1) How long have you been at Aldermore and how many other underwriters do you work with?
Nearly four years, since launch. I work with 21 other underwriters. A good bunch.
2) Favourite part of the job?
Apart from the endless supply of chocolate? Problem solving. Gaining a full understanding of what can often be complex applications and delivering the end result that is beneficial to customer, intermediary and the bank.
3) Aldermore launched its first Help to Buy 2 range last month. What are the extra challenges in the assessment of a Help to Buy case?
Finding time to sleep.
4) Do you have to offer an affordability report to the government on Help to Buy cases?
One for the powers that be but I assume so.
5) How has the underwriting changed of self-employed mortgages since launch and what would you like to see change this year?
I think we’ve become more aware of ‘tax efficiencies’ particularly for landlords, so I would hope we’d become more flexible in this sector.
6) Do you talk to advisers directly? How does that help you?
You can always talk to an underwriter at Aldermore. I think it helps gain a full understanding of the expectations from both sides.
7) What admin error from a mortgage adviser do you never want to see again?
“Oh, those brackets mean losses?”
8) How could the MMR help/hinder you next year?
Should provide more clarity all round.
9) Why are underwriters so misunderstood?
It’s Matt Lucas and David Walliams’ fault. We’ve all got thrown into the ‘computer says no’ generation.
10) What are you looking forward to most in 2014?
Toffees qualifying for the Champions League? Daring to dream.
