In a world where information is at our fingertips, some may think that navigating the mortgage process can be easily done with some online searches. However, our clients Sarah and Sean learned firsthand how invaluable a mortgage adviser can be when buying a home; providing them with financial advice and personalised guidance tailored to their needs.
When they reached out to Gail Reid Mortgage Services, the couple were looking to move out of their rented property and into a home that would offer them more space for their family of 4. As they embarked on their house hunting journey, we were able to provide them with financial advice and personalised guidance tailored to their needs.
We recently caught up with Sarah and asked her to share what led her and Sean to contact Gail Reid Mortgage Services for mortgage advice, an overview of the buying process and the advice she would give others looking to purchase their first family home…
What were your circumstances when you were looking to move home?
“Sean and I are originally from Glasgow and reconnected 13 years after we first met at school. As of 2023, we were living together in a rented home in Inverurie’s Osprey Heights development with our six month old son, our dog and had another baby on the way! With already cramped conditions, our families regularly visiting from Glasgow and a little one due to arrive in early 2024; our home felt very small and we were in desperate need of finding a home that could accommodate our growing family.
“Sean’s credit history, influenced by 10 years of service in the army, added another layer of complication to our living situation and we were unsure of where we stood in terms of securing a mortgage. Upon finding a property that was well-suited to our needs, we sought out some much needed guidance from a mortgage adviser.
“Despite our excitement about finding our dream home, our previous mortgage adviser left us disappointed when the mortgage fell through due to a lack of communication. Our situation came to a standstill shortly after, and we needed advice from a specialist mortgage adviser with experience of the local market. We immediately felt reassured after getting in touch with Gail Reid Mortgage Services.”
Can you share a summary of what the process looked like for you?
“After explaining the disappointing experience we had with our previous mortgage adviser to the team at Gail Reid Mortgage Services, we soon realised that our original property choice required a substantial amount of renovation. Considering the rise in interest rates and the unforeseen costs associated with our initial property, it was at this point that Gail suggested we explore our options further.
“After taking some time out to focus on my pregnancy, Gail reached out to us in December 2023 and advised that interest rates had come down, and that it was a good time to resume our property search. Despite being 28 weeks pregnant at the time, the increasing discomfort of our rented property encouraged us to restart our house hunt.
“Luckily, just two weeks after Gail reached out to us, we stumbled upon the perfect property in Inverurie – a spacious home with a garage and three large bedrooms, ideal for accommodating our family visiting from Glasgow or adding a playroom for our growing family!
“With Gail’s guidance and trusted relationship with local solicitors, Sean and I put in an offer on our dream home which quickly got accepted. Gail was swift in arranging the mortgage in principle at an excellent rate, which allowed us to have some money left over as we prepared for the arrival of our new baby.
“With our original move-in date clashing with my due date, we requested to move into the property four weeks prior to my expected delivery. Despite the tight turnaround to secure our mortgage, Gail managed to get our mortgage approved in time for the earlier move-in date and we got the keys to our new home on the 38 week mark of my pregnancy. Bringing our daughter back to our new home marked the beginning of a new chapter for our family, and we couldn’t be happier with our house!”
What stood out to you most when working with Gail Reid Mortgage Services?
“The entire process from start to finish was made smooth by Gail and the team. Gail’s expertise as our primary mortgage adviser ensured every step of the process was clear and straightforward and we were never left feeling confused. The whole team at Gail Reid Mortgage Services were extremely personable and took the time to understand our unique circumstances.
“Gail and the team were also aware of Sean’s demanding work schedule and my pregnancy, and made every effort to make things easier for us by arranging meetings via email and over the phone. Their ability to work flexibly stood out to us during our entire mortgage process; as well as their willingness to go above and beyond which was incredibly kind.”
What would be your advice to other people considering reaching out to a mortgage adviser?
“I would highly recommend visiting an experienced mortgage adviser like the team at Gail Reid Mortgage Services. Making huge life decisions like purchasing a home can feel daunting, and having a knowledgeable person to guide you through the process is invaluable.
“Gail and the team provided us with clear explanations and expert guidance from start to finish, alleviating any confusion or uncertainty we had and made the whole process easy to navigate. Having a mortgage adviser on hand as a first-time buyer helped change our entire experience for the better!”