First time buyer
Buying Your First Home – Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
Purchasing your first home can feel overwhelming, but with over 13 years of experience in the property industry, I’m here to guide you through the entire process—from your initial enquiry right through to completion.
Here’s how we’ll support you at each stage:
Step 1: Confirm Your Affordability
Before you begin viewing properties, it’s essential to understand what you can afford. This not only helps you focus your search but also avoids the disappointment of falling in love with a home that’s beyond your budget. Give us a call and we’ll help you establish a clear and realistic price range.
Step 2: Obtain an Agreement in Principle
We’ll arrange an Agreement in Principle (AIP) for you—this involves a soft credit check that won’t impact your credit score (Be careful as some companies could submit a hard check which affects your credit score, we will only soft check). Most estate agents will request this document when you make an offer, as it shows you’re a serious and financially qualified buyer.
Step 3: Find the Right Property
Once you’ve started your search, feel free to reach out before making an offer. With a background in estate agency, I can provide insider advice and negotiation tips to help you secure the best possible deal.
Additional Support
We’re also happy to recommend trusted solicitors and surveyors to help make the process as seamless and stress-free as possible.
Moving home
Many home movers already have an existing mortgage and often make the mistake of speaking only to their current lender—usually due to concerns about early repayment charges.
However, it's important to understand that affordability assessments are required regardless of whether you stay with your current lender or switch to a new one. When you speak with us, we’ll conduct a full comparison to determine whether remaining with your existing lender or moving elsewhere is the most cost-effective option for you. Whichever route is best, we can manage the entire application process on your behalf.
While it can take weeks to arrange a call with a lender directly, we have access to over 90 lenders—giving you more choice, faster results, and significantly less stress. Get in touch, and we’ll find the right solution for your needs.
Remortgage
In my experience, many clients choose to take what appears to be the easier route by staying with their current lender when it comes time to remortgage. While this might seem convenient, it often doesn’t result in the most cost-effective outcome. In fact, staying with the same lender without exploring other options can mean missing out on more competitive rates and better terms elsewhere.
It’s important to remember that a remortgage is essentially a brand-new mortgage, and it should be approached with the same level of care and consideration as your very first one. Reviewing the full market ensures that you're not only meeting your financial needs today, but also securing the best possible deal for your future.
Once we’ve submitted your remortgage application, our service doesn’t stop there. We continuously monitor interest rates and lender offers right up to completion, and if a better product becomes available, we’ll work to switch you to it—ensuring you always get the most suitable deal.
Buy to let
If you're considering investing in property, a buy-to-let mortgage can be a great way to generate income and build long-term wealth. One of the first things to be aware of is that buy-to-let mortgages typically require a larger deposit than residential ones—usually around 25%.
Beyond that, the criteria are often more straightforward than expected. Unlike residential mortgages, affordability is primarily assessed based on the expected rental income from the property, rather than your personal income.
Who can we help:
- First time landlords
- First time buyers
- HMO
- Ltd company buy to lets
- Holiday lets - Air BnB type mortgages
‘’Not all Buy to Let Mortgages are regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority.’’
Adverse credit
We understand that not everyone has a perfect credit history—and that’s completely okay. It might mean there are fewer lenders available, but it definitely doesn’t mean you’re out of options. If you've had financial difficulties in the past and now need support with a purchase or remortgage, we’re here to help. Just give us a call and we’ll talk through your situation with care and understanding.
The first step in the process is to review your credit file so we can clearly understand your current financial position. I can advise the best way to find out this information and create a report.
Once you've completed the report, I’ll review it in detail and assess the most suitable options available to you.
If we’re unable to help, please don’t feel discouraged. There is support available, and you’re not alone. You can reach out to trusted organisations like StepChange, who offer free, confidential advice to help you manage your finances and get back on track.
Fair and Transparent Fees
At Halo Mortgages, I believe in being open and honest about costs from the very start. I charge a broker fee of up to £495, depending on your individual circumstances and the complexity of your application.
This fee is only payable once your mortgage has been approved by the lender, giving you peace of mind that I’m fully committed to securing the right deal for you.
The fee allows me to dedicate the time and attention needed to research the best options from across the market, manage your application, and support you right through to completion.
As a sole adviser, you’ll work directly with me from start to finish. My goal is to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, while providing expert, tailored advice that’s always in your best interest.
