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 30 January 2008

We own a shop and live in the flat above. We have a commercial mortgage. The property is split approx 65% residential to 35% business. Is it possible for us to change from a commercial mortgage to a residential or split it into 2...

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Category: Commercial, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 19 December 2007

I am hoping to place an offer on a property with a flying freehold on 2 of the bedrooms to the property. I understand not all mortgage lenders will accept this. Which ones do you suggest we approach first?

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Category: Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 5 November 2007

Hi Katie, Almost a year ago I bought a two-bed flat and started renting out the one-bed flat I had owned and lived in for six years. It just about breaks even - the rent I receive covers mortgage payments (interest-only) and the...

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Category: Buy-to-let, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 4 October 2007

I am in the process of buying a pair of flats which are being sold together for one price. There are an upper and lower and cover three floors, one of top of the other. They have separate entrances. I want to live in one flat and...

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Category: Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 7 September 2007

We have a flexible mortgage owing £127,000 left over 13 years monthly repayments of £1,241.00. We have had our house on the market for some months and it has not sold. We have found a property we would love to buy for £315k. What...

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Category: Bridging loans, Buy-to-let, Lower mortgage payments, Second properties, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 7 September 2007

I am trying to get a mortgage to buy out my husband as we have now separated. At present I earn £45,828 as a headteacher. Our house has been valued at £375,000.  We have an interest only mortgage of 120,000 and I would have...

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Category: Interest only vs repayment, Lower mortgage payments, Mortgages in retirement, Remortgaging, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 4 September 2007

Dear Katie...My daughter and her partner, ages 35 and 37 respectively, own an immaculate end-of-terrace home in a slow-moving area but are anxious that their aspirations seem to be sliding fast away. They wish to invest in a...

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Category: Lower mortgage payments, New build, Tax issues, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 4 September 2007

Me and my partner would like to buy in a couple of years. We worked out we can probably get between £20-25,000 saved as a deposit in that time. Our salaries total approximately £30-33,000 a year - what are our chances of...

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Category: First-time buyer, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 22 August 2007

I am a first time buyer in the process of a private sell on a house.  We had a private survey done and the house is valued at £100,00.  However, the seller is asking for £120,000.  What would you say is the best...

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Category: First-time buyer, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 20 August 2007

Hi, I owe around £260k on my mortgage but my property is a 7-bed with swimming pool, bar, cinema, etc.  I built the house out of my saving and it has been valued at around £800-900K by a local estate agent.  I now want...

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Category: Buy-to-let, Buying abroad, Remortgaging, Second properties, Self-build, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 13 August 2007

My house is on the market and I expect to make at least £60,000 (after fees) from the sale. My salary is £24,200 and I have my eye on a property for £169,000. Is there any way I will be able to borrow £109,000? My partner is a...

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Category: Lower mortgage payments, Special circumstances, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 13 August 2007

How do I get an Agreement in Principle using your website? I have found the mortgage I like, but I have not found a property so I am not in a position to proceed with a full mortgage application.

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Category: Special circumstances, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 3 August 2007

Hi Katie

At present my mortage is with B&B and it is for £110K, I recently had a walk through valuation and was told it was worth between £450 and £500K. I would like to raise another £90K but for reasons that I won't go into I...

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Category: Remortgaging, Self-certification, Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


Posted on 17 July 2007

My question is around the average house value growth rate.  Based on history what % CAGR would you suggest I use to understand how my house value will (hopefully!) grow at?  Alternatively is there a web site that could...

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Category: Valuations, Freehold, leases & unusual property


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