Duties of a Mortgage Agent Explained
A mortgage agent sells mortgages on behalf of banks. The banks have had to resort to agents as a result of the intensifying competition within the sector. Payment of the agent is in a form of a percentage of the overall sale or transaction, which varies according to how big or small the sale was.
The agents are naturally regulated to ensure that they comply with the banking and finance laws of the country. This is necessary to ensure that they operate within legal boundaries, and that they can be held responsible for any professional negligence they might subject their clients to.
They work very closely with the banks because they sell the different product which the banks have on offer. They need to be familiar with the products so that they can be in a position to offer expect advice to clients, especially in times when the clients seem to be undecided and confused.
The agent has to generate business, and do all the necessary marketing to attract the clients. They have to compile relevant and accurate information and provide it to prospective clients, followed by regular follow ups to ensure that they encourage sufficient interest.
They also assess the market to make sure that they can recommend a suitable product for the client. Proper research is conducted to ensure that accurate data is compiled and presented to the client. The product must fit the clients needs, which means a proper assessment of the clients financial and other circumstances would have been done. This is done in order to ensure that the client makes a well informed decision.
The agent will gather all the necessary documents, such as pay slips and bank statements, as well as complete all the necessary documentation, and then further explain the legal requirements as well as all the regulations and guidelines which need to be adhered to.
It is necessary to compare the commission structures of a number of agents before you make a decision on which one to go for. You would probably need to look at their track records as well because you need to go with someone who is pedigreed. Lower fees do not necessarily mean inferior service or advice. One could find themselves going for the agent with the highest fees with the false belief that the advice would be of a high value, only to find that the particular agent chosen is not suitable for your
It is necessary to be vigilant at all times because mortgage agents can be unethical and dishonest in their dealings and practices. They are known to capitalize on clients ignorance and lack of sufficient knowledge on mortgages.
Always keep in mind that there is always recourse for clients who feel unsatisfied with the conduct of the agent. You can report them, and also file for damages if it is necessary to do so. As with every activity which is regulated by government, one must always ensure that they are well conversant with their rights.
Author Bio: A reliable mortgage broker should be a property hunters priority. Understanding fixed and variable rates can be made easier with the help of mortgage agent.
Category: Finances
Keywords: mortgages, mortgage broker, mortgage agent, broker, broker course, finances, financial planning