JF Financial Associates - Mortgage & Insurance Experts

09/03/2026

Nice little surprise being recognised as the member of the month at my networking group. Love helping local businesses!

02/05/2025

What a lovely write up from BNI Profit Partners - Norfolk after my 10 minute presentation yesterday!

10/05/2024

We always strive to offer solid advice backed up with first-class customer service, so this AMAZING review is a confirmation that all our hard work and effort is not in vain and does get noticed!

What a great way to start a week hey!

https://jffinancial.co.uk/

30/07/2023

Variable Mortgages and the importance of financial advice in today’s economic climate

One of the big lessons to take from the upheaval of the last couple of months has been the importance of getting quality, independent advice when arranging a mortgage.

The choice of the right mortgage product has been quite straightforward in the last decade or so, really. Interest rates dropped to record-low rates, which made the process of picking the right deal more straightforward.

Yes, fixed rates often came at a premium – the interest rate may have been a little larger than you might get from a variable rate – but given the rate had been so low anyway, it was a premium worth paying for many.

In fact, it was often the case the only real decision had been precisely how long to fix for.

Things have changed dramatically though over the last several months, in the aftermath of the chaos of the mini-Budget. Lenders of all shapes and sizes have rejigged their product ranges and criteria, meaning that borrowers face a more challenging decision when working out which product is the right for them.

A good example here is how attractive variable rate deals look today. The reality is that a typical variable rate today is likely to come with an interest rate of up to two percentage points lower than a comparable fixed-rate mortgage.

That translates into a significant difference in the size of the monthly mortgage repayments, an always-important consideration but all the more vital when inflation is at the highest level in decades and finances are stretched.

Of course, these lower initial prices come with an important potential downside, in that rates will increase as and when bank base rate does. And while we have seen a succession of base rate rises this year – 12 months ago it stood at 0.1%, while the base rate is now at 5%. There are expectations that there may be further increases to come if inflations does not pull back fast or far enough. We will then hopefully see it settle for a period before the Bank of England considers reducing it again.

Is a variable-rate mortgage right for me?
Whether a variable mortgage will be right for you will come down to what you think will happen with the base rate.

If you do not believe that the base rate will go up by more than another 2% then a variable deal may be the best choice since it will work out cheaper.

If however, you think the base rate will increase to that level, or you simply want more certainty over your budgeting, then a fixed rate will be the right option.

It’s notable that the take up of variable rates has increased substantially, and now accounts for a large percent of our new business.

The market upheaval of the last few months has really reinforced the value that a quality mortgage broker can provide.

When the only real decision is how long to fix for, then there will be some borrowers who feel sufficiently well-equipped to handle that themselves.

But at the moment there is far more at play when establishing the right type of mortgage, let alone the individual product that’s best suited for your circumstances.

A broker can go through the permutations with you so that you understand in pounds and pence what the difference between a fixed and variable rate will mean for you; not just today, but also in the future should rates increase or decrease.

Once you are content with either the fixed or variable route, then the broker can help you ascertain which individual product will be best.

It’s one thing to spot a low rate, but brokers will have a greater insight into the criteria employed by each lender, as well as access to products that you would not be able to obtain if applying directly.

While the market has started to settle since the recent inflation figures were released, the impacts of rapidly raising rates will continue to be felt by borrowers of all kinds for years to come.

Working with an experienced broker will help you make the right decision and keep your finances in the best possible shape and help you achieve your goal of paying off your mortgage as soon as possible.

28/07/2023

Lifetime ISAs: How they can help first-time buyers and what you need to know

One in four first-time buyers are expected to take their first step on the property ladder in 2023 using Lifetime ISAs, a savings scheme that offers a 25% bonus.

An estimated £1 billion of funds, tied up in government-supported accounts, are expected to be put towards home purchases over the next 12 months, according to analysis by mortgage broker Tembo.

It said there was £1.5 billion of savings invested in Lifetime ISAs (LISAs) in the UK and in 2022, over 50,000 first-time buyers withdrew a total of £670 million to put towards their first property.

Based on this trajectory, it believes £1 billion could be used as deposits for house purchases in 2023, which would help one in four people get on the property ladder.

Richard Dana, CEO of Tembo, said “While the LISA is still supported by the government, it is a scheme that is providing many first-time home buyers with a great opportunity to save towards their deposit.

“Having a larger deposit puts homebuyers in a stronger position to buy, particularly in the current market, where we are seeing a reduction in low deposit mortgages.

“So, hanging in there and continuing to save, even when it seems like such an uphill struggle, does seem to be paying off for thousands of first-time buyers.

“Many of the first-time buyers Tembo helped to buy a home this year have used the proceeds of their LISA to put towards their deposit.”

What is a Lifetime ISA?
The LISA was launched in 2017 as a way for people to save for either their first home or retirement. The savings scheme offers a 25% government bonus as well as the interest offered by the provider making it a productive method of saving.

An additional advantage is LISAs are individual savings accounts – so if you are buying with another person, you can use their savings and government bonus too.

Although you must open an account between the ages of 18 and 40, you can keep saving into an ISA until you reach 50.

What are the pitfalls of the LISA?
There are, however, restrictions – the most significant being the age limit. Indeed, the LISA can only be opened by those aged under 40.

Savers can put away up to £4,000 a year so the maximum bonus paid by the government is £1,000 per year.

The LISA can only be used as a deposit on properties worth £450,000 or less – this can mean many buying in areas of the UK where property prices are higher, such as London or the South East, may be exempt.

Finally, if you withdraw the money before you purchase your first home, you will pay a 25% charge – in other words, you will lose the government bonus.

Dana added: “With the average home costing seven times the average income, there is still a large affordability gap to fill for many home buyers, even when they reach the 5% deposit milestone.

“There are options for those who are struggling with affordability access, including family or friend supported mortgages, shared ownership or a range of emerging private help to buy schemes. Over 80% of the customers we help have been turned down by a mortgage broker or lender when they come to us, even when they have spent so long saving for a deposit.

“It is vital that would-be buyers know their options when setting out to buy their first home if they are to make their home-ownership dreams a reality.

28/07/2023

We Help Self-Employed People Successfully Apply for Mortgages and Remortgages.

✅ We are proud to have 5* google reviews going back years!
✅ We are a whole of market mortgage broker, so have access to over 100+ mortgage lenders, specialist banks, and building societies.
✅ Sole Traders, Limited Company Owners & Partnerships
✅ Options available based on most recent accounts
✅ Using salary and dividends or Salary and share of profit.
✅ Options available based on most recent accounts
✅ Lending options available from 1 year of trading
✅ Raise money for home improvements
✅ Consolidate debt and reduce monthly outgoings
✅ Make your money work harder with offset mortgages

We have an extensive range of lenders, including lending options not offered by single-tied or restricted panel brokers, making us one of the “go-to” brokers in the UK for self-employed.

I have over 2 decades of experience specialising in Self-Employed clients, so there is virtually nothing I don’t know or understand about this sector. I also run multiple of my own companies, so unlike a lot of brokers out there, I have daily first-hand experience in business.

My team and I understand the pressures of self-employment and provide options quickly and professionally, allowing you to take the mortgage decisions you need, with confidence.

My team and I will also take care of any applications and the processing of these applications. We will manage any solicitors and instruct valuations where required. We also keep you regularly updated on your case's progression to make the mortgage process as smooth as possible for you.

We will also happily work directly with accountants to gather the required documents if this is easier for our self-employed clients.

My experience and detailed knowledge of lenders' criteria allow me to match you up with the right lenders who will accept you and your income type.

We have successfully helped thousands of clients over the years find solutions where others can't.

Contact us today and we will help every step of the way.

https://jffinancial.co.uk/
07813 255267
0345 50 88 588

PLEASE NOTE – Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

JF Financial Associates is a trading style of Lifetime Wealth Management Limited which is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Limited and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited, which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

28/07/2023

Some of the UK’s major lenders are cutting their mortgage rates after June’s lower-than-expected CPI inflation, and the subsequent decline in the market’s long-term interest rate expectations.

HSBC was the first major lender to cut its rates earlier this week, announcing the rates on several of its mortgage products would fall.

Nationwide, TSB and Barclays have followed, offering some much-needed hope for mortgage holders who have seen fixed-rate deals go up nearly every day over the last few months.

The cuts by Barclays, TSB, HSBC, and Nationwide as well as some smaller lenders could see average rates fall from here..

Tracker rates are still very competitive with the best rate I have seen in a long time at just 0.14% above the Bank of England's base rate.

16/07/2023

A very good read on Banks, QE, and Money-Printing:

Published November 2020 Lately, it has become fashionable to debate what is, or is not, “money-printing” by central banks. This debate is natural, due to the extreme policy nature of 2020, with massive fiscal expenditures, huge increases in central bank balance sheets, and changes in central ban...

23/06/2023

Knowing your numbers right from the start can save you time, money, and heartache.

If you are looking to purchase your first home, remortgage an existing property, or want to move to your new dream home, we can help find a solution.

23 years of knowledge and experience means Justin and his team can be creative and think outside of the box, so we often find solutions where others can’t!

Book a Stage 1 interview with JF Financial Associates and you will have a clear picture right from the start!

We cover these 10 vital points:
✅ Complete a full assessment of your financial situation and stability.
✅ Review your short, medium, and long-term financial and home ownership goals.
✅ Full income and expenditure analysis
✅ Assess how much you can realistically afford to borrow within a comfortable budget.
✅ Work out the deposit required to have access to the most competitive deals.
✅ Calculate your ideal purchase price.
✅ Provide a full breakdown of all the costs and fees.
✅ Comprehensive assessment of the mortgage products available.
✅ Explain all the options, features, and risks of the various products.
✅ Most importantly we will stress test the mortgage to make sure you can still afford it if rates moved.

At the end of the consultation, you will be sent a blueprint of exactly what is possible.

People do not want to be sold a mortgage, they want to talk about a mortgage, and it’s all about relationships!

Ps. We also work 100% remotely with you. This means we are not geographically restricted and can help clients all over the UK.

Talk to a reputable mortgage adviser who can help guide you through this process. It could be one of the best investments into your new home that you will ever make!

https://jffinancial.co.uk/
07813 255267
0345 50 88 588

PLEASE NOTE – Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

JF Financial Associates is a trading style of Lifetime Wealth Management Limited which is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Limited and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited, which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

16/06/2023

Why you shouldn’t stretch yourself financially to purchase a home.
Buying a house and getting a mortgage is a significant financial decision, potentially involving large sums of money. Therefore, it's crucial to make the right choice.

Don’t give in to the temptation to buy a home you can't afford. If you buy that budget-busting dream home, it will soon become a nightmare.

That's why it's vitally important to get professional advice and guidance for a suitably qualified mortgage broker before you commit to the purchase.

Many homeowners are tempted to make decisions they shouldn't when they're purchasing a home. One wrong decision could have lasting financial consequences that could be avoided by utilizing an experienced mortgage adviser.

An experienced mortgage adviser will help you find your ideal budget that is based on a delicate balance between the mortgage payment and having enough left over to fund your desired lifestyle.
A great adviser also stresses this budget to make sure you can still afford the mortgage if interest rates changed.

Beware of borrowing more than what is recommended or buying a home that exceeds your budget due to the emotional side of home buying. Doing so may lead to constant stress from mortgage payments and feeling overwhelmed when the house needs repairs.
The best advice you can get is to stick to the agreed budget, and look for properties within that budget!

Buying a house that stretches your budget may lead to unaffordable mortgage payments if your earnings decrease, limiting your ability to cut back on work or take time off. In the event of job loss, it may be challenging to find a new job that pays enough to maintain your housing costs.

You will also be devoting so much money to your housing payment that other things you may want to save for like holiday, a newer car or even retirement could be out of reach.

Remember you will be making your mortgage payment for a significant amount of time, so you’ll feel cash-strapped during the entire term of your mortgage product, unless you manage to dramatically increase your income.

To avoid this financial disaster, be sure to stick to a mortgage that’s easy to afford.

Talk to a reputable mortgage adviser who can help guide you through this process. It could be one of the best investments into your new home that you will ever make!

https://jffinancial.co.uk/
07813 255267
0345 50 88 588

PLEASE NOTE – Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

JF Financial Associates is a trading style of Lifetime Wealth Management Limited which is an appointed representative of Quilter Financial Services Limited and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited, which are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

16/05/2023

Norwich's Trusted Mortgage Broker Exceeding Client Expectations

In the fast-paced world of Property finance, finding a reliable and trustworthy mortgage broker is crucial. Norwich residents are fortunate to have Justin Fordham, a seasoned professional who has garnered a reputation for going above and beyond for his clients.

With his unwavering commitment to excellence, Justin has earned glowing reviews from satisfied clients. In this blog post, we highlight three positive Google reviews that reflect Justin and his team's dedication to providing exceptional mortgage services.

Review by ET:
"Justin Fordham is a true professional in every sense of the word. From the moment I reached out to him, he demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge and a genuine passion for helping his clients. Throughout the mortgage process, Justin was incredibly responsive and patient, answering all my questions with clarity and providing valuable advice. His attention to detail and commitment to finding the best mortgage option for me were truly outstanding. I highly recommend Justin to anyone in need of a mortgage broker in Norwich."

Review by MR:
"I had the pleasure of working with Justin Fordham as my mortgage broker, and I cannot speak highly enough of his services. From our initial meeting to the closing of my mortgage, Justin displayed exceptional professionalism and expertise. He took the time to understand my financial goals and tailored a mortgage solution that perfectly aligned with my needs. Justin's communication skills are excellent; he kept me updated throughout the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. If you're searching for a mortgage broker in Norwich, Justin Fordham is the person to call."

Review by SR:
"Justin Fordham exceeded my expectations as a mortgage broker. His dedication and commitment to his clients are evident in every interaction. As a first-time homebuyer, I was unfamiliar with the mortgage process, but Justin patiently guided me through each step, making it easy to understand. He was readily available whenever I needed clarification or had concerns, and he always responded promptly. Justin's professionalism and ability to deliver tailored mortgage solutions are second to none. I'm incredibly grateful for his assistance and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a mortgage broker in Norwich."

So when it comes to securing the most suitable mortgage solution, Justin and his teams' exceptional service and commitment to their clients set them apart.

These positive Google reviews from satisfied clients highlight their professionalism, in-depth knowledge, and dedication to ensuring a smooth and successful mortgage process.

Justin Fordham is a trusted mortgage broker in Norwich known for his expertise and personalized approach. With his assistance, you can confidently navigate the mortgage landscape and achieve your homeownership goals.

JF Financial Associates – authorised Mortgage Broker in Norwich offers highest quality Mortgage and Insurance advice, tailored to each individual client.

12/05/2023

What a fabulous way to start the weekend, than with an almighty hamper and beautiful words from very satisfied clients ☺️❤️🙏🏻