After working as a mortgage advisor for five years I founded The Oak Tree Mortgages Partnership with Calvin Oram in 2003 in order to offer a service-driven, customer-focused approach to the mortgage market.
Now with over 23 years’ experience I really enjoy de-mystifying mortgages for my customers and getting them the mortgage that’s right for them so they can buy the property they desire.
Buying my first property was a difficult experience due to my variable income and I had to use the services of a mortgage broker.
This inspired me to change career from teaching to financial services and I have never looked back! In 2003 I set up The Oak Tree Mortgages Partnership with Andrew Rawlings, after working as a mortgage advisor in an estate agent, as I wanted to work with my clients my way – which is all about being open, honest, and approachable.
As well as a good general knowledge of the mortgage market, I specialise in mortgages for new build properties and holiday homes.
I have worked with Calvin and Andrew since they started up in 2003. I’ve worked on all types of mortgages for people in all walks of life and I absolutely love meeting new people and helping them get their first time mortgage or their dream home.
My career started off in a bank and over time I progressed to being a financial advisor.
After a while I chose to specialise in mortgages and became a qualified mortgage advisor. I’ve been involved in mortgages for 22 years and have worked with the team at Oak Tree for 10 years.
The favourite part of my job is when someone doesn’t think they can get a mortgage, but I don’t give up, and love it when I can get them the mortgage they were after.
I started off as a Personal Banking Manager at Lloyds TSB but really wanted to specialise in mortgages so moved to Coventry Building Society for a Trainee Mortgage Advisor role, where I qualified and stayed for nine years.
I joined the team at Oak Tree eight years ago as I was impressed by their drive, determination, and passion for what they do.
I’m a well-rounded advisor, and also have extensive knowledge of mortgages for shift workers, NHS staff with additional income, contractors and the self-employed.
Initial meeting
In our first meeting with you, whether it’s face to face or online, we’ll get an understanding of what you’re looking to achieve and will review your work and financial situation with you including income, outgoings, and debt.
We’ll also give you some idea of what you might be able to borrow and the likely costs. In advance of the meeting, we’ll let you know what information you will need so you can come prepared. Feel free to ask as many questions as you want – whether you need buy to let mortgage advice or want to know how to remortgage.
Agreement in Principle
If you’re looking to buy a property, we can supply a ‘Mortgage Certificate’ which is a document from a lender saying they are happy, in principle, to give you a mortgage for a certain amount.
While this will be subject to a full application and the property being suitable, it’s beneficial to show this to the estate agent or house seller so they know you are serious about purchasing. An estate agent will often require this before they put any offers to the vendor on your behalf. This is free to arrange and can easily be renewed if it goes out of date.
Mortgage application
Once you have had an offer accepted on a property, we can then apply for your mortgage. At this appointment we will discuss and finalise with you how much you are going to borrow, over how many years, the interest rate and lender, and the lender’s fees.
As professional mortgage advisors in Solihull and Wythall, we aim to find the right mortgage for your requirements and if time is of the essence, we can select those lenders who are more efficient. We want to ensure you understand the mortgage process completely and will show you how we came to our recommendation. We’ll review the mortgage quotation with you in detail and once you have confirmed you accept our recommendation, we will officially apply for the mortgage, supplying all the relevant paperwork. The lender will then commission a valuation report to confirm the property is worth what you intend to pay for it.
Mortgage offer
If your application is successful, the lender will provide a formal mortgage offer – this typically takes about 4 weeks after applying and will be sent to you and your solicitor. Once the legal work has been completed your solicitor will then be able to access the funds.
Throughout
As reputable mortgage brokers in Solihull and the surrounding area, we will be with you every step of the way through the entire mortgage process. We’re always on hand to answer any questions you may have and can liaise with third parties, such as lenders and solicitors, on your behalf.
The future
We would love to help you in the future. Whether that’s reviewing your options as your initial interest rate comes to an end, further borrowing for home improvements, or to arrange a moving home mortgage, we would be delighted to help again.
372 Stratford Road,
Shirley, Solihull
B90 4AQ