Recommendation for mortgage broker required

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Permalink Reply by 0ucp4xq4d1z0o on July 6, 2013 at 18:24

We've used a guy called Mike Jones who is excellent. He's based in Surrey but will happily meet in central London if needed. Very friendly, knowledgeable and happy to give sensible advice. 0844 778 7279

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Permalink Reply by Abi on July 6, 2013 at 21:29

Any particular reason for not going with London & Country, which doesn't charge any fees? They're helping us with a re-mortgage at the moment and have been brilliant: we're getting a better rate than I was hoping for, so we've been really impressed so far *touch wood*.

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Permalink Reply by HoL Site Admin on July 6, 2013 at 22:08

Responses via Twitter:

@MiddlesexLondon: @harringayonline yes - Jeff Barnes of Grosvenor Beaumont based in Potters Bar and Tottenham

@MWN22: @harringayonline yes, Richard Johnson 02088899944 for good sensible mortgage advice. Highly recommend him

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Permalink Reply by Bee on July 7, 2013 at 7:35

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

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Permalink Reply by Bee on July 7, 2013 at 22:44

Thank you Billy Hole

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Permalink Reply by rosyrose on July 9, 2013 at 20:39

Have always found London & Country excellent - helpful beyond their commercial interests and can source some good deals.

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Permalink Reply by Nick on July 9, 2013 at 21:39

We have used Tony Denman http://www.ifa-guide.co.uk/sussex/shoreham-by-sea/denman-brace-fina... for all our mortgages - he will happily meet in London.  We find him professional and methodical, really like him.

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Permalink Reply by ant on July 9, 2013 at 23:00

Do mortgage brokers offer much more than what you can do yourself on the Internet? Our mortgage is up for renewal soon, i've always just found them using this website - https://compare.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/mortgages/Step1 - which is supposed to cover everything and be independent, have i been missing out by not trying a mortgage broker?

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Permalink Reply by Abi on July 10, 2013 at 9:35

I would always use both - it's swings and roundabouts.

For my first mortgage, I instructed a broker while doing my own research, and the broker could not even come close to matching the rate I had found (actually, he laughed at me when I told him the rate we were after, and was then eating his words when I called him to say I'd found it). So on that occasion we just applied directly and ignored their advice. To their discredit, they then hammered me to sign up for ruinously expensive life policies, which were unsuitable for me because they could not sell them to my partner due to pre-existing serious health conditions. Which was very upsetting for me and almost put me off brokers for life.

For the second, I wasn't particularly blown away by what I managed to find by myself, so despite my very strong reservations went back to L&C to see if they could do any better. On this occasion, they found us a much better deal that's going to save us nearly £2k a year - they are also great at handling all the stressful admin that remortgaging involves. They also listened this time when I told them that we did not want to buy insurance. Another advantage is that many online only deals require fees up-front, even if you are rejected. 

So while I'm always going to be deeply skeptical of brokers, I'd always have one on side just in case. I have not regretted it this time around...

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Permalink Reply by Bee on July 10, 2013 at 9:26

Thanks for all the responses.

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Permalink Reply by B on July 10, 2013 at 9:46

Stewart Davidson, based in Brian thomas on green lanes.

He a great help, not only to get us a mortgage deal, but liaising with the bank, lawyer and estate agent. Without him, we probably would have lost the house we wanted.

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Permalink Reply by Kerrie on July 10, 2013 at 14:03

Hi there

I can recommend Stuart who works in Brian Thomas on Green Lanes (always good to go local!) - Can't remember his surname but would definately recommend him!

Good luck

Kerrie

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