How to Prepare for Your Fact Find Call with Your Mortgage Adviser

Your first conversation with a mortgage adviser is one of the most important stages of the mortgage process.

During your fact find, your adviser will build an understanding of your circumstances, your goals and your financial position. The more accurate and complete the information you provide, the easier it is for your adviser to recommend mortgage options that may be suitable for your needs.

Spending a little time preparing beforehand can help make the appointment more productive and may reduce delays later in the application process.

At The UK Adviser, we use the fact find to understand your circumstances, explain your options and help you move forward with confidence.

What Is a Mortgage Fact Find?

A fact find is a detailed discussion between you and your mortgage adviser.

Its purpose is to gather information about:

• Your personal circumstances
• Your employment
• Your income
• Your expenditure
• Your credit commitments
• Your deposit
• The property you wish to purchase or remortgage
• Your future plans

This information helps your adviser understand your objectives before making any recommendation.

Why Is the Fact Find So Important?

Every mortgage application is different.

Lenders assess affordability, income, credit history and many other factors before deciding whether to lend.

A thorough fact find helps your adviser:

• Understand your circumstances.
• Identify suitable lenders.
• Explain your options.
• Highlight any potential issues early.
• Prepare your application accurately.

Providing complete and honest information is essential.

Information to Have Ready

You do not need every document in front of you, but it helps to have key information available.

This may include:

Personal Details

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Current address
• Previous addresses, if applicable
• Marital status
• Number of dependants

Employment Details

Be ready to discuss:

• Employer
• Job title
• Employment status
• Length of employment
• Basic salary
• Bonuses
• Commission
• Overtime
• Other income

If you are self-employed, your adviser will ask about your business structure and trading history.

Income

Be prepared to discuss all sources of income, including:

• Salary
• Dividends
• Self-employed income
• Pension income
• Rental income
• Maintenance income
• Investment income
• Other regular income

Monthly Expenditure

Your adviser will usually ask about:

• Household bills
• Loans
• Credit cards
• Car finance
• Childcare
• School fees
• Maintenance payments
• Insurance
• Regular commitments

Providing realistic figures helps ensure affordability is assessed accurately.

Existing Mortgages

If you already own property, have details of:

• Current lender
• Outstanding mortgage balance
• Monthly payment
• Interest rate, if known
• Fixed-rate expiry date

Deposit

Be ready to explain:

• How much deposit you have available.
• Where the deposit has come from.
• Whether any part of the deposit is being gifted.

Property Details

If you've already found a property, have details such as:

• Purchase price
• Property address
• Property type
• Estate agent details
• Expected completion timescale

If you haven't found a property yet, that's absolutely fine.

Documents You May Need Later

Following your fact find, your adviser may request documents such as:

• Passport or driving licence
• Proof of address
• Payslips
• Latest P60
• Personal bank statements
• Mortgage statements
• Proof of deposit

Self-employed applicants may also need:

• SA302 tax calculations
• HMRC Tax Year Overviews
• Business accounts
• Accountant details

Your adviser will explain exactly what is required.

Be Open About Any Concerns

Many clients worry about discussing previous financial issues.

If any of the following apply, tell your adviser at the beginning of the conversation:

• Missed payments
• Defaults
• CCJs
• Bankruptcy
• IVA
• Debt management plans
• Irregular income
• Recent job change
• Self-employment
• Previous mortgage decline

Providing this information early allows your adviser to recommend lenders whose criteria may be appropriate.

Think About Your Future Plans

Your adviser may ask questions such as:

• How long do you expect to stay in the property?
• Are you planning to move again?
• Do you expect your income to change?
• Are you planning to start a family?
• Are you considering retirement?
• Are you planning home improvements?

These discussions help ensure any recommendation is appropriate not only for today, but also for your future plans.

Choose a Quiet Place

Your fact find often lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

Try to:

• Take the call somewhere quiet.
• Avoid interruptions.
• Have your documents nearby.
• Allow enough time to ask questions.

This helps make the conversation more productive.

Prepare Your Own Questions

A mortgage appointment is also your opportunity to ask questions.

You may wish to ask about:

• How much you may be able to borrow.
• Deposit requirements.
• Mortgage products.
• Interest rate options.
• Timescales.
• Costs and fees.
• The next steps.

There are no silly questions. A good adviser will explain everything clearly.

What Happens After the Fact Find?

Following your appointment, your adviser will normally:

• Review your circumstances.
• Assess affordability.
• Research suitable lenders.
• Recommend an appropriate mortgage solution, where applicable.
• Explain the costs involved.
• Confirm the documents required.
• Discuss the next steps.

If you've already had an offer accepted on a property, your adviser may then begin preparing the mortgage application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a fact find take?

Most appointments take between 30 and 60 minutes, although more complex cases may take longer.

Do I need to have found a property?

No. Many clients arrange a fact find before beginning their property search.

What if I'm self-employed?

Your adviser will explain the additional information and documents that may be required.

What if I've had credit problems?

Be honest about your circumstances. Different lenders have different criteria, and your adviser can only provide suitable recommendations if they have a full understanding of your situation.

Do I need every document before the appointment?

No. Your adviser will tell you exactly what documents are needed after the initial discussion.

Why Choose The UK Adviser?

At The UK Adviser, we believe every successful mortgage application starts with a thorough understanding of your circumstances.

Our advisers take the time to listen, explain your options in plain English and guide you through every stage of the mortgage process.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving home, remortgaging, self-employed or purchasing an investment property, we're here to help.

Speak to The UK Adviser

If you've booked a fact find with one of our advisers, we look forward to speaking with you.

If you haven't yet arranged an appointment, contact The UK Adviser today to book your initial consultation and take the first step towards achieving your property goals.

Important Information

This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute personalised mortgage or financial advice.

Recommendations can only be made after your adviser has fully assessed your individual circumstances.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.