Why should I use a mortgage adviser?

This question gets thrown around a lot, and for good reason. Why would anyone use a mortgage adviser instead of going directly to the bank? Isn’t that just an unnecessary extra step?

One common misconception I hear is: “Mortgage advisers can get better interest rates.” While this CAN be true in some cases, the reality is that most banks will offer you similar pricing whether you go direct or through an adviser.

The difference is that we know what each lender is actually doing right now — cash-backs, discretionary rates, retention offers — and we can use that to negotiate on your behalf.

So where’s the real value?

It’s right there in the name. As mortgage advisers, we ADVISE you on MORTGAGE products. While your bank can tell you about their own products, a mortgage adviser has access to — and training on — a range of options from multiple lenders. That means you’re seeing more than one way of getting your lending approved and structured. Your bank wouldn’t tell you to pop down the road if their product wasn’t the best fit, would they?

We also have formal training and experience in financial advice, which means we can take a more nuanced, long-term view. Part of working with a mortgage adviser is a proper deep dive into your short- and long-term goals, so we can recommend something that fits you, not just “what will get approved today.” We can also provide current market insight, so you’re making decisions based on real data — not guesswork.

And that’s not all.

One massively overlooked part of our service is the support after settlement. We’re your partner for the life of the loan, not just at the start. Too often I speak to clients who had no idea their adviser is just a phone call away if they have a lending-related question.

A good adviser will check in at least annually — and ahead of each fixed-rate expiry — to make sure your structure is still doing what it should.

Now, the money question (because people are too polite to ask this part up front):

In most cases our service is paid for by the lender, not by you. When your lending is approved and settled, the bank (or lender) pays us a commission for arranging that lending and for looking after you going forward. In some situations — for example, very specialised deals, or if a loan is repaid or refinanced away very quickly and the bank claws that commission back — a fee may apply. If that ever becomes relevant in your case, we’ll tell you clearly and in writing before you go ahead. No surprises.

If you’re looking at purchasing, or you’d like to chat about your existing home lending, feel free to reach out!