Using a broker for A&L / Santander - DON'T, BE WARNED

JA1000

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2357351

wurlycurly

I did, and my mortgage went through fine, I moved into the property last weekend, just over 4 weeks after I applied for the mortgage.

I only went through a broker as I had a slightly complicated situation when I applied for the mortgage. I would have rather not used the broker as I did find it more frustrating than applying directly myself which I have done in the past and the offered no better rates than I could get myself, although they did talk to Abbey for me and get cashback on my mortgage rather than the free solicitors as I wanted to use my own local solicitors.

JA1000

Well done, you are a rare species, you might have to put your broker contact details up as they seem to have it sorted with Santander

wurlycurly

I used London and Country, I have to admit I wouldn't actually recommend them though. I found them very frustrating to deal with, they were hard to get hold of and never called me to update. I ended up calling them most days to find out what was happening. They also still call me trying to sell other products I've already told them I was not interested in.

Like I said I only went the broker route as my situation was complicated, my previous mortgage I went direct to the bank and found it much easier being able to talk direct to the people offering the mortgage.

Fairdo_2

wurlycurly wrote: »

I did, and my mortgage went through fine, I moved into the property last weekend, just over 4 weeks after I applied for the mortgage.

I only went through a broker as I had a slightly complicated situation when I applied for the mortgage. I would have rather not used the broker as I did find it more frustrating than applying directly myself which I have done in the past and the offered no better rates than I could get myself, although they did talk to Abbey for me and get cashback on my mortgage rather than the free solicitors as I wanted to use my own local solicitors.

That is not in itself a wonderful feat! There are usually very similar deals with different codes giving you a choice of free standard legals or nominal cashback if using own solicitor, so the main benefits of using a Broker will be to ensure they can get the best deal available for your particular requirements based on what they have available to them; and to take the monkey off your back with the progression of the case, which doesn't sound like that part was fulfilled to your satisfaction in this particular case.

It's a bit like chosing a Lender yourself really, that, unless the Broker has been personally recommended because they have done a great job for someone before, it can be luck of the draw as to whether they fulfil your expectations. Congratulations though.

wurlycurly

Lol, I appreciate that it isn't particularly fast, but on the other thread it looks like a lot of people are having trouble with Abbey, I just wanted to give people a positive story, as I read this thread after having applied to Abbey and have to admit it did worry me a bit, especially as I knew that my circumstances were a bit complicated.

luckyfool

wurlycurly wrote: »

Lol, I appreciate that it isn't particularly fast, but on the other thread it looks like a lot of people are having trouble with Abbey, I just wanted to give people a positive story, as I read this thread after having applied to Abbey and have to admit it did worry me a bit, especially as I knew that my circumstances were a bit complicated.

4 weeks from application to moving in is actually very fast. I believe his/her point was more with regards to the product having cashback as an incentive as opposed to timescales.

kaych

We actually used a broker before, he was really good, basically called us to chase up for information and everything almost everyday! He seemed more keen than us! Found us the best deal from Abbey.

Anyway at the end, we used HSBC as they had the best deal and couldn't go through him. Shame as he was really good and really wanted him to earn the commission...

so can't really comment on the Abbey mortgage side, but there are some keen and very helpful broker out there! oh also I think he has his own company, possibly he is the only employee, I find that they tend to work harder when they are working for themselves.