FAQ2017-05-19T17:00:28+01:00
Can you advise me on Pensions and Investments?2015-07-28T15:19:49+01:00

Following a change in the FCA rules at the end of 2012, we decided to specialise in Mortgages and Protection and are no longer licensed to offer advice about Pensions and Investments. However, we have teamed up with a close associate, Michael Roberts, who is able to help Clark and Poole customers. Please click here for more information about the service Michael offers.

What is the difference between Life Insurance and Critical Illness?2022-07-04T13:45:02+01:00

Both policies provide a tax-free lump sum, but whilst life insurance will pay out should you die, a critical illness policy will pay out if you are diagnosed with a critical illness, regardless of how that illness develops. In both cases, the money can be used for whatever you like; it could be used to pay off your mortgage or other debts, to replace lost income, or to pay for private medical treatments. For more information on Life Insurance please click here or any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

I’ve had medical problems in the past – will this prevent me getting Life Insurance?2022-08-08T14:52:37+01:00

Previous medical problems may well have an impact on what cover you can get and at what cost, but it is certainly something we can research further for you. Life insurance companies will typically charge higher premiums to people with certain illnesses or conditions, but how much they charge and for what can vary considerably, so it is always worth making sure you are with the right insurer for you. Any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

How easy is it to apply for Life Insurance?2022-07-04T13:45:31+01:00

We believe that taking out life insurance should be as painless as possible, so we aim to do the leg work for you. We’ll compare life insurance policies from a range of insurers on your behalf and take away as much paperwork from you as possible. Any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Can I have Life Insurance if I don’t have a mortgage?2022-07-04T13:45:56+01:00

A mortgage is not the only thing in people’s lives that needs protecting. You should consider all aspects of your finances whether you have a mortgage or not and it is a good idea to regularly review the cover you have. Everyone’s needs and priorities are different but you might want to consider protecting your income should you be unable to work or are made redundant – you may also want to look at provision for your family should the worst happen. The important thing is not over insuring, but making sure that you are insured for the right things in the right way.

For more information on Life Insurance please click here or any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Do I have to have Life Insurance?2022-07-04T13:46:39+01:00

The quick answer to this is no. There are actually fewer types of insurance that you are legally required to have than you might think, the most obvious of which is motor insurance. However while you may not ‘have to’ have life insurance, buying it could be one of the smartest things you ever do.

You really only have to think about your family and how they might cope in the unfortunate event of your death. If you have children still within your care it is particularly important, and by paying a premium every month you could provide them with an invaluable sum of money upon your death that would give them a massive boost once they leave home or start higher education. For more information on Life Insurance please click here or any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Are there different types of Life Insurance?2022-07-04T13:47:24+01:00

Yes there are, and choosing and applying for life insurance can be a confusing process. Unlike most other insurance policies, many people go into the application process unaware of what they are actually looking for, and how to get what they want. Our advisers can put things into plain English, help you to find the right policy, and complete the application process on your behalf. For more information on Life Insurance please click here or any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Why shouldn’t I get my life insurance directly from a bank?2022-07-04T13:47:54+01:00

Obviously we’re going to say you should use us, but we do have good reasons. As independent advisors we will look for the best insurance product for you. You get unbiased advice and can choose from a range of providers and subsequent products, rather than being restricted to the single range of the bank you might go to. For more information on Life Insurance please click here any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Do I have to have insurance when I take out a mortgage?2022-07-04T13:48:20+01:00

It is not compulsory, but it is something you should consider carefully. If you were unable to keep up your mortgage payments for whatever reason, your mortgage lender has the right to sell your home and take the proceeds. A life insurance policy to cover your mortgage will give you the peace of mind that, if you die, your family can clear the debt and avoid the risk of losing the family home. For more information on Life Insurance please click here any of our advisers will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Why would I use you rather than a comparison site to find the best deal?2022-07-04T13:41:27+01:00

Obviously we’re going to say you should use us, but we do have good reasons. There is a lot of complex paperwork involved in the mortgage process that any of our advisers will expertly complete for you, something that cannot be done via a comparison site. And whilst these basic search engines can be useful for completing some initial self-research, they can never be as sophisticated as the specialist whole of market search engines used by us.

Matching you with exactly the right mortgage requires expertise and in depth knowledge of the financial markets and of each lender’s specific underwriting criteria. Because small differences in rate can result in huge differences in repayments, the cost of getting it all badly wrong can be quite substantial.

I’m buying my first property – what costs, on top of my deposit and mortgage, should I budget for?2022-07-04T16:37:56+01:00

Other costs include the survey and the valuation on the property, solicitor’s fees, and stamp duty (https://www.gov.uk/stamp-duty-land-tax/residential-property-rates). You may also have to pay an arrangement fee for the mortgage. For more information on purchasing your first property please click here.

How long will it take to get my mortgage?2022-07-04T14:21:31+01:00

The time scales can vary considerably when applying for a mortgage and are dependent upon many factors, such as how quickly you are able to provide the required documentation, whether you are purchasing a new property or re-mortgaging, and how quickly your solicitor acts. Any of our advisers are happy to discuss your requirements, so please get in touch.

What documents will you need me to provide to apply for a mortgage?2022-07-04T16:41:31+01:00

Using our secure customer portal you will need to provide proof of identification, such as Passport or Driver’s License, and proof of address, such as a Utility Bill or Bank Statement. You will also need proof of income. We will advise you of the chosen lenders exact requirements when we prepare to submit your application. If you need any more information, then please call.

Why should I come to you rather than the estate agent’s advisors?2022-07-04T14:22:12+01:00

Some estate agents will offer you mortgage arrangement services. However, while you might have found the house of your dreams and got on well with your estate agent, you should be very cautious about using their mortgage services; there have been accusations of mortgage brokers and estate agents working closely together, openly discussing potential buyers’ budgets in order to get as much money out of the buyer as possible. As independent advisors we aren’t on the estate agent’s side, we’re on yours. Any of our advisers are happy to discuss your requirements, so please get in touch.

If a Bank has a good rate, why wouldn’t I go directly to them?2022-07-04T14:22:43+01:00

Obviously we’re going to say you should use us, but we do have good reasons. As independent advisors we will look for the best mortgage for you. We aren’t on the lender’s side, we’re on yours, and we’ll give you access to far more products than if you went direct. You get unbiased advice and can choose from a range of lenders and subsequent products, rather than being restricted to the single range of the lender you might go to.

Many lenders, particularly those that offer specialised mortgage products, operate exclusively through brokers and as a result enable them to offer deals that wouldn’t be available to you. Any of our advisers are happy to discuss your requirements, so please get in touch.

Why should I use an advisor?2022-07-04T13:42:12+01:00

Mortgage criteria has tightened massively over the past few years, with the Mortgage Market Review being the latest, and arguably widest-ranging, development. It’s been designed to ensure borrowers can prove affordability, even in the event of a rate rise, and those extra checks have understandably increased application times. It’s important to have a mortgage advisor on your side who understands it all. All our advisers deal with lenders on a day-to-day basis, so they know what the application process is like for each one and can tell you which lender can process your application with minimal delays. We also know the background criteria that a lender has and can bring this experience to bear when advising you and processing your application. They are all happy to discuss your requirements, so please get in touch.

Do I need to meet with you in person?2022-08-08T14:51:49+01:00

Whilst we enjoy meeting our customers, if this is not convenient for you then any of our advisors will be more than happy to deal with you on the phone and via email. Click here for our contact details.

Are you ‘Whole of Market’ advisors?2022-07-04T13:43:50+01:00

Yes our advisors are all independent, ‘Whole of Market’ advisors and are therefore able to provide unbiased advice on products from more than one lender or provider, offering a much wider choice.

Why should I come to you rather than my Bank or Building Society?2022-07-04T14:23:33+01:00

As we are not tied to any bank or building society we act solely in your interest and give totally impartial advice, we can work with you to get the right product to suit your unique personal circumstances. Any of our advisers are happy to discuss your requirements, so please get in touch.

How are you paid? Why don’t you charge a fee?2015-07-28T14:44:41+01:00

We are paid a commission by the companies that provide the products you purchase – for undertaking the administration on their behalf. Unlike many other Intermediaries we prefer not to charge an additional fee to our customers. On the very rare occasion that we do (less than 1% of cases) this is out of necessity to cover our costs.

Are you regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority?2015-07-28T14:44:17+01:00

Yes. We are regulated and authorised by the FCA for your complete protection.