Clark Shaw Associates

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Clark Shaw Associates

Bespoke Mortgage and Protection advice tailored to you or your Business. Clark Shaw Associates - Mortgage and Financial Solutions based in the South West.

Our aim is to provide you, our clients, specialist advice helping make your process with us as stress free as possible! Our Services

• Mortgage Advice
• Mortgage Protection
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Cover
• Fracture Cover
• Income Protection
• Business Protection
• Relevant Life
• Key persons

Clark Shaw Associates Limited is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Netw

ork Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Clark Shaw Associates is Registered in England and Wales no. 1002699. Registered address The Keep, Creech Castle, Taunton, Somerset, Ta1 2dx. Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. A fee maybe charged for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances.

27/08/2026

These reviews really do mean the world to us!

To every client who takes the time to share their experience, thank you 💙

19/08/2026

Your credit score can play a big part in your mortgage application — but it’s not just about the number.

Lenders will look at your overall credit history when deciding whether to lend and what they may be prepared to offer.

Things that can make a difference include:

• Missed or late payments
• High credit card balances
• Lots of recent credit applications
• Not being registered on the electoral roll
• Errors on your credit report

The good news? Different lenders assess credit differently.

So, being declined by one lender doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be declined by them all.

If you’re thinking about applying for a mortgage, check your credit report early. It gives you time to spot any issues and understand what lenders are likely to see.

And if you’re not sure what your credit history means for your mortgage options, that’s where good advice can really help.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice, the exact amount will be based on your circumstances.

11/08/2026

Which Protection Product Solves Which Problem?

Many people know they should have protection in place, but they're not always sure which type of cover does what.

Here's a simple guide:

❤️ Life Cover
Problem it solves: Your family would struggle financially if you died.
Solution: A lump sum payment to help support your loved ones, pay off debts or cover living costs.

🩺 Critical Illness Cover
Problem it solves: You're diagnosed with a serious illness and need financial support during recovery.
Solution: A tax-free lump sum that can be used however you choose, whether that's paying the mortgage, replacing lost income or adapting your home.

💼 Income Protection
Problem it solves: You can't work due to illness or injury.
Solution: A regular monthly income to help cover your essential bills while you recover.

Think of it like this:
✔️ Life Cover protects your family's future.
✔️ Critical Illness Cover protects your recovery.
✔️ Income Protection protects your monthly income.

Each product is designed to solve a different problem, and for many people, they work best together.

Not sure which protection is right for you? Let's have a chat.

31/07/2026

Want to buy a home with little or no deposit?

A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor (JBSP) mortgage could help make homeownership possible with support from an immediate family member.

We have access to a lender who has just launched a new product, which allows the below:

✅ Available up to 100% loan to value, so no deposit required (subject to eligibility)

✅ Available for purchases and remortgages

✅ Up to 4 applicants' income can be considered (subject to affordability)

✅ Maximum loan of £675,000

A JBSP mortgage allows a family member to help boost affordability without being named as an owner of the property.

If you've been told you can't borrow enough on your own, there may be another option.

Get in touch to find out whether a JBSP mortgage could be right for you.

Subject to eligibility and full mortgage assessment.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice, the exact amount will be based on your circumstances.

30/07/2026

A Mortgage in Principle (MIP) is an indication from a lender of how much you could borrow, based on the information you provide and a soft credit check.

It isn't a guaranteed mortgage, but it gives you a clear idea of your budget before you start viewing properties.

✅ Know what you can afford
✅ Show estate agents you're a serious buyer
✅ Be ready to make an offer when you find the right home

Once your offer is accepted, the lender will carry out full affordability checks and underwriting before issuing a formal mortgage offer.

If your circumstances or lending criteria change, your final mortgage offer could be different.

Getting a Mortgage in Principle is quick, and if your property search takes a little longer, it can usually be renewed.

If you're planning to start house hunting, get in touch and we'll help you get your Mortgage in Principle sorted before you begin viewing.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice, the exact amount will be based on your circumstances.

20/07/2026

Overpaying Your Mortgage: Pros and Cons

Overpaying can reduce your term and the total interest you pay over the life of the mortgage, sometimes saving thousands of pounds. But check your lender's rules first!

Most allow a limited amount per year (often up to 10% of the outstanding balance) before Early Repayment Charges apply, and going over that limit can end up costing you rather than saving you money.

It's also worth weighing overpaying against other financial priorities, like building up an emergency savings buffer, contributing to a pension, or paying off higher-interest debts such as credit cards, which often carry a higher rate than your mortgage.

There's rarely a single "right" answer, it depends on your wider financial picture.

👉 Ask an adviser whether overpaying makes sense for you right now.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice, the exact amount will be based on your circumstances.

03/06/2026

A Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor mortgage could help you get onto the property ladder 👇

This allows parents or close family members to support the mortgage application using their income, helping boost affordability, without being named on the property deeds.

One of the biggest challenges with these mortgages is that many lenders cap the mortgage term based on the oldest applicant’s age, which can increase monthly payments as your mortgage term is short.

But some lenders take a different approach

✔ They can assess the term using the younger applicant’s age
✔ Lending may be available up to age 80
✔ Some lenders even have no maximum age limit

This could mean lower monthly payments and more borrowing potential...

📩 Message us to see what options may be available to you.

Subject to full mortgage application and product range.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice, the exact amount will be based on your circumstances.

19/05/2026

Buying a home is exciting but asking the right questions early on could save you time, money, and stress later.

Here are some key questions to ask the estate agent before making an offer:

🔹 Have any mortgage applications previously been declined on this property?

This could highlight concerns around the property type, construction, lease terms, or lender criteria.

🔹 Does the property have spray foam insulation?

Some lenders can be cautious with spray foam insulation, especially if it affects the roof structure or ventilation.

🔹 Are there solar panels installed and are they owned or leased?

Leased solar panels can sometimes complicate the mortgage process due to additional agreements attached to the property.

🔹 Is the property freehold or leasehold?
If it’s leasehold, make sure you ask:

How many years are left on the lease?

What are the ground rent and service charges?

(Short leases and high charges can affect mortgage options.)

🔹 Are there any restrictive covenants?

These can limit what changes or uses are allowed on the property and may impact future plans or value.

The more informed you are from the beginning, the smoother the buying journey can be!

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice, the exact amount will be based on your circumstances.

11/05/2026

What a fabulous review to receive!

To every client who takes the time to share their experience, thank you.

Your trust means everything, and we’re committed to delivering the same high standard of service every single time.

21/04/2026

A little reminder for first-time buyers…

You’re employed.
You earn a steady income each month.
You’ve got your deposit sorted.

And yet… getting on the property ladder still feels just out of reach.

That’s exactly why a high street lender offers eligible buyers the chance to borrow up to 6x their income, meaning you could potentially access more than standard lending amounts.

From a 5% deposit

£500 cashback available

Built to support first-time buyers onto the ladder

Lenders are doing what they can to support buyers right now, but these options are sometimes overlooked

This is why a mortgage broker can help, we keep up to date with schemes like this and help match you to the right lender.

📩 Message us to see what could be possible for you

Subject to eligibility and lending criteria.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. There may be a fee for mortgage advice, the exact amount will be based on your circumstances.

Address

Creech Castle, The Keep
Taunton
TA12DX

Telephone

+441823428180

Website

http://www.clarkshawassociates.co.uk/

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