Mortgages & me

Bringing both explanation and humour (yes, it is possible) to an often perceived realm of boredom

Mortgages. Let’s not kid ourselves here. If you had the choice of having one or not then there would be no choice. However, the vast majority of us, Russian billionaires excluded, need them to fuel that much loved British tradition – homeownership. So, if we all accept that we need them, you may as well do something positive and get the best one for you. It is staggering how many people make sure they get value for money from every day items but do not manage their home loan properly - the savings far outweigh the difference between the best baked beans and the value ones.

So, this blog will attempt to look at the world of mortgages and the housing market and try to bring both explanation and humour (yes, it is possible), and spark some comment, to an oft perceived realm of boredom. Here goes…

Drew Wotherspoon


12/07/2010 by Drew

Having helped many of our clients do exactly the same, John Charcol is delighted to confirm it has moved.  Our head office is now just a stone's throw away from London's Liverpool Street Station. ...

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30/06/2010 by Drew

Andrew Sentance of the MPC called for a rise in interest rates for the first time in almost two years, the latest minutes show. He voted to lift rates by 25bps due to stubborn inflation. It was the first call for a UK rate rise by...

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08/06/2010 by Drew

  • SVR report highlights scope for many borrowers paying SVR to cut payments.
  • If you pay 3.5% or over and have at least 15% equity it is time for action.
  • Borrowers with Northern Rock SVR and £250k mortgage can save £396 a month.

...

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29/05/2010 by Drew

In other news, Lloyds and C&G remove the cap that guaranteed a low SVR for borrowers.  Click here to find out more

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29/05/2010 by Drew

Read what our resident mortgage guru has to say on the subject here

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27/04/2010 by Drew

Click here for the latest John Charcol Mortgage Index which reveals that variable rates still dominate the mortgage landscape.

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08/04/2010 by Drew

Despite the next Quarterly Inflation Report being due a mere 2 days after the May Bank Rate decision, which has been delayed to Monday 10 May because of the general election, a rather more important influence next month will be...

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24/03/2010 by Drew

The news today that the chancellor is abolishing stamp duty land tax for all first time buyers up to £250,000 is excellent for a group of buyers who have been desperately bereft of reasons to smile for many, many years.  The move...

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24/03/2010 by Drew

Is prominence of purple in the Labour camp a reference to deep purple's mad dog lyric...I've got nothing to lose...probably not...

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16/03/2010 by Drew

Our latest John Charcol mortgage index reveals the return of the lesser spotted remortgager following increase in rates from many lenders.  Click here to see the full results.

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Terms & conditions

Your initial mortgage consultation is obligation free. There will be a minimum fee for our mortgage service of £450, of which £150 is payable when you apply, and we will retain the commission from the mortgage lender. Alternatively, you can choose the fee only option which is typically 0.65% of the amount borrowed. The precise amount will depend on your circumstances and mortgage loan amount, and will be discussed and agreed before you make a mortgage application.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT

Legals

John Charcol is a trading style of Towergate Financial (West) Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority; our registration number is 147692. John Charcol Associates LLP is an appointed representative of Towergate Financial (West) Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  Registered office: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Registered in England No: 02292688.  This mortgage site is only directed at persons within the UK.   The FSA does not regulate some investment mortgage contracts.  Calls may be recorded for training and monitoring. Max call charge from a BT landline is 3.9p per minute. Calls from other networks may vary.