SERVICES
MORTGAGES
Bespoke advice on your mortgage needs
I offer advice on a wide range of mortgage scenarios, ensuring you get the right deal available to you. I have outlined some of the common ways in which I can help with mortgages below, so take a look and see which is most relevant. When you are ready, make an enquiry by picking up the phone, completing the contact form or sending me an email.
Self-employed, Limited Company Directors and Contractors
It may seem harder to get a mortgage if you are self-employed. Or maybe you are just starting out and haven’t experienced this yet – quite understandably, very few people who are setting up their new venture stop to think about the effect on their mortgage and remortgage opportunities.
It does have a big impact. However, different lenders assess income in different ways so there are almost always options on the table if you know where to look. That’s why using a mortgage broker is invaluable when you are self-employed. I specialise in helping people who work for themselves (sole traders, partnerships, LLPs, limited companies, freelancers, contractors) get the right available deal.
Work with me and you can draw upon my years of experience. I will plan ahead with you to discuss your mortgage needs, your business and how we’ll put the paperwork together. I and my support team take the burden away from you so you can concentrate on what you do best, whilst securing the mortgage you need.
First Time Buyers
Congratulations! It is such an exciting time when you are in a position to buy your own home. I love working with first time buyers and still get a warm, fuzzy feeling every time I’ve helped someone complete on their first home.
As it is a new experience for you, even if you have swotted up on it, you will probably have a whole bunch of questions; and I am happy to answer them all, no matter how small or how common you think they may be. I can also advise you on which government schemes may be available, what deposit you’ll need in the current market and how your income is used to calculate your borrowing levels.
Whether you’re just starting to think about saving for a deposit to buy a home or are ready to start house hunting, I don’t mind, I’m here with advice whenever you need it. And the Roost team will be by your side through the entire process, ensuring you understand what’s going on at each stage and what happens next.
Remortgage
With none of the excitement of getting a new house, just the prospect of paperwork and phone calls, it’s easy to see why you may stick your head in the sand when it is time to remortgage. Ignoring your renewal will probably cost you a lot of money in the long run!
Actually it should be an exciting time. You’ve got the chance to lower your rate, or free up some capital for an extension, or bring forward the time that you are mortgage free. It is your chance to put yourself in a better position.
And better still, I will do all the work for you. I’ll advise you on what your options are, and if I can’t beat your current lender’s rate, I will still set you up on it, but I will waive my broker fee. So you can’t lose.
Ask an expert
I love listening to people’s mortgage questions and helping them fill in the blanks. Whether it is explaining a technical term in plain English, outlining the kind of options that are available or sharing my insight of current lending conditions. So whatever your question, please do get in touch.
Moving Home
Whether you’re looking to upsize, downsize or relocate, moving home is generally an exciting but stressful time. With many years of experience, Roost’s home mover service will help you understand the process and take some of the stress out of moving.
You may have more options than you think. From keeping your current mortgage, going with a new lender to even retaining your existing property to let out. I’ll explain all the options and costs, what lenders are looking for and the pros and cons.
Things may well have changed since you bought your last property, but fear not. I’ll take the time to explain the whole process so you feel comfortable as you proceed. I’ll also work out how much you can borrow, what your payments will be and any other related costs. As the mortgage progresses, I and my team get your decision in principle, communicate with third parties like estate agents and solicitors and answer any questions you have – at your service until you’ve turned the key on your new front door.
Buy to Let Mortgages
If this is not your first investment property, you’ll already know that buying a property to let out is very different to purchasing a home for you to live in. If you are new to this investment world you need to understand that lenders have specific buy to let criteria, calculating how much they will lend in a different way to regular mortgages.
Whether you are experienced or making your debut, I can help you understand the current market and fill in any knowledge gaps. There are a few options to look at, such as: keeping a property you already own and swapping it to a rental property with a let to buy mortgage; purchasing the property through a limited company; or re-mortgaging existing let properties to raise deposits to purchase further properties.
It’s best to draw upon the specialist knowledge of a broker like me so you are not caught out by a constantly evolving market. And I also have access to specialist lenders dealing with homes of multiple occupancy and multi-unit properties. Get in touch if you have any questions or wish to discuss your properties.
Some buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Later Life Lending
If you are in later life and seeking to release a lump sum or extend your mortgage, there’s an increasing number of options available. You’ll be pleased to know that you may be able to do this without having to sell or downsize. I see clients doing this for many reasons: from supplementing their retirement income to helping with grandchildren’s school fees.
I can explain everything to you and talk through your options. For instance, if you have a large amount of equity in your property and a pension income, you may be able to release funds or extend the term on an interest-only basis – with no fixed end date to repay the balance. Alternatively, equity release may be right for you.
A lifetime mortgage is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to seek financial advice before taking any action. All other options available should be explored before choosing equity release. Interest is charged on both the original loan and the interest that has been added, the amount you owe will increase over time, reducing the equity left in your home potentially to nothing. Please discuss with your family and beneficiaries. This is a referral service.
You may be approaching retirement and feel worried that you’ll lose your property due to banks changing their lending policies. This is especially true if you have a long-standing interest-only mortgage with no repayment strategy. Whatever your needs, book a call in with me and I will help you enjoy a smooth retirement by fully exploring later life lending options.
What our customers say
Having been advising people for many years on all their mortgage and protection needs, we have a long list of happy clients. Here is a selection of the kind of feedback we have received.
We were first time buyers and Jo was amazing from our first meeting right through until completion. We were reassured by her professionalism, experience and knowledge in finding the right lenders and right products for us. As a couple – one on salary and the other freelance – Jo very quickly identified the best options for us. We would definitely recommend Jo to any buyer and first time buyers, and will be returning if/ when we move again the future.
I met Jo via a Networking Group and when it came to reviewing my Buy To Let mortgage, she was front of mind. My previous mortgage adviser was not sure he could help. It seemed like it may not be straightforward, but after speaking with Jo, it was clear it was nothing short of easy for her to deal with. I was happy to let Jo look into it for me and good news from then on; plain sailing in fact! All sorted in just a couple of weeks, no lengthy meetings, easy paperwork and saved me nearly £300 per month on the standard variable rate, which the existing mortgage had slipped into.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Jo. She is very pleasant to deal with and professional.
We have used the services of Roost Mortgage to buy our first home and the Mortgage Adviser, Joanne Hobin, has professionally provided the best guidance and advice proven a level of excellence and attention to detail throughout the whole process, completing the purchase within the time frame.
They actively ease life and make things simpler for clients.
I would, without hesitation, highly recommend their services.
I can highly recommend Jo’s professional mortgage advice; she was able to secure the kind of product I required where others had failed. Friendly and helpful throughout, Jo made the whole process simple and effortless.
Thank you for helping us get a mortgage in principle for a potential house move. You were awesome in explaining the process, what our options were and answering all our questions in a patient and understanding manner; particularly as there were some time pressures involved which could have complicated matters. I would not hesitate in recommending your services to anyone seeking a mortgage and who would like a broker who goes the extra mile without even being asked. Thanks again,
Bendon family
Jo was really helpful, approachable and reassuring. We were due to complete during the covid pandemic but this was delayed as lockdown was announced shortly before our completion date. However Jo was very calm and guided us smoothly through the whole process.
As a first-time buyer who unexpectedly found myself in a position where I had to purchase the flat I was renting or be given notice, I thought it best to approach a mortgage advisor. I was incredibly lucky to have Jo recommended to me. She not only found me a suitable mortgage, but also helped me to understand the process of purchasing the property. Jo was patient when I was asking lots of questions and was extremely helpful and supportive throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jo to anyone looking for mortgage advice.
Jo made our first experience of remortgaging incredibly easy and stress-free. The whole process was relaxed but efficient and our calls with Jo were really helpful and she was able to answer all of our questions – despite us being complete novices when it comes to mortgaging. I’ve already recommended her to several of my friends and wouldn’t hesitate to call her up again the next time we need financial advice.