From office-less to paperless, this virtual mortgage broker is in full swing

Sunday, 3rd May, 2020
virtual mortgage broker

You may know by now that Complete Mortgages is currently a Guildford mortgage broker with a twist; the twist being that our team of Guildford mortgage experts is not, in fact, based in Guildford at all, as COVID-19 measures mean that they – much like the majority of the UK workforce – are working from home.

In fact, given the various locations of our team at the moment, I guess it now makes us a Surrey mortgage broker. Irrespective, we’ve taken another step to further eradicate our physical footprint* – this time by doing away with paper, too.

Yes, Complete Mortgages has made Eversign – the e-signature technology platform that allows people to sign, act on and manage agreements from anywhere in the world and without relying on someone to physically sign a single sheet of paper – part of our business.

We’ve been thinking of implementing this for some time. After all, it makes applying for a mortgage with a mortgage broker even quicker; even less of our clients’ time is wasted by either waiting for – and then sending back – envelopes containing important mortgage documents, and there’s no pressure to come into our offices (in ‘normal’ times, that is) to sign anything.

Furthermore, it’s a sustainable way of doing business – something that we’re looking to improve on all the time.

However, the current pandemic has undoubtedly made us refocus on Eversign for its ability to help facilitate quick and easy mortgage applications during COVID-19.

So, not only do our clients now have the ability to arrange a video mortgage broker consultation with any member of the team at a time and day that suits them (and using their preferred video platform), but they can also finalise the paperwork in a secure and immediate manner, too.

COVID-19 is understandably weighing heavy on people’s minds at the moment, but our advice is don’t let it stop you from doing everything, particularly as technology means that you really don’t need to let it – certainly when it comes to getting a mortgage, anyway.

*Note: we would, in fact, prefer to be in our offices right now but we can’t, so we’re making the best of the situation in order to continue helping our clients apply for a mortgage

Apply for a mortgage with our team of Guildford mortgage advisers any time – and from anywhere. Simply call us on 01483 238280 or email sam@complete-mortgages.co.uk.

By Sam Man at Complete Mortgages

Guildford mortgage broker launches mobile mortgage service

Friday, 11th October, 2019
mortgages@work

Complete Mortgages, the award-winning mortgage broker in Guildford, has launched Mortgages@Work – a mobile mortgage brokerage service that visits workplaces to help those unable to apply for a mortgage, or who keep putting it off, due to pressures associated with juggling work and home life.

Mortgages@Work will see the Surrey mortgage broker send a team of mortgage specialists, either at the request of the employer or employee, to deliver free mortgage consultations on a one-to-one basis, each lasting 20-30 minutes. Complete Mortgages will also waive the broker fee for those borrowing over £200,000.

Suitable for anyone buying their first home, those coming to the end of their term and looking to remortgage, or homeowners planning on making home improvements, Mortgages@Work has been designed to prevent work from getting in the way when it comes to homeownership.

On launching the new service, Mark Finnegan, Director at Complete Mortgages, comments: “Finding the time to apply for a mortgage can be hard, particularly for families where both parents work or those in high pressure jobs who find it difficult to leave the office. Whether you’re an employee hoping to get your first foot on the property ladder or an employer looking to offer this service to your team, we will send our award-winning mortgage brokers to your place of work at a time that suits.”

A minimum of four broker appointments is required before Complete Mortgages will commit to a workplace visit, however, those who receive a workplace mortgage consultation will benefit from a personalised quote and recommendations within 48 hours of meeting.

“Work really shouldn’t get in the way of applying for a mortgage, yet feedback from our clients suggests that work is often a barrier to making the largest and often most important purchase”, concludes Mark. “Our new service will take the pressure off and make getting a mortgage even more accessible.”

Those interested in receiving a workplace mortgage consultation should contact 01483 238280 or email workplace@complete-mortgages.co.uk.  For more information on Complete Mortgages visit www.complete-mortgages.co.uk.

Surrey mortgage broker lands exclusive limited company buy to let mortgage pilot

Wednesday, 9th October, 2019

Guildford mortgage broker, Complete Mortgages, has become one of only a handful of mortgage brokers in the UK to run a limited company buy to let mortgage pilot with West Bromwich Building Society, the UK’s seventh largest building society.

Complete Mortgages can now offer some of the UK’s lowest limited company buy to let mortgage deals with a maximum loan-to-value of 75%.

The Guildford mortgage adviser is now urging seasoned portfolio holders and those looking to buy a property through a limited company to contact the Complete Mortgages team to secure competitive mortgage deals before the pilot ends.

Mark Finnegan, Director at Complete Mortgages, comments: “We’re delighted to have been invited to join West Bromwich Building Society’s pilot and to now be able to offer our customers some of the most competitive limited company buy to let mortgage deals in the UK. Buying through a limited company has become a popular way in which to invest in property and we’re seeing more and more people adopt this approach. This pilot makes these specialist mortgages even more accessible and we’re proud to have been chosen to participate.”

Research conducted earlier this year by specialist lender Precise Mortgages revealed how two thirds of portfolio landlords are planning on using limited companies to buy their next investment property. West Bromwich Building Society, which uses mortgage brokers to lend to 90% of its customer base, is expecting to capitalise on this increased interest in limited company buy to let mortgages.

For further information or to apply for a limited company buy to let mortgage with Complete Mortgages contact the team on 01483 238280, email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk or visit www.complete-mortgages.co.uk.

Spring has sprung when it comes to the mortgage market

Tuesday, 17th May, 2016

Whilst the current inclement weather isn’t (strictly speaking, at least) shouting spring, the mortgage market is.

In fact, spring has really sprung this year with reports that 161,990 properties were sold in March compared with 92,690 in February.

Although this is likely to be, in part, down to the ‘property rush’ associated with the change in stamp duty that took place on 1 April, which saw a 3 per cent surcharge levied against property purchases that are not the purchaser’s main residence. However that aside, spring is generally a time when people look to arrange a mortgage and as a Guildford mortgage broker, we’ve certainly seen activity relating to the South East property market dramatically increase.

What is interesting is that applications for first-time buyer mortgages are up considerably, however this is, to a degree, at the expense of buy-to-let mortgages, which have dipped slightly since the introduction of the new tax structure on property investors.

Of course it always has been – and always will be – a challenge for first time buyers to get their feet on the property ladder. Yet in the wake of the recent stamp duty tax change and the phasing in of the changes that will see landlords taxed on 100 per cent of their rental income, we anticipate that the challenge will lessen as the proportion of buy-to-let investors decreases.

Figures already released by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) indicate that this shift is already underway, with 28 per cent of property sales in March attributable to first time buyers. And not only has competition from investor landlords subsided, but the NAEA has also reported that the number of properties selling for more than asking price has also decreased, too. How long that window will remain open for is unknown however what we do know is that recent tax reforms, compounded by that ‘spring feeling’, has created a perfect storm for those ready to enter the property market for the first time.

So, the future looks bright for first time buyer mortgages and, more importantly, those applying for them. Now, all we need is the sun; only then will we truly feel that spring has arrived.

And although the weather is not something we can help with, we can offer a wide selection of mortgages for first time buyers in the UK. Simply get in touch with the Complete Mortgages team to discuss your options, establish what products are open to you based on the size of your first time buyer deposit and the mortgage that is best suited to you and your lifestyle.

Whilst this spring is the season for first time buyers, Complete Mortgages specialises in the whole spectrum of mortgages ranging from commercial mortgages through to bridging loans, both of which we would handle via our specialist arm, Complete Mortgages Property Ltd. To speak with a reputable Surrey mortgage broker call Complete Mortgages on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk and find out how we can help you.

Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Getting ahead of the game is the key to securing a self-employed mortgage

Tuesday, 6th October, 2015

If you’re like me (and probably the majority of the UK population) then you’ll probably identify with filing your tax return within inches of the 31st January deadline. In fact, hats off to those who do tackle it at the earliest opportunity with the view that once it’s done, it’s done.

However if you’re self-employed and looking to arrange a self-employed mortgage then filing your tax return as soon as you possibly can will not only showcase your organisational skills, but also place you in pole position when it comes to securing a mortgage, too.

Whilst the official deadline for filing your tax return is 31st January, the reality is that lenders want to see that you’ve submitted your accounts within 3-6 months of the end of the tax year. As a result, those making the deadline by a whisker – such as submitting it in January – may get refused a mortgage on the grounds that their accounts are out of date – or, at least they don’t represent their current (and arguably more accurate) status.

As an independent mortgage broker that specialises in contractor mortgages and securing mortgages for the self-employed, our advice is to make your tax return as current as possible.

You don’t necessarily need to have it filed by the 6th April, but in order to give yourself the best chance possible, and have your application considered by as wide a pool of lenders as possible – then certainly make sure you’ve submitted it by early October, otherwise you risk the majority of lenders rejecting your application or requesting more up to date accounts.

Whilst Complete Mortgages provides award-winning mortgage advice and access to the best mortgage deals, we can also compile the best case for self-employed people looking to get their foot on the property ladder.

Whether you’re self-employed and a first time buyer or looking to arrange a buy to let mortgage, we can help. Get in touch to find out how on 01483 238280 or email info@complete-mortgages.co.uk.

By Mark Finnegan, Director at Complete Mortgages