What does a mortgage broker actually do?
If you've never used a broker before, you might be wondering what the point is. Here's the honest answer — no jargon, no sales pitch.
The short version
A mortgage broker finds you a mortgage. That's it, really. But the detail matters.
Instead of you going to each bank individually, filling in separate applications, and trying to work out which deal is best — a broker does all of that for you. I search across a comprehensive panel of lenders, compare the options, recommend the one that suits your situation, and then handle the entire application process.
Think of it like this: a bank can only sell you their products. I can search across dozens of lenders and find the one that's right for you.
What does the process actually look like?
Here's what happens when you work with me, step by step:
1. Initial conversation
We have a chat about what you're looking for, your income, deposit, and any concerns. This is free and there's no commitment.
2. Fact find & affordability
I gather the details I need — income, outgoings, employment, credit history. This tells me exactly what you can borrow and from which lenders.
3. Market search
I search across my panel of lenders to find the most suitable deals for your situation. I look at rates, fees, flexibility, and how likely each lender is to approve you.
4. Recommendation
I explain my recommendation in plain English — why this lender, why this product, what it costs, and what the alternatives are. You decide.
5. Application & paperwork
I complete the mortgage application, submit it to the lender, and handle all the back-and-forth. I chase them so you don't have to.
6. Through to completion
I stay with you right through to getting your keys. If the lender needs anything, if the solicitor has questions, if anything changes — I'm your point of contact.
Broker vs going direct to a bank
This is the question most people have. Here's the honest comparison:
| Mortgage Broker | Going Direct to Bank | |
|---|---|---|
| Lender choice | Searches across dozens of lenders | Only their own products |
| Exclusive deals | Access to broker-only products | Some direct-only deals |
| Application support | Handles everything for you | You manage the process |
| Ongoing support | Stays with you to completion | Varies — often limited |
| Complex situations | Knows which lenders suit unusual cases | May decline and suggest you try elsewhere |
| Cost | Often fee-free (lender pays commission) | No broker fee, but offers only the bank's own products |
When does a broker make the biggest difference?
For a straightforward remortgage with a clean credit history and a simple salary, you could go direct. A broker can also help you compare options from a lender panel and assess what may be suitable for your circumstances.
Where a broker really earns their keep is when things aren't straightforward:
- First-time buyers — you don't know what you don't know. A broker guides you through the whole thing.
- Self-employed — different lenders assess self-employed income differently. I know which ones are most favourable.
- Complex income — overtime, bonuses, commission, multiple jobs. Not all lenders count these the same way.
- Credit issues — missed payments, defaults, CCJs. Some lenders are more flexible than others.
- Tight timescales — if you need to move quickly, a broker who knows the system can save you weeks.
The bottom line
A good broker saves you time, often saves you money, and takes the stress out of one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. I'm based in Alsager, I work with people across Cheshire, and my advice is fee-free for standard cases. If you're thinking about getting a mortgage — or just wondering whether you can — a quick chat costs nothing.
Related questions
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
