Why should I use a mortgage broker?

Author - Aidan Darrall Editor - Stuart Bowman

Last reviewed on 26th February 2025

What exactly does a mortgage broker do and why should I use one?

A mortgage broker acts as the link between you and the lender, helping you find a mortgage that fits your needs. 

Whether or not you should use a broker depends on your situation. For most people, having a broker on side can make a huge difference to the mortgage application journey.

It’s true that a mortgage broker will really come into their own when dealing with more complex cases (such as those in an unusual financial situation or looking for a very specific type of property). However, even if your financial situation is fairly straightforward and you feel confident navigating the market, a broker’s support can be invaluable. 

Not only will they provide expert advice and share invaluable knowledge of the mortgage market, but they’ll help to handle the paperwork too - sounds like a win-win to us.

8 benefits of using a mortgage broker

Now you know what a broker does, let’s look at how this can actually benefit you. Here are just some of the ways a broker can take the mortgage application process from stressful to straightforward. 

• Search the market quickly

Instead of spending hours sifting through deals yourself, a broker can do the legwork for you. They have access to a wide range of lenders - including some you may not have even considered looking at yourself - and can match you with the most suitable deal. 

• Bring in-depth lender knowledge 

With up-to-date knowledge of lender criteria, brokers can easily identify which lenders are likely to accept your circumstances. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a more complex financial situation, such as being self-employed, or if you want to buy a non-standard property. 

• Get you a deal that’s right for you

Your broker will get to know your financial situation so they’ll be able to look out for the mortgage that suits you best. They’ll then scour the market to advise you on the lowest rates available at the time. 

Your broker will also keep checking rates until you complete. If interest rates go down, they’ll let you know, so you can switch before your mortgage is finalised. 

• Advise on specific products

Mortgage terms can be tricky and having a ‘phone a friend’ to explain the ins-and-outs of mortgage products can sometimes be just what you need. Your broker will help you understand the pros and cons of each specific option, their individual benefits and how the terms apply to your circumstances, giving you reassurance when you need it. 

• Access potentially ‘exclusive’ deals

Some lenders only work with brokers, so their offers are not available directly to the public.  So if you skip using a broker, this could mean missing out on something better suited to you that you’d not have known about.

• Take care of your application

Having an experienced broker complete your application saves you both time and hassle. A broker knows exactly what’s needed and how to present your information in the best possible light, giving you a higher chance of success.

• Speed up the process

Any mortgage application can experience delays - which, as a worst-case scenario, can lead to you losing your chosen property. Brokers can help iron out any issues between the lender and solicitor as they arise to reduce the chance of this happening.

• Additional FCA protection

If you take out a mortgage without advice and later realise it wasn’t a good choice, there’s not much you can do. However, if you seek advice through a regulated broker and they give you poor advice, you’ll have an extra layer of protection from the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).

Disadvantages of working with a mortgage broker

While working with a broker has plenty of benefits, there are some other things to consider…

• You might simply prefer to handle your mortgage yourself 

In some cases, you’ll be able to source the same terms and rates that the lender offers mortgage brokers. So, if you’re financially-savvy and think your circumstances are fairly straightforward, then you may enjoy doing your own independent mortgage research instead. 

That said, you won’t get that all-important additional support from a broker if you go it alone. Many people choose to use a broker alongside their own searches to make sure they’re getting the best deal possible. 

• Your broker might charge fees (but not here at Mojo Mortgages)

Some mortgage brokers charge a flat fee or a percentage of your mortgage value. At Mojo, we don’t charge customers a penny - we’re paid by lenders when we secure a mortgage with them instead.

• Not all lenders work with brokers 

A few lenders simply choose not to work with mortgage brokers. Therefore, you’ll need to apply with them directly if you want to access their products and rates. We explain which lenders we do and don’t work with here. 

Questions to ask a mortgage broker 

Choosing the right mortgage broker is important, so it’s worth asking a few key questions before you commit. It will help you gauge whether they’re a good fit for you and whether using a broker is the right choice for your circumstances. 

Here’s what to look out for… and how we stack up at Mojo:

• 1.

  Are you whole-of-market? Yes. Mojo has access to over 70 lenders!

• 2.

  Do you charge a fee and how much is it? No, we don’t. Mojo is paid directly by the lender, which costs you nothing as the customer

• 3.

  Are you qualified? Yes, all Mojo Mortgage Experts hold a CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice) qualification, which is a widely recognised industry qualification for certified mortgage advisors

• 4.

  Are you regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority? Yes we are, you can find us on the FCA register

• 5.

  How much can I borrow? This will depend on your personal circumstances, including income and deposit size. We can arrange a mortgage in principle to give you a clearer idea of how much you can borrow.

• 6.

  What’s the best type of mortgage for me? There isn’t necessarily a ‘best’ type of mortgage, as what will suit one home buyer may not suit another. To find the most suitable choice for you, we’ll assess your circumstances and compare deals from a wide range of lenders. To get started, please fill out our online questionnaire. Once we know a bit more about you, we’ll offer you a telephone consultation with one of our mortgage brokers who can go into more detail on our mortgage recommendations

• 7.

  What documentation will I need to provide? Most mortgage brokers will ask for documentation including proof of identity and proof of income. Check out our guide on what paperwork you’ll need to help you get everything ready. 

• 8.

  What else can you help me with? We also have experienced protection advisers, who can ensure that you find the right level of mortgage protection cover for your needs

Tip: It’s wise to have plenty of personal information available when speaking to a mortgage broker, as we’ll also have a number of things to ask you about your circumstances.