Chris Greaves Mortgage & Protection Specialist

09/06/2026

What does a Mortgage Adviser actually do? Spoiler: it’s way more than comparing rates

08/06/2026

Hi, I’m Chris 👋

I’m a Mortgage & Protection Specialist based in Ilkeston, helping people across the UK navigate mortgages with confidence.

I’ve been helping clients secure mortgages since 2014, whether they’re first time buyers, moving home or remortgaging. Employed or self-employed, or simply looking to protect their family financially.

My aim is simple: make the process clear, straightforward and as stress-free as possible.

03/06/2026

🚨 First-Time Buyer Myths That Stop People Buying a Home 🏡

I hear these all the time…

❌ “I need a 10% deposit.”
Many buyers can purchase with much less than this.

❌ “My credit score isn’t perfect, so I won’t get a mortgage.”
A less-than-perfect credit history doesn’t automatically mean no.

❌ “I need to earn £50,000+ a year.”
Mortgage affordability is based on much more than just salary.

❌ “Being self-employed means I can’t get a mortgage.”
Thousands of self-employed people buy homes every year.

❌ “I’ll never borrow enough.”
Many buyers are surprised by what they’re actually able to borrow.

❌ “It’s cheaper to rent than buy.”
Not always. In some cases, mortgage payments can be similar to rent.

The biggest obstacle for many first-time buyers isn’t affordability…

It’s believing these myths and never checking what’s actually possible.

💬 Which of these myths did you believe? 👇

16/05/2026

🚨 Launching Monday: New £5,000 Deposit Mortgage for First-Time Buyers 🏡

Some first-time buyers may now be able to buy a home with just a £5,000 deposit.

Key points 👇
• Available for first-time buyers only
• Properties up to £300,000
• Up to 98% mortgage available
• 5-year fixed rate product
• No product fees
• Available to employed & self-employed applicants
• Mortgage terms up to 40 years
• Designed for buyers without family help towards a deposit

There are some restrictions ⚠️
• No gifted deposits
• Not available on new builds
• Not available with shared ownership
• Full affordability & credit checks still apply

29/04/2026

“Buying a house just isn’t possible for us right now…”

A couple I’ve helped recently were unable to raise enough on a mortgage to buy their dream home… or so they thought.

They had a deposit and steady jobs… but their income alone wasn’t quite enough to borrow what they needed. Like a lot of people, they felt stuck.

So we explored a different route.

A family member agreed to support the application by adding their income alongside the couple’s to give them a boost!

✅ The couple still own 100% of the property
✅ The family member isn’t on the deeds
✅ They were able to borrow more and move forward

Of course, it’s not without responsibility:
⚠️ The family member is tied to the mortgage
⚠️ It can affect their own future borrowing
⚠️ There needs to be a plan for the couple to eventually stand independently

Fast forward… they now have a mortgage offer and are on their way to owning their dream home 🏡

Same people. Same situation. Just a different approach.

If you’ve been thinking “we can’t buy yet”… it might be worth a second look.

29/04/2026

💼 with Chris Greaves

Myth:
👉 “Self-employed people can’t get good mortgage rates.”

Reality:
Mortgage rates aren’t decided by job titles.
They’re based on risk — in plain English:

✔ How stable and provable your income is
✔ How much deposit you have
✔ How strong your overall financial position looks

Plenty of self-employed clients secure the same rates as employed applicants — when their case is structured and presented properly.

The issue usually isn’t being self-employed.
👉 It’s being misunderstood or poorly presented.

Question:
Have you ever assumed you’d be offered a worse rate just because you work for yourself?

With the right lender and the right approach, self-employment doesn’t have to cost you more.

👉 Chris Greaves – Renshaw WEALTH

24/04/2026

🏏

💙 TEAM SELECTIONS 💙

Here’s how we line up this weekend 👇

🏏 1st XI vs Etwall - Home
🏏 2nd XI vs Codnor - Away
🏏 Ladies vs Sandiacre & Underwood - Home

Three strong sides ready to go and plenty of quality across the club 💪

Best of luck to everyone pulling on the shirt

22/04/2026

An enjoyable night watching Ilkeston Town FC win the Derbyshire Senior Cup!

It was inspiring for Sonny to see ‘his team’ battle through and lift the trophy at the end!

Up the Robins! 🔴⚪️

06/10/2025

📢 Self-Employed? Thinking of buying or remortgaging a property? 🏡

It’s that time of year again…
Your 2023–2024 tax returns are now considered too old by lenders. ✅
They’ll want to see your 2024–2025 returns for affordability checks.

👉 If you haven’t done yours yet:
• Speak to your accountant 📊
• Or complete your self-assessment online 💻

Don’t let missing paperwork slow down your mortgage plans!