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| Choosing
a lender You can get a mortgage through a bank, building society, insurance company, specialist lending company, mortgage broker or independent financial adviser (IFA). If you need a standard mortgage then a bank, building society or insurance company lender may be appropriate. If your needs are more complicated then a broker, an adviser or a specialist lender might be a better bet. If you know you have special needs - you may be self-employed or have had debt problems in the past - then you'll probably be wasting your time going to a mainstream, high-street lender.
To talk to someone about a mortgage you can make an appointment with a mortgage adviser at a local lender branch or with an adviser or broker at its offices. With some lenders you can call direct and arrange a mortgage over the phone. If you haven't found the property you want to buy yet, it's still a good idea to get your mortgage sorted out. Ask your chosen lender for an agreement in principle, which is generally subject to a survey or valuation and a final credit check. Most lenders and mortgage advisers have signed up to a voluntary code of conduct called the Mortgage Code. You should be given a leaflet about this on first contact with a lender or adviser. If you arrange your mortgage over the phone the lender should tell you how the code works and sent a leaflet in the post. Don't be afraid to ask your lender as many questions as you need answered about the arrangements for your mortgage. Remember, you are the customer so you need to understand what's going on.
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