17-07-2019

Expert, award-winning mortgage advice

We caught up with Sarah, Property Finance Consultant and Director to learn a little more about her, the work she enjoys and the industry we are in.

Remember: if you want mortgage advice, Bristol-based Fox Davidson (now with additional regional offices) can help.

What drew you to working in mortgage advice and finance?

I am a people person and enjoy problem-solving.  Working in finance combines both of these!

What are some of the most common enquiries you receive?

On the residential side, I specialise in properties with large acreage and equestrian facilities.

On the commercial side, I work with developers to source development finance – I am not just a development finance broker; often this goes hand in hand with longer-term finance on commercial investment units which they may retain.

Can you tell us about a particularly challenging area, and how you helped the client? 

At present, valuations can be an issue.

Clients often have a different view to the surveyor! 

This can be for both residential and commercial property along with GDV on developments.

To combat this I try to help clients to look realistically at values, do background research on the local area and also use lenders who have a degree of flexibility with their loan to values if a property gets a down valuation.

What is a common misconception about your area of work?

That we are men in suits. I am a lady in jeans!

What area of mortgage and finance are you most passionate about?

Working with lenders to identify areas of criteria which can be improved in order to help clients have a smoother journey.

Especially with regards property with large acreage or equestrian facilities.

Are there any industry trends or news that you would like to share?

Lenders are coming around to mixed-use properties.

We have many clients who have homes with an annex or separate cottage on the land which they may want to let out on a holiday let basis.

I have been working with certain lenders recently to recognise this and amend policy to officially allow holiday lets on a residential property.

Fox Davidson are your go-to advisers for trustworthy and varied mortgage advice. Bristol-based but with offices located Bath, Exeter and London too, we have a friendly team ready to answer any and all of your questions – simply give us a call or email today.