Mortgage Strategy, Broker Focus: James Carson Lee
Our very own James Carson-Lee has been featured in Mortgage Strategy’s feature, Broker Focus.
Read the full article: https://www.mortgagestrategy.co.uk/broker-focus-james-carson-lee-sentry-advice/
Sum up your firm in a few sentences
Our mission is to be a human that says ‘yes’ in an industry of ‘computer says no’, with our ethos firmly rooted in being independently different. We’ve been helping our clients with independent, whole-of-market advice since 2001 and house several mortgage brokers, all of whom have skills in specialist areas. We take great pride in our ability to surprise our clients with our speed and positive attitude in getting them the mortgage they are after, regardless of their circumstances.
What led you to become a broker?
Apart from the glitz and glamour of mortgage-broker life, it was a natural career choice. I’ve always been a staunch custodian of my clients’ best interests, even back in the days when I was selling mobile phones at Carphone Warehouse (I never did meet Paul Potts but I was there for the first iPhone!). I really do try to treat people how I would want to be treated. When clients are faced with large financial decisions – for probably the largest purchase in their life – it’s great to be the person helping.
What are the biggest issues facing you as a broker?
With the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the expectation that the Bank of England will further raise the base rate and the government’s decision to eliminate mortgage interest tax relief for private landlords, our issues are certainly being reflected on a macro level. Despite these overarching challenges, we are very buoyant about the future of the industry and have form in adapting well to the changes we face.
What one thing could lenders do to improve brokers’ lives the most?
Adopt the latest technology faster. With open banking and fintech now very much at the forefront of our industry, there really isn’t any excuse for lenders to be a stick in the mud. Speed of service, more information for clients and transparency are all good things that technology can bring. Some of the software and subsequent link-up to it we’ve seen and engaged with recently is fantastic and very exciting. It makes our lives, and especially those of our clients, so much easier. Lenders are often the last to act.
What plans do you have for the future of your firm?
The future is bright for Sentry Advice! We are not only expanding our high street presence, with new offices due in the coming months, but have also flexed our specialist muscles by recently announcing our joint venture with Brightstar – one of the UK’s largest specialist finance partners. Sentry Lifetime, our lifetime mortgage specialist arm, offers mortgage brokers without the Equity Release qualification the opportunity to refer clients who may need our help while still earning a percentage of the procuration fee. These clients really need to be taken care of correctly and with the right advice, and we’re definitely the right business to help do that.
The blog postings on this site solely reflect the personal views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views, positions, strategies or opinions of Sentry Advice Limited. All comments are made in good faith, and neither Sentry Advice Limited nor the author will accept liability for them. No advice is given in any posting. Please contact your adviser for more information or advice.
Mortgages to Purchase a Property
Mortgages to purchase a property a fee of £495 is payable on application – this is fully refundable if we are unable to obtain a mortgage offer.
Remortgages
For processing a remortgage a fee of £295 is payable on application – this is fully refundable if we are unable to obtain a mortgage offer.
Rate Switch / Product Transfer
For processing a product transfer/rate switch where you are remaining with your current lender a fee of £145 is payable on application.
Adverse Credit
For applications where there is a history of adverse credit then a total fee of £495 will be charged, of which £245 is payable at the point a personal recommendation is made, whether you decide to proceed or not. The remaining £250 is payable if/when an application is made and is refundable if we are unable to obtain a mortgage offer.
Equity Release Mortgages
A total fee of £990 will be charged, of which £495 is payable at the point an application is made with a provider. The remaining £495 is payable if/when the application completes.
We can accept payment via bank transfer, credit/debit card via PayPal.
© 2020 Sentry Advice Limited (company number:8257351)
Sentry Advice Limited are authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority and are entered on the Financial Services Register (www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference number: 624557
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it. All enquiries will be passed to a regulated Adviser with appropriate qualifications. The information on this website is for use of residents of the United Kingdom. No representations are made as to whether the information is applicable or available in any other country which may have access to it.
Head Office Registered Address: 89 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1RJ