But it’s also prudent that we don’t bask too long in this optimism and take a step back to ensure that this is being correctly translated to the general public.
Now more than ever lenders and intermediaries must have a firm grasp on how consumers view mortgage affordability and the availability of mortgage finance. Specifically we need to be conveying the fact to potential borrowers that mortgage finance is available despite many still thinking that it is neigh on impossible to get.
Of course many intermediary firms are already doing a great job promoting and selling themselves through a variety of mediums.
However, for those firms who don’t have the expertise or the structures in place, let’s not forget that there are many valuable resources available at their fingertips.
Lenders, networks, mortgage clubs and a variety of other service providers have a raft of useful information, toolkits, templates, brochures, marketing aids which intermediary firms can access to help open the door to new business and/or maximise existing client databases.
In addition to this support it’s also important that we recognise, publicise and advocate the value provided by the intermediary market. Obviously we have a number of awards ceremonies throughout the year as well as rewarding excellence through schemes like Woolwich’s Top of the League and it’s important to continue highlighting such achievements and the quality of work within the intermediary market not to mention the personal feats exhibited outside it.
However, we also have to work hard outside of the intermediary bubble and understand the consumer perception of us and the marketplace in general whilst working to improve it. And there is little excuse not to do so via the plethora of social media platforms and online resources now available.
Let’s be honest we could all be a little better in our communications so let’s start being a little more bullish in really waxing lyrical about the true value offered through the advice process and the availability of mortgage funding.
David Finlay is intermediary managing director for Barclays
