Adviser (Independent):
Invicta Independent Financial Advisers Limited
Invicta, Falcon Court, 73 College Road, Kent, ME15 6TF
Speed of response: Time of call: 2.50pm. The call was answered after two rings. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Friendly and thorough. 4/5
Relevant qualifications:
Mortgage adviser (CeMap). 5/5
Payment method:
£600 for traditional home purchases. The adviser said that she would offer a discount if she was tasked to secure two mortgages. 5/5
Guidance given:
The adviser was comprehensive in her guidance. She said the shopper’s mother should establish whether her existing mortgage lender would consider “consent to let” requests. The adviser suggested consulting with an estate agent to determine the likely monthly rental income the property should command as well its sale value. 4/5
Knowledge:
The adviser was demonstrably well versed in her field. She gave a brief overview of the regulatory changes to the buy-to-let marketplace, including the hike in stamp duty. 4/5
Email/web presence:
laura.atkins@invictaifa.co.uk
www.invictaifa.co.uk 5/5
Verdict:
The adviser delivered notably detailed and helpful guidance. The shopper was impressed.
32/35
Adviser (Independent):
Financial Advice & Services Limited
5 Tolherst Court East, Turkey Mill, Ashford Road, Maidstone, ME14 5SF
Speed of response: Time of call: 3.07pm. The call was answered after two rings. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Courteous and helpful. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
Mortgage adviser (CeMap). 5/5
Payment method:
Minimum fee of £1,250. The adviser said the chosen provider would cover a percentage of the fee through commission.
5/5
Guidance given:
The adviser kicked off the conversation by asking the value of the shopper’s mother’s existing property, how much she aims to spend on a new property, whether she was in employment and her age. On the latter, the adviser explained that the majority of providers are willing to lend up to age 70. Taking out a let-to-buy mortgage could be an ideal solution for the shopper’s mother, he mused, adding he would not know for sure until he had a greater discussion with the shopper’s mother. 5/5
Knowledge:
Very good – the adviser was particularly detailed in his explanation of let-to-buy. 5/5
Email/web presence:
davidhiggins:financial-advice.co.uk
www.financial-advice.co.uk 5/5
Verdict:
A strong performance from the adviser. The shopper was more than satisfied with the guidance he received.
35/35
Adviser (Independent):
The Metcalf IFA Consultancy
Regus, 26 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, Kent, ME19 4AE
Speed of response: Time of call: 3.16pm. The call was answered after two rings. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Friendly. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
Chartered financial planner. 5/5
Payment method:
Unspecified hourly rate or fixed fee. 4/5
Guidance given:
The adviser explained the firm outsourced mortgage brokerage to another company, but it helped clients by having a wider conversation to identify solutions to meet their needs. He asked if the shopper’s mother was in employment and her age, adding many lenders would seek repayment in full once the borrower reaches age 65. 3/5
Knowledge
Good, considering he does not broker mortgage applications. 4/5
Email/web presence:
client.services@metcalf-ifa.co.uk
www.metcalf-ifa.co.uk (the adviser explained that his website was down temporarily) 5/5
Verdict:
The adviser performed well and delivered useful information in a timely fashion.
31/35
Provider:
Nationwide
Speed of response: 3.30pm. The call was answered by an automated system. The shopper was transferred to a representative within 60 seconds. 5/5
Telephone manner:
Professional. 5/5
Relevant qualifications:
The representative said she was not qualified to offer financial advice. 0/5
Payment method:
Varies – on a case by case basis. 4/5
Guidance given:
Commenting under the pretence that the shopper’s mother holds a Nationwide mortgage, the representative said the lender considers ‘consent to let’ requests, but she would need to ring the company herself and request to speak to a member of a team dedicated to this type of query. 3/5
Knowledge:
The representative demonstrated an awareness of ‘consent to let’ requests. 3/5
Email/web presence:
www.nationwide.co.uk/support/support-articles/manage-your-account/letting-your-property/letting-your-property-overview.
3/5
Verdict:
The representative handled herself well and gave helpful information.
23/35
