The process of getting a mortgage – and what actually happens during this time – can feel overwhelming at first. There are a lot of moving parts involved, so we wanted to break it down and give you an idea of what you can expect.
We’ve laid out all the steps of your journey with us from beginning to end, explaining in detail what happens at each stage. Think of it as your roadmap to your new home!
Initial chat
Your first stop is always speaking to us. Before you even start looking at properties, we recommend having an initial chat with us to sort out some of the basics and see if you qualify for a mortgage.
We’ll learn a bit about you and what you’re looking for, then run some affordability assessments to give you an idea of how much you can afford. There is no obligation for this initial meeting.
Decision in Principle
Next we’ll run a credit check, then obtain an official Decision in Principle from the bank. A Decision in Principle is essentially a confirmation from the lender about what they’ll be prepared to lend you. You can show this to an estate agent when you’re ready to make an offer.
Now’s the time to go out and find your perfect property! If you want our advice on a viewing we’ll be more than happy to help, just drop us a message on WhatsApp. When you’ve found the one you love, make your offer.
Instruct solicitor
If your offer is accepted, we’ll get a date in the diary for us to discuss your mortgage application in full. We’re available between 7am and 8pm, either face-to-face or on Zoom.
At this stage we can also instruct a solicitor on your behalf. All of the solicitors we work with are on every lender’s panel, which helps avoid any unnecessary barriers.
Mortgage appointment
At your mortgage appointment, we’ll talk you through the whole process in detail. We’ll break down your monthly budget and discuss the mortgage options available to you before picking a lender and a deal.
At this stage we will also discuss our home and life insurance options, so we can ensure you’re protected for whatever comes your way. With all that complete, we’ll submit your mortgage application.
Property valued
The property you’ve made an offer on will be valued by the bank to confirm it’s suitable for the loan you’ve applied for. Once this is complete, we can introduce you to someone who offers a homebuyer survey for an in-depth check of the house.
Insurance appointment
We’ll organise all of your protection policies, including life insurance, critical illness cover, salary protection and home insurance. We’ll also pay for a free will for you.
Mortgage offer
Congratulations! You’ve received your mortgage offer which means we’re nearly there. Your offer typically lasts for six months from when you receive it.
Completion
All that’s left is to complete on your purchase. Once you’ve transferred the money to your solicitor, you’ll be able to pick up the keys and move in. Enjoy your new home!
Word on the street
Navigate took the stress out of moving, the team couldn’t have been more supportive. Great service and very easy to work with - the personal touches were a lovely cherry on top. Thank you Navigate! - July 2023
A client since 2023
We will most definitely be referring all of our friends and family to Navigate. We could not have asked for a better service throughout. - Jan 2023
A client since 2023
I cannot recommend Paul and his team more highly. Exceptionally professional and friendly service. Kept us up to date at every stage and explored every avenue to make it work. Quite brilliant. - Feb 2023
A client since 2023
Used Navigate as a first time buyer and couldn't be more happy with how they handled it. The WhatsApp chats and zoom calls are really good to cover every aspect of the purchase and so easy to contact a member of the team. - Nov 2022
A client since 2022
Would highly recommend Paul & team at Navigate Mortgages. A pleasure to deal with. Guided us through the application process and advised us at appropriately at each stage. Would definitely use again - a professional operation. - May 2023
A client since 2023
Having worked in the financial sector for over 20 years I really can't recommend these guys enough. Paul and his team were professionally efficient, being there every step of the way. - March 2022
A client since 2022
Paul, Chris and team were very professional in helping me get my first mortgage. The process was very smooth and they were always available to quickly respond to my questions along the way. Thanks so much. - July 2023
A client since 2023
Thankyou Navigate for helping me buy my first home! Especially to Lewis and Chris- no question ever felt silly and always prompt with replies! Reliable, transparent and easy to deal with - highly recommend! Also thankyou for my surprise moving in hamper! - Nov 2022
A client since 2022
Very experienced and helpful advisors within Navigate. I'd highly recommend to anyone seeking mortgage advice and assistance. - June 2023
A client since 2023
Jonathan Milliken2022-02-18Used navigate as a first time buyer and couldn't be more happy with how they handled it. Paul, Mags and the team were more than helpful answering my questions and broke the process down for me. The WhatsApp chats and zoom calls are really good to cover every aspect of the purchase and so easy to contact a member of the team. Completely transparent throughout the whole process and would gladly recommend them to any first time buyers. Thanks navigate!
Warren Bell2022-01-20My dealings with Navigate have been about the most pleasant interaction I've had with any company over a prolonged period of time (in an area riddled with plenty of other stressful interactions), and it's to the collective credit of all the staff there. Everyone is unfailingly helpful and considerate, while not skirting over any important requirements. You can talk to them frankly and honestly, and the options they provide are faithful to your personal circumstances. Once decisions were made and processes ongoing, they kept us well informed throughout. Highly recommended.
Rachel Beckett2022-01-11Amazing mortgage advisors made the process so easy to follow and always responded to questions quickly! Would completely recommend especially for the friendly personal service, thank you!!
Marcus Mawhinney2022-01-09Having worked in the financial sector for over 20 years I really can't recommend these guys enough. Paul and his team were professional efficient being there every step of the way. Thanks again for making the application so straight forward. Marcus and Rachel
L C2021-12-11Thankyou Navigate for helping me buy my first home! Especially to Lewis and Chris- no question ever felt silly and always prompt with replies! Reliable, transparent and easy to deal with - highly recommend! Also thankyou for my surprise moving in hamper!
Steph Reynor2021-11-08I can’t thank Paul, Mags and the whole team at Navigate enough! Buying my first home was stress free, no question went unanswered (even my silly ones) every step of the process went smoothly thanks to their amazing expertise!!
Thomas Hughes2021-10-26Excellent service from these guys right from the start. Easy communication, clear instructions and thoughtful touches. They really took a lot of the stress and confusion out of the process. Big thanks to Lewis and Chris for everything.
Paul Moore2021-10-22Very grateful and appreciative of the expert advise and professional service provided by Paul and his wider team. From a basic affordability check to a house we thought would be beyond our means, we are now living in our perfect home. Paul and his team provide sound advice, giving options at each and every step throughout the buying process making decision making very easy. They also tailored our life and critical illness cover to suit our new circumstances giving peace of mind. Would highly recommend 👌
Stephanie Joy Gonzales2021-10-21Lewis at Navigate Mortgages was very quick and efficient. He handled my application really well. I’ve asked him several times if he could amend rates for me and he made an effort every single time to get the best rate that I could have. Thank you so much Lewis for making my dream home come true! I really appreciate all your time and effort you’ve put into it! Also, thank you for the gift as I misplaced my keys for 10mins on the day I got them. Next morning, I have an unexpected present from Navigate, which is just what I needed. Thanks again!
Let’s chat
Get in touch with our team today for award-winning mortgage advice you can trust.
