Mortgage Brain

Legal & General select Mortgage Brain technology

2009-11-09T09:56:00.003Z

Legal & General, one of the UK’s largest financial services providers, has become the latest company to offer Mortgage Brain and the Key to its Mortgage Club members.

As part of the agreement, Legal & General will be offering its Mortgage Club members the opportunity to benefit from using Mortgage Brain’s market-leading systems, free-of-charge, until the end of February 2010.

Click here to view the full article.

Mortgage Brain offer brokers even more with Mortgage Brain B2C!

2009-11-02T16:38:00.006Z

The new and innovative business to consumer facing sourcing system, Mortgage Brain B2C, which is due to be launched in early 2010, gives you the opportunity to make mortgage sourcing available as part of your own website. All leads will go back to yourself, for you to pursue and to generate more business.

Click here for more information

Your Clients Are At Risk If They Do Not Keep Up Repayments on Mortgages You Have Provided

2009-10-26T09:38:00.002Z

Whether Prime or Sub-Prime the chances are that right now you have clients struggling to keep up repayments on their homes and other credit commitments plus associated cross sales. In the past you have always been there for the good things in life like a new home but right now you have clients that need your help – urgently.

Both advisors and clients do not realise that there are alternative solutions available that will pay off arrears, prioritise payments such as mortgages and provide an affordable monthly budget to live on. This is available to most clients when there are no lending solutions/products available and more importantly keeps them in their homes.

You can proactively support this process through your client reviews. Advisors should actively encourage clients to seek appropriate advice or refer them to a reputable debt solutions company like ClearStart Partnerships. By utilising ClearStart’s services not only will you be helping your clients through a traumatic experience but they will rehabilitate your client for future sales opportunities and will pay you up to £600 for doing the right thing.

Click here for further information.

Surge in overseas mortgage quotes

2009-10-16T09:11:00.002+01:00

The holiday season may be over, but it appears that trips abroad this summer have inspired many of us to buy our own place in the sun.

Conti has just had its busiest month since the beginning of the year, with a 20 per cent surge in mortgage quotes issued during September. The value of mortgage applications submitted by the company to overseas lenders also rose to a year high.

Conti says that as property prices fall across Europe, the chance of owning a holiday home abroad may never be better, and with rates at an historic low, it’s even more affordable for British buyers. Whilst the ‘staycation’ trend may have reduced the number of Britons holidaying abroad this summer, many of those who did venture overseas have returned home with plans to buy their very own place in the sun.

Affordable prices, low interest rates, and a healthy appetite by overseas mortgage providers to lend, are all making it easier to buy property abroad. And there’s a growing feeling of confidence amongst prospective buyers, with savvy investors more willing to explore overseas opportunities in their search for better potential returns on investment than they’re achieving in the UK.

Brokers praise Mortgage Brain’s all new sourcing system

2009-10-14T17:47:00.003+01:00

Following a series of industry forums attended by brokers, Mortgage Brain, the market leading mortgage technology solutions provider, has received further positive feedback about its all new mortgage sourcing system.

The forums, held throughout September, were attended by brokers who rely on sourcing systems every day from a cross section of the market. The forums gave brokers the opportunity to discuss and comment on the new developments and to see first hand live demonstrations of the all new mortgage sourcing system.

To view the full article please click here

Mortgage schemes climb to new high

2009-10-14T09:07:00.002+01:00

The number of mortgage schemes available to intermediaries has climbed to its highest level for five months, according to Mortgage Brain’s Monthly Product Analysis.

The total number of live mortgage schemes listed on its market leading sourcing system increased by an encouraging 15% in the past month. Current figures (as of 5th October 2009) list 2,868 mortgage products, up from 2,505 on 31st August 2009.

The increase during September brings the number of live mortgage schemes available to its highest level since May 2009, when figures stood at 3,222. Since then, two significant drops have been seen followed by three consecutive increases.

Trackers witnessed the biggest increase during the past month, climbing by 32% to 666 products, followed by Fixed rate products up 14% to 1,804. Variable rate products, however, are on the decline for the first time in four months having dropped by 4% during September to 398.

To read the full article please click here

Come and visit us at Mortgage Business Expo 2009!

2009-10-13T10:08:00.006+01:00

Mortgage Brain are exhibiting at Mortgage Business Expo 2009 for the third consecutive year! This years show will take place at Olympia 2, London on 11 - 12th November 2009.

We'd really love to see you, so come and visit us at one of our four stands: AA2, D5, A16 and B19.

We'll be launching our ALL NEW Mortgage Brain at a major press event, opportunities to enjoy the Key for FREE and competitions and games giving you the chance to win over £750 cash, £250 Red Letter Day and much more!

Click here to find out more about Expo 2009!

Google zeitgeist - latest news - MBL v Trigold...

2009-10-05T16:19:00.004+01:00

"Zeitgeist" means "the spirit of the times", and Google reveals this spirit through the aggregation of millions of search queries that are received every day. They have several tools that give insight into global, regional, past and present search trends. These tools are available for you to play with, explore, and learn from. Use them for everything from business research to trivia answers.

A recent comparison of Mortgage Brain searches v Trigold over the last 12 months has revealed a 57% share for Mortgage Brain compared to a 43% share for Trigold based on financial services searches.

This is further confirmation of a growing trend and a gradual increase for searches towards Mortgage Brain which has been noticeable since 2006.

http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/zeitgeist/index.html

Mortgage Brain and Source announce systems integration

2009-10-05T16:06:00.003+01:00

Mortgage Brain recently announced the integration of the Key, its client management, mortgage sales and compliance package, with The Source – one of the country’s leading panel quotation systems for Buildings & Contents, Buy-to-Let and Unemployment Insurance.

The partnership will ensure that users of the Key have a seamless way to offer their mortgage customers a wide choice of quotes from the UK’s leading insurers, with the absolute minimum of data entry. Client data that users have saved while doing the mortgage illustration will now be automatically transferred through to populate the relevant fields in The Source quotation system.

Malcolm Guest, Managing Director of Source said: “Some time ago we thought we had made the fully compliant cross-selling of General Insurance as easy as it could possibly be. We were wrong. This partnership with MBL makes it easier than ever for brokers to offer the choice of insurers that is so critical to consistently Treating Customers Fairly.”

Click here to visit the Key website and find out more.

Increase your General Insurance business with Berkeley Alexander

2009-10-05T15:45:00.003+01:00

An invaluable service from Berkeley Alexander, to help you increase your General Insurance business.

Do you have a ‘Direct to Consumer’ website? Would you like to have an interactive quote and buy system for:-

o Home insurance
o ASU (MPPI & Income Protection)
o Residential Buy To Let
o Identity Theft

If yes, then we can provide you with a link to www.insurance4everyone.co.uk, where your clients will be able to obtain quotes and buy cover online, without creating any extra work for you whilst increasing your income. Commission is on our introducer rate, see www.baonline.co.uk/mbl for details.

So if you want to capture some extra cases via your website why not talk to us about having a link to insurance4everyone.

Berkeley Alexander – your one stop GI shop

What is the Google zeitgeist?

2009-09-29T09:54:00.003+01:00

For anyone interested in strategic planning google zeitgeist is pretty impressive...

"Zeitgeist" means "the spirit of the times", and Google reveals this spirit through the aggregation of millions of search queries that are received every day. They have several tools that give insight into global, regional, past and present search trends. These tools are available for you to play with, explore, and learn from. Use them for everything from business research to trivia answers.

http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/zeitgeist/index.html

Take a look….. a comparison of Mortgage Brain searches v Trigold, for instance, shows a 45% : 55% split in 2006, gradually moving to a 51% : 49% split in 2009.

Overseas property buyers stick to old favourites

2009-09-28T15:28:00.000+01:00

Overseas property investors are sticking to the more traditional locations according to the latest ‘hot spots’ report compiled by Conti. Almost a third (31%) of enquiries received by the company so far this year have been for France, followed by Spain at 22%. Enquiries for both locations have increased considerably since 2008, as buyers shun the emerging markets and put their trust in the more established destinations.

Turkey has maintained third place and increased its share to 13%. Portugal and Italy have also advanced up the table, to fourth and fifth places respectively, whilst interest in both Bulgaria and the USA has declined over the last year.

According to Conti, the smart investor is no longer simply looking to where the best bargains for a swift return can be found, but to where security lies for a longer term investment. Last year, the concentration of some investors on emerging markets was starting to erode the lead of the traditional ones. This year, the tables have turned. Buyers are sticking to locations they know and trust, but it’s not that alone; affordable prices, low interest rates, easy access and good rental yields have all contributed to the enduring attraction of these destinations.

Debt A Growing Problem

2009-09-18T09:34:00.004+01:00

With debt still growing at a rate of £1 million pounds every 5.3 minutes many people are struggling to make ends meet (source credit action July 2009). This is further compounded by a reduction in overtime to earn additional income and available equity or lending to consolidate debts.

Many people ignore their debts until the situation is too late leaving limited options to resolve their issues. This in turn has resulted in a significant increase in Bankruptcies and House repossessions (source CML). That is why it is important that intermediaries and brokers either advise clients to seek advice when they are unable to help them or offer them advice if they have access to a reputable debt solutions company.

Dale Kearns the MD of ClearStart Partnerships said, “I would encourage that intermediaries extend their service to include free access to debt solutions to ensure people are encouraged to seek help as soon as possible. That way we can reduce the need for repossession and bankruptcy which benefits the whole economy”.

Click here to visit the ClearStart Partnerships website.

FREE Tickets to 'A Place in the Sun Live'!

2009-09-18T09:21:00.004+01:00

If your clients are serious about buying overseas, this event is not to be missed!

To celebrate the launch of Conti's new FREE Sales Toolkit, we're giving away tickets for you and your clients to 'A Place in the Sun Live' - the UK's only dedicated overseas property exhibition on 2nd - 4th October at NEC Birmingham.

Click here to download your FREE e-ticket to 'A Place in the Sun Live' today! Send FREE e-tickets to your clients by emailing this link: http://visitors.aplaceinthesun.com/e-ticket-09 (tickets usually cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door).

Also...

Click here to register NOW for Conti's FREE Sales Toolkit and unlock a goldmine of opportunities from your existing client base! And don't forget, you can NOW source and process applications for overseas mortgages at the touch of a button via mte - and earn fantastic commission!

mte continues to increase market share

2009-09-10T17:17:00.002+01:00

The Mortgage Trading Exchange (mte), the industry’s only true common trading platform, has increased its market share of all mortgage transactions processed in the UK by 77% in the past 12 months.

Based on a comparison between mortgage transactions processed on the mte and the Council of Mortgage Lenders’ published introducer approvals between the end of Q1 2008 and the end of Q1 2009, the 77% growth in market share clearly shows that the mte has cemented its position as the favoured route for intermediaries to electronically submit mortgages direct to lenders.

Click here to view the full article.

Conti launches online sales toolkit for intermediaries

2009-08-27T08:57:00.004+01:00

Conti has created a free online sales toolkit to help their registered intermediaries generate overseas mortgage sales from their existing client base.

The new toolkit means you can promote overseas mortgages to clients who are thinking of buying a property abroad, or to clients who may want to refinance their existing home overseas.

A first for the overseas mortgage sector, the Conti sales toolkit includes the following items, all of which can be tailored to your own brand:

- PowerPoint Presentation - explaining what Conti can offer, plus facts on the growth of the overseas mortgage market, and how to generate more business

- Customer Brochure – which can be sent with personalised printed lead generator letters

- Essential Forms – pre-qualification questionnaire, which brokers can print, complete and fax back to Conti

- Free Weblink - for your own website which links directly to Conti’s. Your unique partner code is embedded in the link so any enquiries received are tracked directly back to you, and the appropriate commission paid

- Top tips for buying overseas property – helpful information on what needs to be considered before Clients sign on the dotted line

Just click here to register with Conti.

For the best results…you need to know your tools

2009-08-18T15:11:00.004+01:00

For the best quotes, you need to know when to go notional

There's no doubt that having access to notional (or "bedroom-rated") products can make life a lot easier when you don't have reliable values for the Sums Insured required.

However, even if you do have accurate Sums Insured it can still be well worth trying out different combinations of notional and sum insured for your clients’ buildings and contents. See how a Source user saved his client over £130 a year in the real life example below.

Case Study: Mix & Match

The client required cover for a 4-bedroom property with an estimated rebuild cost of £200k, built in 2007 and situated in PE6. The lowest competing quotes were as follows:

Existing Zurich renewal = £46.18 a month
Paymentshield quote = £44 a month

Source best quote results:

All Notional (i.e. Sum Insured left blank for both B&C) = £46.26 a month
All Sum Insured: (Sums: £200k Buildings / £55k Contents) = £39.79 a month

Mix & Match (i.e. Notional Buildings / £55k contents) = £34.84 a month

...a saving of over £130 a year for the client!

Whether you want to try out the system, or start using it for real, simply visit www.thesource.co.uk. If you'd like more information first, then just give us a call on 029 2026 5266 or send us an email at sales@sourcesoftware.co.uk.

Industry praise Mortgage Brain’s all new sourcing system

2009-08-14T12:43:00.001+01:00

Mortgage Brain, the market leading mortgage technology solutions provider, has been praised by intermediaries and industry experts following its announcement last week about the launch of a brand new sourcing system.

Set to revolutionise the mortgage sourcing industry, the all new Mortgage Brain is the first and only sourcing system designed to be used both offline and online. The system will enable intermediaries to conduct around 80% of the mortgage search and selection process from one screen, conduct multiple client specific searches, generate personalised best buy tables and much, much more.

Click here to view the full article.

Mortgage schemes back on the rise

2009-08-06T13:27:00.001+01:00

The number of live mortgage schemes available to intermediaries has increased for the first time in three months, according to figures released today by Mortgage Brain’s Monthly Product Analysis.

The total number of live mortgage schemes listed on its market leading sourcing system shows an increase of 4% when compared to the same time last month. Despite it being a relatively small increase, it does follow two months of significant drops in product numbers and could be seen as another sign of product and market stabilisation.

Actual numbers are still close to the all time low, however, with current figures (as of 3rd August 2009) listing a total of 2,500 live mortgage schemes. The small rise, therefore, will be welcomed.

To view this article in full please click here.

Great fun. Great prizes. Game ON!

2009-08-05T15:24:00.003+01:00

Mortgage Brain Sport has a NEW look and feel. Now you only need to register ONCE and you can play all of our games FREE. This year the prizes are better than ever before with more opportunities and some of the latest gadgets. Check out our testimonials area where you can see photos of past and current winners...

To play our Premiership game FREE simply pick your 11 players and manager and courtesy of Clearstart Partnerships, the debt solution company, you could win any of the following:

Overall Winner will win a Sharp LC46D65E 46inch LCD Television, FULL 1080P HD Ready with Freeview in a slimline Design with a one year guarantee

First Runner-Up will win an X-Rocker Recliner, with 3 channel wireless audio, surround sound, a massive subwoofer, and a powered amplifier this is a great audio and gaming chair.

Second Runner-Up will win a Sony Cyber-shot S950 10.1 Megapixel digital Camera.

Plus each month the highest scoring Manager will win a Sony PSP Go! Console which is only being launched in October 2009! Click here to play.

Mortgage Brain’s new Generation Premiership Predictor Game is being launched too! Simply predict/tip on which team you think will win/lose/draw their match and gain points based on the correct tips. It couldn’t be simpler and no football knowledge needed! With an overall prize of a Home cinema system and monthly prizes, courtesy of Clearstart Partnerships, you would be a fool not to give it a go! Click here to play...

Mortgage Brain announces revolutionary ALL NEW sourcing system

2009-08-05T11:26:00.002+01:00

~~ Brand new system has unrivalled sourcing capabilities ~~

Following a multi-million pound investment, Mortgage Brain, the market leading mortgage technology solutions provider, has today announced the launch of a brand new mortgage sourcing system.

Set to revolutionise the mortgage sourcing industry, the all new Mortgage Brain has been built from the ground up using Microsoft technology and is the first and only sourcing system designed to be used both offline and online.

Featuring a wealth of new capabilities and features unavailable elsewhere in the market, the totally new system is incredibly easy to use and will enable intermediaries to work quickly and efficiently to source and select the best products for their clients.

Click here to view the full article.

Berkeley Alexander makes Value Home insurance count

2009-07-29T14:07:00.004+01:00

Berkeley Alexander is delighted to unveil Portfolio Value Home, the very latest Home Insurance product for customers who require a better deal with their home cover.

This money-saving Home insurance policy costs on average, 30% less than the standard Home insurance product. It includes the essential elements of cover while excluding extras that some homeowners may not wish to pay for; a money saving gem in today’s tough economic climate.

The Portfolio Value Home policy is designed to cover the basics providing peace of mind for all major events such as fire, storm, theft and flood. Alongside this, the product guarantees that subject to no claims, your Home insurance premium won’t be raised next year.

Geoff Hall, General Manager for Berkeley Alexander who also offer insurance quotes for unemployment insurance, commercial insurance and identity theft insurance, said:

“This no-frills policy reduces costs for customers during this tougher financial climate without compromising on the essentials. In addition we have built our quote engines to allow clients to view premiums for both the Value and Standard products and compare the policy cover, so they can decide which policy to purchase.”

For further information please contact Berkeley Alexander on 0845 355 1166 and ask to speak to one of the Business Development Managers, alternatively send an email to info@baonline.co.uk or visit their site at www.baonline.co.uk/mbl

Direct products available on Mortgage Brain

2009-07-23T10:47:00.004+01:00

Mortgage Brain, the market leading mortgage technology solutions provider, has begun the roll-out of the next version of its flagship sourcing system, which includes all available direct products.

Over 850 direct products will now be displayed on Mortgage Brain 7.0, which is available as a free upgrade to all current Mortgage Brain users and can be downloaded from its new website, www.new-view-of-sourcing.co.uk.

The new system has been developed to feature a new search and filter capability, which allows intermediaries to quickly select direct products at the start of a mortgage search or via a filter on the main search results page.

By using the system intermediaries will have the option of selecting and reviewing direct and/or introducer only products to demonstrate to clients that a complete whole-of-market search can be conducted and ensure that the most appropriate mortgage products can be identified.

Click here to view the full article.

Direct lender products now LIVE!

2009-07-16T16:39:00.002+01:00

The new version of Mortgage Brain Premier includes the ability to source on direct lender products. By default, Mortgage Brain Premier will display intermediary products only. However, we offer you the ability to show direct products alongside intermediary products or display direct products only... The choice is yours!

FREE online training for you

Watch a guided tour of the latest version of Mortgage Brain Premier, including how to source direct lender products!

Click here to take a look

Please note: If you are a member of a network/club, please be aware this upgrade will be issued to you in time.

FSA could treble fines

2009-07-16T09:30:00.004+01:00

The Financial Services Authority is planning to impose bigger fines on firms to ensure they better reflect the scale of the wrongdoing, which could mean some fines treble in size.

The FSA says the plans reflect its determination to change behaviour and address concerns that firms are repeatedly failing to improve standards.

It wants to ensure fines better reflect the scale of the wrongdoing and that any profits made from the breaches are clawed back.

Under the new proposals, fines will be linked more closely to income.

To view this article in full click here.