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Mortgages: To DIY or not to DIY?

30/11/2010

Taking on a mortgage is a big step, and finding the best lender and loan arrangements is not always straightforward. Borrowers can seek advice from a mortgage adviser, but why should you?

According to Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers Managing Director Chris Acret, there are many advantages of using the services of a mortgage adviser versus going direct to a lender.

“A mortgage adviser is a small business operator whose knowledge, experience, service and reputation is their ‘bread and butter’, so they have very good reason to build a solid relationship and ongoing rapport with clients,” Mr Acret explained.

“They have access to a vast array of products and services across a panel of lenders so, unlike lenders, they’re not trying to sell their own products. Rather, they’re trying to tailor a solution that suits your unique personal requirements.”

Mr Acret said there are many practical reasons as to why it is worthwhile to investigate loan options and arrangements with a mortgage adviser versus going it alone.

“No two clients’ needs are alike and there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach,” he said.

“Mortgage advisers work with a wide range of clients who are employed in different industries and who have varying requirements. 

“They have insider knowledge and experience, are exposed to many different borrowers’ situations and loan products, and offer a personalised service.

“They are also remunerated based on ‘getting a result’ for clients and are able to save clients time and money because they do all the running around.

“Plus, they deal with a very broad range of lenders every day, so they have an extensive knowledge base and range of experience.

“And, as well as having access to a raft of products and services, they’re also exposed to much, much more than a typical bank employee who works for the one brand selling a set number of products.”

Mr Acret said mortgage advisers have a wide-ranging knowledge of different industries, lenders and businesses.

“A professional mortgage adviser usually goes out of their way to build up a network of trusted advisers such as accountants, lawyers and real estate agents, so they can often refer clients to other trusted professionals who can help them with their needs,” he said.

Mr Acret said that even with plenty of research, the do-it-yourself approach may not cover all the bases needed to find the right deal for your circumstances.

“Contrary to popular belief, not all lenders and products are the same,” he said.

“Many people simply go back to the lender they’ve used before, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it offers the best loan solutions for your needs.

“Often, just going to another bank for a better product offering may give you the leverage needed to negotiate with your preferred lender – and a mortgage adviser will do all of the negotiation on your behalf at no cost to you.”

Mr Acret said borrowers of all types benefit from the advice of a mortgage adviser.

“For commercial or investment property buyers, there are aspects to buying a commercial or investment property that first-timers will find challenging,” he said.

“A first home buyer stands to gain a lot of knowledge about the whole process of buying property by leveraging the expertise of an experienced adviser – as will an investment property buyer, particularly retirees or multiple property owners.

“This is where the services of an experienced adviser really come to the fore.

“And, having developed a relationship with a mortgage adviser, you will always have one person to whom you can turn to discuss your needs, concerns and future plans – even if it’s just to talk through your ideas.”

As always, talk to your Smartline Personal Mortgage Adviser for more information.

 

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