Discover how careful preparation and three years of ongoing support helped Emily secure a mortgage for her first home – a Grade II listed property.
Buying your first home can be challenging, especially if you’re self-employed. For Emily Morbey, getting prepared for home ownership took three years, as her business had understandably been affected by the pandemic. However, with the continued support of our Senior Mortgage Adviser Leslie Morris, she was able to secure the right mortgage and purchase her dream home.
The home-buying challenge
Leslie was recommended to Emily by an existing MB Associates client. Leslie stayed in regular contact with her over the next three years, helping her get mortgage-ready. With Leslie’s guidance, Emily began to understand what lenders would need and get financially prepared.
When Emily found the home she wanted to buy, there was another potential complication: it was a Grade II listed building. Although it is possible to obtain a mortgage on a listed property, it can be more challenging. Lenders may look closely at factors such as its construction, condition, legal planning restrictions and resale potential.
Researching mortgage options
Leslie took the time to understand the client’s circumstances and guide her through each stage of the process. She carefully researched available mortgage options, explained everything clearly and remained on hand to answer questions throughout the application.
Emily recalls that Leslie’s friendly, approachable manner and knowledge made a potentially stressful experience feel far more manageable.
After several years of preparation and perseverance, the mortgage was completed, and the client became the proud owner of her first home.
The client’s experience
Emily says: ‘I can’t recommend MB Associates highly enough. As a business owner buying my first property, my mortgage application came with a few hurdles along the way, but Leslie made the whole process so much easier than I ever expected. From day one, she was friendly, approachable and incredibly knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything and always being on hand to answer my questions.
‘What really stood out was how much she genuinely cared about helping me secure my first home,’ adds Emily. ‘I never felt like just another client. Leslie was invested in getting the best outcome for me, and her support and reassurance made a potentially stressful experience feel so much more manageable.
‘Thank you, Leslie, for all your hard work, support and encouragement throughout the process.’
Getting mortgage ready
Emily’s experience shows why it can be worth speaking to an experienced mortgage broker well before you’re ready to apply. Even where self-employment or an unusual property creates additional hurdles, careful preparation and ongoing support can help put you in a stronger position when the right home becomes available.
