News, Articles and Case Studies

Get Updated with Our Insightful Articles and Case Studies.

Stay in the know with our collection of articles and case studies. We provide you with the insights and knowledge to keep you informed on the Mortgage and Insurance Market.

Bank Of England Base Rate – May 2023

Bank Rate increased to 4.5% – May 2023 The Bank of England (BOE) has raised interest rates by 0.25%, reaching the highest level since 2008. The new rate stands at 4.5%! This interest rate hike is actually the 11th consecutive increase since December 2021, when rates were just 0.1%. If you’re considering remortgaging, now is… Read more
Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgages

Should You Choose a Fixed or Variable Mortgage? If you’re approaching the end of your current mortgage deal or buying a property for the first time, you’re probably wondering whether to go for a fixed or variable rate mortgage. With interest rates constantly shifting, choosing the right deal can feel like a gamble. But it… Read more
Home Improvement Mortgage

Home Improvement Mortgage: Finance Your Renovations If you’ve been dreaming of upgrading your home but are unsure how to finance the project, a home improvement mortgage could be the solution. Whether you’re looking to expand your living space, modernise your kitchen, or create an energy-efficient home, financing these improvements through a mortgage can make your… Read more
Starting a new directly authorised mortgage brokerage

Featured In Mortgage Solutions Thrilled to be spotlighted in Mortgage Solutions! Dive into our journey and insights on launching Kerr & Watson as a directly authorised mortgage brokerage. Read the full story here: Starting a new directly authorised mortgage brokerage – Watson Read more
Case Study: Residential Remortgage with Capital Raising

The Scenario A single homeowner in Farnborough sought to remortgage their property to raise capital for further home improvements. The client, a full-time employed professional earning £135,000 annually, was focused on securing a flexible mortgage solution that aligned with their financial goals. The property, a house valued at £420,000, was being remortgaged with equity as… Read more
Mortgage Advisor For Self-Employed

Stepping into the realm of homeownership as a self-employed individual can be a thrilling yet intricate venture. The unique financial landscape of self-employment brings its own set of challenges and considerations, from fluctuating income patterns to distinct mortgage requirements. This is where a specialised Mortgage Advisor for Self-Employed Homebuyers becomes an invaluable asset in your… Read more
How Long Does a Remortgage Take?

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Remortgage? Remortgaging your home can be an effective way to secure a better mortgage deal, release equity, or consolidate debt. However, understanding the remortgage timeline is crucial, especially if your current deal is coming to an end. Here we’ll explore how long a remortgage typically takes, what… Read more
Should I Get My House Valued Before Remortgaging

Remortgaging Soon? Why a Property Valuation Could Save You Money If you’re thinking about remortgaging, one of the first things you might wonder is whether you need to get your house valued. It’s a fair question, and one that can make a real difference to the rates and products available to you. The value of… Read more
First Time Buyer 95% LTV Mortgages

First Time Buyer 95% LTV Mortgages: Everything You Need to Know As a first-time buyer, getting on the property ladder can feel like challenge, particularly when it comes to saving for a deposit. If you’re struggling to save up a large deposit, a 95% loan-to-value (LTV) mortgage could be an option for you. This type… Read more
Mortgage Affordability

Understanding Mortgage Affordability Understanding mortgage affordability is important for anyone looking to buy a property to ensure that you’re shopping within your budget. It involves assessing how much you can realistically borrow based on your income, expenses, and other financial commitments. At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in helping clients understand their mortgage affordability, ensuring… Read more
Can You Get a Mortgage with a Part-Time Job?

Getting a Mortgage with a Part-Time Job Securing a mortgage with a part-time job may seem challenging, but it’s certainly possible with the right approach. Many potential homebuyers with part-time employment worry that their income might not be sufficient to qualify for a mortgage or cannot be used. However, lenders consider various factors beyond just… Read more
What is an Affordability Assessment?

Affordability Assessments When you’re looking to buy a home or refinance your mortgage, one of the first steps you’ll encounter is the affordability assessment. This crucial process helps lenders determine whether you can afford the monthly repayments on your chosen mortgage product. Understanding how an affordability assessment works can not only prepare you for what… Read more
Can I Choose My Own Mortgage Broker?

Choosing your Own Mortgage Broker Buying a property is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make, and securing the right mortgage is just as important. You may have heard from an estate agent or a financial adviser that you should use their recommended broker, but the truth is, the choice is… Read more
Case Study: Mortgage Secured for Premier League Footballer on New Contract

The Scenario A newly signed Premier League footballer got in touch to buy his first home in The Midlands. He had recently moved from a football scholarship to a full professional contract and was seeing a big increase in income. The property he wanted to buy was worth £1,000,000, and he had a 15% deposit… Read more
CIS Mortgage Advice

CIS Mortgage Advice for Construction Workers | Kerr & Watson If you work under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you might have experienced challenges when trying to secure a mortgage. Traditional lenders often view CIS workers as higher risk due to irregular income patterns and self-employment status. At Kerr & Watson, we specialise in understanding… Read more
Remortgage Advice

Remortgaging can be an exciting but often overwhelming experience. With numerous factors to consider, such as mortgage rates, equity, and changing financial circumstances, the process can seem daunting. That’s where Remortgage Advice steps in – your navigator in the intricate world of mortgage refinancing. The Remortgage Process Understanding the remortgage process is essential for homeowners.… Read more

Why Kerr & Watson?

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We take the time to understand your situation so that we can search for the perfect mortgage and insurance for you. Any recommendation made is completely bespoke to your circumstances.

Experience

Mortgage and insurance advice is our speciality. We have decades of combined experience giving us the knowledge to overcome challenges and find the perfect solution for your needs.

Communication

We work around your schedule to arrange a mortgage or insurance policy that suits your needs. You’ll be kept updated throughout the entire process with clear communication so you’ll always know what’s going on.

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Kerr & Watson | Address: Pembroke House, 8 St Christophers Pl, Farnborough GU14 0NH, UK | Phone: 01252 224620 | Email: info@kerrandwatson.co.uk | Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00–17:30

Frequently Asked Questions

▸ ▾ What does a mortgage advisor do?

A mortgage advisor evaluates your income, outgoings, credit history, and other financial commitments. They also assess property-related details, whether you’re buying or refinancing, ensuring you understand the best mortgage options for your situation. They also process the mortgage application to the lender, working with them to obtain a mortgage offer, then work with the conveyancer towards the completion of your purchase or remortgage.

▸ ▾ How does a mortgage advisor enhance the likelihood of mortgage approval?

A mortgage advisor increases your chances of mortgage approval by matching you with the most appropriate lenders, optimising your application, and navigating complex lending criteria to find the best value deal for your circumstances.

▸ ▾ What are the financial benefits of working with a mortgage advisor?

Working with a mortgage advisor can save you from costly mistakes such as choosing the wrong mortgage type or failing to meet a lender’s criteria. Their expertise often leads to securing more favourable mortgage terms and rates.

▸ ▾ Can a mortgage broker get you a better rate?

Often, a mortgage broker can find more cost-effective deals for you, even when their fees are considered, they can review the whole market and access exclusive broker only products that may not be available directly to the public.

▸ ▾ What steps should you take before speaking to a mortgage advisor?

Before speaking with a mortgage advisor, gather all relevant financial documents, including payslips, bank statements, and details of your credit history to ensure an accurate assessment of your situation.

▸ ▾ What range of financial history do mortgage advisors examine?

Mortgage advisors and lenders typically assess the last six years of your credit history to gauge your financial behaviour, this includes any missed payments or defaults.

▸ ▾ How long does it take a mortgage advisor to get a mortgage offer?

The process from application to approval of a mortgage can vary, normally this is anywhere from two to six weeks depending on the mortgage lender and the complexity of your situation.

▸ ▾ Do mortgage advisors have access to exclusive mortgage rates?

Yes, mortgage advisors often have whole-of-market access, which allows them to secure competitive rates, sometimes not directly available to consumers.

▸ ▾ What documents do mortgage advisors typically require?

Advisors typically need proof of identity, proof of address, 3 months payslips, tax calculations or accounts, bank statements, and potentially credit report to fully assess your financial situation.

▸ ▾ What are the advantages of using a mortgage broker rather than going direct to your bank?

A mortgage broker can provide whole of market advice by comparing offers from multiple lenders, potentially securing better rates and terms than a single bank’s offerings.

▸ ▾ Who are the Financial Conduct Authority?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates mortgage brokers and lenders to ensure they adhere to ethical and professional standards.

▸ ▾ How do you know if your mortgage advisor is qualified?

A qualified mortgage advisor should have a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) or equivalent, which is recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). They should also be listed on the Financial Services Register, ensuring they are authorised to give mortgage advice.

▸ ▾ How can you get a free credit report?

Lenders look closely at your credit score to decide how risky it is to lend to you. A good credit score can not only boost your chances of getting approved for a mortgage but might also get you better interest rates.

CheckMyFile offer a 7-day free trial after which a subscription fee applies, which can be cancelled any time.

CheckMyFile is a UK credit reporting service that collates information from the most popular credit referencing agencies, Equifax, Experian & TransUnion.