A mortgage broker is a middleman who assists you in finding a lender who can extend you a mortgage. Most mortgage brokers work with credible agencies such as John Antle Mortgages. They will assess your financial situation and what you need and research the market for you. They will then apply for a mortgage on your behalf.
As a result, they have access to more information and deals you might not find on your own. Their expertise saves you time, stress and often lands you better deals that can save your pocket a big deal.
Check for Registration
Before engaging any mortgage broker, ensure they are qualified and registered. Trust only authorized brokers, not only for your security and the security of your money but also, lenders don’t work with unregistered brokers. Therefore, working with unregistered brokers would be a disservice to you.
Find a Whole-Of-Market Mortgage Broker
There are different types of mortgage brokers. Some brokers are tied to given banks, building societies, or only select from a select panel. It would be best to go with a broker described as a Whole-of-Market mortgage broker. A Whole-of-Market mortgage broker has access to every mortgage available on the market at the given time.
Compare Fees
Despite hiring a mortgage broker being an additional cost, it will save you money eventually because you will find better deals. Nevertheless, it would be best to compare the brokers’ rates to maximize your savings while getting quality service.
Different brokers are paid differently. Some receive payment upfront, while others after a deal is closed. The lender will pay some. Others will use a mixture of the various payment systems. Find a broker with whom you can efficiently work.
Compare Services
Some brokers provide their services entirely online. Some prefer the traditional physical process, while others combine the two. It would be best to find a broker that suits your needs and preferences.
Read Reviews
You can review a mortgage broker by reading reviews online or by word of mouth. While word of mouth has some credibility, online reviews need you to be a little keen. You might find a review written with a personal vendetta to defame the broker or company or paint a good picture of the broker or company. While reading reviews, you are looking for a common thread, either positive or negative.
Check Availability
Your availability and that of the broker are crucial. Find a broker that can work with your schedule. For example, if you are only available for weekends, find a broker who can work when you are available. Also, find a broker you can contact whenever you have a query.
Trust Your Gut
Being comfortable is a big part of the process. First, buying property is an important life event. Secondly, you will be sharing personal data, including your finances, with your broker. Therefore, after you finish the vetting process, choose the credible, qualified broker with whom you are the utmost comfort. Also, if you are not comfortable working with a broker, you can still get a mortgage without a broker.
