Why Use a Mortgage Broker?
When you are looking for a mortgage, you might wonder whether to approach a lender directly or speak to a professional broker. Both routes will produce a mortgage, but the advice, the experience, and often the outcome can be very different. At Akers Pritchett, our local mortgage advisors are regularly asked this question, so here is a straightforward answer grounded in how we actually work.
Access to the Whole Market
When you go directly to a bank or building society, you are limited to the products that lender offers. A whole-of-market broker compares products across a wide range of lenders, including exclusive rates that are simply not available directly from high street lenders. This broader view gives you access to a significantly wider range of options and a far better chance of securing the most appropriate deal for your circumstances. At Akers Pritchett, our team specialises in accessing exactly this kind of breadth on behalf of every client.
Advice That Is Tailored to You
Not all mortgage applications are straightforward, and not all mortgage advisors are the same. Your income structure, deposit size, employment type, credit history, and plans for the property all affect which lenders and products are most suitable. A broker takes the time to understand your individual situation before making any recommendation. This personalised approach means you receive expert advice tailored specifically to you, rather than being matched to whatever happens to be on a lender’s shelf.
Support with Complex Cases
Some applications require more experience than others. If you are self-employed, have recently changed employment, have a complex income structure, or have faced credit challenges in the past, knowing which lenders to approach can be the difference between success and rejection. Our team regularly assists clients with complex and unusual financial situations, finding solutions where other routes have proved more difficult. Having an experienced broker who knows the market makes a meaningful difference in exactly these scenarios.
A Team That Manages the Process for You
The mortgage process involves considerable administration and coordination. From gathering documents to liaising with lenders, solicitors, and estate agents, there is a great deal happening at any one time. Our dedicated support team manages much of this on your behalf, keeping everything on track and keeping you informed at every stage. As one long-standing client put it, the Akers Pritchett approach takes the mental load of managing the process away entirely, which is invaluable during what can be a stressful time.
An Ongoing Relationship, Not a One-Off Transaction
Our relationship with clients does not end at completion. We proactively contact clients ahead of their mortgage deal ending so they are never left on an uncompetitive rate without realising it. Whether it is a remortgage, a protection review, or planning a next move, our team is here for the long term. Many of our clients have been with us for years and return each time their circumstances change. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation conversation. We serve clients across Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a mortgage broker more expensive than going direct to a lender?
Not necessarily, and in many cases the access to a more competitive rate can more than offset any broker fee. Our team is always transparent about fees from the very first conversation, so there are no surprises. When you factor in the time saved, the expertise applied, and the breadth of market access we provide, the value of advice typically goes well beyond the headline rate.
Can Akers Pritchett access deals I cannot find myself?
Yes. As a whole-of-market broker, we have access to a wide range of products including exclusive rates not available directly from lenders. Some lenders only distribute their products through the broker market, meaning those deals are not accessible by approaching a lender directly. This is one of the most significant practical advantages of working with a broker rather than going it alone.
What qualifications does the Akers Pritchett team hold?
James Akers and Steve Pritchett are both CeMAP qualified, holding the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice awarded by The London Institute of Banking and Finance, and both hold the R05 qualification demonstrating expertise in protection planning. Several members of the wider advisory team also hold the CeMAP qualification. The team collectively brings experience across mortgages, protection, conveyancing, estate agency, and financial services administration. You can meet the full team here.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.