What does a good Mortgage Broker do?

by Aaron Strutt

Jun 12 2025

Whether you're moving up the property ladder, downsizing, remortgaging your home, or buying your first property, working with a reputable mortgage broker can save you time, effort and money. 

In some cases, using an award-winning mortgage broker, like Trinity Financial, can be the difference between getting a mortgage to buy the property you want or not.

But what is a mortgage broker, exactly? What services do mortgage brokers provide? In this article, we will address the most frequently asked questions about mortgage brokers.

1. What does a good mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker acts as a middleman between you and the mortgage lenders. They:

• Provide a private and confidential service. 
• Research the market to find the most suitable and cost-effective mortgage.
• Take the time to understand your personal and financial property-related needs and requirements.
• Apply to lenders on your behalf once you have provided them with permission, the necessary documentation and proof of identity.
• Work to secure the mortgage loan size their clients need at the lowest possible rate.
• Often get access to deals not widely available.
• Notify you if a cheaper mortgage rate than the one you have applied for with a lender is available.
• Contact business development managers to obtain approval for complex cases, even if the applicant does not meet the standard acceptance criteria.

2. Is it quicker to use a Mortgage Broker or apply to a lender directly?

In many cases, it is much quicker to get a mortgage through a broker. 

Trinity Financial regularly submits mortgage applications for our clients before they have been able to get an appointment with their bank or building society's mortgage adviser.

It typically takes ten working days to produce a mortgage offer; however, if an application is straightforward, it may be possible to receive a mortgage offer within a few hours or a few days. 

Brokers accounted for 87% of all mortgages written in the UK in 2024, and this figure is expected to rise according to the Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association. 

3. What documents will I typically need to provide to a mortgage broker?

To provide you with bespoke mortgage advice and submit an application to the recommended lender, your adviser will need you to complete and return a mortgage questionnaire and supply the following documents (for each applicant, as applicable). They will also want to have a 15-minute consultation.

At Trinity Financial, we will request proof of Identity, proof of address, and proof of income (three months' payslips if employed or the last two years' SA302 tax computations and tax year overviews if self-employed. Or a copy of your contract(s).

Additionally, provide three months' bank statements (full monthly statements showing salary credits, which can be online-generated), proof of deposit funds (if applicable for a purchase), details about your work plans, and your anticipated retirement age. Plus, a copy of your visa is required if you are a foreign national.

4. What are the advantages of using a mortgage broker? And the disadvantages?

Advantages of using a mortgage broker

• They could save you time and money.
• They possess the necessary expertise, systems and contacts to secure mortgages quickly and efficiently.
• It is convenient. You do not need to stay on hold to chase mortgage lenders. You also do not need to complain if something goes wrong with the application, because any decent broker will have access to the decision-makers at the banks and building societies.
• A reputable broker should be able to secure the lowest rates and the most generous loan sizes for you.
• A good broker will also work closely with your estate agent and solicitor to help ensure the property purchase is completed smoothly.

Disadvantages of using a mortgage broker

• There may be costs involved.
• Some brokers offer a limited number of mortgage deals.
• The quality of brokers varies.

5. Understand their access to lenders

Some brokers have access to a vast network of lenders, while others work with a smaller panel of lenders. You’ll want someone who can shop around for the best rates and terms, rather than just pushing one product.

Trinity Financial's brokers have access to a wide range of lenders, including large and small banks, building societies, and specialist and bespoke lenders. Plus private banks seeking high net worth clients.

6. Check their reviews and testimonials

• Look on Google or Trustpilot for reviews about their company. See if the firm has taken the time to respond to the reviews. 

7. Evaluate their communication skills

Good brokers are:

• Transparent about costs and timelines.
• Easy to reach and responsive, ie they pick up the phone and reply to emails. At Trinity, each broker has a designated mortgage administrator that our clients have access to. They help keep clients updated at each important stage of the application process.
• Willing to explain terms and options in plain language.
• A good broker will inform you of the lender they recommend as part of their advice and recommendation process.

8. Watch for red flags with Mortgage Brokers

Avoid brokers who:

• Pressure you into quick decisions.
• Do not tell you the name of the lender they recommend.
• Are vague about fees or charge upfront fees.
• Promise unusually low interest rates without explanation.
• Force you to use them if you want to buy a property through the estate agent they are linked to.

9. What other services do they offer?

A mortgage broker's primary role is to secure a mortgage for their client, but financial protection policies are also crucial. At Trinity our specialists arrange:

• Financial protection policies, such as life insurance or critical illness cover. This is designed to help ensure borrowers can remain in their property in the event of death or illness.
• Building and contents insurance.
• Wills and Trusts.

Call Trinity Financial on 020 7016 0790 to secure a mortgage or book a consultation

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

Your mortgage is secured on your property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage