3 useful ways a mortgage broker can help you navigate a market that changes quickly
Mortgage deals have a record low shelf life, and the market is changing quickly. If you’re searching for a new mortgage, it can make it difficult to find the right deal for you. In a situation like this, a mortgage broker can lend support.
The average mortgage shelf life has fallen to just 15 days
According to a report in Mortgage Solutions, the average shelf life of a mortgage fell to a record low of 15 days at the start of 2023. It means deals are available for a little longer than two weeks before lenders pull them off the market.
If you’re searching the market for a mortgage, it can mean there’s added pressure. A deal you believe could be right for you, but you want some time to think about, may not be available when you’ve made a decision.
The figures also show that the number of mortgages available is on the rise, so you have more choice. While this is good news, it can make finding a mortgage overwhelming.
Combined with interest rates, which have increased significantly in the last year, navigating the mortgage market to find a deal that suits your needs can be difficult. Here are three ways working with a mortgage broker in today’s market could be valuable.
1. A mortgage broker will help you understand the type of mortgage that’s right for you
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or are remortgaging your current home, understanding the type of mortgage that suits your needs can be difficult. Should you choose a variable- or fixed-rate option? What term should you choose, and how would it affect your repayments?
A mortgage broker can help you get to grips with the different options and explain the pros and cons of each. Having a clear idea about the type of mortgage you need means you can narrow down the market and focus on the deals that make sense for you.
2. A mortgage broker will keep track of interest rates
One of the reasons mortgage deals are being pulled from the market so quickly is that interest rates are changing. Throughout 2022 and the start of 2023, the Bank of England gradually increased its base rate, which affected mortgages.
The Mortgage Solutions report found average interest rates are falling. However, there are still large differences in the market, and even a small change could affect your monthly repayments and overall cost of borrowing.
If you borrow £200,000 through a repayment mortgage over 25 years with an interest rate of 3%, your monthly repayment would be £948 and over the full term you’d pay more than £84,000 in interest. If the interest rate increased to 5%, your monthly repayments would rise to £1,170 and you’d pay more than £150,000 in interest over 25 years.
So, working with a mortgage broker to potentially access a lower interest rate could save you money in the short and long term.
Remember, it’s not just the interest rate that’s important when taking out a mortgage. Other factors, such as the ability to make overpayments, may be just as crucial depending on your circumstances.
3. A mortgage broker understands the criteria of each lender
One of the challenges of getting a mortgage is not only finding a deal that’s right for you but understanding how likely a lender is to approve your application.
Each lender will set its own criteria, from how much they’re willing to lend relative to your income to the level of risk they will take. With lots of different options, including some that aren’t well-known, finding this information and relating it to your needs can be challenging and time-consuming.
A mortgage broker will take the time to understand your circumstances and select lenders that are more likely to say “yes” to your application.
If your situation isn’t straightforward – perhaps you’re self-employed or have a poor credit score – a mortgage broker could also identify specialist lenders to help you reach your home ownership goals.
Choosing the right lender for you means you can have more confidence when you submit your mortgage application.
Contact us to talk about your mortgage needs
We’re here to help navigate the mortgage market. We’ll work with you to understand your needs and help find a deal that’s right for you. Please get in touch to arrange a meeting.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.