FAQs
Answering your questions and providing clarity is one of our most important tasks. We might have already answered some of your initial questions below.
James Leighton
Who are we and how do we work? We’re always transparent.
Mortgages
Find answers to other clients’ most asked mortgage questions.
Protection
We’ve provided early clarity on insurance and protection products.
James Leighton
Who are we and how do we work? We’re always transparent.
Mortgages
Find answers to other clients’ most asked mortgage questions.
Protection
We’ve provided early clarity on insurance and protection products.
James Leighton
Q
Can I use your mortgage services if I’m not buying a new build property?
A
Absolutely! We help clients across the UK with buying resale properties as well as new build properties, not forgetting remortgaging them too - our adviser's expertise covers a wide range of property types and mortgage options. There are no hidden fees or tiered levels of service, meaning that whatever support you require, it's provided to you without any cost, while maintaining the same high standard of excellence.
Q
Why should I use a mortgage adviser?
A
Choosing a mortgage adviser comes with a multitude of advantages. They have the expertise to pinpoint lenders who can provide you with the most favourable terms, tailored to your unique circumstances and preferences. They can guide you through the process, helping you sidestep common pitfalls. One of the key benefits is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected thanks to a formal complaints procedure. Zero hassle and peace of mind.
Q
How will you determine the right mortgage for me?
A
We believe that there is a right mortgage out there for everyone. But with a mind-boggling array of more than 90 lenders and 1000s of deals available to us, your friendly adviser will start by carrying out a fact find to establish not only the finer factual details of your financial circumstances but also your personal preferences and objectives. With the combination of skill, experience and great technology, you can be confident that we’ll find you the ideal mortgage.
Q
Can you help me understand which government schemes I might be eligible for?
A
Definitely! We're well-versed in government schemes like Shared Ownership and First Homes, as well as Deposit Unlock which was created by the Home Builders Federation. We will explain eligibility criteria, application processes and how it affects your mortgage options.
Q
I’d like to get financially qualified by you, what documents will I need?
A
You don’t need any documents at qualification stage. If you are looking at applying for a joint application, it would be useful to know the second applicant’s employment and salary information. Our friendly expert Qualifiers will ask you questions about your personal and financial circumstances in order to accurately assess your mortgage affordability. There is zero obligation to take our advice or use our services, you can simply call our Nottingham office for a chat!
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Mortgages
Q
What factors determine mortgage eligibility?
A
All banks and building societies have different lending criteria with many having particular strengths and weaknesses dependent on their appetite for risk, such as self-employed income or those with adverse credit. In all cases, lenders will consider your income, credit profile, size of deposit and the amount of your disposable income to determine your eligibility and affordability.
Q
What type of mortgage is most suitable?
A
There isn’t one type of mortgage that is better than others. The optimal mortgage for you can only be determined based on personal needs and preferences, as well as the current mortgage market which is influenced by the economy. To understand the most suitable mortgage options that are available right now, it’s worth engaging with one of our experienced mortgage brokers.
Q
How can I pay off my mortgage quicker?
A
Most mortgages allow for some level of overpayment without incurring early repayment penalties, usually up to 10% of the outstanding balance each year, which will help to reduce the term of the mortgage. One alternative option could be an offset product that will allow you to link your savings to your mortgage to help reduce the term of the mortgage. Our advisers will discuss all of the options available to you.
Q
How much money do I need to save for a deposit for my first home?
A
Of course, the more the merrier. However, we understand that is easier said than done. The great news is that there are loads of mortgage options and schemes available that will allow for as little as 5% deposit. At the time of writing, there are even some zero deposit options available for some buyers in certain circumstances. Whatever deposit you have, speak to our team to see what mortgage options are available and you might be surprised at what is possible.
Q
How can I estimate how much I can afford to borrow as a first-time buyer?
A
It’s actually quite difficult to estimate because there are so many factors affecting how much you can borrow, such as employment status, credit rating, size of deposit and age. Consequently, we recommend that you speak to one of our brilliant team, 7 days a week, for a no obligation chat. We’ll help you establish accurately how much you can borrow, how much it will cost per month and therefore what your target purchase price range is. All based on your personal circumstances. It only takes around 15-20 minutes. No documents. No unwanted credit checks. Hassle free.
SHOW MORE
Protection
Q
What types of protection does James Leighton advise on?
A
The James Leighton team have vast experience in helping clients take out income protection insurance, life assurance, critical illness cover, family income benefit and even home insurance. Our team of skilled professionals cover all bases without compromising on results.
Q
How do James Leighton advisers calculate the right amount of cover?
A
All James Leighton advisers complete a comprehensive individual assessment with you to calculate the right amount of cover you need. Our advisers will consider multiple factors when calculating coverage, including but not limited to your lifestyle, financial obligations and future goals and obligations.
Q
Can James Leighton review and update existing protection policies?
A
Yes, our team is able to review your existing insurance and protection policies to make sure you’re fully protected for your ever-changing circumstances. Life events may mean your existing policies are no longer fit for purpose or may need adjusting. Contact our team for a personal assessment of existing policies.
Got another question?
If you cannot find the answer to your question above, drop us an email by clicking the button below and we'll be happy to answer it. You might even find it here the next time you visit!
James Leighton
Q
Can I use your mortgage services if I’m not buying a new build property?
A
Absolutely! We help clients across the UK with buying resale properties as well as new build properties, not forgetting remortgaging them too - our adviser's expertise covers a wide range of property types and mortgage options. There are no hidden fees or tiered levels of service, meaning that whatever support you require, it's provided to you without any cost, while maintaining the same high standard of excellence.
Q
Why should I use a mortgage adviser?
A
Choosing a mortgage adviser comes with a multitude of advantages. They have the expertise to pinpoint lenders who can provide you with the most favourable terms, tailored to your unique circumstances and preferences. They can guide you through the process, helping you sidestep common pitfalls. One of the key benefits is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected thanks to a formal complaints procedure. Zero hassle and peace of mind.
Q
How will you determine the right mortgage for me?
A
We believe that there is a right mortgage out there for everyone. But with a mind-boggling array of more than 90 lenders and 1000s of deals available to us, your friendly adviser will start by carrying out a fact find to establish not only the finer factual details of your financial circumstances but also your personal preferences and objectives. With the combination of skill, experience and great technology, you can be confident that we’ll find you the ideal mortgage.
Q
Can you help me understand which government schemes I might be eligible for?
A
Definitely! We're well-versed in government schemes like Shared Ownership and First Homes, as well as Deposit Unlock which was created by the Home Builders Federation. We will explain eligibility criteria, application processes and how it affects your mortgage options.
Q
I’d like to get financially qualified by you, what documents will I need?
A
You don’t need any documents at qualification stage. If you are looking at applying for a joint application, it would be useful to know the second applicant’s employment and salary information. Our friendly expert Qualifiers will ask you questions about your personal and financial circumstances in order to accurately assess your mortgage affordability. There is zero obligation to take our advice or use our services, you can simply call our Nottingham office for a chat!
SHOW MORE
Mortgages
Q
What factors determine mortgage eligibility?
A
All banks and building societies have different lending criteria with many having particular strengths and weaknesses dependent on their appetite for risk, such as self-employed income or those with adverse credit. In all cases, lenders will consider your income, credit profile, size of deposit and the amount of your disposable income to determine your eligibility and affordability.
Q
What type of mortgage is most suitable?
A
There isn’t one type of mortgage that is better than others. The optimal mortgage for you can only be determined based on personal needs and preferences, as well as the current mortgage market which is influenced by the economy. To understand the most suitable mortgage options that are available right now, it’s worth engaging with one of our experienced mortgage brokers.
Q
How can I pay off my mortgage quicker?
A
Most mortgages allow for some level of overpayment without incurring early repayment penalties, usually up to 10% of the outstanding balance each year, which will help to reduce the term of the mortgage. One alternative option could be an offset product that will allow you to link your savings to your mortgage to help reduce the term of the mortgage. Our advisers will discuss all of the options available to you.
Q
How much money do I need to save for a deposit for my first home?
A
Of course, the more the merrier. However, we understand that is easier said than done. The great news is that there are loads of mortgage options and schemes available that will allow for as little as 5% deposit. At the time of writing, there are even some zero deposit options available for some buyers in certain circumstances. Whatever deposit you have, speak to our team to see what mortgage options are available and you might be surprised at what is possible.
Q
How can I estimate how much I can afford to borrow as a first-time buyer?
A
It’s actually quite difficult to estimate because there are so many factors affecting how much you can borrow, such as employment status, credit rating, size of deposit and age. Consequently, we recommend that you speak to one of our brilliant team, 7 days a week, for a no obligation chat. We’ll help you establish accurately how much you can borrow, how much it will cost per month and therefore what your target purchase price range is. All based on your personal circumstances. It only takes around 15-20 minutes. No documents. No unwanted credit checks. Hassle free.
SHOW MORE
Protection
Q
What types of protection does James Leighton advise on?
A
The James Leighton team have vast experience in helping clients take out income protection insurance, life assurance, critical illness cover, family income benefit and even home insurance. Our team of skilled professionals cover all bases without compromising on results.
Q
How do James Leighton advisers calculate the right amount of cover?
A
All James Leighton advisers complete a comprehensive individual assessment with you to calculate the right amount of cover you need. Our advisers will consider multiple factors when calculating coverage, including but not limited to your lifestyle, financial obligations and future goals and obligations.
Q
Can James Leighton review and update existing protection policies?
A
Yes, our team is able to review your existing insurance and protection policies to make sure you’re fully protected for your ever-changing circumstances. Life events may mean your existing policies are no longer fit for purpose or may need adjusting. Contact our team for a personal assessment of existing policies.