This adviser has had to change the way he delivers advice but can now support customers across the whole of the UK.
Monday
This morning I have a telephone appointment with an 80-year-old lady from Torquay.
She wants to release £80,000 to hire her son, who is a builder, to build her an extension.
Her son had been made redundant due to the lockdown and they have decided that now is the time to undertake this project.
The rest of the day is spent catching up on emails and completing admin work.
Tuesday
With a little later start I take a walk before our 9am weekly team conference call.
It is great to catch up with other advisers and listen to what they have been up to in lockdown, as well as discussing any difficult cases.
This afternoon I receive a call from a customer who I spoke to more than a year ago, who previously didn’t qualify for equity release.
She kept my details and asked to organise a telephone call for her and her husband. They would like to release funds to pay off debts and enjoy a more relaxed retirement.
Wednesday
This morning the diary is full.
The first customer I speak to has realised during lockdown that she doesn’t enjoy her job and wants to take an early retirement.
However, it is five years before she is entitled to her state pension.
Releasing funds through a drawdown will enable her to enjoy an early retirement and spend time with family.
After a quick lunch I am back on the phone; this time I speak with a client who is a gift shop owner.
The shop he owns has had to shut and he needs funds to pay his mortgage. There have been some difficulties with land registry, but with some phone calls, the application is eventually progressed.
Thursday
I have three appointments booked in for today.
Not having to drive to them means I am now able to complete up to 12 appointments a week.
The first couple I speak to realise they need to make some home improvements once lockdown has finished. They are delighted to be told that the equity release market is still moving and they will be able to receive their funds when they need them.
I volunteer to collect prescriptions for those shielding in the village, so the evening is spent collecting medication and dropping it off.
Friday
The morning is spent completing admin and responding to queries from a few other advisers. I enjoy chatting to the others in my team over the phone as I am currently isolating on my own.
The rest of the day is spent speaking with a lady from Kent, who has been evaluating her lifestyle. She wants to work less hours, spend more time with loved ones and enjoy the outdoors, and thankfully equity release has allowed her to release funds.
David Cox is an independent equity release adviser at Key
If you would like to write a Diary of an Adviser then contact Ima Jackson-Obot at ima.jacksonobot@ft.com
