Northern Ireland consumers looking for a mortgage will for the first time be able to access Northern Bank mortgage products through a broker, it was announced today.
Until now, customers have had to go to Northern Bank directly to apply for one of its mortgage products, whether face to face with a mortgage advisor in a branch or by telephone.
Now Northern Bank has joined a panel of lenders offering mortgages through the Legal and General Mortgage Club, with mortgages available through a selected number of local mortgage brokers such as The Mortgage Shop, The Mortgage Group NI and Moneymatters.
Northern Bank Head of Products Mark Beattie said: “Throughout the economic downturn we have remained open for mortgage business and as a result actually saw a 39% increase in the amount of mortgage funds approved in 2011 compared to the year before. But we still have ambitious growth objectives in this market and we recognise that customers shopping around for the best mortgage deal will not always come directly to their bank. By partnering with selected intermediaries across Northern Ireland we can make it more straightforward for customers to access our wide range of competitive mortgage products.”
One of the brokers Northern Bank is partnering with is Northern Ireland’s largest retail broker, The Mortgage Shop.
Managing Director Siobhan McAleer said: “Our customers will really benefit from being able to access Northern Bank’s range of residential mortgages through our shops. It not only provides them with greater choice but access to a local provider with a comprehensive range of products but who has in depth knowledge of the local market and importantly, local decision making.”