Ashleigh Sinclair: Why Using A Mortgage Broker Can Save More Than Just Money

There are times where people assume that when using a mortgage broker or comparing brokers that the main benefit is “What rate can you get me”? And whilst securing a competitive deal is most certainly part of the job and we want you to be paying the least amount back as you possibly can, the real value of being your broker goes far beyond the numbers on a mortgage illustration.

In reality, a great broker saves you time, stress, uncertainty, is a friendly person to talk to, to ease the pressure and costly mistakes that can derail your plan.

We hope that your process is as simple as it can be, but whether you are a first-time buyer, a homeowner, or someone navigating a complex financial situation, it can often be more stressful than you plan and with constant changes to the market, working with a broker is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

It's not just about getting you a rate; you’re getting a strategy.

We don’t just “find you a mortgage” we analyse your income in detail, understand the lender quirks and criteria, position your application to maximise approval chances and match you to lenders who suit your circumstances not their “cheapest headline rate”.

Two clients could have the same income, same deposit, same property price and still end up with completely different outcomes.

If you’ve ever applied for a mortgage, you may know the endless paperwork that needs to be completed. We save you hours of admin and back and forth.

As your mortgage broker, we handle:

- The sourcing

- The application

- The communication with the lender

- Chasing underwriters

- Liaising with solicitors

- Keeping you updated

For busy clients (especially those juggling work, children, or self‑employment) this alone is worth its weight in gold.

A small oversight might end up costing you a lot of money and time and can lead to a big problem.

What if:

• They don’t accept a certain type of income

• There is a product with a charge that doesn’t suit your plans

• A valuation issue that could have been predicted

• The lender is slow and you have a tight deadline

• A product transfer looks cheaper and easier but isn’t financially the best option

We see these problems on a daily basis, and we can more often than not spot these issues before they become a problem, which is part of our valuable service.

Some real-life examples of this:

I had a client who on the original purchase application had some credit blips that meant that they were unable to go with high street lenders. They were under the impression that they had to stick with this lender for a little while longer and were checking the product transfer option with their existing lender. When we had our call to catch up and see what the best plan was for them, I went through a remortgage option with a high street lender as they now fit their criteria and it saved them roughly £150 per month. This is a huge saving over time.

Another client of mine who came to me at a last attempt to buy this property they desperately wanted, but it had been declined with 2 other lenders so far. They couldn’t understand what the issue was and when we spoke and I built their fact find, I understood that the property was outside of some lenders criteria due to the property structure and area. With a little bit of research we found a good lender for them, it offered and completed with a very good competitive rate.

Some lenders also only work through brokers or provide us with exclusive products that aren’t available on comparison websites. We also get updates before they hit the market on rate reductions or changes across the board.

This means that we have more choice, more flexibility and more tailored solutions which is particularly helpful if you are self-employed, have multiple income streams/variables or maybe you’ve had some credit blips in the past.

It is very rare that the property transaction runs smoothly from start to finish. Offers can get delayed, solicitors need information, lenders asking for additional documentation and clients often need reassurance along the way.

We often become a clients point of stability as we explain what’s happening, keep the process moving, troubleshoot issues, make sure nothing falls through the crack and protect your interests.

You will also benefit from ongoing advice; it’s not just a one-off transaction.

Your circumstances will change over time; interest rates move and criteria updates often.

We keep an eye on your:

• Renewal date

• Opportunities to save money

• Changes in lender criteria

• Whether a product transfer or remortgage is best

• Protection needs as your life evolves

Having this relationship with our clients means that you are never left guessing what happens next.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. Having an expert guide you through the process removes the uncertainty and will give you confidence in the right choices.

Receiving professional advice can make all of the difference and it could save you time, stress and potentially thousands over the lifetime of your mortgage.

We genuinely care about getting you the right outcome, time and time again.

Ashleigh Sinclair

Ashleigh Sinclair - Mortgage & Protection Broker at Fowler Smith Mortgages & Protection