How to use a mortgage broker to refinance an existing loan

Mortgages

If you are considering refinancing an existing mortgage, you may be wondering if and how a mortgage broker could help. The answer is: they absolutely can and outlined below are the ways in which they can.

What is mortgage refinancing?

Mortgage refinancing involves taking out a new loan so you can replace your existing mortgage, typically for better terms or to obtain more financial flexibility.

Benefits of refinancing your mortgage

There are many reasons for wanting to refinance a mortgage. They include:  

  • Obtaining a lower interest rate and decreasing your monthly repayments
  • Moving to a fixed rate mortgage from a variable one
  • Altering the duration of your mortgage term
  • Consolidating loans to save on interest
  • Accessing cash by releasing equity

Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

How a mortgage broker can help with refinancing

A mortgage broker can assist with refinancing an existing mortgage to achieve better terms with the following services and products:

  • Broker-only deals. Many lenders offer favourable rates to brokers. So, you tend to have more – and often better – options to choose from. 
  • Bespoke mortgage advice. An experienced broker will assess your current financial circumstances and listen to your plans and goals for the future, ensuring their recommendations are tailored to your personal situation. So, you can be confident you’re making the optimal decision.
  • They know the market. A whole of market broker will know which deals are likely to be most beneficial for you, saving you precious time. 
  • Application support. They can significantly ease the mortgage application process, dealing with the paperwork and liaising with the lender.
  • Access to niche lenders. If your situation is complex, you may need a specialist mortgage lender. Your broker will know the lenders most suited to your circumstances.
Image showing a close up of a broker using a calculator

Mortgage refinancing involves taking out a new loan so you can replace your existing mortgage, typically for better terms or to obtain more financial flexibility.

Steps to refinancing with a mortgage broker

The key steps of the refinancing process when using a broker are:

  • An initial consultation. This is where your mortgage broker assesses your financial circumstances so they can establish the products most suited to you. They then make their recommendations.
  • The application. They will help you with documentation, submitting your application on your behalf, and liaise with lenders.
  • The valuation and assessment. The lender values your property. And they assess your income. 
  • The mortgage offer. If your application has been successful, this offer outlines the rate, terms and fees of your new loan for you to approve.
  • The legalities. Legal paperwork is managed by conveyancers, who also transfer your new mortgage sum.
  • Completion. This is where your old mortgage gets repaid, and your new one completes. This takes between six and eight weeks.  

A professional mortgage broker could help you achieve more favourable terms. They can save you time, stress and money. By using a whole of market adviser, you don’t have to trawl through lenders individually yourself. And you can feel reassured that you’ve accessed the widest range of available deals, even broker-only ones. Contact us today to discuss your refinancing options.