Times When a Mortgage Advisor Can Help You

Buying property is a big decision and also a process that can sometimes be very stressful! Making the right decisions as well as reducing the stress of everything that is going on is something that everyone will be thinking about when it comes to buying a property, and a big part of this process is getting a mortgage.

Having a professional mortgage advisor like this mortgage advisor Gloucester based company who will work with you is one of the best ways to get the expert advice that you want as well as taking some of the worry out of making the decisions and the process of getting a mortgage.

Here are some of the times that a mortgage advisor could help you:

Buying for the First Time

As a first time buyer, the whole process of buying can be daunting and confusing, so having professional advice is a great way to ensure that you are getting onto the property ladder with the best possible start.

Remortgaging

If you are thinking about remortgaging, then the advice of a mortgage advisor can help you to decide whether this is the right decision for you and also to get the best deal on the mortgage.

Buying a Second Home

Buying a second home comes with additional processes and taxes, so getting the advice of a mortgage advisor will help you to get the best out of your purchase and choose the best mortgage.

When you are Self Employed

Being self-employed can make the criteria for getting a mortgage different, so this is something that a mortgage advisor will be able to help you with.

Related: What Financial Help Is Available to First-Time Buyers?

Comparing lenders, brokers and independent advice

The simplest place to start looking for a mortgage is your own bank or building society. They already know you and your finances, and they usually have deals available. If you want the most competitive quotes, though, it pays to look further. A qualified mortgage advisor can give impartial advice and is not tied to selling one lender’s products, and some brokers specialise in particular kinds of borrowing.

Do your research before choosing one, and check their credentials rather than relying on a polished website. Much depends on the property you want, how much you can afford to borrow and how long you plan to keep it. If the purchase involves complicated legal matters, a solicitor may need to be involved too.

Do not judge on the quotes alone. You may want to borrow more than the figure first suggested, so think about what you could realistically afford. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and a good advisor will help you find a mortgage that fits yours.

Equity release options in later life

Mortgage advice is not only for buyers. Many homeowners who have paid off their mortgage look at equity release in retirement as a way to free up money from their home, and the choices need careful thought.

The most common option is a lifetime mortgage. You take out a loan against your home and still own it. The money can come as a single lump sum or as drawdown, taken as you need it. The loan is repaid when the house is sold, which happens if you move into long term care or die, and the amount you can borrow depends on both the value of the property and your age.

The alternative is a home reversion plan. You sell a share of your home to a specialist firm and no longer own that part, but you keep a lease for life. Both routes involve solicitors’ costs, and the firms you deal with should be members of the Equity Release Council. Speak to an expert advisor before deciding.