Ask Bea

Bea's Biography

Bea began her career in financial services in August 2001, as an underwriter for Chelsea Building Society. In January 2004 she joined Clydesdale Bank as a Mortgage Adviser, and then joined John Charcol in January 2007 as a mortgage consultant.  John Charcol, the sister company of Charcol, provides independent mortgage advice.

Bea’s has been chosen as our mortgage expert due to her excellent reputation both within John Charcol and with her clients through exceptional customer service and management, and first class broking skills. Bea typifies the standards clients can expect from John Charcol.  In the words of one of her clients, “Bea has arranged our transaction and has explained what is happening at every stage of the process.  I am very pleased and impressed with both her approachable, common sense attitude and ability to obtain the best deal on both my properties, securing mortgages that were far better than what I was used to paying.   At every point of contact Bea has been professional and extremely helpful, going above and beyond what would normally be expected.”

Outside of work Bea lives in Richmond with her husband and enjoys reading, painting, good food and great wine. 

If you would like to discuss your specific situation in more detail, or would like further advice, please call and speak to one of our qualified mortgage consultants now on: 0845 034 2100

STOP PRESS - Due to a techncial fault beyond our control, we have just found out that we have lost a number of questions submitted over the last month or so.  We are extremely sorry about this and apologise to those that are still waiting for a response.  If you could re-submit yout question we will endeavour to answer it as soon as possible.

Please be aware that these answers can only be generic and no personal recommendations can be made.


Posted on 28 February 2008

Hi, my interest only mortgage deal is due to run out in April 2008. I hope to sell my property before then. I assume if sold before April I will part with my lenders with any profit made? My question is, when I go to buy again...

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Category: First-time buyer


Posted on 27 February 2008

My house is valued at around £400,000 and I currently have a mortgage balance of £137,000 owing and a term of 8 years. I'm currently earning £65,000 - £70,000 (salary+pension) per year & paying approx £20,000 in tax. I'm allowed...

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Category: Interest only vs repayment


Posted on 26 February 2008

Katie, I'm considering an offset mortgage with a term of 14 years and a sum of £73,500. My wife and I have savings of £25,000. We earn bonuses which give us lump sums to reduce the debt further, approximately every 6 months...

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Category: Offset mortgages


Posted on 25 February 2008

We would like to buy a house to renovate. Would a bridging loan be suitable? Or are we wasting our time applying? We currently have a mortgage with the Nationwide but we wanted to do this as a separate entity without releasing...

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Category: Raising capital out of property


Posted on 25 February 2008

Hi Katie, I currently have a mortgage on my residential home. I am looking at buying a second property with a friend of mine to refurbish and sell on. There are a couple of things I am not sure of, the first being, can I secure a...

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Category: The application process explained


Posted on 24 February 2008

We have a part repayment/part endowment mortgage and need to borrow £25,000 to extend our property. Would it be better to cash in the Standard Life endowment (due to mature in 2015 and predicting a shortfall of between...

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Category: Mortgages in retirement


Posted on 24 February 2008

Hi Katie, my partner and I are considering moving house. I own our present home and have about £32,000 left to pay on the present mortgage. I would expect to sell for about £100,000. We hope to borrow about £100,000 for any new...

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Category: Temporary employment


Posted on 19 February 2008

Hi Katie, I'm on a variable mortgage tied in until January 2010. I am only tied in by the 5% of the balance charged if I change the mortgage type or lender. The balance is around £82,500 which is about a £4,000 fee. Is it worth...

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Category: Current rates & the market


Posted on 19 February 2008

We have a house valued at £350,000 and owe £60,000. We would like to buy a property in Crete for £175,000. We are 61 & 63. What is the best way to do it?

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Category: Second properties


Posted on 18 February 2008

Our monthly income is approx £4,000. We have debt accumulated to £23,000. Our current mortgage of £160,000 is with Northern Rock and our current repayment is £1,200 per month. If we consolidate and remortgage for £185,000 over 17...

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Category: Consolidation of debts


Posted on 18 February 2008

I currently own outright a property worth £165,000. I earn between £35,000-£40,000 per annum and am looking to obtain a BTL property. I could command about £400-£450 a month in rent for the location and would like this to pay a...

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Category: Buy-to-let, Raising capital out of property


Posted on 17 February 2008

Hi Katie, I have a £137,000 mortgage on a property worth £220,000 and I am nearing the end of my 2 year fixed deal. I am currently with the Halifax at a rate of 4.39%. Would you have any advice on whether or not to stay with my...

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Category: Lower mortgage payments


Posted on 17 February 2008

I have an existing joint mortgage with my wife, however she pays the mortgage each month. We have separated and I am looking to buy another property. Will I be able to get another mortgage even though I am still named on the...

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Category: Separation or Divorce


Posted on 17 February 2008

How will the Northern Rock nationalisation affect current Northern Rock mortgage holders? Will it affect our repayments? Any information would be grateful please Kate.

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Category: Current rates & the market


Posted on 14 February 2008

Hi, I can afford to pay £600 per month back on a mortgage. How much roughly would I be able to borrow?

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Category: First-time buyer


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