The underwriter/business development manager will need to understand how this particular client gets paid and how they are maybe not the standard self-employed worker.
For example, are they paid once, in November? Netflix series actors sometimes are.
Some actors make 90 per cent of their income over the Christmas period, so it is essential we talk to the lenders and help them see how the income will arrive to service the loan.
Once we have the right lender and confirmation of understanding we put these recommendations into a well-laid-out email or Word document before we arrange to speak with the client again.
Sending the client house hunting
When we get a chance to have another chat with them, we start off by asking if they have any questions or queries from our last chat; often they have some worries or questions that need to be talked about.
Sometimes things will pop up, or they have been talking to parents or the man down the pub and now have some reservations.
We then present our findings and highlight all the main points. We show them how we got to our conclusion and what the mortgage would look like if they borrowed the full amount.
We then give them the decision in principle so they can go out house shopping, and once we know where they are aiming to buy, we offer to help them by suggesting a few estate agents or sourcing systems they could approach.
This way they can be confident we have not just tapped some figures into a lender's system and did what anyone else can do. We show them our workings.
We then offer to come on any viewings if they need the company, or offer our mobile numbers to make sure they have a contact instantly if they need to share a property link or have a video call about a property they like. Sometimes people need a second opinion and do not have anyone to fall back on.
Once they have decided on a property, we see if they would like any help with the offering process. If they do, we help them negotiate with the estate agent to get the best price for the property, or we let them do it themselves if they have requested it.
We like to stay behind them all the way, and although this can be the fun part, it can also be a bit daunting for some.
Once the offer is accepted, we help them gather any docs the estate agent has asked for to be able to finalise the offer and get the property off-market. This way we can keep the estate agent off their back and relieve as much stress as possible.
