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


22/11/2011 by Drew

HSBC’s recent claim that “81% of all best buys are provided by direct lenders” seems to have missed out on the vital point of it’s only a “Best Buy” if you can actually get it. If you can’t it might as well be on the moon. “How do...

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Categories: Mortgages, Mortgage Lenders, Tracker mortgages, Fixed rate mortgages, First time buyers, Remortgaging, Moving Home, Home Mover, Buy to let

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17/01/2011 by Drew

A survey from specialist buy to let lender Paragon Group reports that strong demand for rental properties and improving finance conditions have led to 71% of landlords being optimistic about the outlook for 2011. ...

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Categories: Buy to let, Mortgages, Interest rates

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17/01/2011 by Drew

Central London residential rents rose by 2.2 percent in the final quarter of 2010 according to the latest research by a leading estate agent. ...

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Categories: Buy to let, Mortgages

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21/12/2010 by Drew

Read what Ray Boulger has to say on the latest ads from Lloyds Banking Group. Click here to find out more.

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Categories: Mortgages, Buy to let, Interest rates, House Prices, Remortgaging

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26/08/2010 by Drew

In July 2010, the proportion of purchase business transacted by John Charcol was the highest it has been for many, many years.  Click here for the full report.

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Categories: Buy to let, Mortgages, Tracker mortgages, Fixed rate mortgages, Home Mover, Remortgaging

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26/08/2008 by Drew

One of the keenest debates over recent years in the mortgage market has been over buy to let mortgages. Some see them as an excellent market; others see them as a bubble waiting to burst. Buy to let mortgages really have divided...

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Categories: Buy to let, Mortgages, Interest rates

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04/10/2007 by Drew

It is interesting to read all the media coverage on buy to let and first time buyers.  Like most healthy arguments, there are those in favour and those against.  However, most of the opinion is from the media who are, after all,...

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Categories: Mortgages, Buy to let

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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.