June 13th marks the date that KB Mortgage Services was launched as a specialist mortgage advisor, to help Yorkshire’s homebuyers get better loan and insurance deals.
When we first started in 2016, we could have never imagined that we’d be faced with a global pandemic four years down the line – Brexit now pales in comparison!
Not only has it changed the landscape of the mortgage and property market, it has transformed the way we live.
But we’re ever-optimistic. In the last month alone, the mortgage sector has picked back up – we’re busier than ever.
So, to mark four years, Kate answers some light-hearted questions, reflects on her time since launching KB Mortgage Services and looks ahead to the future…
- What was your first job?
My first real job was working for a corporate estate agency as an administrator. I have worked since a young age, but I class my role at the estate agents as my first ‘adult’ job.
- Who, in any other industry, do you most admire?
I think our doctors and nurses in the NHS are amazing – and not just for their response to Covid-19. I think people take them for granted, however this situation has put into perspective just how grateful we should be for everything they do for us.
- What has changed in the mortgage and property world in four years?
I think the biggest change has been the introduction of 95% mortgages and the help from the government for first time buyers, including the Help to buy ISA and zero stamp duty.
However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, lenders have pulled all the 95% products and also the majority of 90%, due to the associated risk. This is causing problems when trying to place cases at the higher loan to value and means that clients need at least a 10% deposit.
- If you could invent one thing to make your job easier, what would it be?
When I’m driving between appointments, I’d love to be able to annotate my notes via an in-car app. It would save so much time!
- What advice would you give to someone thinking about buying a house soon?
I always say, be prepared. Get an agreement in principle in place so that you know you can proceed and be in the best position possible. Then view as many houses as possible, and when you walk in to the right house, you will know it’s the right one – trust your instinct!
- How do you think the coronavirus outbreak will affect the market over the coming months and years?
I’m hopeful that it won’t cause too many issues, especially in our region. There is a lot of demand to move home, and at the moment, probably not enough stock for the number of buyers there are!
I think that lenders will start to reintroduce the higher loan to value products once the dust has settled and they have more confidence in the market.
- What is your stand-out memory from the past four years?
My biggest milestone was expanding and taking on a member of staff. Not only am I taking care of people’s mortgages and insurance, I’m now also an employer, and I’m delighted that my administrator, who helps to process our clients’ applications, has fitted into the business so well.
- Which new developments in the industry are you most excited about?
I am paying close attention to the development of modular, off-site building within the new homes sector. The Yorkshire-based house builder, Ilke Homes, is leading the way when it comes to modern methods of construction, and I am interested to see how such properties may provide new opportunities for first-time buyers.
- If money was no object, what car would you buy?
I think it would have to be a Range Rover Sport. However, if money was definitely no object, I would also like a weekend car, maybe a Porsche Cayman – I’ll keep dreaming.
- If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go and why?
There are many places I’d like to visit, including a long trip to Australia. I would also love to go to America.
If you’re looking for mortgage or protection advice in Huddersfield, Brighouse or West Yorkshire, get in touch:
07834818805
[email protected]