Independent Mortgage Store

read moreDuring these difficult times we want you to know that we are open for business and the team at Independent Mortgage Store will still be available to assist you with any mortgage needs. Although we cannot see any customers in the office we can offer telephone or digital appointments. The office remains open and staffed but with the majority of our team now working remotely. Don't hesitate to contact us for assistance. The Independent Mortgage Store is a Glasgow based mortgage company specialising in impartial mortgage advice giving advice offered throughout the UK.

read moreI attended Earnock High School in Hamilton before moving to the west end of Glasgow in 1982 and completing an honours degree in Cell Biology at Glasgow University in 1986. After a major review of my career options I moved into financial services starting in 1986 with Financial Planning Services. After rising to a Senior Unit Manager looking after a team of 12 IFA's I chose to specialise in the mortgage market and became a mortgage broker. I moved into the property market which I had always been interested in and joined Roy Slater Estate Agency in 1987 just after Roy had set up the company.

read moreMany lenders offer qualifying applicants a better deal if they work in certain professions because they are often viewed as lower risk. Their qualifications, predictable career progression, and reliable income make them a much safer bet statistically than other applicants, and as such some lenders choose to offer better deals to attract more of these types of borrower. Some lenders offer a completely separate exclusive product range, while others provide discount or an enhanced level of discretion on underwriting (if it's a unique case that gets declined initially).

read moreOver recent years there's been a steady increase in the number of people purchasing their first home. While the financial crisis of 2008 resulted in to 'generation rent', financing options have responded to the needs of first time buyers in the current climate. These options have helped first time buyers increase by 75% since the year of the recession. With very few mortgage lenders currently offering a loan for 100% of the property's value, you in most cases you will need a deposit. But keep in mind that a bigger deposit will result in a larger choice of deals and a lower mortgage rate.

read moreThe Credit Crunch had a major impact on the range of mortgages on offer to house buyers. Since October 2008 the Bank of England's rate has fallen several times and remained at a historical low for over 10 years. On the 2nd November 2017 the Bank of England raised the base rate from 0.25% to 0.5% - the first rate rise in over a decade. It is likely to rise twice more over the next three years, according to Bank of England governor Mark Carney. With the combination of Brexit and the potential effects of uncertain political times ahead this leaves the markets with an uncertain future.

read moreIf you have been thinking of investing in property and becoming a landlord, then you are not alone. Buy to let is a popular form of investment for clients with some spare cash. With mortgage rates low, rental yield increasing and continuing to rise, this is being considered by clients as a potentially safer and more lucrative investment compared to other traditional forms of investment. However iowevern 2017 new rules have tightened up criteria in this market. No sooner had landlords come to terms with the stamp duty increase and the stepped reduction in tax relief they now have to take on board the greater regulation.