Halifax increases SVR
November 30, 2010
The Halifax has introduced a new and higher rate of interest that will hit new mortgage customers when their mortgage deal comes to an end.
From the 11th January next year, Read more
Are saving better used to pay off a mortgage?
November 27, 2010
For almost two years now, 20 months to be precise, the base interest rate set by the Bank of England has remained at a record low of just 0.5%. Those people who find themselves with both a mortgage and savings can be left wondering if their savings would be better used to pay off the mortgage instead of sat in a bank account. The answer to this question will be personal to you but here are Read more
Should the FSA go a step further and insist on mortgage advice?
November 24, 2010
The FSA recently announced its proposals that anyone involved with the sale of a mortgage should have to have their CeMAP, but is this enough?
In an earlier article, we discussed how the FSA’s latest report states that anyone dealing in the sale of mortgages should have a qualification at Level 3 or equivalent – in other words, many call centre staff and bank workers will need to pass the CeMAP exam. However, many in the mortgages market believe this does not go far enough.
According to Read more
FSA reveals CeMAP to be compulsory for every mortgage seller
November 21, 2010
At this year’s Mortgage Business Expo, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) Director of Conduct Policy, Sheila Nicoll, revealed forthcoming plans to ensure anyone involved in the sale of mortgages, such as those working in mortgage lender branches and call centres, will have to take the CeMAP exam. This news could mean mortgage lenders turn back towards mortgage advisors to Read more
Skipton Mortgages launches new mortgages with higher LTV
November 18, 2010
Mortgage advisors and first time buyers alike will welcome the news that Skipton Building Society has launched a new set of mortgages aimed at encouraging more people onto the property ladder who may need a higher LTV.
In total there are six new mortgages available including Read more
Barclays to help mortgage advisors give great customer service
November 15, 2010
Barclays has unveiled its improved IntroTrack service and any mortgage advisors submitting a mortgage application through the bank’s mortgage lending arm Woolwich will be automatically Read more
16 percent predicted increase in house prices
November 12, 2010
According to some economists, house prices are predicted to rise by around 16 percent by 2014 when compared to current prices.
In an article in The Telegraph, expert opinions are Read more
Will the new bank regulations make you a ‘mortgage prisoner’?
November 9, 2010
A new research report has claimed that 50% of mortgage-holders are likely to be crippled if the changes suggested by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) are allowed to proceed.
This prediction states that 5.5 million homeowners will be turned into ‘mortgage prisoners’, meaning Read more
RBS reports 8% gross mortgage lending growth
November 6, 2010
RBS’ level of gross mortgage lending rose by 8 percent in Q3 of this year compared to the preceding quarter to reach £5.6 billion.
According to RBS’ interim management statement, the net UK mortgage balance also grew by 6 percent from Q2 to Q3 for this year.
The mortgage lender states that the growth reflects Read more
46 and out for Leeds Building Society employee
November 3, 2010
Following a 46 year career at Leeds Building Society, worker Brian Munnoch has moved into retirement.
An article in the FT Advisor talks about how, having joined immediately after school at the young age of 16, Munnoch started work at Leeds Building Society working in the mortgages section back in 1964 in a role as a junior clerk.
From that first role working in mortgages, Read more
