Go direct or use a broker?

spidereyes

Goldiegirl wrote: »

If you are financially savvy, are confident to make decisions for your self based on your own judgement and research, and know that your situation is straightforward, a broker isn't an essential.

Personally I'd go direct.

I knew that I had the skills, research ability and confidence to do a good job.

I have to agree.
Ive just got my mortgage directly with my bank. I certainly didn't just apply at random though. I spent a lot of time researching different lenders lending criteria and amounts they would lend etc. I also took a lot if good advice from this site.
I found two lenders which seemed to have the criteria that matched our position best, one of which just happened to be my bank, they also had the best rates out of the two and a better reputation.
I had my mortgage appointment and discussed the product options fully with the advisor although I had already done a lot if research and formed an opinion on what we thought would be best for us, the mortgage advisor agreed with our choices for our circumstances.

Based on the research I did I'm fairly confident that I got the best rate we could.
As it happens after getting an api I did actually approach L&C to see if I could get anything better elsewhere, my guy turned out to be very unhelpful and I decided to go on my own (obviously I'm not taring all brokers with the same brush!)

I think if you really do your research and you have a bit of common sense then going direct isn't necessarily a bad thing but if you arnt that sure or arnt willing to put the time in i certainly wouldn't want to risk it.

Let_Us_See

spidereyes wrote: »

As it happens after getting an api I did actually approach L&C to see if I could get anything better elsewhere, my guy turned out to be very unhelpful and I decided to go on my own (obviously I'm not taring all brokers with the same brush!)

Perhaps they were an experienced adviser who quickly realised you were wasting their time? It is fairly easy to distinguish between a client seeking assistance and someone purely on a "fishing expedition."