Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, which is why it is so important to get it right.
Using a professional mortgage broker can help you navigate through the home buying process and help to ensure you find the right deal for you.
Key Points:
- Using a mortgage broker can help save time during the home buying process since they can fully examine the mortgage market and negotiate deals for you.
- Brokers have access to mortgages that are not openly available to the public, which is ideal for those in unique financial circumstances.
- Mortgage brokers can also connect you with trustworthy solicitors, who will deal with the legal elements of the buying process.
What is a mortgage broker?
A mortgage broker is a professional advisor who helps people find the best mortgage to suit their needs. They act as an intermediary between you as the borrower and your mortgage lender.
Mortgage brokers work directly with you to help decide what mortgage product is best for you and your family, and then they will match you to a specific lender based on that criteria.
Do first time buyers need a mortgage broker?
While you don’t actually need a mortgage broker, it is highly recommended for first time buyers to work with one as they can help you to understand every step of the home buying process, as well as how much you can expect to borrow and what your monthly costs would be.
Using a mortgage broker can also help you understand what types of mortgages would best suit your circumstances and speak to the lender on your behalf, which can be invaluable for first time buyers.
Preparing for your first meeting with a mortgage broker
The process of buying a house can be daunting; however, meeting with your mortgage broker can help to ease the stress of it all.
Your mortgage broker will have likely sent you a credit score checking site for you to complete prior to your first meeting. Make sure you have completed it and have it ready to take with you.
The reason your mortgage broker will want to see this is because a lender will also run credit checks when they review your application. Your mortgage broker will review your credit score and give you tips on how to improve it prior to your application to a lender.
If your mortgage broker asks you to complete any other online forms before the meeting, make sure these are also completed and printed where appropriate. They will also likely ask you to gather some other documents and have them ready to bring with you.

What you should bring to a meeting with a mortgage broker
There are certain documents that your mortgage broker is likely to ask to see, and they will usually tell you what to bring beforehand.
Documents your mortgage broker will want to see include:
- Proof of income, usually your last 3 payslips
- Proof of address, such as utility bills
- Proof of deposit through bank statements
- Proof of identity, such as a driving licence or passport
- Details on the property you wish to buy
- Your most recent P60 or copies of your SA302s or audited accounts if you’re self-employed
What will a mortgage broker help a first time buyer with?
Mortgage brokers won’t just show you competitive deals from high-street lenders, they will also be able to help you:
- Weigh up your options based on your mortgage affordability
- Show you specialist lenders who are more appropriate to your situation
- Choose arrangements that will help you in the long run, as well as;
- Budgeting in the various costs involved with buying a home.
At Barlow Irvin, we’re committed to providing comprehensive services to all of our clients, including those who are buying for the first time. Throughout the home buying process, we will work closely with you, providing tips and advice throughout.
If you’re having issues with your credit score, we can help to provide actionable pieces of advice on how to improve your rating and therefore make your application more attractive to potential lenders.
If you’re having trouble finding the right deal from mainstream high-street lenders, we can also help by conducting a comprehensive search of the market for niche lender deals that are better suited to your circumstances.
Is it quicker to get a mortgage approved with a broker?
Yes, using a mortgage broker can often make the mortgage application process much quicker. This means you may be approved by a mortgage lender at a faster rate than if you had just applied directly to the lender.
At Barlow Irvin, our brokers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the lender market and we know what specific lenders require. We will also efficiently handle all of your paperwork to ensure your application is complete and accurate. All we require from you is to collate all the documents we ask for and we’ll do the hard work for you.
If you’re a first time buyer who is interested in using our mortgage broker services for your home buying process, get in touch with our team today to see how we can help you.