TLDR

A good mortgage broker compares loans across lenders so you don't have to guess. Your lawyer can point you to one who's earned their reputation. Bring your paperwork, ask about fees up front, and have your lawyer read any loan offer before you sign it.

Why a Law Firm Refers You to a Broker

Most people don't connect a law firm with mortgages. But lawyers see the same story again and again. A buyer signs a contract, the finance falls over three weeks later, and suddenly a deposit is at risk and the seller is annoyed. After watching that happen enough times, lawyers get a feel for which brokers pick up the phone, explain things plainly, and don't overpromise.

A referral isn't a guarantee. It's a shortcut. You skip the cold search and start with someone a professional has actually worked alongside.

When the Contract Is Already Signed

If you're under contract, timing matters more than anything. Finance deadlines are written into the paperwork, and missing one can cost you. Tell your lawyer the moment you feel unsure about approval. A broker who knows your deadline can work backward from it.

What a Mortgage Broker Actually Does

A broker sits between you and a pool of lenders. Instead of applying at one bank and hoping for the best, they compare loans, work out which lender suits your income and situation, and put the application together. They also chase the paperwork, which is the part most people underestimate.

The good ones will tell you when a loan isn't worth taking, even if it means no commission that day.

Broker or Straight to the Bank

Going direct is fine if you already have a relationship with a bank and a clear picture of what you need. A broker earns their keep when your situation isn't tidy. Self employed income, a recent job change, a past divorce, an estate payout on the way, a deposit made up partly of gifts. Those files need careful presentation, and the right lender for one case is the wrong one for another.

What to Bring to the First Meeting

Show up prepared and the first meeting moves fast. Pull together:

• Recent payslips, or two years of tax returns if you work for yourself
• Bank statements covering the last few months
• ID and proof of address
• A list of your debts, including credit cards and car loans
• The contract of sale or property details, if you have them

Be upfront about the messy stuff. Missed payments, a side business, money from family. Brokers have heard it all, and a surprise at the lender stage is far worse than a surprise in the first meeting.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Commit

Don't be shy here. This is your loan for the next 25 or 30 years.

• Which lenders do you work with, and how many did you compare for me?
• Are you paid by the lender, by me, or both?
• What happens to my rate when any introductory period ends?
• Are there penalties for paying the loan off early?
• How long will approval take, and what could slow it down?

How Broker Fees Get Paid

Many brokers earn a commission from the lender, and some also charge clients directly. Neither is automatically a red flag. What matters is that you hear about it upfront and get it in writing, so nothing turns up late in the process.

Where the Legal Side Comes Back In

Before you sign a loan offer, have your lawyer read it. Loan terms, the security taken over the property, and any conditions tied to the purchase can affect you long after settlement. A lawyer will catch mismatched names, odd clauses, and conditions that clash with the contract you've already signed.

If you're buying with a partner or a family member, or the property is going into a trust or an estate is involved, the loan structure matters even more. Sort out ownership before the loan is finalized, not after.

And if you'd like a broker recommendation, just ask us. We'd rather you start with someone we've seen do the job well than pick a name off a search page.