Keystone Property Finance is accepting independent legal advice via video call for buy-to-let limited company applications as part of its measures to support brokers during the pandemic.
The specialist buy-to-let lender is also offering video meetings between brokers and local business development managers (BDMs) to provide assistance with cases and enquiries, in addition to telephone and email services.
Keystone said BDMs will review all submitted cases before they are passed to underwriters to ensure they “fit” within lending criteria.
David Whittaker, CEO of Keystone Property Finance, said: “We have been working hard over the past few months to ensure we can continue to support as many brokers as possible during this period of unprecedented uncertainty.
“Like many firms in the sector, we have had to change the way we work. We deployed a comprehensive contingency plan which has allowed us to continue to support brokers and their clients throughout the pandemic.
“As the mortgage market begins to bounce back, we’re committed to ensuring our new processes are not just short-term solutions, but part of a longer-term plan to ensure we are consistently providing the best service possible.”
The lender has also implemented measures to ensure brokers can recognise any suspicious activity when using technology to do business.
It has produced a guide on what brokers and clients can expect when signing key documents, as the lender said it was working to ensure brokers and the personal data of clients is “as safe as possible” from scams.
In May Keystone issued an alert on ‘DocuSign’ scams whereby clients’ credentials could be stolen by fraudsters.
Akhil Mair, specialist mortgage broker at Our Mortgage Broker, commented: “It is great to see a specialist lender using their initiative in these difficult and unwelcomed times to help us brokers place our mortgage cases.
“This level of initial underwriting gives us the comfort that we require, speeds up the process and helps mitigate any unforeseen questions.
“The additional remote video calling option is a game changer and is very welcomed by our clients.”
chloe.cheung@ft.com
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