Читать книгу The Female Investor - Kate Hill - Страница 15

A mortgage broker is someone who liaises with you and the banks, or other lenders, to arrange a home loan for you.

Mortgage brokers are trained and qualified to provide you with mortgage‐broking advice. By law, they must act in your best interests when suggesting a loan and a loan structure for you. Generally, it doesn't cost you, the borrower, any money to consult with a mortgage broker and we believe the service they provide — and the headaches they can prevent — is often underrated.

All banks and lenders pay the broker a commission for ‘selling' their products. Some brokers get paid a standard fee regardless of what loan they recommend. Other brokers get a higher fee for offering certain loans.

Sometimes a broker will charge you a fee directly — instead of, or as well as, the lender's commission. If you're not sure whether you're getting a good deal, ask around or look online to see what other brokers charge, if anything.

A good mortgage broker works with you to understand your needs and goals. They will:

 work out what you can afford to borrow

 find options to suit your situation

 talk to you about many different banks, lenders, and available loan products.

Conversely, if you go directly to the bank, that bank will only ever talk to you about their own loan products. Mortgage brokers are independent advisers, whereas the banks are not.

Getting a good recommendation is super important. Always check their qualifications and whether they belong to their industry body or association.