Mortgage provider or broker for FTC

RamBro

Having been made redundant end of July, I'm now due to start a 12 month FTC in November (I'm currently working a 4-week contract this month). The line of work is the same I've been doing previously.
I've heard Halifax is good for FTC's, but would like to know which other lender is.
(I've asked the broker I've used previously, but he's being quite unresponsive this time around - so if you can recommend a FTC friendly broker, then that would be great also )

ACG

You have asked your broker which lenders are good for FTC? I am not surprised he is unresponsive... In his head it could be a case of he tells you, you go direct. If it goes wrong he still risks being blamed. 

RamBro

ACG said:

You have asked your broker which lenders are good for FTC? I am not surprised he is unresponsive... In his head it could be a case of he tells you, you go direct. If it goes wrong he still risks being blamed. 

Ah - I should have worded it better! 
I've updated my broker on my work change have asked him what this means in term of mortgage applicability i.e. is that something he can work with and find a suitable mortgage.

I'd also like to explore any direct options so I have something to compare with.

ACG

That sounds a bit better. 
To be completely honest, every decent broker I know at the minute is snowed under. Thats not an excuse to ignore you or be a bit rubbish with replies, but it probably explains why they are a bit rubbish with the replies. 

It is always important to check you fit criteria - hearing a lender is good at something does not mean they will be suitable for you - but at the minute lenders service levels vary massively. As an example, there is a lender if I call, I know they will not pick up the phone in under 60 minutes, lunch time you are looking at closer to 90 minutes. Sending in documents and it is a week before they even look at it. By comparison, I called a different lender yesterday and it rang twice and someone answered. A big problem at the minute is service levels, so especially for purchases it is important to take everything in to account not just the rate.

We do not use Halifax a lot, so I am not sure what their service levels are like. It sounds like you are in a position where you probably could do this yourself and no go too far wrong, but a broker brings the experience I suppose. I dont want to say you should or shouldnt use a broker, if I say you should it looks biased but if I say you dont need one and it goes to pot, I dont want you knocking on my door unhappy haha. Maybe call up one or 2 lenders and/or brokers and see where you feel the most confident? 

RamBro

That's really helpful - thank you