Many of us are looking for a better mortgage deal, or would like to release some of the equity in our home but the process is often not as easy as it first appears.

So what do you need to know before you seriously consider remortgaging?

Where to start?

The first step is to contact us and we can advise you on the best remortgaging options.

We will work with you to check the terms and conditions of your existing mortgage. These will tell if you are tied-in to your mortgage deal or if there are any early repayment charges. You can then decide if it is worth switching to a different rate or stay put until the penalties have expired.

Which deal to choose?

There are broadly four types of deal on offer that we can talk you through in more detail and find out which option suits you best.

Fixed rate schemes - ideal for people who want certainty and must be able to regulate how much they will be spending each month

> Discounted loans - offer a reduction off the standard variable rate for a set period. If rates fall, the rate you will pay will go down but if rates rise, so do your payments

> A capped-rate loan - sets a limit on the rate you will pay. If rates rise, your payments will not go above that level but if rates fall below the cap so will your repayments

> Flexible mortgages - allow you to overpay and underpay (certain conditions may apply with regards to underpayments) when you choose, without penalty. This is ideal for people who have fluctuating incomes or who want to clear their mortgage early

If you're thinking about buying your first home you're probably finding the whole process of choosing the right mortgage and actually buying your ideal home rather daunting? So what do you need to know to get on to the first rung of the property ladder?

The first step is to contact us and we will advise you on the mortgage options available to you.

In the meantime we've outlined below some background information on mortgages for first time buyers that we hope you'll find useful.

How much can you borrow?

The amount of mortgage you can get depends on your income.

Income multiples do vary. As a rough guide, a typical multiple is four times your income. This figure could be higher or lower depending upon your individual circumstances and different lenders' criteria. Some lenders do not use income multiples at all and will lend based on affordability.

Once you add to this the amount that you can afford to pay as a deposit, you have the amount you can pay for your first property.

Some lenders offer very good deals for first time buyers, so it always worth asking us to research the market on your behalf.

Any other costs?

It is also worth remembering the additional costs, on top of your deposit and mortgage that you will be expected to pay.

For example, you will have to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on increasing portions of the property price above £125,000 when you buy residential property, e.g. a house or flat.

Use the SDLT Calculator to work out how much tax you'll pay.

Plus you will have to pay for the survey and the valuation of the property, and solicitor's fees.

You may also have to pay an arrangement fee for the mortgage and in some cases a Higher Lending Charge - which is insurance for the lender for you defaulting on your payments when your property is worth less than the loan.

We may charge a fee for our serviceswhich we will ensure is clearly explained to you before you agree to proceed.

Are you struggling to get finance due to your poor credit history? Do you have CCJs, Defaults, Mortgage Arrears, Repossessions or have been bankrupt?

If you just want to deal with a truly reputable company that can get you a good deal on your mortgage, despite your past or present financial circumstances, then contact us today.

We will fully assess your financial circumstances and run through the mortgage options available to you.

What can we offer you?

As we have access to mortgages from a range of lenders, we can offer poor credit history mortgages with some special features:

We can advise on mortgage options for all levels and types of adverse credit including CCJs, Defaults, Mortgage Arrears, Repossessions and bankruptcy

We can also deal with Right to Buy, Let to Buy and Shared Ownership

Whatever your mortgage requirements, we can advise on the best mortgage for you.

So if you are struggling to get finance and finding that your past or present financial circumstances are making finding a home loan difficult, talk to us today.

The overall cost for comparison is 8.7% APR.