How to find a mortgage broker

Author - Aidan Darrall Editor - Stuart Bowman

Last reviewed on 16th January 2025

In this article:

• Steps to help you find a mortgage broker

• How to choose a good mortgage broker

• What makes Mojo different

6 steps to help you find a mortgage broker

1. Do your research

First things first, you need to find a mortgage broker. Most people start their search for a mortgage broker online, usually via Google though it’s becoming more and more common for customers to use social media too (you’ll find us on most platforms, including TikTok). 

Once you’ve got a shortlist of mortgage brokers to choose from, you can dig a bit deeper into the service they offer and whether they’ll be a good fit for you. 

2. Check their qualifications 

Always make sure your broker is suitably qualified before working with them. Mortgage advisors need to hold industry-standard qualifications, which usually means they hold a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) or Chartered Insurance Institute Certificate in Mortgage Advice. 

Each of Mojo’s mortgage brokers have a minimum of two years’ experience too, giving you extra peace of mind when dealing with our advisors. 

3. Make sure your broker is FCA regulated

All mortgage brokers must be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or work as an agent of a regulated firm. This ensures the broker you work with meets the standard requirements for providing mortgage advice, acting with the customers’ best interests in mind. 

It should be fairly easy to spot whether a broker is FCA regulated. Most brokers clearly state it on their website along with their Financial Services Register number. However, you can also search the FCA’s Financial Services Register yourself to double check your chosen broker is listed. Make sure the contact details you have match up with the information listed on the register, too, to ensure you’re dealing with the genuine firm. 

4. Read online reviews and customer testimonials

You probably wouldn’t eat at a restaurant with hundreds of bad reviews, so don’t opt for a broker with a poor reputation either. One of the best ways to get a feel for what it’ll be like to work with a broker is to hear from home buyers who’ve worked with them before. While you shouldn’t take each and every review as gospel, it’s a good way to get an idea of how a broker treats their customers.

Head over to online review platforms such as TrustPilot to do some digging. Look out for verified reviews to make sure you’re only reading comments from genuine customers, though. 

Our top tip: filter reviews to match your specific circumstances. For example, if you’re remortgaging, make sure you look up reviews from past remortgage customers to make sure the broker fits the bill. 

5. Look out for awards and accolades

Whether a panel of expert judges make the decision or real customers cast their vote, being crowned the winner of an industry award is a great achievement. 

While looking out for those award badges can help you identify reputable businesses, remember that not all brokers enter awards so you could be missing out if you make your decision solely based on how many awards logos are on a broker’s website. 

6. Get personal recommendations 

Ask your friends or family about their experiences if they have recently remortgaged or bought a new property. 

You might also get a bit of cash back by asking for referrals. Mojo Mortgages’ Refer A Friend scheme is a great example. Existing customers are given a unique referral link to share with friends and family and, if they complete their mortgage through us, you’ll both receive a voucher. 

We get lots of people referring our brokers, helping to make the mortgage process simpler for their friends and family. 

Tips on choosing a good mortgage broker

So you’ve done your research to find a reputable, qualified mortgage advisor. Now you need to make sure they’re the right broker for you.  

Find out if they’re a whole-of-market broker

There are a few different types of mortgage brokers out there. Some work exclusively for a specific lender, others just have access to a limited panel of lenders and whole-of-market brokers are able to compare deals across a variety of lenders. 

Choosing a whole-of-market broker gives you a wider range of options. Our Mortgage Experts are able to compare thousands and thousands of deals from over 70 lenders to help you find the most suitable option for you.

Compare services

When choosing which mortgage broker to opt for, ask yourself what kind of communication you prefer. Some brokers are more traditional, requiring lengthy phone calls and face-to-face appointments. Others operate online only and communicate with you solely via email and live chat. 

Mojo Mortgages offers the perfect balance. Our hybrid mortgage advice model harnesses both our industry-leading technology and the power of personal service, with a qualified mortgage advisor assigned to support you at every stage. 

We personally believe that there’s nothing better than a real conversation with your broker, particularly when you’re conquering the complex mortgage market together. 

Check the broker’s fees 

Some brokers like Mojo Mortgages earn their commission from the lenders they work with. This means we can offer free advice to our customers.

Other brokers may charge you a flat fee or percentage of your mortgage value. This can add unnecessary expense to an already expensive house move so, if you’re trying to keep costs down, make sure you work with a fee-free broker. It could save you £920*!

Ask if they’re a good fit for you

Different mortgage brokers specialise in certain areas. Our mortgage brokers can support a wide range of homeowners, including remortgagers, first-time buyers, landlords and those looking to buy a second home. 

Make sure the mortgage advisor you choose has experience working with other customers in similar circumstances. For example, you may need to seek specialist advice if you have a poor credit history, you’re looking for a commercial mortgage or exploring second charge mortgages. Our advisors will be able to point you in the direction of our trusted partners if we’re not able to help you ourselves. 

First impressions count

It should be smooth and straightforward to get the ball rolling. You’ll usually need to share a few details about you and the property you’re buying before booking an appointment with a broker. 

Our brokers are flexible and easy to work with, offering great availability so you can get the mortgage process moving quickly.

Last year, 48% of our mortgage consultations happened within two days of customers first getting in touch with us.  

You’ll get a feel for what it’s like to work with a broker during your first appointment too. They should, obviously, be professional and supportive from the outset. But it’s also important you feel a rapport with your broker as you’ll probably be speaking to them a lot as you go through the mortgage application process.

What makes Mojo different

• We’re tech-focused with people at the heart of everything we do. You’ll be supported by your broker and case manager throughout the process, giving you a great experience.

• We move quickly. We’ll arrange an initial appointment with you ASAP and will be right here waiting to help you submit when you’re ready. 

• We only hire experienced, qualified mortgage professionals. Each of our advisors has an absolute minimum of two years’ experience.

• We are a whole-of-market broker. That means we work with a diverse network of lenders to find some of the best mortgage rates and terms for you.

• We're fee-free. That’s right, our service is completely free to customers, so you can get expert advice at no extra cost.

*Based on 0.5% flat fee on our average loan amount in November 2024