What Is a Mortgage Broker?

A mortgage broker works as an intermediary between the mortgage lender and the applicant. They usually have access to the whole market and are able to offer the best deal to suit your needs.

Unlike a tied or single lender, brokers have access to a wide range of products and can pick the best ones to offer you based on your circumstances. The best mortgage for you is likely to be different to the next applicant, based on credit history, personal circumstances, deposit, debt, and many other factor which affect who will lend to you and how much institutions may choose to lend you.

Mortgage brokers work with applicant to determine an achievable goal, then 'shop around' for the best deal available to the applicant. The best broker to use is one with whole market access. Those who are multi-tied to a handful of lenders will only be able to offer you mortgage deals specifically from those lenders, no others, If your broker has access to the whole of the mortgage market then you stand to find the best fit mortgage for your circumstances.

Mortgage brokers should be unbiased, so you are assured of the best deal for you, not the best deal for them. Occasionally a broker who has a good and/or regular relationship with specific lenders may be offered a preferential rate, as mortgage companies compete for business.

Mortgage brokers can be paid in one of two ways. An independent mortgage advisers they can be paid directly by the mortgage lender upon completion of the mortgage, or the applicant can pay the mortgage broker and they will refund it to you when the lender pays out.

Mortgage brokers can be used in any mortgage situation. They are a great place to start if you are a first time buyer as they can explain all options in detail and as the voice of experience will be able to help you decide the best way forward for your house buying plans. Mortgage brokers can also be used by those moving home, and those planning to re-mortgage. As independent advisors they are also experts in buy to let and let to buy, and can help those with bad credit try to find a mortgage.

All UK brokers should be regulated by the FSA (Financial Services Authority) or must be agents for authorised firms. If your broker cannot prove that they are either of these things, walk away. The FSA was set up to protect the rights of the individual and regulate financial services. It requires firms to be competent in their trade, financially sound, and provide good customer service. If your broker is not part of the FSA you are putting yourself at risk, and may not have access to compensation and complaints procedures.

When looking for advice on mortgages it makes sense to visit a mortgage broker for expert advice. Be sure to research the mortgage brokers in your area, and arrange to visit at least 2 of them to get a full picture of the mortgages which you may be offered. They will also be able to help with paperwork and take over a large part of the arrangements for you.

Philip Loughran writes on a number of subjects from travel to law, automotive to education. For mortgage services in Southampton and mortgage broker Southampton he recommends Choice Financial Solutions.
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