A mortgage broker is a professional who specialises in searching the market for a mortgage that best suits you.

60% of mortgages are now secured through the use of a broker who can take a lot of stress out of the application process and use their connections to secure exclusive deals.

However, they do add an additional fee onto an already expensive process and many people feel that they can manage the process on their own.

If you are unsure whether or not to utilise the services of a broker when looking for your next home read on as we answer some common questions you need to consider.

Can I go straight to a lender?

Yes, if you have found a deal with a bank or other mortgage provider which you think is perfect then it is possible to apply directly to them on your own without using a broker.

However, applying for a mortgage without advice simply to cut out the middleman, or because you already use a certain bank and want to keep your finances in one place, could cost you thousands.

No matter how strong you think your relationship is with your bank there is no guarantee that they will offer you the best deal on the market, or even the best deal they have available, simply because you are a long-term customer.

In fact, many lenders reserve their best deals for customers who use mortgage brokers and taking advantage of a broker’s years of experience and contacts in the industry can help you find the policy which will save you the most money throughout its term.

Can I trust mortgage brokers?

You may have heard tales that mortgage brokers are more interested in securing a deal that gains them the most commission than one that benefits their customers the most.

It is true that some brokers have connections to one mortgage lender or a group of lenders and will attempt to steer you towards a mortgage with them as they will be financially rewarded for doing so. Many ‘in-house’ brokers are even unable to offer you the best interest rates available as they are limited by the mortgage options that their employers provide.

Using a trustworthy broker will save you money over the course of your mortgage application, but always remember to check the reviews and affiliations of brokers and ensure they offer whole-of-market services.

If you are unsure if you can trust a mortgage lender then you should start by ensuring they are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).  If a broker is registered to the FCA then they are committing to strict criteria and must act in the best financial interest of their customers.

By using an unregulated broker, you are putting yourself at significant risk as you will not have grounds to redress if the advice that you were given proves to be unsuitable. If you received poor guidance from an FCA approved broker, then you may be eligible for compensation if you feel you did not receive an acceptable service.

CSR Financial Services are an FCA regulated independent whole-of-market mortgage broker, who have no deals or limiting contracts with specific lenders, and by trusting us to manage your mortgage needs you can be assured we will be solely focussed on securing the best deal for you.

Will going direct to lender save me time?

If you are looking to secure a mortgage as quickly as possible dealing directly with the mortgage provider may seem like the best approach.

However, if you do not have a broker to make sure that all your documents are in order and assess your financial status before making an application then you may end up wasting a lot of time.

By assessing your income, expenditure, and future financial commitments, brokers will be able to narrow down your search and discard mortgage options that they know you will be unlikely to be approved for.

Lenders have complicated underwriting and loan terms which you must meet and if there are problems with your application or you are not deemed suitable then you will likely be declined instantly. This means you will have wasted a huge amount of time and energy on a task which a broker could have instantly told you was not worth pursuing.

If you have found your dream property and are in a rush to get a mortgage, your best option is to talk to a mortgage advisor glasgow and explain the situation. They will be able to conduct their search in an efficient manner and make sure you do not miss out simply because you spent too much time applying for the wrong mortgage deal.

How Businesses Can Save Money Using Fuel Cards

Using a business gas card can be a great way to save money on gas. With some cards you can receive a discount of up to 6 cents per gallon. You can also get a percentage of your fuel purchases back as cash.

Find the best card for your needs

Whether you’re a small business owner, or you fuel a fleet of cars, the best business gas card will make the task of buying gas easier. Typically, these cards offer a small bonus for gas purchases, plus the ability to track and manage fuel purchases.

Some cards also offer bonus rewards for other common business expenses, like airfare or computer supplies. However, a business card is only as useful as its spending limit, so make sure you know what you’re getting into.

The best business gas card might be the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. There are cards that offer huge rewards for gas purchases, as well as those that offer a low standard interest rate.

Track expenses with expense tracking tools

Whether you are tracking business gas card expenses or a personal budget, expense tracking tools are a great way to track your spending. They allow you to see if you are meeting your financial goals and can give you a clear picture of your income.

Expense tracking apps vary in price and features. Some are free, others cost $5 or $30 a month. The best ones will give you an accurate picture of your spending and help you to improve your credit score.

A good expense tracking tool will import transactions from your bank account, credit card, and mobile wallet. They should also provide you with reports in real time.

Get a fuel discount of 6 cents per gallon

Using a fuel discount card can help you save up to 6 cents per gallon on your fuel purchases. There are several different options available, but the one you choose depends on your business needs. The card can be a one-time purchase, or it can carry a balance. Regardless of which option you choose, there are several advantages to using a business gas card.

If your business is in the trucking industry, you may be interested in a single-fleet card that offers a network of over 2,000 truck stops. These locations offer discounts on gasoline, wireless plans, hotels and auto parts.

The BP Business Solutions Mastercard offers rebates of 6 cents per gallon on fuel purchases. This card is ideal for medium to large trucking fleets. The card can be used at any BP or Amoco gas station. There is a $10 monthly account fee, but it is waived for fleets that purchase 5,000 gallons of fuel or more each month. You can also use the card to pay for maintenance services.

Get 3% cash back at any gas station

Whether you drive a gas-powered vehicle or rent a car, you spend a lot of money at the pump. The best gas credit cards can help you save hundreds of dollars per year. However, finding the right one can be tough.

If you need gas on the go, a card that offers 3% cash back at any gas station may be the best option for you. But, be aware that the rewards may differ from card to card. Depending on the issuer, the rewards may be miles, points, or cash back. If you fill up often, you may want to consider a card that offers a full range of rewards.

Get 2% cash back on utilities and 1% back on all other purchases

Using a credit card to pay your monthly utility bills can be a wise financial move. This can help you save money while also improving your credit score. However, you need to make sure the card you choose offers a reward that is more than just a simple fee.

A great credit card to use for paying utility bills would be one that has a flexible bonus category. Some credit cards allow you to select a bonus category once within the first thirty days of opening your account. Other cards allow you to select one again before the start of each quarter.

One example is the Voice Credit Card(r) from Huntington. This card earns a whopping 3X points per $1 spent paying your bills. In addition, it has no annual fee. It also offers no foreign transaction fees.

Get additional employee cards

Adding employee cards to your business can be a smart move. It can streamline the purchasing process and turn your employees’ purchases into rewards. And it can save your business money at every fill up.

The company gas card is a no-brainer for companies with employees who frequently drive for work. However, not every business will benefit from this type of card. For instance, a single car owned by a sole proprietorship will not be affected.

On the other hand, a large fleet of vehicles could benefit from a business fuel card. A fuel card can help your employees manage their expenses and make fuel purchasing smarter.

Winter is coming. If you’ve already started to prepare your home for the cold, snowy season ahead, then congratulations! But if not, fear not. This blog post will give you all the information that you need to know about preparing your home for winter so it’s ready when December comes around.

Avoiding Frozen Pipes

If you live in a rural area, make sure to turn off your water supply during winter because it may freeze and burst.  If possible, drain everything from your hot water tank as well. If you need to continue using water we suggest keeping your faucets running to avoid frozen pipes. This means turning on your faucets from time to time. Also make sure your pipes are in good condition. One way to ensure your pipes are ready is to hire a Denver residential plumbing company to inspect them.

Preparing Your Lawn for Winter

If you live in an area where it snows, then make sure to prepare your lawn for winter.  Use a snow rake or leaf blower to remove excess leaves and branches from the yard so that they don’t damage your grass when covered by snow.

Making Sure your Heating System is Ready

Make sure to keep your heating system ready for winter, even if you don’t think that it needs any repairs.  Having your heating system serviced every year will ensure that everything is working properly and increase efficiency.

Winterizing Your Vehicle

If you plan on using your vehicle during the winter months, make sure to have it inspected by a professional before hand so they can check its tire pressure, fluid levels and battery.

This article was written on behalf of Prime Plumbing & Heating. They are a local Denver plumbing, heating and air conditioning company with many tips and tricks on keeping your house accessories healthy.

https://www.primeplumbingheating.com