Debt Advice - Finding a Good Mortgage Broker
They act on behalf of a number of financial institutions so are able to offer you a wide range of products.
It can be hard to find the mortgage broker for you, so below are some tips for helping you find a good mortgage broker:
- Experience - Find out how long they have they been a broker.
- Qualifications - Find out what qualifications they have.
You may wish to ask for documentation. - Professional Organisation - If the broker is a member of a professional organisation this will give them more credibility as they are governed by a professional organisation.
- Up to date knowledge of mortgage industry - A broker needs to be update with the latest loan products on the market and aware of any special offers available from various lenders.
- Access to a range of lenders - A broker needs to be to offer you a range of loan options across various financial institutions.
You will need to find out which institutions the broker is able to deal with. - Word of mouth / referral from another happy customer - The experience others have had with a broker can be a good indication of the ethics of customer service and meeting individual's needs.
- Broker's Commissions - Mortgage brokers generally get paid by way of a commission from a lender.
These commissions can vary from lender to lender and could influence a broker's opinion on what loan is best for you.
Find out upfront how the broker is paid and what commissions they will receive. - Broker Charges - Check if the broker charges any fees for their service.
It is best to understand these costs from the beginning. - Understanding You - A good broker will listen to your needs and ask the right questions to gain a clear understanding of the type of finance that will help you.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance - Does the broker have insurance cover? This covers them if they are sued for professional negligence or a breach of duty.
- Is your personal information kept private - You may wish to ask the broker how they handle your personal and private information.