Pia Weekes - Mortgage Adviser

26/04/2024

Absolute crazy year so far. I’ve already submitted more mortgages as of April than I did for the whole of 2023 😮‍💨

I just wanted to thank everyone for your support and trusting me with your mortgages and insurance and the recommendations coming in to family and friends 🥰 I’m working extra hours to catch up on enquiries to ensure I’m helping you all - so thanks for bearing with.

Just to remind everyone, the best way of getting in touch with me is either by email ([email protected]) or phone 07415418926. Messages on Facebook and WhatsApp aren’t preferred and can take a little longer to get back to you this way.

06/03/2024

Got these delivered to the office and no name of who it’s from. Whoever’s got them for me - thank you ♥️

14/12/2023

🏦 **Base Rate Update: Still at 5.25%... 🥳**

Exciting news! The Bank of England has just confirmed the base rate remains steady at 5.25%. This decision comes after a significant drop in inflation from 6.7% to 4.6% in October 2023, marking the lowest level in nearly two years. 👀📉

For the mortgage industry, this is fantastic news, ushering in a positive outlook with stability making a comeback. 👏 If your current mortgage deal is set to expire between now and the middle of 2024, it's essential to connect with a mortgage broker to explore available options tailored to your specific situation. Remember, reaching out to your bank may not be the best approach!

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions or need guidance.

09/08/2023

So many people have come to me to take out protection policies over the last couple of weeks and I’m so glad that clients are realising the importance of having these policies. I’m sure we all know someone a similar to age to us who have been diagnosed with something awful and I think this plays a part on why people are getting in touch.

Have you ever wondered
🔹What would happen if you couldn’t work due to illness or injury? Could you get by on Statutory Sick Pay of £109.40 per week?

🔹How would your family cope financially if you were no longer around?

🔹Could you maintain your current lifestyle if faced with a critical illness (for example, cancer - just one of many things covered)

It’s really important to ask yourself these questions and take a moment to consider the importance of protection in our lives 💭 whether you own your own home or renting, having the right protection in place can bring peace of mind to you and your family.

🛡️ Life Cover: Providing a financial safety net for your loved ones, ensuring they're looked after even if you're not there to provide.

🌡️ Critical Illness: Offering support during tough times by providing a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a critical illness.

💰 Income Protection: Safeguarding your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury, helping you stay afloat without added stress.

Don’t wait until it’s too late ⏳ the longer you leave it, the more expensive it will get. Plus if you get diagnosed with something in the meantime it may mean that future policies won’t cover certain things by putting exclusions on the policy.

Just get in touch if you’d like an informal discussion about protecting what matters the most.

I can also easily review what cover you may already have (whether this be an existing policy or benefits through your employment contract) and charge no fee for protection advice.

08/08/2023

I’ve absolutely loved doing mortgages these last 9 years but sometimes you have to step outside your comfort zone and out your little bubble of what you know.

So today I’ve passed my second diploma exam towards becoming an IFA - a total of 6 exams done - 4 more to go until I’ll be a qualified IFA.

I’ve always avoided delving into pensions and investments because I’ve felt too young to advise on such a mature subject. But now the old crows feet and stray grey hairs are making an appearance (probably thanks to the last 12 months of mortgage interest rates🤣) plus working with Michelle for 12 years I’ve learnt so much (off the best!)- I feel like it’s time to start my new ‘grown up’ career.

Watch this space 😬🤞🏼

19/07/2023

A glimmer of hope!?🤞🏼✨ The Office of National Statistics just announced that inflation has dropped to 7.9% - better than anticipated!

There was a point when it reached a staggering 11.1%! This explains the skyrocketing prices we've been experiencing over the past year or so. 📈

The increase in inflation also led to the Bank of England raising interest rates, which meant better savings rates but also higher interest rates on loans and mortgages. 🏡😣

Lower inflation doesn't necessarily mean prices are going down. It simply means they're not rising as rapidly anymore.

We all know prices naturally increase over time. Remember when a Mars Bar was just 25p? (And twice the size!) 😅 This gradual rise is usually around 2% per year, which is what the Bank of England aims to achieve again in the future.

Once we reach that point, the general view is that savings interest rates should come back down from their current heights, mortgage rates should stabilise somewhere between the current 6-7% fixed rate and the previous 1.5-2.5%, and the prices of goods will stop skyrocketing as they have been.

We'll establish a "new normal" once again. Until, of course, the next events shake the global and UK economy, because that's just the way of the world unfortunately. But it would be nice to see a light at the end of this tunnel and some longer term security and peace of mind.

All eyes are on the swaps rates now but we’re hoping this good news on inflation will give lenders the confidence to stop their funny business with their mortgage rates. I’ll make sure to keep you all updated 😊

26/06/2023

🏡 News for struggling households! Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has just reached an agreement with banks and lenders to provide much-needed relief for mortgage holders. 🙌

Following a crucial meeting at Downing Street, it has been decided that several new mortgage rules will be implemented to assist homeowners in this challenging time. One of the key measures is the introduction of a minimum 12-month period before any repossession of homes can occur. This will offer vital breathing space for families at risk of losing their beloved homes. 🏠

Moreover, in a move aimed at providing immediate support, lenders have agreed to allow struggling borrowers to switch to interest-only payments or extend the duration of their mortgages for up to six months, without any questions asked and without any impact on their credit score.

Chancellor Hunt understands the importance of offering flexibility and reassurance to individuals experiencing financial anxiety. By providing these options, he aims to alleviate concerns and eliminate the need for uncomfortable discussions about personal finances with banks.

In addition, homeowners will benefit from increased leniency. Lenders have committed to enforcing a minimum waiting period of 12 months before taking any repossession action without consent. This will provide homeowners with valuable time to find alternative solutions.

While addressing the issue of high inflation, Chancellor Hunt stressed that it remains the government's top priority to tackle this challenge. However, he has decided against offering substantial government support to mortgage holders, as it could potentially contribute to inflation. Instead, he maintains that a firm stance is necessary to curb rising prices.

We will keep you updated with any new information on how these new mortgage rules can benefit you.

11/05/2023

🥳🔈 MASSIVE NEWS 🔈🥳

100% mortgages (aka NO deposit) are back as of this week!🎉

A new product, Track Record Mortgages has launched, allowing first time buyers to buy with NO DEPOSIT.

This is only available to:

•First Time Buyers
•Renters who can prove 12 months minimum rental payments
•People with strong credit scores and no adverse, missed payments, defaults etc.

If you fit this criteria and would like to find out more please don't hesitate to get in touch.

You can also place an enquiry through my new app https://link.smartrbuyer.com/ac/aaa/fwEMYBOBIzb

07/02/2022

Heads up! In your late 30s and never owned a home?

Put £1 in a Lifetime ISA now as open it before you're 40 and its still usable after to get up to a free £1,000/yr on top of savings towards your first home.

Full info

Martin Lewis' guide to the Lifetime ISA which allows 18-39yr olds to save for retirement or a first home and get a 25% bonus.

08/11/2021

A little feature in the Lancashire Journal magazine 🙂

24/02/2021

Rishi Sunak is reported to next week announce a three month extension of stamp duty holiday until the end of June in a bid to keep the property market firing as UK emerges from lockdown.

It’s worth up to £15,000 for people buying homes.