Anyone looking at the HSBC’s RateMatcher mortgages?

treliac

gowgowuk wrote: »

Hi,
Where did you see "Free legal and Valuation fees"? All I can see is "Other fees may apply".

Have just booked one and think it's a great offer. I've been looking out for a while and feel the time is now right with this mortgage.

The fees free deal depends on individual LTV figures etc., so is not advertised per se.

Am very impressed with the service received so far.

jasonmymail

dartilov wrote: »

Hi

Where does it say you can book and reserve for 6 months? If my mortgage renewal is due 1 Dec 09 can I reserve it now? Thought I had to wait until 1 Sep 09 before looking,

Thanks

My HSBC mortgage advisor told me during the application process that I had 6 months to draw down so I would go ahead and book yourself in now.

jasonmymail

SuzieMum wrote: »

Unsure of this myself. I just tried to call them for an official quote but they said they are doing call backs within 48hrs now, they also states they are doing these deals for another couple of weeks only! :eek:

I had to wait 2 weeks for a branch appointment - always prefer a face to face for something like this.

My understanding was that they were doing these until the end of July, however I wouldn't hang around if you're keen.

HSBC already pulled a 4.39% I was after in the time it took to get an appointment but taking into account the lower fees on the Rate Matcher mortgages I think I'm still marginally better off even at 4.44%.

jasonmymail

Info for anyone looking to apply for this mortgage...

• Application took about 1hr 15mins in the branch...
• I had everything with me, wage slips, bank statements, savings account statement, passport, mortgage statement, P60 (last 3 years if you want them to take overtime/bonuses into account), home insurance documents, pension statements, income protection policy documents...
• They perform a credit check online and also an affordabilty test (they will look through your bank statements for regular payments)...
• I had a decision within 1hr...
• They then send everything to the underwriters for final sign off (told this was a formality as passed both credit checks and affordability test) and should have full approval within 48hrs...
• Then a question of going into the branch and paying the valuation fee £260 (has to be by cheque) and the arrangement fee £599 (unless you're adding it to the mortgage).

Aside from waiting 2 weeks for an appointment they've been very efficient so far.

treliac

I would add to jasonmymail's post - if you've made your decision and there's any sort of wait for a branch appointment, why not apply by phone if you don't want to risk missing out. Documentation can always be produced later.

Lines open at 8.00am. I was told that morning is a good time to ring.

nrsql

>> Can be reserved now for up to 6 months start date
That's handy for anyone who is (or is about to be) on a low rate tracking the boe rate.

gowgowuk

treliac wrote: »

I would add to jasonmymail's post - if you've made your decision and there's any sort of wait for a branch appointment, why not apply by phone if you don't want to risk missing out. Documentation can always be produced later.

Lines open at 8.00am. I was told that morning is a good time to ring.

I called yesterday and asked what I should do to go ahead and book a product, and the guy gave me the number of a local branch to call (presumably to get an appointment?). EDIT: appointment made for next Tuesday (not such a long wait in Edinburgh!)

treliac

gowgowuk wrote: »

I called yesterday and asked what I should do to go ahead and book a product, and the guy gave me the number of a local branch to call (presumably to get an appointment?). EDIT: appointment made for next Tuesday (not such a long wait in Edinburgh!)

I decided to apply by phone in case the offer changed while I was waiting for an appointment.

Good luck with whichever method is easiest/quickest and you feel happy with.

gowgowuk

treliac wrote: »

I decided to apply by phone in case the offer changed while I was waiting for an appointment.

Good luck with whichever method is easiest/quickest and you feel happy with.

Thanks.
Strange, I wasn't given the choice to book by phone? Anyway, I think I feel better having an appointment, english not being my mother tongue, it's always easier!

briggs182

Just phoned HSBC as an existing customer. The deal is only valid for 28 days from the point of sending out the forms. 6 months is for new customers only -