Lisa_at_themortgageshop

19/07/2026

Best of luck to Don Bosco’s F.C. in the Foyle cup this week
💛💙

24/06/2026

Beautiful treats today from a lovely client 🧁
Thanks so much Wedding Cakes • Derry - Donegal

24/06/2026

Why use a mortgage broker instead of going directly to your bank?

A bank can only offer its own mortgage products. A mortgage broker will compare mortgages from multiple lenders, which may give you more options.

Benefits of going to a Mortgage Broker

* More choice
* Access to mortgages from many lenders rather than just one bank which will have potential for lower rates.
* Can help if one lender’s criteria don’t fit your situation.
* A broker may find a lower interest rate or a more suitable product than your current bank offers.
* Expert guidance
* Explains fixed vs variable rates, fees, loan terms, and affordability rules.
* Helps identify the overall cheapest option, not just the lowest headline rate.
* Help with complex situations
* Self-employed income.
* Multiple income sources.
* Recent job change.
* Poor or limited credit history.
* Buy-to-let or unusual property types.
* Application support
* Helps gather documents.
* Checks the application before submission.
* Can reduce mistakes and improve the chance of approval.
* Access to exclusive deals
* Some brokers have access to products not available directly to consumers, though this varies by lender.

15/06/2026

09/06/2026

Top tips when buying your first home 👇

1 Obtain a copy of your credit report

A strong credit history can improve your chances of getting a competitive mortgage rate. Before applying:

* Review your credit reports for errors.
* Pay bills on time.
* Avoid taking on significant new debt.
* Limit multiple credit applications in a short period.

2 Save - the bigger the deposit the lower your loan and loan to value and therefore will get you a lower interest rate and lower monthly payment.

Save for more than just the deposit

In addition to your deposit. you’ll likely need money for:

* Legal or conveyancing fees
* Surveys and inspections
* Mortgage arrangement fees
* Moving costs
* Initial repairs or decorating
* Furniture and appliances

Having an emergency fund after buying can also provide valuable financial flexibility.

3 Avoid new credit agreements like loans, hire purchases, deferred payments options.

4 Healthy Bank statements, do not be living in your overdraft, lenders want to see how you can manage your finances and if your can’t live from month to month with no disposable income how can you afford to maintain a mortgage and the other bills associated with running a home.

5 Gather up your documents. Proof of income such as payslips or tax returns, proof of out goings - bank statements, credit reports, ID, proof of address, proof of deposit.

6. Get a decision in principle with a mortgage broker!!! This will allow you to understand what you can truly afford.

29/05/2026

Are you self employed?

Being self-employed does not stop you getting a mortgage.

Lenders mainly care about whether your income is stable, provable, and sufficient to cover the repayments.

Most self-employed applicants can qualify if they have:

* 1–3 years of accounts or tax returns
* A good credit history
* Enough deposit
* Consistent or growing income

Common self-employed categories lenders accept:

* Sole traders
* Limited company directors
* Freelancers/contractors
* Partnerships

What lenders usually ask for:

* SA302s or tax calculations from HMRC
* Tax year overviews
* Business bank statements
* Personal bank statements
* Company accounts (if limited company)

For further information drop me a message

20/05/2026

14/05/2026

For most mortgage applications, lenders usually ask for the documents to verify your income and outgoings

Be Mortgage ready and gather up the following.

The exact list can vary depending on the lender and whether you’re employed, self-employed, or buying as a first-time buyer, but this is the standard checklist.

Proof of identity

* Valid passport or driving licence
* National Insurance number (sometimes requested)

Proof of address

Usually dated within the last 3 months:

* Utility bill
* Council tax bill
* Bank or credit card statement

Proof of income

If employed:

* Last 3 months’ payslips
* Latest P60
* Employment contract (sometimes)

If self-employed:

* Last 2–3 years of accounts
* SA302 tax calculations / tax year overviews from HMRC
* Accountant’s certificate (if requested)

Bank statements

Usually the last 3 months showing:

* Salary payments
* Regular spending / outgoings
* Deposit build-up
* No unusual unexplained transactions

Proof of deposit

Evidence of where your deposit came from:

* Savings account statements
* Investment sale statements
* Gifted deposit letter (if family is helping)
* ID/proof of source of funds from the gift giver (common for anti-money-laundering checks)

Credit / debt information

Details of:

* Existing loans
* Credit cards
* Car finance
* Student loans
* Other mortgages or financial commitments

12/05/2026

Well I just got a little emotional. My Facebook memories just popped up!

Here’s a warm, genuine gratitude post you could use (or tweak to sound more like you):

5 years ago, I opened the doors to my office in Derry — and what a journey it has been.

Looking back, I honestly can’t believe how quickly those 5 years have flown by. They say time flies when you love what you do, and that couldn’t be more true.

I feel incredibly grateful to have helped hundreds of people on one of the biggest journeys of their lives — becoming homeowners. Being trusted to guide people through such an important milestone is something I never take for granted.

To every client who chose me to be part of your journey, thank you for your trust. To everyone who recommended me, supported me, encouraged me, and believed in me along the way — thank you. I wouldn’t be here without you.

I’m so proud of what has been built over these last 5 years, and so excited for what’s still to come.

Here’s to many more years of helping people turn the dream of homeownership into reality 🏡✨

Thank you, for your support. It means more than you know.

13/04/2026

Massive congratulations to Alice McLaughlin💖 & Ethan on collecting their keys to their beautiful new home last week 🏡🔑

Thank you for letting me be part of your home buying journey ❤️