We are always banging on & on about getting your ducks in a row when buying a house – from lawyers, to ID for AML checks, to of course to money.

And whilst some of our Flint Homes buyers are fortunate enough to be cash, most require a mortgage.

For years, this was something I struggled to arrange solo – & a struggle it was, especially as a self employed entrepreneur (because self-employment is seen as inherently more volatile, banks essentially ask for a much longer receipt of your life to prove you’re a safe bet…). I often had to provide 2 (or even 3) years proven income to secure the mortgage I wanted, whereas someone in full-time employment needs to show just three months. I think that system is flawed, but that’s just my personal POV.

Anyways…

Enter Howard Jones – a mortgage broker with an outstandingly good reputation here in Norfolk.

He changed my (mortgage) life. No exaggeration.

And he’s been our mortgage broker ever since – sorting out multiple deals, on multiple different properties & a recent re-mortgage (in record time!)

He’s our go-to guy for mortgages – & one we are happy to recommend to Flint Homes clients, as he is like us: fast, efficient, polite, professional & always goes the extra mile to get the job done, well.

Here’s a Q&A about him, the mortgage market, Norfolk property development & his all-new independent broker service, Kereds: mortgage broker & protection advisor. Grab a cuppa & have a read…

What’s your background in mortgages Howard? How did you get into this sector?

I have had a strong interest in property from an early age, first sparked during my work experience at school. I went on to spend six years working in estate agency, gaining valuable insight into the industry. After taking a break in my early twenties, I returned to the property sector and trained to become a mortgage broker. From the outset, I chose to be self-employed, as I believed it was the right path for me both professionally and personally. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to learn the industry under Simon at Broadland Consultants, whose guidance played a key role in shaping my career.

We hear you also do property development, or have done. What has that been like & tell us about your highs & lows here in Norfolk with that.

My brother and I run both a property development and a buy-to-let business. In the current climate, however, I feel that property development has become increasingly difficult. Rising labour costs, expensive building materials, stagnant property prices, and a growing level of regulation have all made it challenging to achieve strong returns. At present, the level of risk involved often outweighs the potential reward.

Buy-to-let can still be a worthwhile strategy when the right opportunities are identified. When I first started as a mortgage broker, many of my clients were landlords with one or two properties. While I continue to work with a number of these clients today, some have gradually exited the market over time as a result of the ongoing changes and pressures within the sector. By contrast, larger-scale landlords have tended to double down—either streamlining their portfolios or expanding further by acquiring additional properties, taking a more strategic, long-term approach to the market.

Tell us about Kereds, how it formed & why you have gone solo?

Kereds (“Derek” spelt backwards) is a longstanding family name that dates back to my grandad, who ran a photographic studio under the name Kered Studios It felt right to carry that legacy forward, and there’s more about the story behind it on my website.

I made the decision to go solo as a natural step in my progression. I’ve always been someone who looks to move forward, constantly striving to develop and improve. Running my own firm has been incredibly rewarding and gives me a real sense of achievement.

From a client’s perspective, very little has changed – aside from the name above the door. The advice, service, and commitment remain exactly the same. I’ve always focused on doing the very best for my clients, and that continues to be at the heart of everything I do.

What are the USP of Kereds?

No Mortgage, No Fee
You only pay if your mortgage offers, giving you complete peace of mind throughout the process.

Direct Access to the Owner
You deal directly with me throughout. As the owner, I genuinely care about every client and every outcome – it’s my name above the door, and I’m committed to delivering a service that earns your recommendation.

Truly Unrestricted Advice
I am not tied to any lenders, which means I can offer impartial advice focused on finding the most suitable solution for your individual circumstances.

Built on Long-Term Relationships
My approach is not about quick transactions – it’s about building lasting relationships and supporting clients over the long term as their circumstances evolve.

What’s going on in the mortgage market now?

The mortgage market is relatively stable at present in terms of rates, although this comes after the volatility caused by recent events in the Middle East. Prior to this, rates had been steadily reducing and we were starting to see deals in the mid to high 3% range. Those products have been withdrawn.

That said, there is still strong appetite from lenders, with funding readily available and a clear willingness to lend. While pricing has adjusted, the market itself remains active and competitive for borrowers.

What I would stress is that every scenario is different so I encourage to have a chat to discuss.

Predicted trends for 2027?

I’d like to hope that by 2027 we’ll see lower interest rates, which would be a welcome shift for clients and help improve affordability across the market. However, if experience has taught me anything, it’s that predicting rates with certainty is never straightforward – my crystal ball broke a long time ago!

What we can say is that the market tends to move in cycles, and with lenders keen to remain competitive, there is always potential for improved conditions over time. The key is staying adaptable and making the right decisions based on the environment in front of us.

For anyone who’s never used a mortgage broker & always done it themselves, can you explain why they would utilise your skills?

Using a broker is about far more than simply securing a rate.

It’s about understanding how to structure your mortgage properly – whether that’s selecting the right term, the right product, or planning ahead for future changes in your circumstances. My role is to ensure the mortgage fits not just today, but your longer-term goals as well.

I also take the time to research the market thoroughly, comparing options to find the most suitable deal for your specific situation, rather than you having to navigate it alone.

Just as importantly, I save you time and hassle. From sourcing the mortgage to managing the application and dealing with lenders, I handle the process from start to finish, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What can you offer than going to a bank direct can’t?

Going direct to a bank means you’re only seeing one lender’s products. As a broker, I provide a full understanding of what’s available across the market, not just from a single provider.

My advice is completely unbiased – I’m not tied to one bank or pressured to recommend a specific product. Instead, I focus on finding the solution that genuinely works best for you and your circumstances.

It’s about giving you choice, clarity, and confidence that you’re making the right decision, rather than being limited to one lender’s offering.

How do mortgage options differ for a brand-new build compared to an existing, older, period or character home?

In most cases, mortgage options don’t differ significantly between a brand-new build and an older or period property. The core products and lending principles are broadly the same.

However, with new builds, there can sometimes be additional incentives such as cashback offers or developer schemes, which can make them more attractive in certain situations.

That said, every case is different. Factors such as the type of property, the lender’s criteria, and your personal circumstances can all influence what options are available. This is where speaking to a broker is important – so you can fully understand the choices open to you and make the right decision.

With current market volatility, should I choose a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) right now?

Every scenario is different so I would encourage you to have a chat with me to discuss your circumstances.

What are the hidden or easily overlooked costs of securing a mortgage that buyers forget to budget for?

In today’s highly regulated environment, all mortgage-related fees are clearly outlined upfront in a mortgage illustration before you proceed, so there shouldn’t be any true “hidden” costs.

However, what buyers can sometimes overlook are the wider associated costs around the process. These can include valuation fees, legal costs, survey fees, stamp duty, and moving expenses. Depending on the product, there may also be arrangement fees or early repayment charges to consider.

The key is understanding the full picture from the outset. This is where working with a broker can help – ensuring everything is clearly explained and accounted for, so there are no surprises along the way.

When buying a house we talk a lot about getting your ducks in a row – buying agent, great solicitor & mortgage broker for a DIP/AIP – is this something you believe in? What can you add to this list?

I 100% believe in this approach – having your “ducks in a row” from the outset – makes a huge difference and will almost always lead to a smoother, less stressful process.

Having a good buying agent, a proactive solicitor, and a mortgage broker in place with a Decision/Agreement in Principle puts you in a strong position, especially in a competitive market. It shows sellers you’re serious and ready to proceed.

To add to that, I’d also suggest having clarity on your budget (including all associated costs), being organised with your paperwork early on, and having a surveyor in mind. Preparation is key – the more you can line things up at the start, the more smoothly everything tends to run.

Think carefully before securing any other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other debt secured on it.

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate some forms of Buy to Lets.

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances.

Kereds Advisory Limited, trading as Kereds, is an appointed representative of HL Partnership Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Howard Jones CeMAP

Mortgage and Protection Adviser, Kereds

M: 07817 527714

E: howard@keredsadvisory.co.uk

O: 01603 300400

W: https://keredsadvisory.co.uk