Mortgages with London & Country versus going direct?

Bluebunny

Thought I would also share my experience.......I also contacted L&C originally but then went direct as I found a cheaper rate. we were declined for the mortgage going direct (not on affordability issues, other technicality) but having re-contacted L&C they are doing their utmost to help us.
If you are FTB and new to the mortgage 'game' I would recommend a broker!

enginesuck

I'd recommend them, they set a maximum on what they thought my affordability was based on a discussion I had with one of their team, i had initially wanted more but the options weren't realistically there, so based on that I went forward and I was very happy with their service.

hanfrangipane

I've just called L+C for my initial consult and 'DIP'. Really, their version of a DIP is just inputting the data into an affordability calculator. But it's useful to have in case any estate agents want to see this kind of thing ahead of arranging viewings etc.


The guy I spoke to seemed nice and helpful - although I suspect I could do what he is proposing to do for me myself, I felt like I knew quite a lot about things thanks to hovering over these boards!


I think for me the benefit of using a broker rather than doing the application directly myself is just having that intermediary to handle any queries etc and hopefully know a bit about hurrying things along. I do feel that it will be a bit less personal and tailored than an independent broker, but then it's fee free. If I feel like I need better service further down the line I can always switch to something local.


As a FTB I think I'd be too petrified to do a full application myself!

ACG

I dont see my job as finding the best rate... anyone can do that with all the websites on the internet now a days.

I see my job as doing my best to ensure it will go through, checking criteria, fixing problems as and when they arise and of course with first time or nervous buyers hand holding.

I mentioned this on a different thread but I would not use L&C and then change. Once you start the process you pick your broker (assuming you are using one) and you stick with them throughout unless things get REALLY bad. Switching brokers part way through is not a great idea.