Getting started with a mortgage broker
A mortgage broker searches the market on your behalf, recommends the right product, and manages the application process from start to finish. This guide explains what brokers do, how they’re paid, and what to expect at your first appointment.
In this guide
What does a mortgage broker actually do?
A mortgage broker acts as the link between you and the lender. They assess your finances, search for suitable products across the market, recommend the best option, and handle the application paperwork. They also chase the lender, liaise with your solicitor, and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Good brokers don’t just find you a rate — they understand lender criteria in detail. They know which lenders are more flexible on income types, which ones are faster to process, and which are most likely to say yes in your specific situation.
Why use a broker instead of going straight to a bank?
Going direct to a bank
- Limited to that lender’s products only
- The adviser works for the bank, not for you
- May miss better deals available elsewhere
- No fee to the lender (but you may pay a higher rate)
- If declined, you’ve used a hard credit search
- Good if you have a simple, straightforward case
Using a mortgage broker
- Searches across 90+ lenders to find the best deal
- Works for you, not the lender
- Knows criteria differences between lenders
- Only applies where you’re likely to be accepted
- Handles the full process and chases on your behalf
- Essential for complex cases (self-employed, bad credit, contractors)
Whole-of-market vs tied brokers
Not all brokers have access to the same range of lenders. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one.
A whole-of-market broker can recommend products from across the entire lending market. They’re not limited to a panel and can search all available lenders.
A tied or multi-tied broker works with a selected panel of lenders. They may have access to exclusive products but can’t compare the whole market. Some estate agent “in-house” brokers are tied to a limited panel.
Clearview Mortgage Solutions is a whole-of-market broker with access to 90+ UK lenders, meaning we can compare the widest range of products for your situation.
What to expect at your first appointment
Initial discussion
The broker asks about your situation: your income, deposit, any debts, the type of property you’re looking at, and your timeline. This is an informal chat, not a formal application.
Affordability assessment
Using the information you provide, the broker calculates roughly how much you could borrow. They’ll explain which lenders suit your income type and what rate range to expect.
Product recommendation
The broker searches the market and recommends specific products. They’ll explain the differences between fixed, variable, and tracker rates, and suggest the right term length.
Next steps
If you’re ready to proceed, the broker outlines what documents you need and starts preparing the application. If you’re not ready yet, they’ll advise on what to do to strengthen your position.
What information should you bring to your first meeting?
- Latest 3 months’ payslips (employed)
- SA302s and tax year overviews (self-employed)
- Details of any other income (rental, investments, benefits)
How do mortgage brokers get paid?
- The lender pays the broker a fee when the mortgage completes
- Typically 0.3–0.4% of the loan amount
- No direct cost to you
- The most common payment method
- A fee charged directly to you for the broker’s service
- Typically £300–£1,000, sometimes more for complex cases
- Usually payable on application or completion
- Some brokers charge a fee AND receive lender commission
- Funded entirely by lender commission
- No cost to you at any stage
- Check that they still have whole-of-market access
How to choose a good mortgage broker
- Must be authorised and regulated by the FCA
- Check the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk
- CeMAP or equivalent qualification
Questions to ask your broker
How many lenders do you have access to? What are your fees, and when are they payable? How much could I borrow based on my income? What rate range should I expect? Are there any schemes I could benefit from? How long will the process take? Will you manage the application from start to finish? What happens if my application is declined?
A broker who answers these questions clearly and honestly is one you can trust with your mortgage.
FCA regulation: what it means for you
All mortgage brokers in the UK must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means they’re required to treat you fairly, give suitable advice, be transparent about fees, and have a formal complaints procedure.
If something goes wrong, you have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), and your broker must hold professional indemnity insurance. FCA regulation provides a genuine safety net that protects consumers.
Get started with Clearview Mortgage Solutions
“As a first-time buyer I had no idea where to start. My Clearview broker explained everything, found me a great rate, and handled all the paperwork. I’d recommend them to anyone.”
Related guides
More guides in our first-time buyer mortgage hub.
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