Pink Home Loans|Pink breaks its mortgage record
It has been a tremendous year for mortgages, with record-breaking months several times this year, according to Mark Graves, head of network at Pink Home Loans.
Mr Graves said the company, which has been rated a five-star provider for six consecutive years, this year broke its previous record for number of mortgages sold, despite having fewer staff and the same number of advisers.
He said: “We exceeded the highest-ever month for mortgages since 2007 with the same number of advisers and fewer Pink staff in a lending market, which is half the size now than it was then.
“The quality of Pink Home Loan mortgages submitted is also better, as is the quality of service provided by Pink Home Loans.”
To increase its exposure and help educate advisers, Pink Home Loans has been travelling the UK to spread its message.
Mr Graves said Pink Home Loans has been increasing its number of exclusive products for advisers. “We have relaunched our mortgage servicing arm and are now packaging for two networks and two mortgage clubs.”
BM SolutionsMaking life easier for brokers
The buy-to-let market has evolved over the past 12 months and businesses need to adapt to this, according to BM Solutions.
Phil Rickards, head of BM Solutions, said its business strategy has remained focused on making things easier for intermediaries by providing them with the tools needed to drive their businesses.
He said: “Refining our product propositions such as product transfers and conveyancing has been a key focus over the past year.
“We have made significant changes to our lending criteria over the past year. Having reviewed our policy relating to tenants receiving benefits and student lets, we will now accept [these].”
Another change has seen BM Solutions removing the minimum income requirement of £25,000 per annum for all applications.
At the heart of these changes has been BM Solutions’ online service proposition and website, which was developed following feedback from intermediaries.
BM Solutions is particularly proud of its One Minute Mortgage application system.
HalifaxDecision-making now quicker
Over the past 12 months, Halifax’s strategy has remained focused on making it easier for brokers to do business with the lender, said the firm’s head of intermediaries.
Ian Wilson said Halifax held a number of broker forums across the UK to discuss the overall challenges brokers face when working with lenders, and what improvements they would like to see.
He said: “To serve our clients more efficiently, we have placed great emphasis on improving the speed and consistency of our decision-making. We have simplified our policies and processes, allowing checks to be streamlined and applications to progress smoothly.”
Halifax has ensured that the detail of its offers remain simple, along with a comprehensive application system. It has also introduced new customer propositions, such as the stamp duty paid offer for first-time buyers.
