Should we use a broker?

j_yorks

We are planning to purchase a house and need a 95% mortgage. From looking online the best deal is HSBC, followed by Barclays, followed by Virgin Money, followed by Santander.

I understand HSBC only use Countrywide but from what I have read London and Country are generally a better broker.

We asked one broker (Mortgage Bureau) what they could do and the best deal they offered was the Santander mortgage - so the best deals don't seem to be available at least through that broker.

I am not sure whether or not we should use a broker and/or whether doing so offers any advantage in terms of actually processing the mortgage application, because the deals offered seem so far to be the same or worse via a broker.

I have been somewhat put off HSBC by some of what I've read about them online though, with delays in processing things etc.

Any general or specific advice much appreciated. Thank you.

AnotherJoe

When my daughter went through a small local broker (recommended by friends) she got a much better deal than we could find anywhere else online or through tied advisers at building socs and banks, and he gave a lot of advice on how to present the numbers to give the best possible picture.

elverson

Conversely, we used a broker (L&C) and their best deal was the same as the best deal listed on this website! But there was no fee and they were helpful in answering questions etc so we were no worse off by using them.