When you’re moving home, you can search the mortgage market and complete the application yourself. However, working with a professional mortgage adviser could reduce stress and potentially save you money.
Here are seven ways your mortgage adviser could offer essential support when you need to secure a mortgage to purchase your next property.
1. Explain the different mortgage options to you
There are several different types of mortgages to choose from, and your mortgage adviser will be on hand to explain the options so you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.
There are two important considerations to make when selecting a mortgage.
First, do you want a repayment or interest-only mortgage?
While an interest-only mortgage would mean your monthly repayments are lower, you’ll still owe the initial amount you borrowed at the end of the term. With a repayment mortgage, your outgoings will be higher, but, assuming you keep up with repayments, you’d eventually own the property outright.
Second, do you want a variable or fixed interest rate?
As the name suggests, a fixed-rate mortgage would have the same interest rate for a defined period, often two, three, or five years. If you want to be certain your repayments won’t rise, this could be a good option.
With a variable-rate mortgage, the interest rate you pay could rise and fall. So, if interest rates fell, your repayments would too and you’d be better off financially. However, the interest rate could also rise, leaving you with a larger repayment to meet.
2. Assess your affordability
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will assess your affordability when deciding whether to offer you a mortgage and how much you can borrow.
Having an idea of the mortgage you might be able to access before applying is often useful. It means you can search for a property that’s within your price range and provide a chance for you to calculate your expenses.
Your mortgage adviser can help assess your affordability and apply for a mortgage in principle, which would show how much a particular lender may be willing to lend you.
It’s important to note that a mortgage in principle is not a guarantee, as the lender will not review all your information at this stage.
3. Demonstrate how a mortgage could affect your outgoings
When you’re looking at mortgage deals, it can be difficult to understand how it’ll affect your finances. For example, if you opted for a shorter mortgage term, how much would your repayments increase by, and would it be worth it in the long run?
If you choose a variable-rate mortgage, you might also want to consider how interest rates could change during the term, and what that would mean for your repayments.
A mortgage adviser can work with you to understand how much a mortgage will cost, so you feel comfortable before moving forward.
4. Compare mortgage deals to find a lender that’s right for you
There are lots of mortgage lenders to choose from, and many don’t have a high street presence. Rather than trying to understand which mortgage deals you meet the criteria for and then compare them, a mortgage adviser takes this task out of your hands.
Instead, they’ll present you with mortgage deals that are right for you.
In addition, a mortgage adviser may be able to offer exclusive deals that could save you money or have other benefits. For example, you might be able to secure a lower interest rate than if you approached the lender directly or receive cashback.
5. Clarify the fees associated with a mortgage deal
The terms used to explain fees when applying for a mortgage can be confusing – what’s the difference between an application fee and a processing fee? Your mortgage adviser can help you understand exactly how much you’ll need to pay when taking out a mortgage.
Some mortgage deals don’t have any fees, but may have a higher interest rate than comparable deals that do. Your mortgage adviser will be able to explain the different costs, so you can assess which option is right for you.
6. Provide guidance when completing your mortgage application
Mistakes on your mortgage application can lead to frustrating delays or, in some cases, even mean your application is rejected.
As someone familiar with the forms and evidence lenders need to see, your mortgage adviser could catch potential costly mistakes before your application is submitted.
7. Offer advice if your circumstances are complex
If your circumstances aren’t straightforward, a mortgage adviser will be able to offer guidance and help you understand how you could secure the money you need.
For example, if you’re self-employed, you’ll usually need to provide accounts for at least the last two years to prove affordability, and a specialist lender might be more suited to your needs.
Similarly, if you have a poor credit history, your mortgage adviser could identify which lenders are more likely to approve your application, as well as offer advice on steps you might take to increase the chances of success.
A mortgage adviser could save you money and offer peace of mind
As the above shows, working with a mortgage adviser when you’re ready to take out a mortgage could save you money overall and offer you peace of mind. If you’d like to talk to us about your mortgage needs, please contact us.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.
