Describe your firm in a few sentences.
My Mortgage Angel provides friendly, fee-free mortgage advice. We pride ourselves on helping clients understand their mortgage options in a safe, caring and judgement-free environment.
We offer all clients a highly personalised service that is based not just on what they need right now but on what they might need for the future.
We get a lot of clients who are specifically looking to deal with a female adviser — there aren’t nearly enough of us around!
My Mortgage Angel was named after my late Nan. After I lost her, I always felt that she was still there, looking over my shoulder and guiding me towards the right life decisions. I wanted to use Nan’s influence to help others in the same way.
I love the mortgage industry because it’s constantly evolving
My Mortgage Angel is a trading style of Mark Cornelius, who is an appointed representative of Quilter Wealth Limited and Quilter Mortgage Planning Limited. They are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
What led you to become a broker?
I worked with an excellent mortgage broker who helped me buy my first home. His advice saved me a small fortune and I was so impressed. Once I had the keys to my new home, I got out my study books and took my mortgage exams.
Once qualified, I started working on a plan to become self-employed as I wanted something that would also fit around my family needs. I haven’t looked back since.
If I had one request, I would ask lenders to take steps to reduce their timeframes
Going above and beyond for my clients is my philosophy and the rewards are worth more than money to me.
What plans do you have for the future of your firm?
My Mortgage Angel has grown exponentially since we were founded in 2016. This growth has come largely from word of mouth and recommendations based on our personalised service.
With more certainty in the market since the general election, we are getting a lot more enquiries. In 2021 I took on an office assistant and I’m currently looking for another mortgage adviser to join the team.
What single thing could lenders do to improve brokers’ lives the most?
It’s been a tough time for lenders over the past few years, but many have done what they could to innovate and pivot quickly to help get as many people moving as possible.
Going above and beyond for my clients is my philosophy and the rewards are worth more than money
If I had one request, I would ask lenders to take steps to reduce their timeframes. Whether it’s waiting on hold to speak to them or waiting for them to assess documents or for the valuation — if this process could be speeded up, it would help us turn offers around much faster.
What advice do you have for a broker just starting out?
The mortgage industry is an exciting place. We get to help people move into their dream home, or unlock capital to make home improvements. Often through the right mortgage we can help improve an individual’s quality of life.
We offer all clients a highly personalised service that is based not just on what they need right now but on what they might need for the future
If you’re getting started as a broker, get yourself in a room full of like-minded people. Other peers in the industry will support you, motivate you and help you celebrate the wins. It’s an incredibly supportive industry.
How can the industry encourage a new intake of brokers?
I love the mortgage industry because it’s constantly evolving. Whether rates are going up or down, it’s a case of finding the right solution for your clients.
It’s also an industry that thrives on innovation, and lenders and brokers alike are constantly trying to find new and inventive ways to help more people.
To encourage more people to train as brokers, we need to target those looking to retrain and do something new.
We get a lot of clients who are specifically looking to deal with a female adviser — there aren’t enough of us around!
We also need to do more to inspire the younger generation. We have been to careers sessions at local secondary schools and we recognise it’s not the type of job a 15-year-old might naturally consider. But, once we show them what being a mortgage adviser means, how you get to help individuals secure their dream, we see the dial shift.
Being a mortgage adviser is incredibly satisfying. I wouldn’t do anything else.
If you would like your firm to be featured in Broker Focus, please email Mortgage Strategy reporter Becky Bellamy at: becky.bellamy@emap.com
This article featured in the December 2024/January 2025 edition of Mortgage Strategy.
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