Meet Ian Middlemass, our Mortgage Adviser

Posted on 1st March 2017

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am still under 40 (just). Happily married with 2 children and 1 dog. I enjoy playing golf in my spare time and travelling.   My next holiday is skiing in Bulgaria with my eldest daughter.

How did you first get involved in mortgages?

I studied for my CeMap qualification whilst working full time in a role for the UK government (007).  I moved to Santander to develop my financial expertise and customer prowess.  After gaining a wealth of experience, I decided that I needed a new challenge and made the decision to be self-employed and grow my own business.

How long have you worked with Venture and what are the benefits to the customers?

I have worked with Venture for over 2 years now.  In that time I have worked with all the branches to develop the service provided to the customer.  I am part of one of the largest financial networks in the UK, which enables me to recommend products that represent the whole of the market.

What are the key points to using a mortgage advisor?

  • You are protected – they have a duty of care to you. They must recommend and justify their choice.

  • They have access to exclusive products that you can’t get on the high street.

  • Ability to offer greater flexibility for you, by arranging calls and appointments outside of the normal working hours.

  • They can advise on more than mortgages and give you access to products for life insurance and payment protection that may be relevant to you.

  • Each client has different needs and requirements – a mortgage adviser has knowledge of each lender and their specific lending criteria. This allows them to recommend the best deal and lender for your individual requirements.

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At what stage in buying my property do I employ a mortgage adviser?

It is a good idea to know exactly how much you can afford to borrow based on your circumstances prior to putting in an offer on a property.

Any offer you do submit will need to be backed up by a decision in principle/credit check from a lender so it is always a good idea to speak with your mortgage advisor prior to submitting your offer so you will have this to hand.

What will happen at my first meeting with my mortgage adviser?

At your initial mortgage meeting, your dedicated mortgage adviser will explain the process and review your financial situation.

Information that you will be asked to provide to your mortgage adviser, as standard but not exhaustive, will be:

  • last P60

  • recent payslips

  • recent bank statements

  • a form of ID (passport or driving license)

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What would be your best tip for someone trying to secure a mortgage?

It is best to be open and honest with your adviser around your financial status and history as this will allow the adviser to recommend the best deal for you and prevent any unnecessary delays.