A mortgage broker is a specialist who is trained to help you choose the
best deal in the market. Their services do not come for free, but the
fee is worth the money because your mortgage is more than likely to
outlast much of your furniture! So how does one choose a good broker?
Here are a few tips to help you;
a) Do you need a broker: Unlike the good old days of yore, mortgage
calculation isn’t simply about choosing between variable and fixed
interest. Almost every borrower has laid claim to a special type of
loan- you can now choose from a self-certification mortgage, an offset
mortgage or some other type. A broker can make sense of the different
types and help you choose one that suits your circumstances. If you are
one of the those who can’t be really bothered about shopping for the
best financial package, and would rather prefer someone else do it for
you, a mortgage broker is just right for you.
b) Choosing
between a tied or independent brokers: Tied brokers work for a
particular service provider and offer you loan options related to his
employers. They usually work for free, but are not always reliable.
Independent mortgage brokers however, do not work for anybody. They
charge you a onetime commission, but in return give you different
options offered by other borrowers. He or she can suggest you a loan
scheme that best matches your condition.
c) Credentials: In the
UK, mortgage brokers should be authorized by the Financial Service
Authority or FSA to give you advice on financial matters. You can always
check if your broker is registered with the FSA through the agency
website. The Mortgage Code Compliance Board or MCCB is also an authority
on this issue.
d) Get everything in writing: Mortgage brokers
in most cases promise you a lot, but when it comes to enforcing them,
almost all of them disappear into thin air! Make sure that these
promises, including details about their fees in writing.
e) Open Communication: The mortgage broker should openly communicate about the process.
f) When things go wrong: If things turn sour between you and the
broker, you can always lodge a complaint or ask the MCCB to address your
grievances. If the broker is tied to the Mortgage Code and does not
offer a satisfactory reply, the MCCB can initiate disciplinary action
against the broker.
These are just some of the points to be considered to help you find a mortgage broker.