages will go to their bank and take the first product offered. There certainly isn’t anything wrong with going to your bank, but shop around before you commit to anything.
Don’t forget, this is a mortgage search so do exactly that. Each bank will only offer you its own products, so you’ll only ever see a very small percentage of what’s actually on the market.
A mortgage broker can search the entire market for you and in addition, may have access to exclusive deals and specialist lenders for tricky applications.
Check the overall cost of your mortgage
It goes without saying, but don’t get caught in the trap of choosing low-rate products before checking for additional fees. Mortgages often come packaged with fees such as surveyor fees and arrangement fees, which vary from product to product.
You may find you can get the exact same rate with a different lender, but with lower or even zero fees attached. Be sure to check the cost of the mortgage based on the overall term, as this is what you really want to pay attention to.
Don’t be disheartened if you’ve been declined
Often enough, we secure mortgages for applicants who have previously been declined by their banks or other independent brokers. In other similar cases, borrowers may have been offered mortgage products but with extremely high rates with hefty fees attached. Remember, just because one lender has declined you it doesn’t mean every lender will.
A knowledgeable broker should have a thorough understanding of lender criteria and depending on your situation, can place your application with a lender that is likely to accept.
Trying to do this by yourself can prove difficult as most lenders aren’t open about their criteria. Furthermore, lenders constantly change their criteria. Mortgage brokers are kept up to date with mortgage criteria as they’re placing mortgages on a daily basis.
Finding a mortgage that suits you
Mortgages come in different shapes and sizes. Ensure you understand the different types of mortgages such as tracker rates and fixed rates and make decisions based on what suits you. Although lenders will assess your affordability based on your income and expenditure, it’s important to assess whether the monthly mortgage repayments will suit your lifestyle.
Some borrowers may need a mortgage at a much faster rate than others. This could be due to a variety of reasons. Some lenders are a lot slower than others. Whilst this isn’t usually a problem for most, if you need a mortgage instantly, then you’ll need to apply to the most suitable lender. Read more about how to fast-track your mortgage here.
If you need a specialist, use one
Qualifying for a mortgage isn’t always an easy task. If you don’t fit the standard mould for a mortgage (having contracted employment with a sizeable deposit and clean credit), then getting a mortgage can quickly become an uphill battle.
This is very true if you visit a high street bank with the aim of getting a mortgage. Even if you have a criminal record or bad credit, the chances are your regular bank won’t be suitable.
If you have difficult circumstances, such as being self-employed, then you’ll most likely need a specialist mortgage advisor to source you a mortgage. By going to a lender yourself you increase your risk of being declined, which can further damage your chances of getting mortgage approval in the future.
Speak to an online mortgage broker
Speaking to a mortgage advisor first can minimise the risk of being declined and can maximise the chances of being approved. This can also be applied to first-time buyers, buy to let mortgages, remortgaging and commercial finance.
Lenders are forever becoming more strict in who they’ll offer mortgages to, so it’s important that your application is placed with the right lender from the start. You can also save a lot of time by applying for your mortgage online. This is because everything is done via phone and email and from the comfort of your own home.
We have years of experience in mortgages, especially the tricky ones. If you require a mortgage but aren’t sure about what to do next, you can simply make an enquiry and a specialist will call you back and explain what to do next.